The Greater Shepparton City Council has received funding for a grant from the state government’s Building Safer Communities Program, and is asking residents to decide how the money is spent.
The Empowering Communities Grant project aims to support community-designed and delivered initiatives that take an innovative approach to address local issues around community safety, connection, access and support.
While there is no specific project, according to the action plan released by the council, examples for support include affordable housing or educational programs.
In contrast, projects related to the theme of connection could consist of mentorship programs or prison programs that create a link to parents or young people incarcerated.
The program consists of four funding streams, which range from $10,000 to $100,000.
Expressions of interest for the grant opened on February 14 and will close on March 14, after which the applicants will be able to pitch their idea to a panel.
As well as funding, successful applicants will be able to receive support from the council or partnering organisations to support them in the running of their project.
Information sessions will be held at:
• Mooroopna Library on Wednesday, February 15 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm
• La Trobe Shepparton Campus on Saturday, February 18 from 10.30am to noon
• Tatura Library on Saturday, February 25 from 10.30am to 11.30am.
For more information and or assistance, contact the Empowering Communities project co-ordinator at empoweringcommunities@shepparton.vic.gov.au or by phone on 5832 9700