Grants are now open for councils and community groups in regional areas such as Benalla to improve public spaces and streetscapes.
The Living Local Fund is a Victorian Government initiative offering grants of up to $200,000.
State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes recently announced applications were open for the $20 million program.
“It’s great for our regional towns to have even more of a chance to support their local communities to build stronger connections for the future,” Ms Symes said.
“The Living Local Fund is a great initiative to provide the infrastructure and equipment that our communities need, while supporting local jobs and the economy.”
The fund is supporting a wide range of potential projects from upgraded halls to art installations and community gardens.
The Living Local Fund is part of the government’s Our Regions and our Suburbs: Living Local initiative and is designed to ensure local towns will have the infrastructure and equipment they need to continue to thrive.
Local councils and community organisations can apply for two types of grants:
- Grants from $20,000 to $200,000 will be available for infrastructure projects including new playgrounds and community gardens, splash pads, art installations and community hall upgrades; and
- Grants from $2000 to $20,000 will be available for local councils and community organisations to undertake minor refurbishments and buy new equipment such as kitchen appliances, laptops and audio-visual equipment.
The fund is designed to support a wide range of locally led projects and equipment purchases for community organisations to improve livability.
Projects in areas most impacted by the pandemic and projects that align with the government’s ‘20-minute neighbourhood’ principles will be given priority.
The 20-minute neighbourhood principle aims to create local hubs where people can access services such as health facilities, parks and shops within a 20-minute walk from home.
The Living Local Fund grant applications will close on Sunday, August 14.
For more information visit djpr.vic.gov.au/living-local