Each year, Mary MacKillop Today’s Highways and Byways Small Grants program supports grassroots organisations working to overcome disadvantage and exclusion – especially in rural and regional Australia.
This year’s theme, ‘Embracing and Valuing Diversity in Nature and Community’, invited projects that care for the environment while strengthening social connections. From restoring ecosystems to tackling social isolation, we were inspired by the 109 applications received from across the country.
A special consultative committee – made up of Highways and Byways volunteers along with and Mary MacKillop Today staff and Board members – reviewed the submissions. We’re delighted to announce that 29 diverse projects have been awarded grants.
One standout is The Wild Weed Weavers in Western Australia—a creative initiative that removes invasive weeds from local reserves and transforms them into handcrafted objects. This unique project brings people together through environmental care, cultural learning, and the therapeutic art of weaving.
Another wonderful example is the Brukunga Fire-Resilient Garden in South Australia, which will revitalise the town’s entrance as a vibrant hub of sustainability and safety. Featuring fire-resistant native plants, metal sculptures, and educational signage, the garden will offer a hands-on, accessible approach to bushfire resilience.
Thanks to your support, communities across Australia are leading powerful local response to climate change – bringing people together to care for the land and for each other.
