There was $30 million available to help projects and community groups in the Wimmera and Mallee on their feet. 

Community members must register a vote, the projects which receive the highest number of votes will receive grant money. 

Voting closes on September 16.   

Mount Arapiles - Upper Central Gully Walking Track Repair Project

A joint initiative of Friends of Arapiles, the Victorian Climbing Club/CliffCare and Parks Victoria.

Central Gully is a popular walking track at Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park.

This much loved park is renowned as one of Australia’s best rock climbing areas with over 80,000 visitor days a year.

Building on the success of an earlier project, “Pharos Gully walking track,” this project aims to repair Upper Central Gully Walking Track.

We are seeking funding to pay for a skilled stonemason to craft hundreds of stone pitched steps to create a lasting beautiful walking path for everyone. 

Murtoa essential visitor accommodation to boost tourism & local economy

This project was driven by the need for additional short-term visitor accommodation in Murtoa.

It will provide accommodation accessible to everyone with views of Lake Marma in central Murtoa that will encourage visitors to the town.

This project will support the local economy through encouraging visitors to visit and stay in the area and promote tourism to this beautiful lake town and enjoy everything Murtoa has to offer including excellent recreation facilities, accessible recreational lake, the national heritage listed Stick Shed, Murtoa Museum precinct, café, great meals at the pub, handy items from the supermarket, hardware store and gift shop.

"SHOW Off" Djilga Gatim Gatim Boomerang Competition

"SHOW Off" Wotjobaluk Boomerang Competition would be open to males of all abilities and cultures.

Peoples from far and wide would be invited to learn this age old skill, Boomerang throwing.

This Indigenous cultural activity would enhance and grow community connectedness within the rural village of Natimuk and across the Wotjobaluk Country.

Natimuk meaning Little Creek’s is nestled at the base of Mt Arapiles 25km west of Horsham.

Mt Arapiles is renowned worldwide as a prime Rock Climbing destination.

Natimuk has a strong Arts Community, Agriculture is predominantly cropping and sheep.

This first time Natimuk Show Competition date is 23/3/2019.

Dimboola Recreation Reserve - Community Multi Use Facility

This project will see the construction of a multi-use hard stand within the Dimboola Recreation Reserve that will be utilised by various organisations for numerous events and activities including;

As a warm up area by Dimboola and visiting netball teams prior to matches commencing.

At present both teams are forced to warm up on the Recreation Reserve through road.

As the main pit stop area during Human Powered Vehicle races, exhibitions and practice.

These HPV events use the road as the race track.

By the Dimboola A&P Society for static displays and exhibitions as part of the annual Agricultural Show. 

Wimmera Parents Support Network (Supporting Parents of children with disabilities)

Parents of children with disabilities (diagnosed or undiagnosed) meet regularly throughout the Wimmera to support each other.

Funding would enable these parents to meet in a relaxed atmosphere over lunch or coffee at local cafes, provide the parents with relevant guest speakers about how to best meet their children's needs and/or better care for themselves, funding for some parent respite days, including outings, such as the to the movies, family fun days and even respite events for siblings, such as Ten Pin Bowling and weekend respite camps for parents, siblings or families.

Therefore improving parents and families mental health.

Edenhope Community Gym

We would like to erect a large shed complex, adjacent to our local football/netball/cricket/tennis facility, to be developed into a community gym.

Our small rural community does not have a community gym for public access.

The closest gyms to our town are 55 km and 95 km away.

It would need to have 24 hour key code access, with pre-exercise assessments of participants to determine their eligibility.

We would hope it is a space for group physical activity programs such as yoga, kinder moves, aerobics, circuits, pilates, as well as individual use.  

Goroke Silo Art

Goroke has been identified as part of the stage two plan by Wimmera Mallee Tourism for the Silo Art Trail.

The trail is already an outstanding success in Yarriambiack Shire, and extending it southward will allow Goroke to be part of Australia's largest outdoor gallery.

Goroke is surrounded by a districts of lakes and wetlands, a pleasant contrast to the drier districts already included in the Silo Trail.

Putting Silo Art in Goroke will provide a southern gateway to the Trail and add much variety to the landscape of the already renowned gallery.

Kaniva Hockey Field Facility Upgrades

The club would like to get the electricity connected to the northern end of the Kaniva Recreation Reserve and install lights to enable training and evening/night matches.

The electricity will also be connected to the shed used for the animal nursery for the local agricultural and pastoral show society.

The club would also like to install fencing around the entire field for safety purposes for the spectators.

Fixing the Basketball Court & Scoreboard at the Ararat Fitness

We will replace the existing flooring on Court 1 at the much loved and used Ararat Fitness Centre.

This will include new sub-structure, flooring, sanding, varnish and polishing.

The project will also repair the existing grandstand and replace the scoreboard on court 1 which is no longer working properly.

A Bushwalk at Patchewollock September 29th, 2019

The weekend will begin with Friday night at the hotel, where walkers are registered, transport is organised and there will be a showing of the film ‘Pride'.

Saturday morning will involve walkers assembling and being transported in buses with a 'Priscilla Queen of the Desert’ theme.

The walk will have a variety of lengths and finish at Pine Plains Lodge where walkers will be able to savour various local bush tucker recipes.

