Victoria is supporting the next generation of environmental stewards through the 2025 Our Catchments, Our Communities Leadership Development Grants. Five recipients have been selected to develop their skills and contribute to long-term catchment health across the state.
The grants, totalling $30,280, are designed to build capability among emerging practitioners working in restoration, ecological management and community leadership. They form part of a wider commitment to grow catchment management leaders who can guide collaborative programs and deliver practical outcomes.
The program supports skills development across land management, cultural knowledge, ecological restoration and applied catchment planning. It continues a broader investment in the Our Catchments, Our Communities stewardship program.
Who the catchment management leaders are and what they will work on
Kai Lane from Eco Warriors Australia will use the grant to deliver youth workshops focused on caring for Country. With guidance from Barapa Barapa Elder Uncle Ron Galway and Typien Kwe Youth Group, participants will learn weaving techniques to build Yedabila habitat pods for aquatic species affected by habitat loss.
Alayka Naidu of the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation will receive mentorship and training in nursery management, plant propagation and ecological restoration. Her skills will then support culturally informed revegetation and land management across Wadawurrung Country.
Dr Jaclyn Harris at Macedon Ranges Shire Council will undertake professional development in ecology and integrated catchment management. Her learnings will be shared with council teams, community groups and Traditional Owners working across the Upper Maribyrnong and Upper Campaspe catchments.
Two grants have been awarded to Urban Guerrilla practitioners Elisabeth Hebdon and Sam Russell. Both will strengthen their skills in ecological and catchment management, and will work with communities through workshops, education, and collaboration.
How the program supports Victoria’s long-term catchment goals
More than $250,000 has been invested in the leadership grants program since 2017. The initiative aims to develop catchment management leaders who can apply local knowledge, science, and community partnerships to long-term challenges.
The grants are part of the Our Catchments, Our Communities stewardship program. The program supports integrated catchment management and strengthens outcomes for the environment, communities and regional economies.
By building new skills and supporting emerging practitioners, the grants help ensure Victoria has a strong pipeline of catchment management leaders ready to guide future restoration and stewardship work.