Published on Tuesday, 12 September 2023 at 9:21:52 AM
Community groups, individuals, businesses and schools can once again benefit from the City of Busselton’s You Choose community funding program, after its success in 2021/2022. 
You Choose offers a total of $100,000 in smaller grants of up to $20,000 for community led projects or initiatives that help improve neighbourhoods or the broader community. Residents are provided an opportunity to then participate in the allocation of the funding through a participatory budgeting process.
Mayor, Grant Henley said “after the success of the pilot program, Council were excited to support a second round of You Choose. It was great to see our residents get behind their favourite projects, and the successful applicants have delivered some fantastic outcomes for the community”.
“Support for the program was overwhelming with over 1300 people voting, and 96% of residents who participated in voting indicating that they would like to see the program continue.”
Pets of Older Persons (POOPS) were among the successful applicants of the pilot program. Busselton Coordinator, Cathy Gibson said “The You Choose model enabled POOPS to have a higher profile in the community by providing funds for us to purchase branded t-shirts, caps and sling bags for our volunteers. So many more people now know who we are and what we do which has translated into more volunteers being recruited”.
Submissions open on 9 October and close on 6 November 2023. Register to attend an information session being held in both Busselton and Dunsborough. Community voting will open in January 2024.
For further information and to register for an information session visit www.yoursay.busselton.wa.gov.au/you-choose
For enquiries email You.Choose@busselton.wa.gov.au or call (08) 9781 0444.
**Objectives outlined in this statement are aligned with the City of Busselton’s Strategic Community Plan (2021 - 2031) Key Themes, Leadership: A Council that connects with the community and is accountable in its decision making.
Ends. Media enquiries can be directed to pr@busselton.wa.gov.au
Photo: POOPS Volunteers Arthur and Merrilyn Tinker showcasing their new branded merchandise.
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