Published on Wednesday, 4 May 2022 at 12:50:00 PM
The City of Vincent is offering a helping hand to local schools and community groups that want to kick-start environmental projects.
Applications are now open for the environmental grants program, which assists and encourages schools and community groups to undertake environmental projects within Vincent.
Some examples of projects that could receive funding include digital projects, native and area-specific gardens, bush tucker or edible gardens or initiatives that reduce power.
The projects must demonstrate at least one of the objectives of Vincent’s Sustainable Environment Strategy 2019-2024.
Key objectives include encouraging, empowering and supporting the community to live in an environmentally sustainable manner, reducing the use of non-renewable energy, ensuring efficient water management, establishing and enhancing floral and faunal biodiversity and reducing waste and the use of resources.
Mayor Emma Cole encouraged schools and community groups to put their thinking caps on and come up with green projects this year.
“Environmentally-friendly projects and initiatives not only help raise awareness of environmental issues, but they also contribute to making Vincent a better and more sustainable place to live, work and learn,” she said.
“Since 2015, we have supported more than 50 local projects.
“It’s fantastic to see our local schools and community volunteers be so passionate about getting involved.”
Last year’s funded projects were Mount Hawthorn Primary School’s worm farm and recycling initiatives, Transition Town Vincent’s community movie nights, Wylie Place Residents’ community garden, the Leedervillle Toy Library’s Montessori toys and Repair Cafe’s repair sessions.
Photo: Mount Hawthorn Primary School students inspecting their worm farm.
Mount Hawthorn Primary School former grants convenor Natalie D’Abrew, who was involved with the P and C from 2019 to 2021, said the school was grateful to have secured several environmental grants over the years.
“Last year, the Year 4s had the opportunity to be Waste Warriors…this includes looking after the worm farm,” she said.
“Every day, we put the worm buckets outside their classroom for people to put their food scraps in.
“These include, banana peels, apple cores, strawberry tops, watermelon, broccoli, carrots and lettuce.”
Ms D’Abrew said the school was able to embrace more opportunities to recycle in 2021 thanks to the grant funding.
“We have new recycling bins set up in the canteen area to collect containers, soft and crunchy wrappers and food scraps,” she said.
“We are also collecting bottle tops and used pens in our effort to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.
“The kids and teachers love to be involved.
“Having these opportunities provides a sense of responsibility and ownership towards the environment and recycling initiatives.”
Photo: Mount Hawthorn Primary School students Isla and Quinn.
The City of Vincent offers one round of these grants each financial year, with a maximum amount of $2000 per grant.
Additional funding of up to $500 per approved project may be applied for subject to funding availability.
Applications close at 5pm on 13 May.
For information, visit the City's website.
Contact Vincent’s parks technical officer on 9273 6000 or email mail@vincent.wa.gov.au
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