People can then return to see the football on the big screen and an unveiling of the adjacent shop, which has been painted rainbow colours. 

Modular Bike & Scooter Pumptrack

A Modular Pumptrack in Poulton Park will create a fun space attracting people of all ages to enjoy open spaces.

Children and adults can enjoy being outdoors, increase their physical activity levels, enjoy bike riding, scooting, rollerblading and skating on this amazing track.

The track will provide additional challenge to riders and encourage further development of motor skills in children.

Such facilities will provide opportunity for people of all ages to enjoy themselves allowing improvements to our local sense of community, socialisation and well-being. 

Stawell Town Hall Light and Sound

Equipment at the Stawell Entertainment Centre (Town Hall) is ageing and in need of upgrading.

The project will purchase and install additional lighting bars, lights, movable spotlights, rear backdrop projection equipment, motorise the front curtain and reduce outside light impact with additional curtaining.

Expert industry support will be engaged to provide a review of the light and sound systems to ensure current and new equipment is best used and provides a quality experience for performers, audience and support crew.

Elderly and Disabled Access, Solar Power and equipment upgrades – Natimuk

All events hosted at the club are open to the public and a large number of attendees are elderly, providing golf carts will help elderly and disabled members participate at competitions.

Many elderly members are struggling to walk the course and carts will enable them to compete for years to come.

Upgrade from a diesel generator to Solar Power.

Upgrade clay throwers to replace old and dangerous equipment.

The new equipment will also help run larger competitions such as our CFA (Royal Alfred Burns Unit charity) shoot and two-day shoot that attract shooters to stay in the region.

Floodlights for night bowling – Ararat

Installation of four poles and appropriate floodlights will allow for night time bowling on our newly installed synthetic green (which was self funded).

Access to the facilities is open to the general public, including members of other bowling clubs.

It is anticipated that night time use of the facility will include formal competitions, informal competitions (such as barefoot bowls, Forty/40 bowls), general practice for all bowlers and an opportunity for members of the public to come and try bowls as an activity.

A formal quote from a local contractor, experienced in sports ground lighting, has been obtained for the project 

Community Internet Cafe – Tempy

Create local community space with open access for those furthering education and accessing internet based services.

It would be a hub supporting social connectivity - addressing mental health (due to isolation) and physical health.

Small groups (20) and individuals can use the technologies and facilities including: Justice of the Peace, volunteer Ambulance, CFA, Sporting Clubs, Local Lions Club, Aged Resident Activity & Craft Groups etc.

They could access photocopying, scanning, printers, wifi, 3D printers, video conferencing and may be able to connect ICT technical support in a heavy 'communications black spot' part of the state.

Endangered Species of the Mallee

This project is the continuum of Woomelang's dedication to educating and creating awareness of the endangered species within the Victorian Mallee region.

This project will be an extension to the recently painted carpet python on the shop wall.

An artist will be engaged to assist the community to bring the endangered Victorian animals to life through the murals on panels that will be featured and displayed in the newly developed community space, Combine Corner.

The painting subjects will be selected by the community with the assistance of the artist and consultations with the Mallee Catchment Management Authority.

Davis Park Grandstand Refurbishment

The Davis Park grand stand is an iconic piece of historic infrastructure at the community sports ground.

Utilised for cricket, hockey, football, netball and unstructured sports, Davis Park is the epicentre of sport and recreation in Nhill.

The grand stand was built in 1926 and sits 250 people and has a great view of the best looking oval in Victoria (only second to the MCG).

The grand stand is in dire need of repair and the sporting club needs this grant to help secure its future. 

Warracknabeal - Skate, Scoot, Ride

A modular pump track would provide hours of enjoyment for many members of our community.

Suitable for all wheeled sports, all ages and all abilities.

The track would complement existing infrastructure at our local sporting ground while catering to a diverse range of needs.

Younger children have been asking for an alternative to the skate park which is frequently at capacity.

The modular track meets these needs while also providing a new challenge for older more experienced participants.

The track would likely be located near the existing playground creating a play space suitable for a more diverse age group.

Halls Gap Sporting Community Access Project

This project involves the transformation of the former Halls Gap tennis courts into a multipurpose basketball, netball and tennis space.

This would include installing 2 new basketball rings and netball rings, restoring the existing tennis court and providing line markings for tennis, basketball and netball.

Community Hub Building - Artificial Turf Project & Carpark

The Kaniva-Leeor United Football club use this amazing building as their Clubrooms, but its also used widely by the community.

We have had many meetings, seminars, funerals, birthdays etc. booked in already.

We are over the moon to have a Wedding booked in early next year.

As you can see in the photo, the greenery out the front is green carpet we are borrowing.

We would love to be able to lay turf down to compete the look of our new building.

A new car park would also be beneficial as the current one is mud. 

Bringing the Silo Art Trail to Albacutya Silo

Building on the brand and international recognition of the Silo Art Trail in Yarriambiack Shire, Albacutya Silo stands to be the first new addition heralding in a new style and the extension of the trail into Hindmarsh Shire.

Albacutya Silo, 10 km north of Rainbow, is ideally located establishing a strategic link between the existing Silo Art Trail and the Western Highway via Rainbow, Jeparit, Dimboola and Nhill.

The art installation will drive significant increases in the visitor economy in Rainbow and neighbouring townships.

This will secure the Wimmera Mallee region and Victoria as the "Home of Silo Art" in Australia. 

Brim's On The Green

Brim’s On the Green project will see the installation of a synthetic bowling green at the Brim Memorial Bowling Club.

The new synthetic green will replace the sole grass green located in Brim.

The synthetic green will be accessible all year round and provide a low maintenance facility for members and visitors.

The project is anticipated to rejuvenate the club by attracting new members and provide an opportunity to hold additional events and open the clubs facilities to visitors to the town.

Signage will also be installed encouraging use by visitors and creating fun activities for all age groups.

Bowling club banks upgrade and landscaping – Horsham

Our bowling green banks and surrounds are 48 years old and are in need of renewal to ensure a safe playing environment.

Works required are excavating, compacting, and levelling around the two greens at the bottom of the attached photo.

The top of the bank will be finished off with synthetic grass to ensure longevity and low maintenance suitable for an ageing member base. 

Chainsaw Artwork Trail – Rupanyup

This project will depict animals native to the Wimmera.

The brush is a chainsaw and the canvas is fallen red gum limbs.

The placement of the six sculptures is along the 1 km path down the centre of the main street.

The location encourages walking through the town continuing out to the wetlands area of "Jack's Track" or finishing at the silos.

This project is for community, both residents and visitors, to enjoy walking through the town and the red gum carved art installations. 

"Bringing Back The Community HeartBeat"

Dadswells Bridge Community suffered a great setback in the 2011 floods when their hall was severely damaged.

Since then it received a major restoration and was raised in case of future floods.

Sadly it requires some necessary upgrades to ensure safe and enjoyable use.

Our community would like to see if funding was successful, an established Native Garden to enhance the grounds aesthetically as it is bare and ugly.

This would involve our local land care group North Grampians, and volunteers.

No efficient heating or cooling has prevented many activities to occur, which is a cause for concern.

Stage Two, Kaniva Cultural Tourism Precinct, Farm & Native Animals

We want to promote and provide a visual link for the new Tourism and Cultural Precinct, which includes Nature Play Space, Visitor Stop, Fauna and Wetlands Park.

This will build on the successful Sheep Art project by positioning a variety of Australian native animals, along with farm animals on the vacant wide grassy median strip, along with extra sheep for the main street.

This will enable visitors to follow the animal trail leading to two key destinations.

This will provide an interactive and tactile experience for people travelling the Western Highway, whilst educating and promoting the region's agricultural industry. 

Restoration/Upgrade of Facilities at Horsham Table Tennis Centre

Restore/refurbish the building to a minimum safe standard for table tennis and other community activities.

The project will include wall and floor repairs, upgrade indoor lighting to the minimum standard for table tennis and outdoor security lighting.

Investigate and repair building storm water and sewer drainage issues.

The key activities will be table tennis, dance school and other community activities such as community meeting rooms and function centre.

Table tennis users including abled and disabled players, elderly players and schools will have access to a safe facility.

The dance school will cater for junior and senior dancers of all ages.

Showground Arena surface and irrigation upgrade

The Nhill Showground upgrade will include an arena resurfaced with new turf irrigated by a groundwater bore servicing the fully installed irrigation system.

The community will have access to safer infrastructure for equestrian activities and provide an area where social interactions and recreational activities can take place, in turn benefiting the local community's mental health.

Our annual show will be able to encourage more participants in events taking place on the arena, confident that the risk of injury to riders or horses has been reduced.

Warracknabeal Courthouse transformation

The Warracknabeal Courthouse is a beautiful building that is sadly currently unused and neglected.

My idea is to refurbish the building to transform it into a community arts space that can be used for exhibitions, creative work and small performances.

There are many working artists and art lovers in the region and limited opportunities and infrastructure.

This project will make the Courthouse an inspiring, practical and accessible space and most importantly open it up to the community.

Working Heritage, who manage the building, has already committed the required additional funding to the project.  

Paint the Hall – Beulah

As a public Memorial Hall everyone has access to use this large building for various functions including weddings, balls/cabarets, concerts, refreshments after funerals, public meetings, CWA meetings and activities bingo nights, luncheons

Nhill Big Green Re Use Shed

It is my project to construct a Big Green Shed at the Nhill Waste Collection Centre to collect usable items of furniture, household essentials and non-electrical household goods, which were destined for the Landfill.

This will enable residents who are less fortunate than others to furnish their homes without the normal costs involved in buying household items.

Any donations collected (this would be voluntary) would go to re-greening the filled tip area with trees.

The Water Tanks on the shed would help water these trees.

This project helps the environment, our residents and our community.

A permanent digital projection trail illuminating significant buildings in Horsham

Beautiful and inspirational pictures and images capture the imagination, the sense and the feeling of our landscape, of our people and of our children.

The digital projection project in the Horsham CBD will increase the level of tourism on the Silo Trail by transforming our city into an evening tourist destination.

For the people of our community it will provide a platform to share stories, celebrate events and remember, allowing multiple voices to be heard, to be projected into the sky, casting shadows that we can enjoy whilst we celebrate the diversity of our city.

Girl Guides Horsham Camp Trailer

A new camp trailer will enable us to access a larger variety of campsites; increasing the affordability and range of outdoor experiences we offer our Girl Guides.

