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Publish Date: 5 November 2021
It was an exciting day for Buloke on Thursday last week with the Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas launching the Small Towns Big Difference Pilot Program at Charlton Park.
The Small Towns Big Difference Pilot Program is a grants program initiative that will assist community organisations within Buloke Shire to access funding to build community capacity, social inclusion, community pride and improve lifestyle and access to community services, along with projects that develop the local economy.
The $120,000 fund is a collaboration between the Mallee Regional Partnership, Buloke Shire Council, Charlton and Donald Community Banks and the Bendigo and Adelaide Bank.
The pilot was developed in recognition that many funding programs are geared towards economic development rather than the social benefits of small communities. Consequently, some community organisations find it difficult to attract funding for their smaller community-based projects that champion social outcomes.
Mary-Anne Thomas stated that the Victorian Government is “proud to support small-community organisations to fulfil their potential through our Small Towns Big Difference Pilot Program, backing projects that boost community connection and pride.”
Bendigo and Adelaide Bank chief executive Marnie Baker said that “the launch of the Small Towns Big Difference pilot program is a source of great pride for the Bendigo and Adelaide Bank which has been supporting community projects like these for many years through its philanthropic arm, the Community Enterprise Foundation.”
Mayor Cr. Daryl Warren spoke of the importance of this initiative in supporting local community groups, mentioning that “our community groups and volunteers are an essential part of Buloke, as they help to strengthen our communities, so this funding will provide those opportunities to continue to create meaningful change in our communities.”
Applications to the Small Towns Big Difference Pilot Program funding will open early 2022.
L-R Win Scott, Chair Regional Mallee Partnership, The Hon Mary-Anne Thomas M.P., Minister for Regional Development and Cr. Daryl Warren, Buloke Shire Council Mayor.