Yarra Valley Water awards nearly $180,000 to community projects across Melbourne's north and east
Published 21 July 2026
Now in its second year, the program supports community organisations, schools and local groups to deliver projects that use water wisely, strengthen communities and care for the environment.
This year's recipients span Yarra Valley Water's service area, from the Yarra Ranges to Darebin, and will deliver a diverse range of initiatives, including environmental education programs, drinking fountains, community gardens and social impact projects that will create lasting local benefits.
Yarra Valley Water Managing Director Natalie Foeng said the program demonstrates the powerful role local organisations play in delivering lasting benefits for community and the environment.
"The response to this year's grants program showed just how passionate local communities are about creating positive change," Ms Foeng said.
"Every project we support will create a ripple effect of positive impact. Whether it's helping communities build water smart habits, improving access to water, or bringing people together through shared spaces, these projects will deliver benefits that extend well beyond our funding."
One of this year’s recipients, Coldstream Primary School, will use its $3,000 grant to help students better understand sustainable water use through hands-on learning.
"We are thrilled to receive this support from Yarra Valley Water. At Coldstream, our students love getting their hands dirty in the vegetable garden and helping to care for our chickens in ‘Cluckingham Palace,’ so this project is something they are incredibly excited about,” said Coldstream Primary School Acting Principal, Liam Sommers.
“The grant will allow us to connect our rainwater tank to these much-loved outdoor learning spaces, giving students a practical way to see sustainability in action. Rather than simply learning about water conservation in the classroom, they’ll be able to experience firsthand how collecting and reusing water can make a real difference.”
“What makes this project so special is that it combines environmental education with authentic, everyday learning. We can’t wait to see our gardens thrive, our chickens benefit, and our students continue to develop a lifelong appreciation for environmental and sustainable approaches. We are very grateful."
Three other recipients who will use the funding to deliver a range of projects include:
- Boots For All, Whittlesea, will install a closed-loop wash system to clean and prepare 10,000 pairs of reusable sports shoes for people in need while saving more than 150,000 litres of water.
- The Friends of Damper Creek Conservation Reserve, Monash, will help restore vegetation within Damper Creek Conservation Reserve to strengthen habitat linkages and biodiversity.
- Jika Jika Community Centre, Darebin, will install a modern, water-efficient shower to provide a safe and dignified facility for people experiencing homelessness, and for use by volunteers and community members.
Ms Foeng said supporting local organisations to bring practical ideas to life is at the heart of Yarra Valley Water’s Community Grants Program.
"Local organisations understand the needs of their communities better than anyone. By supporting practical, community-led projects, we're helping create lasting outcomes for people and the environment.
"We look forward to seeing these projects come to life over the coming year and the positive impact they will have on local communities, waterways, biodiversity and future generations."
Other successful 2026 Community Grants recipients are:
- Billanook Primary School, Yarra Ranges
- Coburg Primary School, Merri-Bek
- 1st Craigieburn Scout Group (The Scout Association of Australia Victorian Branch), Hume
- Donnybrook Primary School, Whittlesea
- Friends of Darebin Creek, Darebin
- Jubilee Housing, Whitehorse
- Migrant Information Centre (Eastern Melbourne), Yarra Ranges
- North Ringwood Community Children’s Centre, Maroondah
- Sikh Community Connections Inc., Whittlesea
- Sussex Neighbourhood House, Merri-Bek
- The Kevin Heinze Garden Centre, Manningham
- The Motherhood Lounge, Hume
- Victoria State Emergency Service Heidelberg Unit, Banyule
- Worawa Aboriginal College, Yarra Ranges
For more information about Yarra Valley Water's Community Grants Program, visit: https://www.yvw.com.au/community-grants.