The developers of Merrifield (MAB and GPC) have awarded nine local community-minded projects grants as part of the 2025 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 approximately $400,000 worth of community grants (consisting of 56 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 a diverse range of projects have received funding including; Seniors Art and Craft Program, Junior Active Kids Playgroup, Women’s Wellbeing and Active Living Program and the Merrifield Community Volleyball Initiative.

Junior Active Kids Playgroup (JAK) founder Ashleigh Taylor-Kemp said she received an almost $10,000 grant which will help to kick off her new program in Merrifield.

“We are a sports playgroup designed for toddlers aged between 18 months to three years… [the funding] will help get this program off the ground and give it a running start,” she said.

Ms Taylor-Kemp said the funding has gone towards buying equipment, staff training, insurance and hiring out the room on a weekly basis.

“Because of this I am able to provide the playgroup completely free of charge … which removes a significant barrier to local families,” she said.

“Ideally I can utilise the funding from MAB, with a little guidance, to future-proof the playgroup and keep it free for families.”

“As a local Merrifield resident I can directly see the impact that this playgroup will have on the community.”

The other recipients in this year’s Merrifield Community Partnerships Program include STEM Catalyst, which will run a STEM holiday program for children aged five to 12, and Paperazzi Design Studio, which will deliver a 10-week senior art and craft program.

Additional grants were awarded to Seed Six for a community playgroup, a kids’ holiday program and a music, dance and storytime playgroup, Sal Sharma for the Merrifield Community Volleyball Initiative, the Multicultural Community Network Incorporated for a women’s wellbeing and active living program and Gaayip-Yagila Primary School for the Pasifika Community Connections project.

Article by Northern Star Weekly (February 2026) Read Full Article.

The full list of the 2025 Merrifield Community Partnerships Program grant recipients include:

• STEM Holiday Program – This project will engage primary school students (ages 5-12) in environmental science, technology, and biodiversity exploration through experiential learning.

• Junior Active Kids Playgroup – Weekly playgroup that focuses on providing sports and movement to children aged between 18 months and 3 years.

• Merrifield Community Volleyball Initiative – Social volleyball, where the main goal is to encourage fitness, fun, and community connection.

• Senior Art and Craft Program – A 10 week Art & Craft Program for Seniors, that offers participants the chance to explore various the use of materials, tell stories through art, and build community.

• Community Playgroup – Fortnightly group that offers a variety of rich, engaging activities: arts and crafts, storytelling, sensory play, and group games.

• Kids Holiday Program – School holiday initiative designed to engage children aged 4 to 12 in a rich blend of creative, educational, and recreational activities.

• Music, Dance and Storytime Playgroup – Fortnightly group that engages children in musical activities, dance and movement, storytelling, sing-alongs, creative crafts, and games.

• Women Wellbeing and Active Living Program – Community-focused initiative designed to improve the physical, mental, and social wellbeing of women and families living in Merrifield, and surrounding areas.

• Pasifika Community Connections – Creating a culturally significant art piece that represents the diversity of Gaayip Yagila school community.

• Merrifield Teej – a vibrant cultural celebration honouring womanhood and spiritual devotion, with traditional Nepalese music, dance and cuisine.