SMALL BLOCKS BIG DREAMS IS BACK: EMPOWERING SMALL PROPERTY OWNERS

Back by popular demand, Corangamite Catchment Management Authority’s (CMA) Small Blocks Big Dreams project is set to return in late 2025.

Since 2022 the project has supported over 150 landowners in the Corangamite CMA region to better care for their properties and the environment and become catchment stewards within their communities. Small Blocks Big Dreams is made up of three workshop series and property tours, tailored to the unique needs of small producers, lifestyle/bush block owners, and horse owners.

The first workshop series – designed specifically for small producers (or aspiring ones!) – will be delivered in partnership with the Heytesbury District Landcare Network in the Heytesbury region.

To launch the series, the community is invited to a free introductory film night at Alderwood Manor in Cobden on 10 October. Guests will enjoy a local produce grazing box to enjoy with a special screening of the documentary Greenhouse by Joost Bakker, which takes audiences on a journey of how he built a self-sustaining home and productive food garden in the centre of Melbourne.

Landcare Coordinator Michelle Leech from the Heytesbury District Landcare Network says all are welcome to attend the introductory event. “It’s a chance to watch an inspiring film, connect with likeminded community members, find out about the opportunity to participate in Small Blocks Big Dreams, and meet representatives from the Heytesbury District Landcare Network and Corangamite CMA.”

“If people like what they hear at the event and are interested in being a part of Small Blocks Big Dreams, they can register their interest via the Corangamite CMA website,” she said.

Corangamite CMA’s Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator Karen O’Keefe says she is looking forward to empowering a new cohort of landowners. “We’re excited for the new workshop series to kick off so we can support more people to farm more sustainably, think strategically and develop tailored action plans for their properties.”

All those who go on to participate in Small Blocks Big Dreams are offered a personalised site visit from Corangamite CMA or Landcare staff once the workshops are complete to help put their land stewardship action plans into practice. In addition, they are eligible for up to $2,000 in funding to support on-ground works on their properties.

Funded by the Victorian Government through the Our Catchments, Our Communities program, Small Blocks Big Dreams was conceived in 2021 to support the growing number of small landholders who have moved to the Corangamite CMA region.

To register to attend the introductory film night event on 10 October at Alderwood Manor, Cobden at 6:30pm, visit https://events.humanitix.com/small-blocks-big-dreams-film-night

For more information about the project, or to sign up to receive updates about Small Blocks Big Dreams visit www.ccma.vic.gov.au/projects/small-blocks-big-dreams.