Call for Proposals: Hume Enviro Champions Program (Australia)

Deadline: 30-Nov-2026

The Hume Enviro Champions Program supports people in Hume, Australia, to develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to lead community environmental and sustainability projects. Participants receive free training, practical resources, mentoring, networking opportunities, and potential council support for project implementation.

About the Hume Enviro Champions Program

The Hume Enviro Champions Program is designed to empower members of the Hume community to take an active leadership role in environmental and sustainability initiatives. The program combines practical resources, interactive training, mentoring, and ongoing council support to build community capacity and encourage local action on environmental challenges. Participants do not need previous experience or an existing project idea to join the training. What Does the Program Offer?

Participants can access a range of resources and support, including

- A practical How to Guide. - A two-day introductory training course. - Advanced masterclass sessions. - Council mentoring and support. - Networking opportunities. - Promotion through council communication channels. - Meeting room hire. - Seed funding towards eligible project expenses. All training and support provided through the program are free of charge. How to Guide The program provides participants with a How to Guide covering essential knowledge and practical skills for developing community-led environmental and sustainability projects.

The guide covers topics such as:

- Climate change. - Behaviour change. - Leadership. - Community organising. - Project planning. - Community engagement. - Effective communication and engagement strategies. - Project implementation and evaluation. Each chapter includes activities designed to help participants develop practical skills that can be applied to their own community initiatives.

Introduction Training Course

The training component begins with a two-day introduction course, delivered over consecutive Saturdays.

The introductory course covers:

- Foundational project planning skills. - An overview of council programs. - Behaviour change strategies. - Project design. - Approaches to developing effective community projects. The introduction course is encouraged for participants who want to build a strong foundation in environmental project development. However, completing the introduction course is not mandatory for participating in the masterclass sessions. Masterclass Sessions Following the introductory training, participants can take part in a series of masterclass sessions covering more advanced environmental leadership and project development topics. Masterclasses may focus on areas such as: - Collaboration. - Communications. - Change leadership. - Advanced project development. - Community engagement. The masterclasses allow participants to choose learning opportunities according to their individual interests and needs.

Participation in the introduction course is not required before attending a masterclass

Council Project Support Individuals and groups with environmental or sustainability project ideas can apply for council support through an online application process. Approved projects may receive a range of assistance, including: - Mentoring from council staff. - Promotion through council channels. - Networking opportunities. - Meeting room hire. - Seed funding towards project expenses. This support is intended to help community members turn environmental ideas into practical projects and strengthen their ability to deliver local action. Do I Need a Project Idea to Participate? No. Participants do not need to have a project idea before joining the training program. The program is also open to people with no previous environmental project experience. The training and practical resources are designed to help participants develop the knowledge and confidence needed to identify opportunities and potentially develop their own community initiatives. Who Can Participate? The program is open to anyone who meets the community connection requirement and is passionate about environmental or sustainability action. Eligible participants can include people who: - Live in Hume. - Work in Hume. - Volunteer in Hume. - Study in Hume. Participants should have an interest in leading or contributing to environmental and sustainability action within the community. Experience Requirements No prior experience is required.

Applicants do not need:

- Previous environmental project leadership experience. - Formal qualifications in environmental sustainability. - An existing project. - A fully developed project proposal. The program is designed to build participants’ skills through training, practical activities, mentoring, and council support. Applying for Project Support Individuals and groups with project ideas can seek council support through an online application process. Depending on the approved project and available support, assistance may include mentoring, promotion, networking, meeting spaces, and seed funding towards project expenses. Importantly, participation in the training program is encouraged but not required before applying for project support. Benefits of the Program The Hume Enviro Champions Program can help community members: - Build environmental leadership skills. - Learn how to plan and manage community projects. - Understand behaviour change approaches. - Develop community engagement strategies. - Connect with other people working on local environmental issues. - Access mentoring from council staff. - Develop practical sustainability initiatives. - Gain support for implementing community projects. Key Details at a Glance

- Program: Hume Enviro Champions Program

- Location: Hume, Australia

- Focus: Environmental and sustainability action

- Target participants: Local community members

- Training: Free

- Support: Free

- Introduction course: Two days over consecutive Saturdays

- Masterclasses: Advanced sessions