Hume Enviro Champions

Three women with paper straws drink kombucha

The Hume Enviro Champions program provides training and support to help members of the Hume community plan and deliver successful, community-led environmental and sustainability projects.

Since the program’s launch in 2012, over 160 enviro champs have completed the training and launched more than 80 projects that benefit our community and the environment.

The program has three components:

  • A two-day introductory course held in February
  • A series of eight masterclasses held from March to November
  • Council support for those ready to launch a project, with applications open from February to November.

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!

Download the program structure and guidelines(PDF, 73KB)

Download the 2025 training program schedule(PDF, 38KB)

For more information, contact Jo Burton, Environmental Community Development Officer, on 0455 091 999 or email envirochampions@hume.vic.gov.au

 

Masterclass sessions

The Enviro Champions masterclass sessions provide in-depth training in the key knowledge and skills you will need to plan and run a successful community-led project.

Running from March to November, the masterclasses will cover:

  • Building relationships in the community
  • Creating behaviour change
  • Working with different levels of government and non-government organisations (NGOs)
  • Community organising
  • Storytelling and effective conversations
  • Leadership and advocacy
  • Communication tools
  • Resourcing your project

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 of the masterclasses in the series, or just the ones that meet your specific skill development needs.

View our collection of classes here

Registrations are open on Eventbrite. Download the 2025 Enviro Champions masterclass schedule here.(PDF, 38KB)

Council support for community projects

Apply now on SmartyGrants

The ultimate goal of the Enviro Champions program is to give 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 might 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 from February to November. 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.

Applications are open now on SmartyGrants.

Download the program guidelines for more information.(PDF, 73KB)

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