THE Wimmera's Deadly Ute Project has been nominated for a national award.
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The project is a collaboration between Wimmera HUB, Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-operative and the University of Ballarat.
Project co-ordinator Robbie Millar said the aim was for students to customise a ute and decorate it with traditional Koori artwork.
"We have 18 school-aged Koori youths attending one day a week for an adult education session through the university," he said.
"We are still awaiting confirmation from the car manufacturer donating the ute, but the project has run since May 3 and has been nominated for a Deadly Award for outstanding achievement in education.
"The Deadlys are an annual celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander achievement in music, sport, entertainment and community.
"Winners are nominated and voted for by the public, with the awards presented at a lavish ceremony at the Sydney Opera House."
Mr Millar said the awards were judged by popular vote and a panel of judges. He encouraged people to visit http://www.vibe.com.au/votingform.php to cast their vote.
He said the completed ute would be on display in Federation Square, Melbourne, next year as part of annual Long Walk festivities before the Melbourne Cricket Ground Dreamtime Game.
"We were meant to have a meeting with the Long Walk and Essendon Football Club project manager Kim Kruger on August 8, but it had to be postponed," he said.
"Funding-wise, there are still a couple of things we need and we would love Wimmera businesses to be involved.
"We need an airbag suspension kit valued at between $1500 and $2000, as well as a sound system."
Mr Millar said people could call him at Wimmera HUB on 5381 6705 for more information.
