The Allan Labor Government is backing more community-led projects in Northern Victoria’s tiny towns, with more than 200 new initiatives set to make our smallest communities even better places to live, work, stay and play.

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes announced 12 new projects 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.

• Archeron Mechanics Institute Inc has received $30,050 to resurface the Archeron tennis court.
• Murrindindi Shire Council has received $25,000 to deliver a streetscape upgrade in Alexandra.
• Gargarro Botanic Garden Ltd has received $30,595 to deliver new signage for he Gargarro Botanic Gardens in Girgarre.
• City of Greater Bendigo has received $50,000 for the Heathcote Main Street Revitalisation Design Project.
• Invergordon Township Group Inc has received $50,000 to upgrade the playground and outdoor exercise equipment in Invergordon.
• Nagambie Mechanics Institute has received $50,000 towards their Kitchen Redevelopment Project.
• Nathalia Lawn Tennis Club Inc has received $50,000 towards replacing tennis court fencing.
• Pylong Netball Club has received $11,411 towards new spectator seating at the tennis courts.
• Shepparton East Football Netball Club has received $17,500 to install a multi zone public address system.
• Tatura Civic Halls Committee Inc has received $11,000 to deliver electrical works at the Civic Hall.
• Violet Town Action Group Inc has received $32,000 to upgrade audio visual facilities at the Violet Town Community Hall.
• Yea and District Adult Riding Club has received $32,000 to deliver upgrades and improvements for the pony club.
• 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.
• Indigo Shire Council has received $48,578 for the construction of Allans Flat Shelter.
• Albury Wodonga Football Association has received $50,000 for the Baranduda Fields and Grandstand seating project.
• The Beechworth Chain Gang Inc has received $26,944 for upgrades to the mountain bike park at Beechworth.
• Chiltern Bowling Club has received $17,325 to deliver floodlight upgrades.
• Cornishtown Hall Reserve Committee of Management has received $6,200 for upgrades to their amenities block.
• Upper Murray Innovation Foundation has received $50,000 to deliver upgrades to Playles Hill Park.
• Kiewa Cricket Club Inc has received $37,972 for new fencing at the Kiewa Cricket Ground.
• Bonnie Doon Community Group has received $50,000 to deliver the re-location and weatherproofing of the historic Billy’s house.
• Bright District U3A Inc has received $50,000 to improve the outdoor area at Bright Senior Citizens Centre.
• Dederang Mt Beauty Football Netball Club has received $50,000 towards lighting upgrades at the oval.
• Rural City of Wangaratta has received $50,000 towards the Glenrowan Augmented Reality Siege Site Experience.
• Goughs Bay Area Progress Association has received $19,419 for construction of a shelter.
• Harrietville Hall Committee of Management has received $50,000 to upgrade the hall.
• Jamieson Community Group and Associate Bodies Inc have received $17,701 for the construction of a bandstand at Gerrans Reserve Jamieson.
• McCormack Park Grounds Management Committee has received $45,005 to deliver upgraded fencing.
• Mount Beauty Amateur Swimming Club Inc has received $46,025 to improve facilities.
• Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Fund has received $40,328 to carry out Myrtleford Community Leadership Resilience Program.
• Tolmie Mechanics Institute and Recreation Reserve Committee has received $22,000 to upgrade Tolmie Tennis Courts.
• Stanley Recreation Reserve Committee has received $28,000 for the renovation of the Stanley Recreation Reserve.
• Talgarno Hall Committee of Management has received $14,393 to deliver safety and accessibility upgrades.
• Tallangatta Classics Incorporated have received $27,681 to upgrade their building.
• Indigo Shire Council have received $50,000 to deliver an active park shelter in Tangambalanga.
• Indigo Shire Council have received $50,000 to deliver Wahgunyah Railway Reserve Playground.
• Yack Tracks Incorporated have received $12,870 to complete mountain bike works in Yackandandah.

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 Labor 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.

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/tiny-towns-fund.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney

“We’re helping our tiniest towns reach their full potential with so many community-driven projects that will upgrade local facilities and encourage more visitors to Victoria’s vibrant regions.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes 

"The Tiny Towns Fund empowers small communities to thrive, ensuring projects that locals are passionate about can become a reality."