Learn about First Nations culture, support refugees when you shop and unwind in a sensory garden thanks to caring projects happening only in the city.
Here are some of the ways the City of Melbourne helps foster communities that connect, care and collaborate.
Follow the links to find diverse, accessible support and new ways to engage in your neighbourhood.
1. We create opportunities for people to deepen their understanding of Aboriginal culture.
2. We help people find pathways out of homelessness and create affordable housing in the city centre.
3. We inspire, entertain and connect people of all ages through library events, healthy ageing activities, and creative experiences for children and young people at ArtPlay and Signal.
4. We award Connected Communities Grants to help fund projects like a queer formal, mental fitness program, female-led book club and wellbeing garden, to name a few.
5. We run welcoming neighbourhood centres where diverse people – including Spanish, Somali, African, Slavic and Chinese groups – come together every week.
Photo: Stuart Riley
6. We help people create wildlife friendly gardens, plant 3000 trees a year and nurture urban biodiversity, including enriching habitats for superb fairy-wrens.
7. We welcome visitors to our city with a greeter service and help keep locals and visitors informed of free things to see and do in the city.
8. We built a sensory garden for people with dementia and honour carers of all ages.
9. We support refugees in business at Queen Vic Market and help startups to grow and go global.
10. We work to make Melbourne accessible for all, including piloting incontinence product disposal bins in toilets for all genders.
11. We employ passionate people who help make the city a great place to live for people, pets and wildlife.
12. We have a dedicated group of neighbourhood partners who advocate for your local area.
13. We fund changemaking projects that nurture diversity and inclusion and support community champions working to prevent violence and harassment.
14. We support mental wellbeing for people of all ages through mindfulness programs in our parks and gardens.
15. We support community gardens and publish a Community Food Guide and map to help promote food security for all people.
