New program to launch Connecting Carers in their Community

Exciting news for carers in West Warrnambool with a new project ‘Cultivating Carers’ successful in receiving $24,382 through the Connecting Carers in their Community grants program.

‘Cultivating Carers’ is a kitchen-garden-themed wellbeing program for carers in the West Warrnambool area, delivered at West Warrnambool Neighbourhood House | Warrnambool City Council. It features hands-on workshops in gardening, self-care, nutrition, cooking, wellbeing and a local food swap event.

Project Manager, Brenda O’Connor says she is 'thrilled to be delivering a program that will provide practical experience for carers. The project will be delivered in partnership with Warrnambool Community Garden, who will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience.'

'By collaborating with West Warrnambool Neighbourhood House this program will offer new

opportunities for the community and add to the vibrancy that has been created since opening earlier this year.'

West Warrnambool has been identified as a 'food desert' with higher reliance on food relief than the town overall (Food Insecurity in Warrnambool 2022, South West Healthcare). The program aims to reduce this reliance by building carers’ skills in growing and preparing nutritious food, and by encouraging healthy choices through free refreshments at all sessions.

Activities include practical, inclusive workshops with a garden theme, plus an introductory session at Warrnambool Community Garden. Workshops will foster social connection, with carers working together on shared projects in a neutral, welcoming space.

Warrnambool Community Garden Convenor, Courtney Mathew highlighted the link between

gardening, cooking, physical and mental health, 'we see so many community members who have improved their wellbeing through their connection to the garden. We’re excited to help even more people to reconnect with where their food comes from in supporting this amazing new program.’

The Connecting Carers in their Community Small Grants program has awarded 28 grants of between $15,000 and $25,000 to assist with activities that strengthen the local and social connection of unpaid carers. The grant program is funded by the Victorian Government and administered by Carers Victoria.

Planning for the program delivery is underway, carers in West Warrnambool can register for the free program by contacting Brenda O’Connor on 0418 392 948 or via email breezyblenda@gmail.com.

Carer information session: 1-3pm, Monday 17 November 2025 at West Warrnambool

Neighbourhood House, Pecten Avenue Playground, accessible parking at 10 Carolyn Crescent.