Great local ideas secure funding through pick my project

Three local projects have secured vital funding through Pick My Project – the Andrews Labor Government’s ground-breaking program that gives locals the power to choose the projects their community needs.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas, today announced the three successful local projects that will share in $463,500 of grants, through the $30 million, Victorian-first initiative.

The local projects to receive funding are:

Romsey Ecotherapy Park – A Climbing Forest to engage older children, youths and adults and increase visitation to Romsey Trentham – Community art installation to celebrate renowned steel, stone and wood sculptor Matthew Harding’s life and work and to raise awareness of the high rate of suicide among men in regional areas Woodend Kinder – Playground upgrade and nature-based inclusive outdoor learning space for children, carers and community Through the $30 million Pick My Project initiative, Victorian residents aged 16 and over were given the opportunity to submit their idea for a project or program that made their community a better place to live.

People were then given the chance to vote for their favourite project. More than 95,000 Victorians cast votes, with successful projects receiving grants of between $20,000 and $200,000.

More than 230 projects across Melbourne and regional Victoria received funding through Pick My Project, with funding divided equally between Melbourne and regional Victoria based on the population of each of the six metropolitan and nine regional partnership areas.

To ensure a range of small and large communities had the opportunity to be part of Pick My Project, no more than 50 per cent of a partnership areas funding was awarded to one local government area.

A full list of successful projects is available at pickmyproject.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas
"It’s fantastic to see these three local projects win support from our community through Pick My Project."

"The Climbing Forest is a major part of stage two of the Romsey Ecotherapy Park development, so it’s great to see this wonderful project get the nod from our community."

"Matthew Harding was a well-loved and renowned sculptor and this art installation is a great way to ensure his legacy is recognised, while raising awareness of the high rate of suicide among men in regional areas."

"Congratulations to the Woodend Kinder Committee and to all the parents and friends who worked so hard to win support for this project."

"These projects will make a real difference in the community thanks to this ground-breaking initiative."