Through an initiative of the developers of Merrifield, nine local community-minded groups have been awarded grants in the 2021 Merrifield Community Partnership Program that aims to meet the identified needs of the fast-growing and vibrant community of Merrifield.

Merrifield is Victoria’s largest mixed-use masterplanned community redefining modern, urban living and is already home to over 5,000 people. Offering a perfect balance of community, amenity and opportunity, it has become a destination for those seeking an enhanced quality of life with an array of premium services already in place.

Now in its third year, the Merrifield Community Partnership Program offers grants ranging from $500 and up to $10,000 across five categories – culture, opportunity, health, connected and smart – with individuals, community groups, businesses and organisations all eligible to apply for funding.

The Bush Bus, a nature-based playgroup, Kitchen Garden at Gaayip-Yagila Primary School and Merrifield Fun Run Club are among some of the first-time recipients to receive funding from the program this year. The successful initiatives were selected by a review committee, including representatives from Hume City Council and MAB Corporation.

Georgina Dymock from The Bush Bus is thrilled that The Bush Bus program was successful in receiving funding through the program which will allow them to deliver their mobile nature based playgroup sessions for the local Merrifield community.

“We know, now more than ever, that community-based programs can enrich our lives, connect us with neighbours while supporting our health and wellbeing. We cannot wait to turn Merrifield families into our Bush Bus Buddies at the beginning of Term 4 2021,” she said.

Merrifield Earth Heroes received a grant for their venture to bring children and families together for a series of interactive sustainability workshops to be run through local schools, the multipurpose community centre in Merrifield (opening October 2021) and pop-up sessions to be held at Merrifield City.

The Merrifield Panthers Sporting Association also benefitted, receiving funds to further expand on community sporting programs in particular tennis and cricket at the Merrifield Sports Reserve, opening October 2021.

Merrifield Community and Stakeholder Engagement Manager Tennille Bradley-Ow was overwhelmed by the quality of submissions and the important projects dedicated to nurturing and growing the health and wellbeing of the Merrifield community.

“This year we saw the rise of some very exciting programs to support the thriving Merrifield community. From grassroots groups to major sporting clubs and key community services, it’s fantastic to see the wonderful initiatives coming from within our local community,” she said.

“This year, we had a specific focus on supporting opportunities to encourage community engagement and support the activation of the largest community centre within the City of Hume that is currently under construction and the new 9.5 hectare sports reserve, scheduled to be opened later this year in Merrifield.”

The full list of Merrifield Community Partnership Program 2021 recipients include:

• Merrifield Panthers Sporting Association – for delivery and further expansion of the community sporting programs in particular tennis and cricket at the new Merrifield Sports Reserve.

• Merrifield Earth Heroes – to establish a series of interactive sustainability workshops for children and families run through local schools, community centres and pop-up sessions at Merrifield City.

• “एक साथ “, Lets Together – for an ongoing community support program for the Indian community including a seniors program.

• Kitchen Garden – to establish the Gaayip-Yagila Primary School Kitchen Garden.

• Merrifield Chess Club (The Kangarooks) – for the expansion of an existing chess program for the community centre and local primary schools.

• The Bush Bus – to establish and facilitate a mobile nature based playgroup and social group in a park setting for children aged 0-6yrs.

• Merrifield Fun Run Club – to create a weekly Fun Run Club at the new Merrifield Sports Reserve.

• Bilingual Storytime – to establish a bilingual interactive story time for ages 0 – 4 to be held at Mickleham North Community Centre.

• Educational Resource Centre (ERC) – funding assistance for the establishment of the new school library for Holy Cross Catholic Primary School Mickleham opening Term 1, 2022.