Stream 3: Grants for Traditional Owners
Update
Funding for Stream 3 of the Partnerships Against Pests grants program has now been fully allocated.
Eligible Traditional Owner groups seeking funding for projects targeting established invasive species are encouraged to apply through Round 5 of the grants program.
Round 5 applications close at 11:59PM on Monday 11 May 2026.
Stream 3 of the Partnerships Against Pests grants program was open to Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs) and Traditional Owner Corporations (TOCs) to support the delivery of established weed and pest animal programs on country or within their organisation.
For Stream 3, eligible Traditional Owner groups were invited to submit project proposals which align with the Partnerships Against Pests program objectives and outcomes.
The funding could be used for a program or project that:
- Delivers on-ground works to manage established weeds and pest animals on Traditional Owner owned and managed properties.
- Builds or strengthens land management partnerships between Traditional Owners and community, government, industry and/or non-government organisation partners.
- Builds the skills and knowledge of public and private landowners/ managers to deliver management programs in culturally sensitive and appropriate ways.
- Builds the capacity and/or capability of Traditional Owners and/or Traditional Owner Corporations to manage weeds and pests on Country.
- Delivers educational activities that support other DEECA funded weed and pest projects.
These grants were designed to support the delivery of established weed and pest animal projects in line with the objectives of DEECA’s Pupangarli Marnmarnepu ‘Owning Our Future’ - Aboriginal Self Determination Reform Strategy 2020-2025.
Any RAPs/TOCs seeking more information about this program should email partnershipsagainstpests@agriculture.vic.gov.au
Previously funded projects
The Traditional Owner stream of the Partnerships Against Pests grants has awarded over $1.1 million in funding to 7 projects. These projects will be completed over up to 3 years and include a range of capacity and knowledge building activities for established invasive species, as well as work towards the achievement of Whole of Country Plans and Natural Resource Agreements.
| Project | Recipient | Project Summary | Approved Funding | Tenure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malka Wolka Project | Bangerang Aboriginal Corporation | This one-year project is designed to protect Country from pest plants and animals by building the skills and knowledge of the Bangerang Ranger team. Key training activities include:
Training will be provided through on-Country practical workshops, supported by formal accredited learning. The second component of the project will trial the Covram app to test its usefulness for recording, mapping and monitoring pest infestations in Northeast Victoria (Barnawartha / Wooragee / Beechworth area). | $60,000 | 1 year |
| BGLC: Pest Management Initiative | Barengi Gadjin Land Council Aboriginal Corporation | This project will deliver a comprehensive pest management program to control invasive plant and animal species and protect Barengi Gadjin Country, supporting improved biodiversity and ecosystem health. The project will progress through planning and stakeholder engagement, surveying, assessment and mapping of invasive species, implementation of on ground control measures using a mix of mechanical, chemical, trapping, exclusion and culturally informed methods (including cultural burns), followed by monitoring and evaluation to refine approaches to inform the development of an invasive species management plan. Expected outcomes include a significant reduction in invasive species, healthier native ecosystems, increased community awareness and participation, strengthened partnerships and capability, and a fit for purpose invasive species management plan aligned with BGLC’s Caring for Country Plan. | $160,000 | 2 years |
| Enabling advancement of the Taungurung narrative regarding non-endemic species. | Biik Land Management, on behalf of Taungurung Land and Water Council. | This project aims to facilitate knowledge sharing regarding the impact of non-endemic species on Taungurung Country. Species narratives will be created in a 3-phase process involving:
| $250,000 | 3 years |
| DJAKITJ Plant and Pest Management Capacity Uplift Project | DJANDAK, on behalf of Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation | This project will work with the DJAKITJ Enterprise to assist in the agronomic, weed and plant management focus areas, including:
| $255,000 | 3 years |
| Caring for Eastern Maar Country – Weed Control and Capacity Building | Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation (EMAC) | This project will strengthen EMAC’s On-Country Guardian program by building Guardian capacity and delivering on-ground weed and pest management to support healing, protection and care for Eastern Maar Country and its cultural heritage. The project includes capacity‑building training for Guardians, including:
The project will also fund Guardian time for on‑ground works and provide rabbit and fox control training to support effective site management across joint‑managed areas. | $150,000 | 3 years |
| Healing Country: Fox Control and Pig Monitoring on Gunaikurnai Country | Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) | This project will build GLaWAC’s capacity to manage pests and protect cultural heritage across Gunaikurnai Country, supporting the Natural Resource Management crew to deliver practical on-ground works with clear cultural and environmental outcomes. Key activities include:
The project will also strengthen partnerships through shadowing with Parks Victoria and DEECA staff to support 2-way learning and land management knowledge exchange. By end of 2027, this project will have assisted with Aboriginal employment, strengthened partnerships, protected critical weight range mammals, and established baseline feral pig monitoring data. | $160,000 | 2 years |
| Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation Weed Management Plan | Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation | This project will support Yorta Yorta to collaborate with RMCG consultancy to develop a comprehensive strategic plan to manage the spread of weeds and seeds between properties. The strategic plan will involve:
| $82,875 | 1 year |