VOTING for a state government Pick My Project community grant initiative is now open with 36 projects in the Frankston area eligible for funding.
At least $1 million in funding will be made available for projects in the Cardinia, Casey, Greater Dandenong, Kingston, and Mornington Peninsula regions. Any individual project is eligible to receive up to $200,000 in funding.
One of those is a bid by Wallara Australia to build a new playground and visitor facilities at Sages Cottage farm in Baxter.
“Sages Cottage farm has been a special place on the peninsula for many years. Our vision is to carry on that legacy and open it up to everyone to create a truly unique and inclusive property for people of all abilities to enjoy. I encourage all members of the community to vote for our Pick my Project bid to help us realise our vision to build Australia’s most inclusive farm and set a new benchmark for inclusive attractions on the Mornington Peninsula,” said Wallara CEO Phil Hayes-Brown.
Another campaign for funding is being made by the team behind the Women’s Spirit Project. The project is aiming to recruit 25 local women who will participate in 25 days of workshops over four months. It will end in a 70-kilometre trek of the Mornington Peninsula.
“What I have learned, time and time again is that holistic programs that work with the mind, body and soul awaken the full dimension of who we are,” Women’s Spirit Project founder Jodie Belyea said.
“In those moments of achievement and struggle, adventures reveal what we are made of; what we are capable of, supporting us to grow in confidence and resilience. Frankston has some of the worst statistics in the country for measuring disadvantage and I know that this project can help change that.”
Applications were made for funding through the program from May 2018. A total of $30 million will be available to fund projects across the state.
Voting to select which projects should receive funding will be open to the public until 17 September.
Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor Cr Bryan Payne said he “encourages community members to get behind these wonderful local initiatives taking place throughout the peninsula”.
There are 56 projects eligible for funding in the Mornington Peninsula region.
Votes can be cast online at pickmyproject.vic.gov.au online.
The final winners will be announced in late September.