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Following strong interest from across the Limestone Coast region, recipients of the Limestone Coast Landscape Board’s 2026-27 funding round Grassroots Grants program have been announced.
Now in its seventh year, this year’s round has committed more than $303,000 to twelve new local projects that will deliver practical environmental and community outcomes across the Limestone Coast.
Designed to empower local communities to engage in sustainable land management practices and deliver meaningful environmental outcomes, recipients include schools, volunteer groups, First Nations groups and not-for-profit organisations.
Many initiatives funded in previous years continue to deliver positive outcomes, demonstrating how small grants can create long-term benefits for biodiversity, sustainable land management and community capacity. Notable past achievements include community and landholder workshops on topics such as insects, algae and soil data interpretation, as well as the installation of breeding hollows and acoustic listening posts at Bool Lagoon to support local bird populations.
Limestone Coast Landscape Board Chair Dr Penny Schulz said these outcomes continue to demonstrate the power of local communities driving positive change across the region.
‘Working collaboratively with community organisations funded by Grassroots Grants is extremely important for our local landscape.’ Dr Schulz said.
Among the successful recipients is Grant High School's Feed the Community project, a student-led, no-dig market garden that is transforming underutilised paddock space into a regenerative learning and production area.
The project addresses food insecurity and environmental literacy by involving junior and senior students in growing fresh produce for local food relief organisations and community partners. Through sustainable gardening practices such as seed propagation, soil regeneration and organic recycling, students gain practical skills while contributing to their local community.
Teacher and project coordinator Sarah McCarthy said the grant will help students create meaningful change both within the school and across the Mount Gambier community.
‘Feed the Community gives students the opportunity to learn firsthand about sustainable food production while making a positive contribution to local families experiencing challenges feeding their family,’ Ms McCarthy said.
‘The project enables young people to develop leadership skills, connect with their community and gain practical experience in growing a food garden. We're excited to create a space where students can grow fresh produce, build environmental knowledge and see the real difference they can make for others.’
