30 Apr 2018 Riverine Herald, Echuca VIC (General News) COMMUNITIES in northern Victoria will be given the chance to nominate and decide on their own funding under a new community building fund. In a Victorian-first, all residents 16 and over can submit their idea for consideration. 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 group 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. Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said the program would be backed by $30 million and be spread across the state, giving every community the chance to benefit. 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, which starts in May and winning projects will be announced in September 2018. Ms Symes encouraged people to contact her via email at jaclyn.symes@parliament.vic.gov.au with their suggestions. Register as pickmyproject.vic.gov.auLicensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence.