The six-month program, in partnership with the City of Ballarat, culminated in a barbecue at Lake Wendouree on Thursday.

The seven graduates have made a significant contribution to conservation in Ballarat and the surrounding areas.

The project undertook a variety of activities, including providing mulch for heritage trees in Buninyong to preserve moisture in dry conditions, planting Poa grasses on the banks of Buninyong Gong Reserve to prevent soil erosion, maintaining the Burrumbeet walking track through widening and overhead branch removal and cleaning up noxious weeds at the Nerrina wetlands.

The project is aimed at enhancing the biodiversity of the reserve along the Yarrowee River, improving water quality, improving access for passive recreation and aesthetics, as well as improving wildlife habitat across various locations.

The Yarrowee River, is a river of the Corangamite catchment and located in the Central Highlands region.

Originating in Gong Gong, it is a major tributary and catchment of the Barwon River.

Its tributaries include Warrenheip Creek, Little Bendigo Creek, Canadian Creek, Redan Creek, Gnarr Creek, Winter Creek and Ross Creek.

“The project has been a fantastic concept giving participants life training skills, experience working in the outdoors, a chance to learn about our environment and to respect nature,” Green Army supervisor Simon Jess said.

“The team has worked exceptionally well together transferring each individual's skills and knowledge and developed vital communication skills along the way.

“It has a fantastic experience to work with these young adults, watching them grow from strength to strength in confidence and work ethic.”

The initiative is open to young people, indigenous Australians, gap year students, graduates and job seekers who are looking to undertake training and gain experience in the delivery of conservation projects to enhance opportunities for careers in conservation.