Media releases

Here you can find the latest news coverage about Into Our Hands and its sub-funds:

Our grants at work in the community

Getting in touch with nature

Through a GIVE Wangaratta grant, Blind Sports and Recreation Victoria (BSRV) has been able to bring Sensing Nature walks and vision loss awareness training to Wangaratta, supporting greater inclusion and community engagement.

Upcoming Event – April 2025:
Thursday, April 10, 10:30 AM – Sensing Nature Walk at Merriwa Park, featuring an accessible art session for children and adults with vision loss.

There were many highlights in 2024. In September, BSRV facilitated a vision loss awareness training session at The Centre for Continuing Education, attended by sporting clubs, community members, and staff. Topics covered included eye conditions, barriers to inclusion, and sighted guiding techniques. In October, a Sensing Nature walk along the Bullawah Trail encouraged participants to experience nature through sound, scent, and touch.

Thanks to Cycling Without Age, those with mobility challenges enjoyed a trishaw ride along the trail. The event ended with a community lunch at Café Pre Vue, fostering connection.

GIVE Wangaratta is committed to funding projects that break down barriers and promote inclusion.

Toy library storage will be boosted thanks to grant

The Myrtleford Toy Library is one step closer to realising its long-held goal of a dedicated space for its growing collection of toys. With the support of a Grow Myrtleford+ grant, alongside additional fundraising efforts, the Toy Library is set to construct a new storage shed to house its lending collection.

In January, the Toy Library secured a further $5000 grant from the Bendigo Community Bank Bright, bringing the total funds raised to a level that will see the project completed. The team recently met with Alpine Shire Council representatives to finalise plans, ensuring the new facility will best serve the community.

This project is a great example of how local grant funding can support grassroots initiatives, creating lasting benefits for families and young children in Myrtleford.

Grow Myrtleford+ is a sub-fund of Into Our Hands Community Foundation, providing funding to local projects that strengthen and enrich the community.

Creating change through conversation

A powerful evening of connection, conversation, and personal growth took place at The Man Cave SpeakEasy Workshop, bringing young men together to discuss relationships, wellbeing, and the importance of showing up for one another.

Thanks to funding from GIVE Wangaratta, a sub-fund of Into Our Hands Community Foundation, this free community workshop was designed to create a space where young men could openly share, reflect, and gain valuable skills for building healthy relationships and emotional resilience.

The session was led by The Man Cave, an organisation dedicated to empowering young men with the tools and confidence to navigate life’s complexities with emotional intelligence. Through engaging activities, reflection, and storytelling, attendees walked away with practical skills to support themselves and those around them.

Workshops like these are only possible with community-driven funding. GIVE Wangaratta exists to support initiatives that create real impact, and this event was a prime example of how local grants can foster important conversations and cultural change at a grassroots level.

The SpeakEasy Workshop was not just about talking—it was about listening, understanding, and learning.

Participants engaged in discussions around:

Building meaningful relationships and connections
Navigating challenges with confidence and resilience
Supporting friends and peers in a meaningful way
Breaking down outdated stereotypes around masculinity

A huge thank you to all who attended, shared their experiences, and contributed to this incredible evening. The journey doesn’t end here—small conversations can lead to big change, and we hope this workshop sparks many more across our community.

Learn more about GIVE Wangaratta and how it funds projects that strengthen our community by clicking here

Hitting road with important health messages

The Alpine Outreach Van is now operational, bringing essential health services to regional and remote areas.

The van was a 2023 recipient of a Grow Myrtleford+ grant and was also supported by local organisations.

Designed for healthcare providers, emergency response teams, and community services, this self-drive unit provides a private, mobile space for medical professionals to offer care closer to home.

The Alpine Outreach Van is available for hire by allied health professionals, community organisations, and government agencies looking to expand services into rural communities.

Features include:

· Two workstations for consultations

· Heating, cooling & refrigeration for medical
supplies

· Privacy screens for patient comfort

· Starlink internet for seamless connectivity

Want to bring healthcare to your area – click here to learn more.