Four community groups across Australia have shared $40,000 in the latest round of Responsible Wood Community Grants.
Now in its fifth year, Responsible Wood has engaged with more than 100 community groups connected to Responsible Wood and PEFC 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 Project Manager for 2024/25, this year saw a record number of applicants (25), a 30% increase on last year’s applications (also a record over past years).
“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 $300,000,” Mr Ross said, adding that “the judging panel had its worth cut out deciding on the best projects. “Interestingly, and for the first time, the vast majority of projects were co-funded, which, in effect, meant that we were able to engage with projects on a far larger scale than in past years.”
Mr Ross, who, before becoming Community Grants Manager, was involved in setting up the programme as Responsible Wood’s former Marketing and Communications Officer, said it’s clear that the programme is growing 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 certified forests.”
“For the first three years, the challenge was to find quality applications; however, given the calibre of applications now, I do not envy the judges. The challenge is to build on the success of the first five years and grow that connection with the 100-plus community groups.”
The four funded projects include:
- Heritage Skills Association, Restoration of the Ludlow Tuart Forrest Teachers Cottage – Collie, Western Australia.
- Burrandies Aboriginal Corporation, Mt Burr Rock Shelter – Compton, South Australia.
- Bruny Island Environment Network Inc, Enhancing foraging options for swift parrots on Bruny Island – Barnes Bay, Tasmania.
- Planting Seeds, Topping it off – Habitats for Pollinators – Across New South Wales
“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,” Mr Ross said: “Responsible Wood will showcase the impact of these projects in the coming months.”
- For more information about the Responsible Wood Community Grants programme, visit the Responsible Wood website.
