Some big things are headed to Victoria’s tiniest towns with new support through the state’s Tiny Towns Fund set to make some of the smallest communities even better locales to live, work and discover.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas last Friday welcomed the announcement that Round
2 of the $20 million Tiny Towns Fund was opening for applications from Monday, 26 August.

Grants of between $5,000 and $50,000 will be available through Regional Development Victoria to boost tourism, liveability and community pride in towns with up to 5,000 people.

From new barbecues, bike tracks and walking trails to club and community hall upgrades, the
grants will support towns to bring to life projects that celebrate community spirit and make a
positive difference to locals.

The first round of the Tiny Towns Fund is already supporting more than 200 projects in 181
towns across regional Victoria and interface councils – with $7 million provided to projects
that matter to local communities.

Townships that have not yet received a Tiny Towns grant, or that have worthy project ideas
to boost community resilience, recovery and economic growth, are encouraged to come
forward in this round.

The application process has also been updated to make it even easier for smaller, volunteer-run community groups to apply.

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.

For more information those keen to know more can visit rdv.vic.gov.au/tinytownsfund or
suburbandevelopment.vic.gov.au/grants/tiny-towns-fund online.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas: “The Tiny Towns Fund empowers small communities to thrive, ensuring projects that locals are passionate about can become a reality.

“I’m looking forward to the tiny towns across the Macedon electorate stepping forward with great ideas for projects that celebrate community connection and ensure they continue to shine brightly as welcoming destinations for visitors.”

Round 1 had thirteen successful applications in the electorate of Macedon:

• Lyonville Hall Community Asset Committee received $50,000 for upgrades to the
  Lyonville Hall to improve accessibility and increase use
• Hepburn Shire Council received $44,970 for the installation of outdoor fitness
  equipment at the Trentham sports ground
• Hepburn Shire Council received $37,500 for the installation of an accessible
  equestrian mounting ramp, landing area and path at the Glenlyon Recreation
  Reserve
• Hepburn Shire Council received $50,000 for the development of a master plan for
  the Victoria Park Reserve in Daylesford
• Lancefield Park Recreation Reserve Committee of Management received $16,000 for
  an upgrade of the BMX track at the Lancefield Park Recreation Reserve.
• Kyneton District Business and Tourism Association received $10,000 for the
  development of a Town Centre Activation Plan for Malmsbury
• Macedon Ranges Halls Inc received $42,000 for the Lauriston Community Hall
  upgrades including landscaping, seating, car parking and play area
• Mount Alexander Shire Council received $50,000 for new playground equipment,
  BBQ, picnic table, and landscaping at the Fryerstown Public Park
• Malmsbury Fire Brigade received $29,104 for the installation of a community and
  visitor information screen at Malmsbury
• Macedon Community House received $38,840 for a community capacity building
  project for local horticulture and permaculture education
• Newham Mechanics Institute received $8,170 for flooring upgrades at the Mechanics
  Institute in Newham
• Tourism Macedon Ranges received $10,000 for the development of a Town Centre
  Activation Plan for Riddells Creek
• Mount Macedon Memorial Cross Reserve Committee of Management received
  $50,000 for new interpretive facilities at the Mt Macedon Memorial Cross
  
  

A number of community-led projects throughout the Hepburn Shire area are set to benefit from the state government’s $20 million Tiny Towns Fund.

Across the wider Ripon electorate, successful Tiny Towns Fund recipients include: $5871 for mosaic bollards at the Creswick Neighbourhood Centre; $8000 to refurbish the entry foyer for the Creswick Courthouse Theatre; $18,750 for the Newlyn Recreation Reserve Playspace Upgrade Planning; and $45,000 for a shade structure over the playground in Queens Park, Clunes.

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.”