The Hepburn Shire Council has secured several Regional Development Victoria Tiny Towns Fund grants to improve facilities and infrastructure in various small towns across the shire. 

The council was making no secret of the fact that it was “very pleased” to be planning upgrades for outdoor fitness equipment in Trentham, shade sails in Clunes, a masterplan for Victoria Park in Daylesford, an accessible equestrian ramp at Glenlyon Recreation Reserve and playground relocation at Newlyn.

The council is also pleased to auspice the Lyonville Hall Community Asset Committee, who were successful in obtaining a $50,000 grant towards a landscaping project at the popular Lyonville Hall. 

The council had supported community groups in various ways to successfully apply for funding. 

Successful projects that the council will lead are –  

• Queens Park (Clunes) shade structure – $45,000 

• Newlyn Recreation Reserve playspace upgrade planning – $18,750 

• Victoria Park, Daylesford Masterplan Development – $50,000 

• Accessible Equestrian Mounting Ramp Glenlyon Recreation Reserve – $37,500 

• Trentham Outdoor Fitness Equipment Installation – $44,970 

The council has funded contributions to each of these projects in the adopted 2024/25 Budget.  

Mayor Cr Brian Hood said that federal and state funding streams are critical for small rural councils to deliver new and upgraded infrastructure. 

“It’s encouraging to see this investment being made in our smaller communities. These funds will enhance our facilities and enable greater participation in community activities around the shire,” Cr Hood said.

“Together with respective community groups and committees, we will begin work to plan the delivery of these works now so the benefits of these projects can be enjoyed by everyone.”

The oval lighting for Newlyn’s Recreation Reserve is about to be upgraded to compliant AFL competition standard 100 lux level LEDs, with works starting this month.

The lighting upgrade aims to increase programming opportunities, prioritise player safety and contribute to the reserve sustainability.

This project is being delivered in a partnership arrangement involving the state government ($185,000) through the 2022-2023 Country Football Netball Funding Program, the Newlyn Football Netball Club ($60,000) and the Hepburn Shire Council ($60,000).