Victorian communities everywhere have 33 days for the chance to pitch for community Pick My Project idea to state government.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Member for Eltham, Vicki Ward, announced in Eltham on April 18, $30m in funding for community group projects that would cost between $20,000 and $200,000 that could be completed within a year.
Minister for Suburban Development and Member for Mill Park Lily D’Ambrosio today joined Member for Mordialloc Tim Richardson to mark the opening of the fund at Mentone Preschool.
“Local communities can now imagine, submit and vote for the projects they want – and we’ll help make them happen,” D’Ambrosio said.
Projects of a similar scale will be backed by Pick My Project, with grants of between $20,000 and $200,000 to be made available for ideas ranging from cultural events to community gardens – anything that will make our local communities better places to live.
In a Victorian-first, all residents aged 16 and over will be able to submit their idea for consideration under the program and then vote for the projects they think are most important.
All they’ll need is an idea that helps build a stronger community, and the backing of a local organisation, community group, school, local council, or other eligible group able to help deliver the project.
Projects will need to be feasible and have land-owner consent, but there are no restrictive guidelines – meaning many local priorities that fall-between the cracks of other grant programs are now eligible for funding.
“Whether you’re a sporting club or a kindergarten, this fund is a chance to improve the community you live in,” Richardson said.
A series of community workshops will now take place across the state to provide more information about the initiative and support interested applicants.
Applications remain open until Sunday, June 24, 2018, with winning projects to be announced in September 2018.
To view the guidelines or find out more about the workshops and register your interest, visit pickmyproject.vic.gov.au.
