Celebrating community: announcing our 2025 grant recipients.

At AVJennings, we believe strong communities are built when people come together to support one another. That’s why we’re proud to continue our annual Lyndarum North Community Grants Program, designed to support the passionate individuals and organisations making a real difference in the City of Whittlesea.

In 2025, we’re excited to provide funding to five community groups, each doing extraordinary work to support and uplift our local residents.

Here’s a closer look at this year’s grant recipients, the vital work they’re doing, and how our support will help them expand their impact even further.

Big Group Hug

Based in Thomastown, Big Group Hug (BGH) provides free essential items – like bedding, nappies, formula, toiletries, and clothing – to vulnerable children and families experiencing financial hardship due to unemployment, family breakdown, homelessness or displacement. In the past 18 months alone, they’ve helped more than 10,000 children across Melbourne, with 1,725 children in the City of Whittlesea receiving aid through their network of health and community professionals.

As winter approaches, the demand for warm bedding and linens increases sharply – but unfortunately, their supply doesn’t always meet this demand. With their grant, BGH will purchase blankets and bed sheets for up to 80 children, ensuring they stay warm and safe through the colder months.

You can learn more about BHG at biggrouphug.org, and stay up to date by following them on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Doreen Baby Boomers Seniors Group

Founded seven years ago, the Doreen Baby Boomers Seniors Group has grown into a vibrant community of 450 members across Doreen, Mernda, Whittlesea, and Wollert. This self-funded group provides invaluable social support to local seniors, helping to combat social isolation through lunches, speaker events, walking groups, and their flagship fundraiser – the annual Biggest Morning Tea for the Cancer Council, which raised over $5,500 last year.

With their grant funds, the group will be able to host more events and cover venue hire costs, providing even more opportunities for seniors to connect, share stories, and build lasting friendships.

To stay informed about upcoming events and connect with the Doreen Baby Boomers Seniors Group, join their private Facebook group.

From Us 2 You

For nine years, From Us 2 You has been a lifeline to thousands in Lalor and the broader Whittlesea region. Operating entirely through member donations, this grassroots organisation delivers food hampers, clothing, toiletries, and furniture to people in need.

With a reach of over 5,000 community members, From Us 2 You also supports those experiencing homelessness, ensuring everyone receives kindness and dignity in times of hardship.

Their grant funds will be used to purchase extra groceries, cover fuel costs for deliveries, and maintain liability insurance – all essential to keeping this high-impact work going.

You can follow From Us 2 You and support their community work by joining their Facebook group.

Galada Indian Seniors Group Inc.

Located in Wollert, the Galada Indian Seniors Group provides a welcoming and joyful space for elderly members of the Indian community. From cultural celebrations to day trips and picnics, the group helps older residents feel connected and supported.

With their grant funds, the group will be celebrating Teej, an important Indian festival that marks the harvest season, and will also organise excursions across Victoria, allowing members to explore new places and enjoy quality time with their peers.

To learn more about the Galada Indian Seniors Group or get in touch, you can contact them via email at galadaindianseniors@gmail.com.

Unity Libyan Youth Association

The Unity Libyan Youth Association (ULYA) is a vibrant, youth-led organisation based in Wollert, focused on empowering Libyan youth and children through cultural enrichment, sport, education, and mental health support. With weekly sports sessions, playgroups, and cultural events, ULYA is helping young people build confidence and community connection, while preserving their cultural identity.

They’ll be using their grant funds to expand their inclusive volunteer programs – improving accessibility, training opportunities, and community engagement for marginalised groups including youth, women, individuals with disabilities, and those experiencing unemployment.

You can follow the Unity Libyan Youth Association and stay updated on their initiatives by visiting their Facebook profile.

We warmly congratulate our successful recipients and thank all the community groups that applied. Through the Lyndarum North Community Grants Program, we’re proud to support and strengthen organisations that are truly making a meaningful difference in the lives of local residents.