Based on the Girl Guides Maryborough camp trailer, the new trailer can fit more items, which will result in less vehicles being used to transport equipment for camps.

With a new camp trailer, an existing shed will need to be replaced with a larger shed, so that we can securely store the trailer and our camping gear.

The camp trailer will be made available to all the Girl Guides throughout our region.

Community significant indigenous plants Garden – Horsham

This project aims to establish a repository of plants to educate the community about the importance of medicinal and bush food plants of the Wimmera.

This project aims to bring Koorie elders to educate our Koorie students who will then educate the rest of our community.

Over the next two years our Science and Humanities classes will work to undertake class activities that focus on identification and propagation of these plants.

Information boards for the community will be produced to show our community how to propagate these plants and their traditional uses.

Open Community Arts & Reflection Space

The Dimboola Hotel was decimated by fire in October 2003.

A long standing legal issue to resolve what should happen to the remaining facade deepened the grief of the community.

It was demolished, "they" had won and now there's nothing left (refer to inset picture).

The aim of this project is to connect locals to the fabric of our community outside of their own four walls, all the while fostering a very vibrant tourist community.

This creates a sustainable space where locals can be proud of, tourist can admire and creative people can display their talents. 

A playground for different ages and abilities

Why is it that as we age we think we are no longer allowed to play? 

Imagine how exciting it would be if Horsham had a playground that catered for all ages and abilities.

A place where instead of sitting and watching your children or grandchildren play, you could join them in the fun.

A place that is accessible and inclusive of everyone, where no one sits on the sidelines and watches.

A place where everyone is inspired to participate and where, even for a little while, some aren't defined by their abilities.... Oh imagine such a magical place.

Natimuk Community Pavilion repairs and refurbishment

Nothing has been upgraded in the pavilion since it was built in early 80's.

As a not-for-profit organisation any money raised goes into repairs or small upgrades.

We're in desperate need of a new roof in and out as every time it rains it leaks.

Vermin are also finding an easy access through the straw roof and both are causing damage.

New carpet is also needed as water damage is causing it to rot and general wear and tear are making trip hazards.

The kitchen needs to be redesigned to make it more functional and up to code regulations.

Serviceton & Kaniva Silo Art

Kaniva and Serviceton have been identified as part of the stage two plan, for Wimmera Mallee Tourism Silo Art Trail.

This extension will allow us to build on the brand and international reputation of Australia's largest outdoor gallery 'The Silo Art Trail'.

Kaniva and Serviceton give an easily accessible option to travellers between Melbourne and Adelaide by providing a starting or finishing point to anyone visiting the Silo Art Trail.

This will enhance the visitor experience for people travelling the Western Highway, whilst celebrating the agricultural region's culture and history. 

Community Music for the Future

The Ararat City Band is actively working to provide musical education and entertainment to the community in Ararat and the wider region.

In our Development Program we currently have 37 students learning, ranging in ages from 6 years old to adult and musical ability from beginners to advanced.

However we require more instruments to expand our program and continue generating the success of our students now and into the future.

Being in a low socio-economic area many students are unable to purchase their own instruments and the band does what it can to provide them; and this project will assist greatly.

Aradale Asylum historic archive

This will be a collected archive and database of records, reports, documents and media coverage pertaining to the history of the Ararat Lunatic Asylum its heritage, patients and staff.

This will include both accessible documents, the location of records as well as artefacts, media and images.

These will be accessible to the public for researchers and the descendants of patients and staff.

The website will have relevant links, digital resources and location details.

This will be hosted by the Collaborative Research Centre in Australian History at Federation University. 

Edenhope & District Community Transport Program

This project will deliver transport services to our local community.

Edenhope Hospital will purchase vehicles and coordinate a group of volunteers be the drivers.

One vehicle will be wheelchair accessible.

Residents will be able to request a ride so they can attend medical appointments, Planned Activity Group, community activities and social events.

Vehicles will also be used to take residents on excursions.

Residents using the service will contribute to the running costs if able, community fundraising activities will be undertaken to supplement income.

Edenhope Hospital will take responsibility for maintaining vehicles.

A co-ordinator will be employed to establish the project. 

Great Western Wine and Heritage Cycle Trail

Visitors to, and residents of, our community will be able to take in and learn more about our historic wine village at a leisurely and healthy pace via cycle paths.

The project is being developed by an organisation who have successfully implemented similar projects worldwide.

The path will connect major winery cellar doors, local points of historical interest and link local cafes, bars, shops and restaurants.

Our mobile app will integrate with signage, providing more detailed information on points of interest, alert visitors to special events and allow businesses to communicate with tourists.

Ararat West Primary School Shaded Area

All students (approximately 230) and staff would have access to the shaded area which would be utilised during recess and lunch breaks as well as during class time and learning activities.

After school care and holiday programs are also held on the school grounds so students involved in these programs would also benefit.

In addition, the school grounds are also used after school hours by children in the local community.

It is extremely important to provide protection from the sun for the school and local community at Ararat West Primary School.

Watchem walking and lighting

Watchem has a couple of walking tracks that connect areas within and adjacent to our township.

We have one that extends south from town centre to edge of town.

Another goes west to connect town and Watchem Lake.

