Five community groups from across Australia have shared in over $40,000.00 in the latest round of Responsible Wood Community Grants.
Now in its fourth year, the Responsible Wood Community Grants assists local communities connected to Responsible Wood and PEFC-certified forests Australia-wide. In effect, it supports the growth of relationships between forest owners and communities through local forest-based projects that benefit both the community and the forests.
According to Jason Ross, Responsible Wood’s Community Grants Manager for 2023/24, this year’s programme saw a record number of applicants (19) and, for the first time, saw applicants received from all Australian states.
“Without a doubt, this year’s applicant process was the most competitive in the history of the Grants, with the total value of applicants surpassing $200,000.00,” Mr Ross said, before adding that “the judging panel had its worth cut out awarding the five projects selected.”
Mr Ross, who, before becoming Community Grants Manager, was involved in setting up the programme as the former Responsible Wood Marketing and Communications Officer, said it’s clear that the programme is going from strength to strength.
“You only have to look at the balance and quality of applications that Responsible Wood is now receiving from community groups across all certified forests,” he said, adding that “the challenge is to build on the success of the first four years and grow the connection with these groups.”
The five funded projects include:
- Planting Seeds, Creating nesting boxes for threatened Birds and other species as part of the B & B Highway – Across New South Wales
- Friends of St Valentines Peak Wildcare Group, Bridge on the St Valentines Peak Walking Track – St Valentines, Tasmania
- Beerburrum State School P&C, First Nations Forest Landscape Muriel – Beerburrum, Queensland
- A Stable Life Counselling Service, Obstacle Build for Equine Activities for Mental Wellness – Dublin, South Australia
- Forestry Australia (WA Branch), Supporting Re-introduction of Managed Fire into Ludlow Tuart Forest National Park – Tuart Forest National Park, Western Australia
“The planting seeds initiative follows a 2022 project that saw planting boxes installed in Cumberland, New South Wales,” Mr Ross said, adding that each of the projects selected excelled in meeting the criteria.
“Each of these projects provides Australian communities with better access to forests and opportunities for the community to connect through planning, completing and benefiting community projects.”
Wood Central understands that Responsible Wood will showcase the impact of these projects in the coming months, which Mr Ross said is one of the most rewarding aspects of the program – “we can’t wait to share these with the community.”
For more information about the Responsible Wood Community Grants programme, visit the Responsible Wood website.
