Local families in Paynesville will benefit from a $43,770 funding boost after the Paynesville Neighbourhood Centre (PNC) was successful in Round Two of the VicHealth Growing Communities Grant Fund.

The funding will support PNC’s Fresh Futures Project: Growing Food, Growing Community, a practical initiative focused on improving access to affordable fresh food while bringing families together.

The project will be delivered in partnership with the Paynesville Country Women’s Association and will include eight food sustainability and gardening workshops, along with hands-on resources such as an Early Years Health Eating Book healthy eating for families with children aged up to 14.

Nationals Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, a former VicHealth Board Member, welcomed the funding outcome and said the project reflects the value of community-led approaches to health and wellbeing.

Mr Bull said the program will help families take part in community gardens and food pantry programs, build practical skills, and strengthen social connection.

“The project will focus on learning through doing, with children and parents gaining confidence in cooking, gardening and making healthy food choices together,” he said.

“Early exposure to these skills supports lifelong healthy habits and encourages young people to understand where food comes from.”

PNC co-ordinator Julia Fitz-Gerald said the project will help bring families together and strengthen links with early years services and Paynesville Primary School.

She said the initiative creates more opportunities for families to learn, share knowledge and participate in their local community.

The VicHealth Growing Communities Grant Fund supports initiatives across Victoria that promote healthy eating, sustainability and practical life skills, helping communities support children and families to thrive.

Other local recipients include Yoowinna Wurnalung Aboriginal Healing Service and Moogji Aboriginal Council East Gippsland who will both establish community gardens to promote healthy eating and sustainable gardening practices, while Regen Gippsland will deliver active nature programs to support healthy activities for young people and their families.

Caption: Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, with Paynesville Neighbourhood Centre’s Manager, Julie, and Fresh Futures Project Coordinator, Rachel, congratulating them on their funding success.

Monday, 4 May 2026