25 Apr 2018 Alexandra Eildon Marysville Standard, Alexandra VIC (General News) LOCAL communities in Northern Victoria will be given the chance to nominate and decide on their own funding under a new community building fund, announced by the state government. The new grassroots democracy program, Pick My Project, will be backed by $30 million from the Victorian Budget 2018/19 and will be spread across the state, giving every community the chance to benefit. In a Victorian-first, all residents aged 16 and over will be able to submit their idea for consideration under the program. All theyll 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 groups able to help deliver the project. Ideas could include anything from sporting and recreation infrastructure, community arts projects, improvements to community facilities or the local environment. Projects will need to be feasible and have land-owner consent, but there will be no restrictive guidelines meaning many local priorities that fall-between the cracks of other grant programs will be eligible for funding. Communities will then get to vote for the projects they think are most important, giving residents the first and final say on the best way to improve their area. This is about putting community funding decisions back in the hands of communities helping people in Northern Victoria come together to improve their local neighbourhood, Jaclyn Symes said. I want to hear from young people, sporting clubs, community groups, schools, everyone who is active and involved in their community because they know better than anyone what is needed. Ms Symes also encouraged community members to contact her via email at jaclyn. [email protected] with their suggestions. Projects between $20,000 and $200,000 will be eligible under the program. The initiative will start in May and winning projects will be announced in September 2018. To get ready and register your interest, visit pickmyproject.vic.gov. auLicensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence.