From Aireys Inlet to Yea, tiny towns across Victoria will soon be able to apply for State Government grants to deliver local projects.
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.
The Minister says the grants, which open next week, will give more communities like Talbot the support they need to develop projects to benefit locals and attract visitors.
“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,” she said.
“There are vibrant tiny towns dotted right across regional Victoria and we’re pleased to support them through this exciting new fund.”
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.
“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,” said Minister for the Suburbs, Sonya Kilkenny.