Plan extending the south end track to Blair Street for annual Fun Run to continue without using the highway and to install lighting where needed on all tracks, around the lake and to enhance the new community owned church.

Along with this is a plan to include indigenous awareness along track to the lake.

Will include some fitness equipment in some areas.

Upgrade of the Warrak Recreational Reserve

Warrak is a small community of farmers, small business and families, many of whom have lived here for generations.

The Reserve is owned by DEWLP and managed by a committee of local community members.

We would like to install infrastructure and equipment to enable and encourage all ages in the community, family, friends, travellers and the broader community to enjoy using the Reserve in a safe and user friendly manner.

Infrastructure will include a children's playground, new toilet block, power upgrade, external fencing, water tanks, day yards for horse travellers and repair of the tennis court.  

Scouts and Croquet- access for all and bathroom upgrade – Horsham

Scouts (young people aged between 5-18 years old) and Croquet Club members (between 60-90 years old) will be using the new facilities.

Having these new toilets, and disability access, will ensure the Hall and Croquet Clubrooms are accessible to people of all abilities.

This means people that would have had to give up their sport if mobility was an issue, can continue to be healthy and active.

All levels of Scouts will benefit from new toilets and a shower, as the current toilet areas are old and out-dated, giving the Scouts and Croquet members clean and safe restrooms.

Disabled Access and Toilets for Sid Baudinette Pavillion Coleraine

Our Pavillion is located on a steep hill, therefore access is granted via three entry points, all of which are stairs.

In an ageing population, members & supporters are unable to access the pavillion without assistance.

The men and women toilets all also only accessed by able bodied persons, making it unattractive to ageing and disabled visitors.

Mothers with prams are also disadvantaged.

The pavilion is 39 years old, and on it's 40th birthday we would like to modernise the entrances so that it can benefit the entire club & community.

Money for a Dunny – Dunrobin

Our current facilities are in dire need of an upgrade.

They were built approximately 60 years ago and are requiring constant repairs and upkeep.

They are home to birds, possums and spiders!!

The building and plumbing require extensive repairs and access for the disabled is limited.

Upgrading our facilities benefits all that hire the hall and hopefully increases the overall use of the hall, which is the hub of our small community.

The general public benefits as a whole as the facilities are accessible to the passing traffic on the main road and would create accommodation options for local festivities. 

Reblocking Rupanyup Memorial Hall

Re-blocking along back of hall near the toilet area and about two-thirds of the Supper Room which includes a kitchen.

After re-blocking, the toilets and kitchen will need to be re plumbed, and some walls re-plastered and painted.

"The Hive" - Horsham Community Engagement Shed

The project will refurbish a derelict unused school building and turn it into a community asset for all members of our community.

Users and uses include: an education space for local schools and local community; community activities and a meeting hub for local groups (service clubs, sports clubs, church groups, mentor community of practice etc.); a safe space where mentors and mentees can meet, do projects and have fun; a community orchard providing fresh seasonal produce for students and the community; a community kitchen for groups and vulnerable families; an arts space for local arts groups and events. 

Riverview Tourist and Community Camp Kitchen

My project would be to build a camp kitchen beside the Wimmera River in Jeparit.

It would have full access to all of the community and tourists as it would be beside the caravan park, tennis courts and close to the boat ramp.

By having this facility groups such as the tennis club, ski club, anglers club and caravan park visitors could maximise the use of this wonderful area.

Bringing the "Duke of Gloucestor" to Stawell

The Duke of Gloucester will be used as both a train memorabilia museum and a tea rooms for the Grampian Model Railroaders.

The club wishes to relocate the carriage on to a new siding track adjacent to its clubrooms at the Stawell Railway Goods Shed.

Once renovated it will be open to the public on club days, special events and for private bookings.

It will generate club funds whilst complementing the larger train memorabilia items such as signals, level crossing lights and model layouts located within the clubrooms.

It will hopefully be the first of other carriages to be relocated.  

Hopetoun's Sizzling Summer Sports

Redevelopment of an unused bowling green into a recreation area accessible all year round.

The blank space will include landscaping, BBQ area, shelter, beach volleyball, table tennis and lighting.

The project will strategically align two sporting clubs and assist in the future viability of these clubs.

The Tennis/Playground lighting will enable tennis/bike/playground use after dark safely.

Lighting will enable tennis to be played at night and escape the heat of the day.

A history board will display the unique uses of the surrounding recreational precinct. 

Lighting up Goroke

Lights at the Goroke Courts will give us the opportunity to run more coaching sessions, netball training and week night social tennis and netball competitions.

Week night competitions will allow us to build on our recent success in increasing participation for all ages and gives our community an alternative to Saturday sport.

Our current active playing members in tennis range from 3-76 years of age.

Everyone in the community will have access to the lights including locals and visitors to Goroke with the courts located centrally in town next to the caravan park. 

Pedal Boats for Horsham

With the growing popularity of our Wimmera River, as it flows through Horsham, the environs are becoming places for all members of our community to participate in a variety of outdoor activities.

Our local Council is committed to offering more ways for residents and visitors to enjoy our local scenery.

The addition of pedal boats will introduce a new, fun activity for families and friends to get out and about...on the water.

The Sundolphin Pedal Boats can seat 5 people, with pedals each side for the front seats and a rudder control for steering. They also have a sunshade canopy. 

