Big help for tiny towns

December 24, 2025 BY Miriam Litwin

The Point Lonsdale Basketball Club received funding through the Victorian government's Tiny Towns Fund earlier this year, enabling it to resurfacing the basketball court it uses at Point Lonsdale Primary School. Photo: PETER MARSHALL

APPLICATIONS are open for the next round of the Victorian government’s Tiny Towns Fund, offering grants of up to $50,000 for small-scale community projects.

The program supports towns with fewer than 5,000 residents, with funding directed toward initiatives that attract visitors or strengthen local community life.

Minister for Regional Development, Jaclyn Symes, said the fund continued to deliver practical improvements across

regional Victoria.

“From upgraded halls to new playgrounds, these projects are improving how locals live, work and connect in their towns,” she said.

“This fund is making a big difference to our smallest communities – delivering hundreds of projects that attract visitors and bring the community together.”

About 350 tiny towns projects have been completed or are underway in more than 300 regional towns, including upgrades to more than 50 community halls and improvements to dozens of playgrounds and public outdoor spaces.

Applications close on February 4. Head to the Regional Development Victoria website.