WWHS Health and Wellbeing Grants Support Community Connection Across the Wimmera
West Wimmera Health Service (WWHS) has awarded $31,400 in Health and Wellbeing Grants to six community organisations across the Wimmera, supporting projects that promote mental health, wellbeing, social connection, inclusion and healthy lifestyles.
The annual grants program aims to empower local communities to deliver initiatives that strengthen physical and mental wellbeing while fostering stronger social connections across the region.
This year's funding recipients are Nhill Neighbourhood House Learning Centre (NNHLC), Wimmera Steampunk Festival, Goroke A&P Society, Hindmarsh Pride Committee, Murtoa By Twilight, and Kaniva Kindergarten.
WWHS Acting Chief Executive Officer, Darren Welsh, said the funded projects reflected the various ways community wellbeing can be improved through bringing people together, creating opportunities to connect, and encouraging healthy and active lifestyles.
"These grants support local organisations to deliver innovative projects that not only improve health and wellbeing outcomes but also strengthen community ties and reduce social isolation," he said.
"While each project has a unique focus, they all share a common goal of creating opportunities for people to connect with others, learn new skills and improve their wellbeing."
The Goroke A&P Society received $5,000 in funding to establish a local "Active Farmers, Fat Farmers" group, encouraging farmers who are not currently physically active to improve their fitness, wellbeing and social connections through regular group activities.
Nhill Neighbourhood House Learning Centre received a $9,800 grant to deliver 12 health and wellbeing education sessions for the local Karen community. Topics will include healthy eating, physical activity, oral health and women's health, with participants also coming together to prepare and share a healthy meal after each session.
Kaniva Kindergarten received $2,000 to establish a garden space where children can grow fresh produce, learn about healthy eating and use harvested ingredients to prepare meals, helping to build lifelong healthy habits.
The Hindmarsh Pride Committee will use its $5,000 funding to host an event as part of the Midsumma Festival, celebrating and supporting the LGBTIQA+ community in the Wimmera. The project will also include the development of a documentary featuring stories and experiences of LGBTIQA+ people who lived in the Wimmera during the 20th century.
Murtoa By Twilight received $4,600 in funding to deliver a range of physical activity programs for children and young people in partnership with Kelly Sports during the popular community event in December, with activities continuing into 2027.
The $5,000 funding awarded to the Wimmera Steampunk Festival will support the delivery of an annual automata workshop for children and young people, providing hands-on opportunities to learn creative design, engineering and mechanical skills through the construction of moving sculptures and creations.
WWHS Health Promotion Team Lead, Jake Wiffen, said the grants recognise the important role community-led initiatives play in supporting health and wellbeing.
"Local organisations understand the needs of their communities and are often best placed to create meaningful opportunities for people to connect, learn and support one another," he said.
"We're pleased to support projects that encourage participation, celebrate diversity, build community pride and help people lead healthier lives."
The funded projects will be delivered across communities within the Wimmera region throughout 2026 and 2027.