- Published:
- Thursday 23 November 2023
From Aireys Inlet to Yea, towns across the state can soon apply for grants from the Allan Labor Government to deliver local projects that will make a huge impact in tiny towns right across Victoria.
Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney today visited the Talbot Arts and Historical Museum – which received a grant in 2022 to renovate the museum and create a new community space – to officially launch the first round of the Tiny Towns Fund, delivering on a key commitment from the Labor Government at last year’s election.
The grants, which open next week, encourage local community groups to bring their best project ideas to the table – and will give more communities like Talbot the support they need to develop projects to benefit locals and attract visitors.
The fund will offer grants between $5,000 and $50,000 to deliver community infrastructure, facilities, and capability-building projects – such as hiking trails, splash parks, playgrounds, community hall and library upgrades and public art.
Applications can come from community and non-profit groups and councils in towns with under 5,000 people across regional Victoria and the 10 interface council areas. Round one of the Tiny Towns Fund will open on Monday, 27 November and close in February 2024, with further rounds to open from next year.
The Labor Government’s record $41 billion investment in rural and regional Victoria since 2014 means small communities are already benefiting from projects that make their towns even better places to live, work, stay and play.
With more people than ever before choosing to live away from major cities, initiatives like Tiny Towns will help ensure regional and outer suburban communities continue to thrive.
For more information visit rdv.vic.gov.au/tiny-towns-fund.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney
“Whether it’s renovating a much-loved attraction, creating a new hiking trail or adding a splash park, our investment will support local businesses and jobs and attract more visitors to our tiny towns.”
“There are vibrant tiny towns dotted right across regional Victoria and we’re pleased to support them through this exciting new fund.”
Quote attributable to Minister for the Suburbs Sonya Kilkenny
“Our smallest towns and suburbs across outer Melbourne have a lot to offer when it comes to community connection, tourism and local spirit, which is why we’re making the projects they want possible.”
Quote attributable to Member for Ripon Martha Haylett
“Our tiny towns have so much to offer and we’re helping them unlock new reasons for people to visit, explore, work and live in them.”