30 May 2018 Cobram Courier, Cobram VIC (General News) Communities in Northern Victoria will have the chance to nominate and decide on funding under a new community building fund. In a Victorian-first, all residents aged 16 and over can submit their idea for consideration. People just need an idea which 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. Ideas can include anything from sporting and recreation infrastructure, community arts projects and improvements to community facilities or the local environment. Projects will need to be feasible and have landowner consent, but there will be no restrictive guidelines, meaning local priorities which fall between the cracks of other grant programs will be eligible. Communities will then vote for the projects they think are most important, giving residents the first and final say on the best way to improve their area. Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said the new program would be backed by $30 million from the Victorian budget and spread across the state. 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, Ms 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 what is needed better than anyone. Projects between $20,000 and $200,000 will be eligible under the program. Winning projects will be announced in September. People are welcome to contact Ms Symes at jaclyn.symes@ parliament.vic.gov.au with suggestions. To register, visit pickmyproject.vic.gov.au