Raise the Roof

The Stawell Gymnastics Club Inc. provides classes for both boys and girls including: toddlers, pre-school children, primary school, secondary school, competitive and recreational gymnasts, adults and an inclusive (disability) class.

Currently the gym roof is too low for higher level gymnasts to perform skills required to advance through the National Levels.

Raising the roof would allow gymnasts to progress through National Levels without having to source a training venue out of town.

At present there are leaks in the roof that are causing damage to equipment.

This project would allow these leaks to be repaired. 

Kaniva Recreation Reserve Toilet Block Upgrade

Replace the old toilet block at the Kaniva Recreation reserve with a new modern facility incorporating change rooms (male and female), unisex toilets and unisex disabled accessible cubicle with baby change.

This facility would be used by community members attending various events that are held at the recreation reserve - The local agricultural and pastoral show, the annual Car and Bike show, football and netball matches, hockey matches, as well as community members using the facility as a general area for their own recreation eg: dog walking, running, walking.

The Beulah Grain Story

Beulah is situated in the centre of the nationally renowned Silo Art Trail, in the North west of region of Victoria.

To enhance the trail we would like to develop an interactive information centre to tell the grain story to the thousands of tourists that pass through the region.

*the centre would include story boards and interactive videos of the history of grain growing in the area.

*the project will seek funding to construct two modified steel silos to house this project.

*to update a current building in the caravan park to be more user friendly to increased users.

Horsham Arts Council User Space Upgrade

Our facilities are a continuing work in progress.

We are currently lacking effective heating and cooling for our building.

This not only affects the Horsham Arts Council (HAC) and its membership base, but also groups utilising our space.

It can be very cold in winter and quite hot in summer.

User groups, regular and one off include:

*HAC members

*Local schools

*Schools outside of Horsham

*Scouts

*Richard Morris Memorial concert

*Relay for Life

*Nati Frinj

These groups have used our facilities, shared our skills, we have partnered with them as well as offered volunteered members off site in support.   

Murtoa Town Hall -Stage Curtain Renewal

The Hall needs to replace the deteriorated 60 year-old Front-of-House curtain, stage curtaining, tracking and suspension system with flame retardant material, new tracking and trusses.

The assets must be retired from 9 metres high and replaced.

The Hall hosts community events such as Women’s Yoga, Gentle Exercise, CWA and Senior Citizens.

It is a Local Government Disaster Relief Centre too.

The stage is used by Murtoa College, Minyip-Murtoa Football and Netball Club, Murtoa Lions, Blue Light Disco, the Amateur Drama Club, concerts and shows.

We also accommodate weddings, parties and funerals. A new curtain will give us a great boost. 

Halls Gap Primary School Art Space

This project involves renovating the school’s existing gymnasium (which is really just a big shed) so that it can house an Art/Science space.

The gym would need to have a wall installed, flooring upgraded from concrete, a false ceiling, insulation, heating and air conditioning, electricity and plumbing for it to be a fully functional room.

We want the students of Halls Gap Primary School to have a space that is dedicated to the teaching of STEAM subjects.

The school does not currently have a dedicated art/science space.   

Jaypex Park, Nhill - Power and Safety Improvements

Located adjacent to the very busy Western Highway in Nhill, Jaypex Park is regularly used by Nhill organisations and residents for a range of community events and activities, for family gatherings and by travellers as a resting place.

Nhill Lions Club hold monthly community markets and for the market to grow, and meet stall holder demand the number of power outlets need to be increased.

A new skate park is to be built in Jaypex Park and existing overhead power lines will be relocated underground.

Appropriate fencing will be installed alongside the roadside to increase safety for all users. 

Nine Creeks Walking Track Pedestrian Bridge

This project will construct a purpose built pedestrian bridge to cross a creek on Dimboola's Nine Creeks Walking Tracks.

The Nine Creeks Walking Track project features approximately 5 km of all weather walking tracks and this project will see the construction of a pedestrian bridge to cross one of the creeks that can at times be slippery and dangerous to users.

The new bridge will significantly increase safety to all users irrespective of their ability.

The walking tracks are well utilised by local residents and visitors to Dimboola and provide a unique environmental and heritage experience whilst improving fitness and well being. 

Smart Learning – Stawell

Our Smart Learning Project is aimed at obtaining six interactive, educational smart learning displays to be placed in our senior level classrooms.

Students from grades four, five and six would have access to the interactive and educational smart learning displays.

The Interactive Panels would be used for a range of learning activities including, research, playback of videos, mathematics and other interactive learning.

This will provide the senior students with a technological learning platform as our primary school prepares them for their secondary schooling years.

Coughlin Park Oval Lighting Upgrade – Horsham

The project would involve the removal of the existing five light poles from around the ground and install four new light towers with 100 Lux LED lighting to cover the ground.

This the minimum requirement suitable for competition at local club level for Australian Rules Football.

Cabins in out Bush camp – Yaapeet

At present we have 8 powered sites and community shower and toilets, which are well used by visitors to our town.

It is also used for accommodating visitors to functions at the Community Centre.

It would be more convenient for a number of contractors who come during harvest times to use a cabin type facility.

This will enhance the camping facilities available.

Motor bike groups, and 4-wheel groups would prefer cabin accommodation. 

