Congratulations to the recipients of the 2026 Victorian Landcare Grants in the North East Catchment Management Authority (CMA) region.
In the North East CMA region, $290,493 has been allocated to 20 on-ground projects and educational activities focused on biodiversity protection. The diverse range of projects includes fire recovery projects undertaken by Upper Murray Landcare Network to restore and protect conservation values on private and public land within Towong Shire; habitat, waterways and resilience community conservation action in Wodonga (Wodonga Urban Landcare Network); and turtle nesting rafts to beat foxes (Rutherglen Landcare Group).
Support grants of $500 have also been allocated to 37 environmental volunteer groups in the North East CMA region – totalling $18,500 – to assist with administration and running costs.
The 2026 Victorian Government Landcare Grants will provide $3.58 million to support local volunteers to restore habitat, improve waterways and landscapes, tackle weeds and bring communities together.
Grants of up to $20,000 have been awarded to 243 groups for on-ground works, education and community projects, while 263 groups will get grants of up to $500 for essential costs such as insurance and incorporation.
The Government is also investing more than $410,000 through the 2026 Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants, with 106 recipients receiving grants of up to $5,000. They include $3800 for Milawa Primary School and $3406 for Kerribana Primary School in Wodonga.
Minister for the Environment, the Hon Jaclyn Symes, said “Landcare is powered by Victorians who roll up their sleeves to care for their communities and the environment – and we’re backing them to keep making a difference”.
It is 40 years since Victoria’s first Landcare group was formed at Winjallok near St Arnaud in 1986. The 2026 Victorian Landcare Awards and 40 years of Landcare celebration will be held in Melbourne on 15 October.
“For 40 years Landcare has brought Victorians together, and we’re making sure the next generation can continue that proud legacy,” Ms Symes said.
For the full list of recipients and more information, visit environment.vic.gov.au/landcare/landcare-program or go to 2026 Victorian Landcare Grants