Hume Enviro Champions

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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.

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

Hume Enviro Champions: Free two-day Introduction Course:

Saturday 20 and 27 June 2026, 10am – 3pm

Hume Global Learning Centre - Broadmeadows

This two-day introduction course will help you kick start your local environmental or sustainability project idea. (Sub heading max 140 characters)

This two-day introduction course will provide you with an opportunity to develop your project ideas and team up with your community, for a healthier and more sustainable environment.

If you are, passionate about the environment or sustainability, want to take action but don’t know where to begin, and are part of the Hume community, this program is for you.

In a fun and supportive environment, you will learn about:

  • How to design a project to take action and make a difference.
  • The best way to align projects with Council plans and strategic objectives for greater levels of support.

Find out about the How to Guide, an essential guide to the Enviro Champions project planning process.

Catering will be provided for morning tea and lunch on both days of the course.

Registration essential for catering purposes.

Please make sure you complete your dietary requirements when you register.

Introduction Course Registration

 

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: Free Change Catalyst Essentials

Saturday 25 July 2026, 10am – 3pm

Hume Global Learning Centre – Broadmeadows

Develop an environmental community project that addresses the issue and delivers impacts.

In this Masterclass you will learn: 

  • Behaviour change principles that will help shape your project planning.
  • The basics of community organising and how to grow your support network.

You don’t need a project or to have attended the introductory course to participate. All you need is a passion for the environment or sustainability. Catering will be provided for morning tea and lunch. Registration essential for catering purposes. Please add your dietary requirements needs when you register so we can cater for you on the day.

Masterclass 1 Registration

Masterclass 2: Community Communication Lab

Saturday 22 August 2026, 10am-3pm

Hume Global Learning Centre – Broadmeadows

Develop communication strategies that suit different needs and target different audience types.

In this Masterclass you will learn:

  • How to understand your audience: who they are, how they’ll be involved and why they matter to your project.
  • Storytelling and pitch writing: how to get your message across to different audiences.
  • Communication tools: what’s available, and which ones work best for different audiences.

You don’t need a project or to have attended the introductory course to participate. All you need is a passion for the environment or sustainability.

Catering will be provided for morning tea and lunch.

Registration essential for catering purposes.

Please add your dietary requirements needs when you register so we can cater for you on the day.

Masterclass 2 Registration

Masterclass 3: Collaboration for Impact

Saturday 10 October 2026, 10am-3pm

Hume Global Learning Centre – Broadmeadows

Identify key government and community partners, engagement and advocacy methods, and resourcing via grants and community support.

In this Masterclass you will learn about:

  • Working with government and community organisations; which organisations are best placed to support your project, why they are a good fit, and the most effective ways to engage or advocate with them.
  • Resourcing your project; grants, community resources and how to ask for support.

You don’t need a project or to have attended the introductory course to participate. All you need is a passion for the environment or sustainability.

Catering will be provided for morning tea and lunch.

Please add your dietary requirements needs when you register so we can cater for you on the day.

Registration essential for catering purposes.

Masterclass 3 Registration

You are welcome to attend all the masterclasses in the series, or just the ones that meet your specific skill development needs.

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)