The Groundswell Collective is an environmental charity based in Lake Macquarie that creates healthier ecosystems and stronger communities through practical, community-led initiatives. Its flagship tiny forest program rapidly transforms underutilised urban spaces into dense, biodiverse native ecosystems that mitigate urban heat and restore wildlife habitat. Working alongside schools, councils, Traditional Custodians, and local volunteers, the organisation co-designs projects that build environmental stewardship, teach practical skills, and foster deep social connections among diverse community members.

What they’re pitching for…

In partnership with Mission Australia’s Triple Care Farm, The Groundswell Collective will co-design and establish a biodiverse native tiny forest at a residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility in the Southern Highlands, NSW. Funding supports collaborative co-design workshops, site preparation, native planting, and ongoing stewardship training for young people aged 16 to 24 facing complex life challenges. This project integrates environmental restoration with therapeutic learning, equipping residents with practical landscaping skills, boosted self-esteem, and positive social connection while creating a permanent ecological asset that benefits hundreds of future participants.