Victoria’s tiny towns are in line for state help in attracting visitors with applications for a new round of grant funding now open.
Regional Development Minister Jaclyn Symes visited Glenlyon to formally open applications for the third round of applications for the $20 million Tiny Towns Fund.
The fund offers grants from $5000 to $50,000 to towns with fewer than 5000 residents for projects to attract visitors or that celebrate the community.
“From upgraded halls to new playgrounds, these projects are improving how locals live, work and connect in their towns,” Symes says.
“This fund is making a big difference to our smallest communities – delivering hundreds of projects that attract visitors and bring the community together.”
MP for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas says it is “fantastic” to see so many towns in her electorate benefit from the fund.
Hepburn Shire Council received a grant to build an accessible equestrian mounting ramp at Glenlyon Recreation Reserve.
The recently finished ramp allows disabled riders to take part in local pony, adult riding and Riding for the Disabled Association of Australia activities.
Glenlyon is located about 100km north-west of the Melbourne CBD.
PREVIOUS TINY TOWN FUNDING
From Willaura to Walhalla, the government says, almost 350 projects for 300-plus small towns were funded.
More than 50 community halls were upgraded or renovated, alongside dozens of new and improved playgrounds and outdoor spaces under the fund.
Some of the projects funded this year include $50,000 for a refurbishment of the Berriwillock Tenis Club’s court, $23,000 for a new roof for Neilborough Public Hall, $50,000 for the Birchip Silo art project and $46,500 to resurface the Camperdown-Timboon rail trail near Timboon.
Applications for the third round of funding will close on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
For more details, including a list of successful applicants, or to apply for funding, visit rdv.vic.gov.au/tiny-towns-fund
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