2026 grants

Empowering young people across Hobsons Bay by removing financial barriers to secondary and tertiary education. Funding covers study essentials like books and laptops, supporting continuous learning and improving long-term education outcomes.

A 13-week facilitated art therapy program offering people living with dementia and their carers a safe, welcoming space for creative expression. These sessions foster emotional connection, peer support, and ongoing wellbeing across our local community.

Creating a community garden and planter project at the miniature railway site. Volunteer-led planting and care bring local residents together, nurturing green spaces, supporting mental health, and building local relationships.

Providing free after-school music education through the Crashendo program. Young people access orchestra training, rehearsals, and local performance opportunities, building creative confidence in an inclusive setting.

Strengthening community safety through local events, multilingual resources, and outreach. The program fosters trust and equips residents across Hobsons Bay with practical crime prevention awarenes

Restoring a heritage rail motor while passing down practical skills. Grant support covers custom drivetrain fabrication and mechanical repairs, returning the train to service for public heritage tours and offering hands-on volunteer training.

A choice-based pop-up event offering refugees and asylum seekers essential household items and direct connections to local services, ensuring new arrivals feel welcomed and supported in Hobsons Bay.

A weekly gentle movement and dance program for local women, combining gentle exercise, music, and social time to boost physical wellbeing and build lasting local friendships.

Two community garden open days featuring hands-on workshops in food growing, sustainability, and pollinator care. Neighbors gather to share knowledge and foster long-term environmental stewardship of a shared local space.

A weekly drop-in space where older residents and migrants build digital confidence with peer support. Participants work through practical online tasks on their own devices, reducing isolation and building confidence.

"Coffee, Craft & Connection" gatherings designed to reduce social isolation among local women. Simple craft activities offer an approachable setting for conversation and strong support networks.

Hosting a local heat of the Wynspeak public speaking competition at Altona Theatre, giving local secondary students a platform to develop confidence and leadership skills.

An interactive community jazz improvisation workshop at the Newport Jazz Festival. Locals participate in accessible group music-making, celebrating creativity in a low-pressure environment.

Purchasing a scroll saw to make the workshop accessible for older members and residents living with disabilities, encouraging inclusive participation and skill-sharing.

Supporting the ongoing restoration of local railway workshop heritage, giving volunteers a shared sense of purpose, active skill-building, and strong community connection.