Congratulations to the 2024 Alkimos Vista Seedling Fund Finalists!

Befriend Inc. and Quinns Rocks Environmental Group have both received full funding for their applications and plan to run some epic events and workshops for the local community in the coming year.

A total of $5,588 was distributed between these groups, with the remaining funds rolling over into next year’s grant round.

Quinns Rocks Environmental Group Inc - Discovering nature's treasures

The funding will facilitate two events featuring engaging, expert presenters, offering local residents, including families with children, opportunities to learn about wildlife in the northern coastal suburbs and how to support nature in their backyards.

Event 1: ReWild Your Garden Workshop

  • Facilitator: Hannah Gulliver, ReWild Perth Program Manager

  • Description: Hannah will present on local plants and habitat structures that residents can incorporate into their gardens and verges to support local biodiversity. She will introduce the online ReWild Perth resources designed to support continuous learning. The workshop will run for 1.5 hours, allowing participants to examine beneficial structures and receive local plants. QREG will also distribute its 'Grow Local Plants' brochure.

Event 2: Morning on the Beach

  • Facilitator: Angela Rossen, Environmental Educator

  • Description: Angela will lead a 2-hour exploration of the biodiversity on Alkimos Beach, teaching participants of all ages about local nature through microscopes and touch table exhibits. Participants will learn about beach flora and fauna, and the event will raise awareness about microplastics using QREG’s marine debris survey kit. Information from these surveys will be submitted to the Australian Microplastic Assessment Project and Australian Marine Debris Initiative databases.

Objectives

These events aim to build skills for sustainability and empower local change by sharing information and ideas. The ReWild workshop will offer practical advice on creating wildlife-friendly gardens and fostering biodiversity in new neighborhoods. The coastal exploration with Angela Rossen will enhance residents' knowledge of their coastal environment. By sparking interest and inspiring action, these activities will support local biodiversity and strengthen the community's sense of place.

Additional Information

Both events will be free, with QREG providing morning or afternoon tea for participants.

Dates for events TBC.

Connect with QREG on facebook and their website

 

 

Befriend Inc. - Friendships Don't Just Happen

The funding will facilitate a series of five workshops aimed at sparking community connection by building participants' confidence and empowering local residents to take action towards greater community connection.

Workshops will focus on practical skills and insights for forming and nurturing friendships. Each session is designed to be interactive and reflective, encouraging participants to apply what they learn in their daily lives. The workshops will be weekly and include:

  • What the essential ingredients are for a friendship to develop

  • Exploration of different types of friendships and gaining an understanding of our own current friendships needs

  • Exploring what can be done to work towards meeting these needs

  • Understanding how the Befriend Social Network can assist with getting connected in the local community

  • Equipping community members to take action and start their own community group(s)

The first four workshops will be facilitated small group discussions using the Shasta Nelson's book Frientimacy. The fifth workshop will focus on empowering community members to take action and start their own community group(s).

These workshops will be held on a weeknight evening to enable people who work during the day to participate.

Objectives

Participants will leave the series with enhanced skills in building and maintaining friendships, a deeper understanding of their own friendship needs, and the tools to foster a more connected community. They will also be encouraged to start their own community initiatives, supported by the Befriend Social Network.

Additional Information

Workshops will be free and include light catering.

Dates for this series TBC.

Connect with Befriend on facebook, Instagram, meetup or their website.