December 5th, 2023Petite towns urged to take tilt at tiny towns fund

As of last week the tiny towns and communities in the state electorate of Macedon can apply for grants through the Victorian Government’s Tiny Towns Fund.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas late last month called on local community groups to submit their ideas and apply for a Tiny Towns grant, with applications opening from Monday 27 November.

From barbecues at the park to community centres, these projects will make a difference to those who
need them in towns across the Macedon Ranges Shire, Hepburn Shire, Mount Alexander and Moorabool Shire.

The fund will offer grants between $5,000 and $50,000 to deliver infrastructure projects, such as
hiking trails, splash parks, playgrounds, community hall and library upgrades, public art and more.

Eligible applicants include community and non-profit groups and councils in towns with under 5000
people across regional Victoria and outer metro-Melbourne.

The Government’s record $41 billion investment in rural and regional Victoria over the past decade
means small communities are already growing from projects that have helped them become even
better places to live and visit.

With more people than ever before choosing lifestyles away from major cities, new initiatives like Tiny
Towns will help ensure regional and outer suburban communities continue to flourish.

While Round 1 for the Tiny Towns Fund opened on Monday, 27 November, further rounds will be available from 2024.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas: “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.”

Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney: “Whether it’s renovations to a community centre or new barbecues at the local park, our investments in Victoria’s tiniest towns will support local businesses and jobs, and help attract more visitors.”