South East Water grants make a splash in the community
South East Water is proud to announce the recipients of its annual Community Grants program, with almost $130,000 awarded to 20 community groups across Melbourne’s south-east.
Now in its sixth year, the program has granted over $600,000 to 94 community groups across Melbourne’s south-east.
To mark the occasion, Minister and Member for Carrum, the Hon. Sonya Kilkenny and Member for Hastings, Paul Mercurio MP visited 2 grant recipients to learn more about their impactful community projects.
This year’s recipients include projects to help people learn about water and how to use it in the best way possible, projects supporting community members experiencing hardship and vulnerability, making our environment healthier and helping people be more active and connected.
The program also supports communities adversely impacted by water quality incidents, including Shoreham and Flinders groups affected by the precautionary boil water advisory in March 2025.
2025 South East Water Community Grants program recipients
4th Mordialloc Sea Scouts – Mordy Sea Scouts Sailing Safely
Australian Afghanistan Initiative – Empowering Afghan Hazara Women: A Community-based Culinary Initiative
Brighton Life Saving Club – Lifesaving training defibrillators
Christ Church Mission – Refurbishment for food relief
COOK4CALD – Summer program
Ferntree Gully Tennis Club – Game on for everyone: All abilities tennis
Flinders Pre-School Inc. – Children’s Water Wall
FoodFilled Incorporated – L Plater Volunteer Program
Glen Huntly Village Traders Association Inc - The sustainability project
Lighthouse Foundation – A sustainable garden project
Mornington Community Garden – Replacement irrigation watering system
Mornington Community Information & Support Centre – Edible community garden
Parkdale United Cricket Club – Ladies cricket equipment
Point Leo Surf Life Saving Club – Disability access
Sacred Heart Mission – Daily meals and social inclusion
Somerville Secondary College – Yumaralla Wetlands Renewal
Stonnington Toy Library – ‘Stay and play’ sessions
We All Eat Incorporated – Expanding food access
Willum Warrain Aboriginal Association – Water for our pun pun
Windana Drug and Alcohol Recovery Limited – Recycled water for recovery
For more information and to see full details on the grants recipients visit southeastwater.com.au/grants
Quotes attributable to South East Water General Manager of Digital and Transformation, Andrew Forster-Knight
“It’s exciting to see many impactful projects happening across our service area.
“Community groups are the heart of our communities, and their deep understanding of the local needs are driving real impact.”
Quotes attributable to Attorney General, Minister for Planning, Member for Carrum Sonya Kilkenny
"Congratulations and heartfelt thanks to COOK4CALD on their successful grant from South East Water.
“Their dedication, compassion, and hard work have made a real difference in the lives of those in need.
“By providing warm, nourishing meals to local communities, you’ve not only filled empty plates but also filled hearts with hope.
“We are deeply grateful for all that you do!"
Quotes attributable to Member for Hastings Paul Mercurio
“I was honoured to join with students and staff at Somerville Secondary College to share the good news of the community grant awarded to them by South East Water to support the restoration of the Yumaralla Wetlands.
“It is a magnificent opportunity to not only restore the wetlands but also to get the students involved in various science projects, sustainability programmes and hands on learning to maintain these wetlands for future school generations.”
Quotes attributable to COOK4CALD founder Ashvinya de Zoya
“COOK4CALD was started because we know how important it is for the culturally and linguistically diverse community to have support that is designed specifically for them.
“Our summer program not only addresses food insecurity, but the need for youth engagement in meaningful community service, personal growth, and skill development.”
Quotes attributable to Wayne Sandlant, Leading Teacher of Science at Sommerville Secondary School
“The Yumaralla wetlands are an integral part of our local environment.
“Providing additional resources for the wetlands will support a hands-on approach to learning and support the wetlands to be a thriving habitat for local wildlife - and a resource for our school and the Somerville community.”