The State Government is backing more community led projects in the Mallee’s tiniest towns, with new initiatives set to make our smallest communities even better places to live, work and stay.

Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, announced 10 new projects in the northwest that are being delivered through the first round of the Tiny Towns Fund.

From community halls to local sporting club upgrades, the fund is strengthening community connections and encouraging more visitors to all corners of Victoria.

Grants

• Berriwillock Tennis Club has received $50,000 for tennis court refurbishments.
• Carwarp Mechanics Institute has received $30,712 to deliver the Carwarp Hall Restoration project.
• Lions Club of Charlton has received $17,885 to deliver new concrete paths at the Lions Park.
• Cohuna Bowls Club has received $9,712 to go towards new outdoor seating.
• Buloke Shire Council has received $30,750 to upgrade Oulgoa Tourism signage.
• Swan Hill Rural City Council has received $25,125 for their Wattle Street Activation project.
• Nullawil Recreation Reserve Committee of Management has received $50,000 towards upgrades for the Nullawil Community Building development.
• Lake Boga Incorporated has received $37,725 towards Activating and Illuminating Lake Boga Silo Art.
• Swan Hill Rural City Council has received $25,125 for their Piangil Memorial Park Activation Project.
• Buloke Shire Council has received $50,000 towards streetscape works to revitalise Watchem.

More than 2000

The program’s first round is bringing to life more than 200 projects across our smallest regional towns, each with fewer than 5,000 residents. The successful projects celebrate each community’s local spirit and will drive visitation to these vibrant towns.

From local hall upgrades to sports club renovations, community and non profit groups and councils are eligible for grants of up to $50,000 to get these community driven projects off the ground.

“The State Government’s Tiny Towns Fund is just one of the ways we’re creating stronger communities, more tourism opportunities and backing more local jobs, with our $25 million Council Support Package also helping get shovel ready projects off the ground in our regional cities and surrounding towns,” said Ms Symes.

“The fund is a part of the Labor Government’s record $45 billion investment since 2014 in projects and programs that support regional and rural Victoria to be an even better place to live, work, stay and play.

“Our investments mean more locals have jobs close to home, more communities have the infrastructure they need to thrive, and more visitors can experience everything our regions have to offer.”

For more information visit rdv.vic.gov.au/tinytownsfund or suburbandevelopment.vic.gov.au/grants/tinytownsfund.

This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 28 June 2024.