Netball Court

Natimuk United Football Netball Club (NUFNC) is the heart and soul of our community.

With 70 netballers and one netball court, there is not enough space to train to the best of our ability, which is why we are seeking funding for another netball court.

The new court would have the same surface, and be built next to, the existing court at the Natimuk Showgrounds.

The court will remain open and easily accessible to the community all year round.

Natimuk Centre of Local History

The Natimuk Museum of Local History will be located in Natimuk as part of the arts and market precinct.

Natimuk is a flourishing town fostering a distinctive balance between traditional farming enterprises, a vibrant arts community, and a dedicated Australian and international climbing fraternity.

The centre will house a significant collection of vintage machinery, paraphernalia and household items.

Wide in its scope and historical importance, it is essential that this valuable resource be housed in Natimuk and be readily accessible.

The site will present a fascinating tale of our past through the display of contraptions and trappings of our forebears. 

Outdoor Market and Live Music Events

Chalambar Golf Club held its first Outdoor Market and Live Music Event in March 2018.

It was a resounding success with over 700 people from the local community and beyond attending.

The 27 stall holders at the Market were a mix of local manufacturers, charity organisations, micro businesses (first time in public) and private operators.

The stall holders reported ongoing business activity as a result of the exposure.

This project is seeking funds to improve and increase the infrastructure to enable the Markets and Live Music Events to be sustainable and to grow.  

Apsley Community Hall kitchen upgrade

The hall is used in many capacities, including monthly markets, weekly Senior Citizens, fortnightly Sewing Group, RSL (Anzac Day Service), Primary School, Racing Club ball, Karate, Funerals and private hire - all which attract people to meet in our town.

It is the only facility with the capacity to hold more than 100 people in a sit down function and host performances.

The current kitchen facilities are below standard and do not allow the community to use the kitchen for catering purposes.

The upgrade would include installation of new stainless steel workbenches, storage, commercial oven, flooring, bain marie and fridge.

The "First Aboriginal Cricket Team" Field Art

This project will be a permanent public display in similar style to the figure represented in the supplied photograph.

Each of 11 figures will be steel, mounted in concrete and will be located on or about the foreshore of Lake Wallace at Edenhope. The figures will represent each member of the 1868 Aboriginal Cricket Team.

The figures will be approximately 2.5 m in height and there will be a detailed story of each cricketer alongside their corresponding figure.

Community Resilience: It's Everybody's Business – Stawell

The Resilience Project is a well renowned, existing program which delivers emotionally engaging programs to schools and local community, providing practical, evidence-based, positive mental health strategies to build resilience and happiness.

Through presentations within the school curriculum, The Resilience Project seeks to help young people and their communities become mentally healthy.

This project will cover primary and secondary schools across Northern Grampians Shire, inspiring school communities to practice the evidence based strategies that build resilience and improve mental health.

Teacher and community sessions will also be held to deliver practical strategies to support students and build their own resilience. 

Enhancing usability of Green Lake

With the imminent fixing and filling of our beloved Green Lake, we wish to install a floating jetty at the boat ramp.

This will enhance the safety and usability for both boat users and recreational users.

Upgrading the Edenhope Men's Shed

Many people, both members and non-members, have expressed an interest in the Men's Shed expanding into Metalwork.

Presently there is insufficient room to do this and we want to enclose the area behind the people in the photo.

This area will be the metal shop with a lathe, cold-forming, cutting and welding equipment.

The metal shop will only be used by members, however, there are many people in the area with the relevant skills.

It is hoped that our project will significantly increase our membership.

Key activities will include but are not limited to machinery repair, welding, tooling and other projects.

Life Is A Song workshop program – Ararat

Wild At Heart Community Arts presents Life Is A Song, a songwriting workshop program in Ararat for people with lived experience of mental illness or disadvantage.

The program consists of 3 x 8 week series of half day weekly songwriting workshops over one year, beginning in early 2019.

Participants will work with professional facilitating musicians to learn how to write and record their own original songs based on stories from their lives.

Participants will present their songs in public performance in the local area, on community radio and through social media.

TIMEKEEPER AND SCOREBOARD REPLACEMENT – Great Western

We have an extremely old and unsafe time keeper and scoreboard at our football ground.

We have been attempting for 8 years to get the structure replaced but have been unable to secure any funding.

The top of the scoreboard is rusted out and the time keepers box lets in the wind and rain.

We have replaced the numbers on the scoreboard but desperately need a facility that we can read.

The Strata Art Collective Studio – Fyans Creek

The Studio invites the public “visitors and locals alike“ to watch artists work in their own spaces, showcasing their skills and interacting with those who want to learn and watch them creating.

The Studio will host specialised art events and a much-needed gallery space for this area, telling the story of the Grampians while enhancing our community and enriching visitors experiences.

The Studio will have spaces for specialised community art workshops inside and outside, and will be a truly interactive place in which to display, share, collaborate and create artistic works.

Preparing Hall for Safe Scouting – Coleraine

We need asbestos removed from kitchen and toilets, refit kitchen and toilets, one of which will be for disabled and include a shower, drainage issues resolved, re-cladding internally and externally, store-rooms set up for storage, a garage/shed for our trailer and equipment, and install water tank.

Yarriambiack Early Years Package - Employee and Events

We are a pilot site in the Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Partnership Early Years Trial.

