A recent success story in Lake Macquarie showcases the positive impact of creative initiatives funded by the Community Environment Grants program. The Groundswell Collective, a grant recipient, organized workshops to introduce native pollinators into local gardens. Through these workshops, nearly 100 residents participated, leading to the distribution of 324 native plants and the creation of 117 bee habitats within the community.
Anna Noon, the Director of Partnerships and Programs at The Groundswell Collective, highlighted the project’s aim to address the decline of European Honeybees due to Varroa mite infestation. The workshops not only encouraged the cultivation of pollinator pots but also involved the distribution of 148 pollinator-friendly seed packets to local seed libraries, promoting biodiversity across Lake Macquarie.
The Lake Macquarie City Council is set to allocate a total of $40,000 to support non-profit organizations in implementing environmentally sustainable practices. Mayor Adam Shultz emphasized the importance of innovative concepts, citing the example of the Coal Ash Alliance, which utilized coal ash to create ceramic artworks through grant-funded workshops. Other notable projects include the installation of new garden beds in schools and community spaces, focusing on themes like bush tucker and sensory gardens.
The grant program aims to fund projects that foster environmentally conscious behaviors, reduce carbon footprints, enhance biodiversity, minimize waste, and promote recycling efforts. Previous grant recipients, such as the Valetine Sustainable Neighbourhood Group and Wyee Community Hub, have successfully conducted initiatives like community solar workshops and productive worm farm programs to address environmental challenges.
In the last funding cycle, over $37,000 was distributed to community groups, resulting in a total contribution exceeding $46,000 towards educational and sustainable programs in Lake Macquarie. The Council is currently accepting applications for the next round of funding, with a deadline set for March 31, 2025. For more information on the Community Environment Grants program, including application details and information sessions, interested parties can visit the official Lake Macquarie City Council website.
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