MAB’s long term partnership with the Merrifield community

The developers of Merrifield (MAB and GPC) have awarded twelve local community-minded projects grants as part of the 2024 Merrifield Community Partnerships Program.

Merrifield is Victoria’s largest mixed-use masterplanned community and is already home to over 8,000 people.

Since 2017, a total of $320,000 worth of community grants (consisting of 45 individual grants) have been awarded to successful recipients via the Merrifield Community Partnerships Program. The program is a community funding initiative for individuals, groups and businesses looking to help meet the needs of the fast-growing and vibrant Merrifield community. The program offers grants ranging from $500 and up to $10,000 across four categories: Culture, Health, Connected and Smart.

This year the Nepalese Community Mickleham, STEM Catalyst, Divine Performing Arts Academy and Indo Australian Welfare Club are among some of the first-time recipients to receive funding from the program.

Merrifield resident, Sidra Fahim has been awarded grants to support four initiatives – Music Playgroup, Community Playgroup, Women’s Social Club and Merrifield Kids Holiday Program. Sidra is thrilled that her programs were once again successful in securing funding supporting the delivery of valuable learning and social opportunities, especially for children and women in Merrifield.

“I’m deeply committed to be giving something back to the Merrifield community and I am so thrilled to be receiving funding again this year from the Merrifield Community Partnerships Program. The four programs will build even stronger community connections and new bonds and the latest addition, Merrifield Kids Holiday Program, will provide an enriching and supportive environment during the school holidays” she said.

Nirajan Bhatta, Vice President from Nepalese Community Mickleham, is excited to introduce Teej Festival to the Merrifield community.

“Teej Festival is one of the most significant cultural festivals for Nepalese Hindu women and we are so pleased to be able to create awareness and celebrate this festival in Merrifield” he said.

The Bush Bus and two schools in Merrifield, Gaayip Yagila Primary School and Mickleham Secondary College, have also all been successful again in receiving grants for their respective programs.

Merrifield Community Manager, Greg Jacobs, praised the high quality of grant applications and the impactful projects focused on enhancing the health and well-being of the Merrifield community.

“This year, we were delighted to see a big increase in new programs. From grassroots groups and playgroups to cultural and community programs, it’s fantastic to witness these great initiatives emerging from within the Merrifield community,” he said.

Image by Northern Star Weekly, Pam Kiriakidis. 

Pictured: Lauren Menezes, Raj Khania, Nirajan Bhatta, Deepak Tiwari,, Sukhdev Singh Dhaliwal, and Satnam Singh Chahal.

The full list of Merrifield Community Partnerships Program 2024 recipients include:

Music Playgroup (Seed Six)
The Music Playgroup program encourages hands-on activities such as instrument exploration, where children can try out keyboards, xylophones, tambourines, and drums in a “musical petting zoo.” The project also includes games, sing-along sessions, musical storytelling, conducting fun, and musical crafts.

Community Playgroup (Seed Six)
This initiative is a vibrant and inclusive program dedicated to fostering early childhood development within the local community. The playgroup provides a supportive and stimulating environment for children aged 0-5 years to learn, play, and grow together.

Women’s Social Club (Seed Six)
Her Inspire Hub is a vibrant social club in Merrifield, dedicated to fostering connection, empowerment, and a strong sense of community among diverse women.

Merrifield Kids Holiday Program (Seed Six)
The Kids Term Holiday Program in Merrifield is designed to provide an enriching and enjoyable experience for children aged 4 to 12 during school holidays.

Student Leadership Connections (Gaayip Yagila Primary School)
This initiative aims to establish a small student-led business that involves the sale of various items, with the dual purpose of raising funds for school improvement projects and supporting local charities.

Student Cultural Art Project (Gaayip Yagila Primary School)
A cultural art project celebrating the diverse backgrounds of students. The goal is to work with an Islamic or Indian artist to engage students in a collaborative, year-level art project, fostering cultural understanding and community connections.

Mickleham Secondary Community Day (Mickleham Secondary College)
Mickleham Secondary College will invite students, families, and the wider community to celebrate students’ work and achievements in 2025. This community event will feature food, displays, performances, activities, and stalls.

Little Scientists, Big Discoveries: Water Bugs and Water Cycles (STEM Catalyst)
A series of engaging environmental education sessions for the Merrifield community, focusing on waterbug discovery, waterway health, cloud science, and climate change.

Teej Festival (Nepalese Community Mickleham)
One of the most significant festivals for Nepali Hindu women, Teej has evolved to include high participation from entire families, celebrating culture and tradition.

Multi-Culture Folk Festival (Divine Performing Arts Academy)
A vibrant celebration of global traditions, bringing together diverse cultures through activities, performances, and flavors.

IAWC Seep Tournament 2025 (Indo Australian Welfare Club)
The Indo Australian Welfare Club is organizing a lively Community Sweep and Coat Tournament to foster cultural engagement and community spirit.

Bush Bus (Kidding Around Australia)
An innovative mobile playgroup and family program offering curated activities that encourage social interaction for children and adults, supported by dedicated facilitators.