Hume Enviro Champions
The Hume Enviro Champions program provides training and support to help the Hume community plan and deliver successful, community-led environmental and sustainability projects.
Since the program’s launch in 2012, over 200 enviro champions have completed the training and launched more than 80 projects benefiting our community and environment.
The program includes:
- How-To Guide
- A two-day introductory course
- A series of three masterclasses
- Council support for those ready to launch a project (projects with a submitted application)
You can find more information on the program in the drop-down boxes below or by attending our Culture and Environment Celebration on the 19th April 2026.
Register for the Culture and Environment Celebration here.
Each part of the program is optional, and you don’t need a project idea to take part in the training. The only requirement is a passion for the environment and the desire to take action. Whether you are a nature lover, an avid gardener or just passionate about sustainability, the program is open to everyone!
Past participants had this to say about the program:
‘My daughter and I commenced the program with a vague idea of wanting to help community but feeling unsure of how to progress. As we journeyed through the program, we developed important project skills and clarified our goals – giving us confidence that the project was achievable. Further, those running the course provide invaluable support throughout the program and beyond. I thoroughly recommend the program.’ - Fernando, 2023 Enviro Champions alumni
‘The Hume Enviro Champions program gave me the structure and support I needed to take my sustainability project idea out of my head and make it a real-life initiative in the community.’ - Christie, 2019 Enviro Champions alumni
Download the program structure and guidelines(PDF, 73KB)
For more information, contact Jo Burton, Environmental Community Development Officer, on 0455 091 999 or email envirochampions@hume.vic.gov.au
How-To Guide
The How-To Guide (Guide) sets out all the processes required to design, implement and evaluate a community-led environmental project in an easy to use step-by-step format. There are also links to supporting information and activities .
Details coming soon.
Introduction Course
The 2-day Introductory course provides;
- An overview of the program and project support
- Networking opportunities with Council Staff and Enviro Champions alumni
- Guidance through the project process. This includessc sources and introduction to behaviour change principles.
Details coming soon.
Masterclass sessions
The Enviro Champions masterclass sessions provide in-depth training to plan and run a successful community-led environmental project.
Running from July to October, the masterclasses will cover:
Masterclass 1: Change Catalyst Essentials
- Behaviour change principles and activities to direct project planning.
- Community organising basics and how to grow your network of support.
Masterclass 2: Community communication lab
- Knowing your audience; who, how and why community will be part of your project.
- Storytelling and pitch writing; how to get your message across to different people.
- Communication tools; what is available and which tools suit different audiences.
Masterclass 3: Collaboration for impact
- Working with government and community organisations including which organisations best to support your project and why.
- Methods of organisational engagement and/or advocacy
- Resourcing your project; grants, community resources and how to ask for support.
Anyone with a passion for the environment and sustainability can attend the masterclasses. There is no requirement to complete the introductory course before attending.
You are welcome to attend all the masterclasses in the series, or just the ones that meet your specific skill development needs.
Details coming soon.
Online Project Application
Applications opening soon.
The Enviro Champions program gives members of the community the skills to design, plan and lead an environmental or sustainability project.
When you are ready, Council can provide support to help you launch and run your project. This support may include:
- mentoring from Council’s Environmental Community Development Officer
- promoting your project activities through Council communication channels
- networking opportunities with Council staff, community groups or organisations
- room hire for meetings, workshops or events
- seed funding towards project expenses
Applications for Council project support are open online through SmartyGrants . You can apply as an individual or as part of a group.
While we encourage you to take advantage of the free training offered as part of the Enviro Champions program, it is not a requirement to apply for project support. If you have skills in community leadership, project management or environment and sustainability, you are welcome to apply.
Download the program guidelines for more information.(PDF, 73KB)