Pick My Project is a Victorian-first community grants initiative, with over $1 million in funding available in each metro and regional area.
You have the opportunity to vote for the three projects you think will best assist your community.
Voting is open until 5pm on Monday 17 September. To register and vote, visit www.pickmyproject.vic.gov.au
Uniting has six projects in the running for Pick My Project funding.
Rural and regional LGBTI youth camp
According to data from leading mental health organisations, LGBTI people experience some of the worst mental health outcomes of all demographics. The LGBTI community has suggested a state-wide gathering will reduce the burden of isolation experienced by many LGBTI youth.
The aim of this project is to deliver a short camp for young LGBTI people to be held in Roses Gap and open to state-wide applications.
Roughly 20% of young people using Headspace Horsham facilities identify as LGBTI, but there are no local events outside the centre that enable LGBTI youth to connect with their peers.
For more details, click here
Providing a pathway from homelessness in Ballarat
The BreezeWay Meals Program serves 64 meals daily without Government funding to Ballarat’s severely disadvantaged. The program has now outgrown its current facilities.
Alfredton Rotary and Uniting Ballarat will create a commercial kitchen and cafe space, relocating the program to a larger, more accessible space.
The new space will provide meals, hospitality skills and training to the community’s most disadvantaged people.
It will also create a secure space for rough-sleepers, with shower and laundry facilities included.
For more details, click here
Grovedale Community Safety, Health and Emergency Relief Project
This project will maintain the health of the Grovedale community by providing all members of the community with access to emergency support when required.
A project worker will be employed in the Grovedale community to ensure people who have emergency needs for food, clothing, household goods and housing receive the support they need.
The project worker will assist people on low incomes to prevent utilities being disconnected and provide no interest loans for medical and dental procedures and equipment.
For more details, click here
Winchelsea and District Community Safety, Health and Emergency Relief Project
This project will maintain the health of the Winchelsea and District community by providing all members of the community with access to emergency support when required.
A project worker will be employed in the Winchelsea and District community to ensure people who have emergency needs for food, clothing, household goods and housing receive the support they need.
The project worker will assist people on low incomes to prevent utilities being disconnected and provide no interest loans for medical and dental procedures and equipment.
For more details, click here
Barwon family budgeting and bill management Project
This project will assist Barwon families to prepare household budgets and meet financial commitments to manage their bills.
Families will be shown how to save smaller sums so that larger than expected bills can be paid.
Families already facing issues with paying bills will be shown how to reduce or manage the debt they have, how to access utility provider hardship grants, and how to negotiate payment plans to repay outstanding amounts.
Problems with larger bills can lead to families experiencing a lack of food and even homelessness as funds that would be used for buying food and paying rent are used to stop legal action or the disconnection of services.
For more details, click here
Barwon Education Expenses Project
This project will address disadvantage in the Barwon region by helping low income families with essential public education costs. Support will be given to primary and secondary students who are at serious risk of non-attendance and disengagement with schooling, family, and community.
Low income families are often forced to choose between providing accommodation and food, or education costs. This project will help cover expenses such as uniforms and text books, or e-book fees to help these students obtain the same quality of education as other students.
For more details, click here
