OCOC Leadership development grants

Overview

The Our Catchments, Our Communities (OCOC) Leadership Development Grants support aspiring future leaders in integrated catchment management in Victoria.

The 3 grant categories are:

• Aboriginal leadership - recognising and supporting Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians as leaders
• Women in leadership - improving diversity and inclusion and the opportunity for women to lead
• Innovation - new approaches and knowledge to address contemporary issues in integrated catchment management.

Each year, grants of up to $10,000 are awarded per grant category to early to mid-career professionals in the natural resource management (NRM) sector.

Recipients receive support for travel, research, study, training, and other forms of professional development related to integrated catchment management.

Knowledge and experience gained is shared to strengthen the sector.

2024 grants program information

The 2024 grants build on the previous years. They are aligned with the strategic directions statement, Our Catchments, Our Communities: Building on the Legacy for Better Stewardship.

In particular, Priority 4: Build the capacity of NRM communities – stewardship, adaptation to climate change impacts, and recovery from extreme events. The grants are funded from the $21.75 million 2021–2024 Our Catchments, Our Communities program, part of the Victorian Government’s $248 million investment in waterway and catchment health.

Key dates

Please note: these dates are subject to change. Updates will be posted on this page.

Who can apply?

These grants provide funds for activities that support early and mid-career individuals who are seeking to tackle big challenges and make an impact in the field of integrated catchment management and/or natural resource management.

The grants are open to individuals working in the natural resource management sector for:

• Government agencies or bodies (DEECA staff are not eligible)
• Traditional Owner organisations Private sector businesses and agencies
• Educational institutions Local government authorities
• Not-for-profit organisations Non-governmental organisations
• Community networks and groups.

Please note: only Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders are eligible to apply for the Aboriginal Leadership category.

Who can not apply?

Applications will not be accepted from:

• Individuals not affiliated with a group, organisation, institution, agency or government body
• Individuals applying for a grant on behalf of another individual or group
• Individuals under 18 years of age
• Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action staff
• Groups, organisations, institutions, agencies or government bodies
• Anyone residing outside of Victoria at the time of application
• Non-citizens or non-permanent residents of Australia.

Exception: Applications from people in Victorian border areas of NSW and South Australia and demonstrating leadership development that will benefit Victoria will be considered by the assessment panel.

Application process

Start a new application

Access your saved application

For technical help with the Grants Online, email grantsinfo@delwp.vic.gov.au.

Your online application form (via the grants portal) must:

• respond to all the required fields
• include a written reference (third-party endorsement) and reference contact details
• be submitted by 13 May 2024.

Late applications will not be accepted.

* Attached documents must be in an acceptable file type, such as Word, Excel, PDF, or JPEG. The maximum file size for each file is 10MB.

Your online application form should address the following general criteria:

• your aspiration to be a leader in integrated catchment management
• your background/experience in natural resource management and/or integrated catchment management
• details about your proposed leadership development activities: purpose of activities. For example, travel, study, research, mentoring and/or training.
  • how these will contribute to your leadership in integrated catchment management in Victoria
  • how these will further your professional development and improve your leadership capabilities
  • how others will benefit from the knowledge and experience gained, and how this will be shared with the catchment and natural resource management sector
  • timelines and itinerary
  • budget details
  • demonstration that the proposed activities are achievable within the timeframe and budget.

Applicants are allowed to submit multiple applications under different categories. However, applicants cannot receive more than one grant.

You will receive an application number when you submit an application online. Please quote this number in all communications with the department relating to your application.

Please email ourcatchments.ourcommunities@deeca.vic.gov.au if you require assistance.

Page last updated: 01/04/25