The Violet Vines Marshman Charitable Trust Partnership Funding Scheme continues to drive impactful, community-led health initiatives in rural Victoria, with five new grants awarded in 2025, bringing the total supported projects to 17 since the scheme’s launch in 2020.
Focused on addressing practical health and wellbeing challenges at the grassroots level, the scheme provides grants of up to $50,000 for projects lasting up to two years. Eligible applicants include local councils, health services, schools, and community groups — all collaborating to strengthen rural communities.
This year’s successful projects showcase a wide range of innovative approaches:
- Building Wellness in the Mallee: Mallee Track Health and Community Services received $50,000 to empower the local community in proactively addressing mental health distress linked to climate-related stressors. Through Mental Health First Aid training and stigma reduction, the project fosters resilience and wellbeing.
- Healthy Together – Rural Wellness for All: Robinvale and District Health Services were awarded $43,300 to improve healthcare access in this culturally diverse rural region by co-designing health initiatives that overcome cultural and geographic barriers.
- Waluwin Ngurambang (Healthy Country) Diabetes Education Program: Marathon Health Ltd received $50,000 to support Aboriginal communities in the Murrumbidgee region with culturally safe diabetes prevention and self-management education, contributing to Closing the Gap efforts.
- Nature Neighbours: headspace Shepparton (GV Health) was granted $45,000 to connect young people with nature and community, addressing climate anxiety and social isolation through First Nations healing principles.
- Energy Efficiency and Energy Literacy Workshops: The Loddon Mallee Public Health Unit received $26,600 to tackle energy poverty by boosting energy literacy and home efficiency among disadvantaged groups, reducing financial stress and promoting healthier living environments.
La Trobe University proudly supports the Violet Vines Marshman Charitable Trust’s mission to empower rural communities through health and wellbeing initiatives. These projects exemplify the power of local voices and collaboration in creating lasting, positive change.
For more information on the Partnership Funding Scheme and funded projects, visit Violet Vines Marshman Centre Partnership Funding Stream
Image: Professor Jenny May, National Rural Health Commissioner
