19 local initiatives will strengthen connection, wellbeing, inclusion and resilience in dairy communities.
Gardiner Foundation has announced the recipients of its 2026 Community Development Grants, investing $151,000 in 19 locally led projects across Victoria’s dairy regions.
The grants will support six projects in South West Victoria, seven in Northern Victoria and six in Gippsland. Initiatives range from wellbeing and mentoring programs to community events, digital access, accessible facilities, food relief, local weather information and practical education for young people.
Delivered in collaboration with regional community foundations, the Community Development Grants program supports place-based projects that foster social connection, wellbeing and resilience in dairy communities. Grants of up to $10,000 were available for initiatives promoting social interaction, enhancing wellbeing, enabling digital inclusion and improving access and mobility.
Gardiner General Manager, People & Community Development Jenny Wilson said the projects reflected the insight, commitment and practical leadership of local organisations.
“Strong communities underpin a strong dairy industry. These grants back local people and organisations to respond to the needs they see in their own communities and deliver practical projects that will make a lasting difference,” Jenny said.
“From creating more accessible places to gather, to supporting young people, improving wellbeing and helping people stay connected, every project contributes to a region where people want to live, work and invest.”
The program is delivered in collaboration with the South West Community Foundation, Gippsland Community Foundation, Border Trust and Greater Shepparton Foundation. Their local knowledge helps identify initiatives that respond to the priorities of each region.
The 2026 round follows the program’s inaugural year, when Gardiner invested $150,000 in 18 projects across Victoria’s dairy regions.
2026 Community Development Grant recipients
South West Victoria: $50,000 across six projects
Colac Neighbourhood House: Tackle it Tuesday: Let’s Find a Solution Together, $10,000. A wellbeing and resilience program bringing dairy farming families and community members together to connect, share experiences, access support and develop practical responses to local challenges.
Lake Bookaar Recreation Reserve Committee of Management: Flushing the Past, $10,000. An accessible toilet upgrade that will improve safety and inclusion at the Bookaar Community Hub, a key gathering place for the local dairy community.
Neil Porter Legacy: Maths & Science @ Work, $10,000. A hands-on STEM program showing more than 150 Year 7 and 8 students how maths and science are used in dairy and other local industries.
Terang & District Progress Association: Colour Terang Festival, $10,000. A free, family-friendly festival designed to support community wellbeing, attract visitors and provide a boost for local businesses.
TAP (Timboon Agriculture Project), Timboon P-12 School: TAP into our Community, $5,000. A sustainable kitchen garden upgrade that will improve water efficiency and create practical learning opportunities in agriculture, food production and environmental sustainability.
Loved and Shared: Volunteer Digital Connections, $5,000. A technology upgrade to improve communication and collaboration between volunteers, community groups, schools, businesses and service organisations.
Northern Victoria: $50,000 across seven projects
Country Women’s Association Kiewa Branch: An Evening with Dr Peter Brukner: Nutrition, Diabetes & Healthy Living, $5,000. A community health event focused on diabetes prevention, nutrition and healthy living, combined with a shared dinner and an opportunity for social connection.
Cohuna Neighbourhood House: Cohuna Neighbourhood House Digital Access Space, $10,000. A free digital hub offering computer, internet, video conferencing and printing access to reduce digital exclusion and help rural residents connect with services and information.
Corryong Health: Building Resilient Young People, $5,000. A youth wellbeing initiative that will train a youth worker to deliver the Tuning in to Teens program, helping parents communicate with young people and strengthen family relationships.
Kyabram Blue Light: KyFit Gym Based Mentoring Program, $10,000. A free fitness and mentoring program for approximately 150 young people, combining physical activity with positive role modelling and life skills development.
Mooroopna Education and Activity Centre: Dairy Community Connector, $10,000. A community outreach, peer support and education initiative for people living with blindness or low vision, including people in rural and dairy communities across the Goulburn Valley.
Tatura Community House: Gardening Connections, $5,000. An accessible community garden and family-friendly outdoor space designed to build skills, improve wellbeing and bring people of all ages together.
Towong Shire Council, Tallangatta Neighbourhood House: Access for All: Building an Inclusive Community Hub, $5,000. Accessibility and equipment improvements that will support community programs, digital participation and stronger connections across surrounding rural communities.
Gippsland: $51,000 across six projects
Maffra Women’s Shed: Equipment and Training, $6,000. New tools and safety equipment, together with specialist training, to help women connect, learn new skills, build confidence and improve wellbeing.
Yanakie Progress Association: Yanakie Weather Station, $10,000. An expanded digital capacity of the community-owned weather station, providing localised data to support land management, emergency preparedness, climate resilience and shared learning.
Warragul Community House: Hello Campaign: Hello House, $10,000. Community outreach, pop-up cafés and connections with support services for people at risk of isolation, including dairy farming families, farm workers, older residents and newcomers.
Nyora Men’s Shed: CNC Machine, $10,000. A new wood CNC machine that will expand skills development, support community projects and provide opportunities for connection and purpose.
Equip Church: Hope and Help Program, $10,000. A commercial cool room that will increase food storage capacity, reduce waste and help the program provide ongoing food relief to a growing number of local families.
Mirboo North Grain Store Community Asset Committee of Management: Mirboo North Grain Store Community Hub Upgrade, $5,000. Safety and accessibility improvements to support the long-term use of an important venue for community programs, events and volunteer-led activities.
To learn more about Gardiner Foundation Community Development Grants, visit: https://gardinerfoundation.com.au/community-development/community-grants/