Caring for Our Local Environments (COLE) Initiative

Yarra Ranges Council is thrilled to announce the recent funding allocation from the Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning - Caring for Our Local Environments (COLE) Initiative. The grant aims to connect community with green spaces and biodiversity by supporting local governments across metropolitan Melbourne to provide leadership to non-governmental organisations and community environment groups.

$1.93 million is being invested in 66 projects across the 32 eligible Melbourne local government areas to deliver on actions in the Environmental Volunteering Plan and Biodiversity 2037.

As a result of this funding, Council will deliver programs that:

• help community members overcome barriers to environmental participation
• assist people with diverse needs to become a volunteer
• train existing volunteer groups so they can better support participants with diverse needs including those with a disability and recently arrived migrants

In addition we will run Bush Kinders for young families programs; support community members who have experienced trauma to reconnect with nature; create programs that help increase tree planting and revegetation activities; partner with Yarra Ranges Landcare on upcoming education opportunities and much more.

Keep an eye out for your chance to join in, expand your nature connections and care for your local environment.

Yarra Ranges Council acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government.