As tomorrow’s election looms, candidates for the local seat of Bendigo have been making their final election announcements and pledges. The following announcements have been sent to the Tarrangower Times in time to print.
On Tuesday 22 April, The Nationals Candidate for Bendigo Andrew Lethlean and the Liberal Candidate for Bendigo Matt Evans announced the re-establishment of the Coalition’s Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF), a regional grants program for the development of community initiatives and events and infrastructure projects.
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Senator Bridget McKenzie said the BBRF, which would be targeted at regional, rural and remote communities, would be an ongoing open application program for two years, until available funds are exhausted.
“Local governments and not-for-profit organisations in Bendigo will be eligible to apply for funding, with grants of between $25,000 to $200,000 available for community initiatives and $50,000 up to $10 million for community and economic infrastructure,” Senator McKenzie said.
Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 22 April, Federal Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters MP pledged that if re-elected, the Labor Government would deliver $7 million to the City of Greater Bendigo who will work with DJAARA, North Central Catchment Management Authority and local community groups to improve the health of Bendigo Creek.
Labor said funding would restore critical habitat along the creek, help manage flood risk and empower Traditional Owners to practise and promote cultural and spiritual connections to the creek.
Election contenders could not resist an ANZAC Day announcement, with David Lethlean announcing on Wednesday 23 April that Veterans and their families in Bendigo would be supported with a $5 million commitment to establish a new Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in Bendigo if the Coalition is elected.
On Thursday 24 April, Lisa Chesters announced that a re-elected Labor Government would also commit $5 million to fund the establishment of a Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in Bendigo for veterans and families across Central Victoria.
This article appeared in Tarrangower Times, 2 May 2025.