Our families are asking for a point of contact to help navigate the Early years.

This role would:

- Support access to local health and education services eg playgroup, kinder, allied health

- Work with practitioners to support/promote programs

- Provide support for community playgroups

- Promote reading and language activities within our communities eg reading at immunisations

- Coordinate/promote events for children and families

- Create an online network

- Maintain pop up libraries within our communities

- Coordinate/Promote local Professional Development Sessions

Community Connection Café – Horsham

This project will help secondary school students with a disability who are leaving school.

Through a new social enterprise, we will help connect students to ongoing, long-term employment in their chosen field.

This might include activities such as pre-accredited and accredited training and work experience.

We will also help in linking these students with potential employment, as well as providing opportunities for engaging with diverse groups.

We will aim to create pathways for participants to build skills in hospitality (barista, Café operations), customer service, sculpture, painting and car detailing, whilst building extra skills in micro businesses and social enterprise.

Investing in training Wimmera-Mallee youth for a sustainable future

As a not-for-profit organisation, Skillinvest is committed to investing in community programs that aim to provide quality employment outcomes.

In order to fund such programs, cost saving measures must be made in our daily running costs.

Through the installation of solar panels on our head office in Horsham we can make significant cost savings to reinvest into our community programs.

We currently run programs to assist high school students to investigate different career options in various trades; while the available trades have been limited, a financial boost would allow us to open the program up to other students.

Sandford Bush Music Festival

The Sandford Bush Music Festival will be held in March 2019 and was first held in 2018.

Sandford is a tiny rural community (population 287), with limited community events and activities.

The Festival is open to anyone in the community.

Community participation is encouraged with jam sessions, workshops, blackboard sessions and instrument making.

The festival would love to expand and offer another marquee with a full line up of artists but is unable to afford the entertainment costs.

There is also a need for infrastructure that was borrowed or hired last year.

Donald Skate Park

Donald has limited activities for young people to participate in physical activity during the week.

Surrounding districts have skate parks that provide a safe and purpose built area to encourage physical activity.

The design of the park will cater for a wide range of youth.

Users will use the space to practice skills on specially designed equipment.

Safety is paramount for all in our community and with a significant aged population we are concerned that sharing pedestrian areas between skating youth and the elderly may result in injury.

The same location is also identified as a future youth precinct. 

Have a heart! Save 'The Cattle Shed' hub.

'The Cattle Shed' is the proposed pavilion to be re-purposed to exhibit handcrafts and home produce for 100's of adult and child competitors who will access it at the Horsham Agricultural Show.

In addition it will have the capacity to host weddings, special events, arts, cultural and music festivals, expos, markets and school holiday activities for the broader community.

It will provide a safe gathering place as a wet weather venue.

The outdoor hub will provide shade and seating in a landscaped area for alfresco dining/picnics, new pathways for safe mobility and improved lighting for security of patrons at night.

'Building Our Communities Health & Capability' The Patch @ Salvos

The Salvation Army owned property will involve the whole Horsham and surrounding community that have interest in food production.

The project will include work for the dole, the recently opened Kalkee Road Children's Hub, school painting days, Horsham Urban Landcare, and a monthly vegetable swap, once we have permanent shelter onsite. 

"Dreams of Flight" Silo Art

11 November 2019 marks the 100 year anniversary of the first plane to land in Nhill and so beginning the town's important aviation history.

We propose painting the Noske Silo in Nhill (the largest single cement silo in the southern hemisphere) with a conceptual artwork by artist Jo Lane called "Dream of Flight".

This artwork brings together our first experience of flying, the simple joy of launching a paper plane into the air, and the hand of one of Nhill's oldest living pilots Merv Schneider. 

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.

Local young people have suggested a way to circumvent the burden of isolation (a main risk factor for LGBTI youth) would be to facilitate a state-wide gathering.

The aim of this project is to deliver a short camp for young rainbow people in Roses Gap, open to state-wide applications.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and non-binary kids in the Wimmera deserve an event focusing on self-love and acceptance. 

Aubrey Hall Upgrade

The Aubrey Hall is a vibrant community hub for the farming region West of Warracknabeal.

The historic Hall requires significant renovations with funding being sought for a new roof and new floor. 

Community Venue for Donald Pony Club & Friends

The Pony Club needs to replace the existing infrastructure (due to white ant damage) with a safe and usable amenities block for the Club and their partners.

Since the formation of Donald Pony Club in 1956, the Club has built a number of key partnerships with other sporting organisations and community groups who also use their facility.

User groups will have unrestricted access to these facilities for inter club rallies and zone events.

It will provide a meeting place for local groups and organisations and an outdoor education area for local schools and young community groups.

Rainbow’s Oasis Outdoor Camp Kitchen

Rainbow is a vibrant rural township in the Hindmarsh Shire.

Its cross section of community members would benefit from a centrally located and safe outdoor area where a larger number of people can gather and access cooking facilities.

The central business/retail area of Rainbow currently lacks this size amenity.

My idea is to create an outdoor/camp kitchen with various cooking options, within the emerging Oasis arts/recreational precinct, half a block from Rainbow’s main street.

The project would redevelop the dilapidated shelter shed site adjacent to the skate park, arts building, community gym, outdoor stage and desert garden beyond.