The government has called on communities to vote for projects they believe are most deserving for the Pick My Project funding. Individual projects could receive between $20,000 and $200,000.

The government has shortlisted 91 projects in the Wimmera and southern Mallee and the 120 projects in the Central Highlands. 

From these projects, over 20 are from the Ararat and surrounding areas.

The projects have included building and equipment upgrades for community groups, improvements to sporting infrastructure and recreation opportunities and chances to boost tourism.

Wimmera Southern Mallee LLEN executive officer Tim Shaw said there was a massive need in rural and regional communities for individuals to push their communities forward. He said the number of projects shortlisted showed that people cared about their region’s future.

Mr Shaw said the initiative was a chance to attract funding for primary projects that needed to be completed. He said it was essential that everyone registered their vote.

“There is no point attracting money for projects that are not for the broader community,” he said.

Mr Shaw said the voting process was straightforward. 

“People go to the website and register – either through a Facebook account or an email address,” he said.

 “From there it will bring up a list of projects that people are allowed to vote on based on their residential address. 

“The website has a extensive list and people can read through all the information about each project. People can then select their three favorite projects.”  

Among the shortlisted is the community music for the future project. 

Ararat City Band treasurer Amy Stevens said the group wanted new instruments for its development program and to help musicians perform to their best abilities. 

“At the moment we have musicians who’s musical ability is ahead of what the instrument can allow them to do,” she said. “This money can provide better performances and opportunities for all our musicians.” 

Ms Stevens said the group’s fundraising efforts could not cover the cost of instruments. 

“When you are looking at $11,500 for a new trombone – that’s more than what we can raise from our local community quickly,” she said. “Instruments are expensive and this is a chance to get new instruments all at once, which goes far beyond our fundraising abilities.”

Flood lights at the Ararat Bowling Club is also among the shortlisted projects. 

Ararat Bowling Club’s senior vice president Mick Dowd said installing flood lights would allow the club to offer night bowling. He said the project had been discussed for almost a decade. 

“We have talked about proper floodlights for about a decade, but it has always been pushed back because of other priorities like installing new carpet green,” he said. “The new carpet green cost $250,000 and that was funded by ourselves. So that doesn’t leave any other resources for the things we want to do.”

Mr Dowd said Ararat had no bowling clubs with the capacity to play night bowls. He said the money would give them the opportunity to host events such as social bowls and competitive events. 

Mr Dowd said the community needed to vote and support the projects that were shortlisted. 

“We really need local support because Ararat is in the same area as Ballarat – we are up against the big fish and swimming up stream right from the get go,” he said. 

A Great Western wine and heritage cycle trail has also been shortlisted.   

A Great Western Future Committee spokesman said said the project planned to take people along a path that highlighted the historic wine village. He said the trail would connect cellar doors and points of historic interest to shops. The spokesman said the project would help Great Western become a destination village. 

“There will also be an app, which would be integrated with signs and provide more information about the points of interest. It will also alert visitors to special events and allow businesses to communicate with tourists,” he said. 

A camp for rural and regional LGBTQI residents at Roses Gap was shortlisted. 

Wimmera Pride Project’s Maddi Ostapiw said the project could provide young people with a chance to show their true identities. Maddi said young residents were involved in developing the idea.

“They know what they want out of this experience. They suggested workshops that will empower them to be youth leaders and advocates and to help them express their identities,” Maddi said. 

Horsham College and Wimmera Southern Mallee LLEN teamed up to create a concept that could provide a solution for many groups and individuals who seek a dedicated space for community activities.

The project plans to use a disused building at Horsham College for a hub of community activity.

The government will announce successful projects in September. People can vote via www.pickmyproject.vic.gov.au before September 16. 

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