Victorians everywhere now have the chance to pitch their ideas for community projects and to vote for them, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government’s $30 million Pick My Project fund.

Minister for Suburban Development Lily D’Ambrosio joined Member for Mordialloc Tim Richardson to mark the opening of the fund at Mentone Preschool, where the Labor Government recently funded the extension of an undercover deck.

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.

A series of community workshops will now take place across the state to provide more information about the initiative and support interested applicants.

Applications will remain open until Sunday, 24 June 2018, with winning projects to be announced in September 2018.

To view the guidelines, find out more about the workshops and register your interest, visit pickmyproject.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Suburban Development Lily D’Ambrosio

“Local communities can now imagine, submit and vote for the projects they want - and we’ll help make them happen.”

“This idea will energise our state and help locals get the projects they want for their communities.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Mordialloc Tim Richardson

“There are many big ideas out there and Pick My Project will help bring them to life.”

“Whether you’re a sporting club or a kindergarten, this fund is a chance to improve the community you live in.”