Matched grant triggers facelift for beloved Elmore playspace

A $50,000 grant from the state government’s Tiny Towns Fund and a matching contribution from the City of Greater Bendigo will see Elmore’s Michie Street playspace receive a freshen-up.

Works are expected to be completed by early 2027.

City parks and open space manager Tyrone Downie welcomed the funding to renew the popular recreation facility.

“The Michie Street Playspace is a much-loved local space for young Elmore residents,” he said.

“In line with the city’s public space strategy, neighbourhood playspaces are designed to cater for a local walkable catchment area – they provide seating, shade and play equipment like swings, slides and opportunities to climb, balance, spin and rock.”

Downie said the renewal will include the installation of a new multi-play combination unit, the replacement of aging shade sails and the refurbishment of other existing play equipment, park furniture and infrastructure.

“The project will also include installation of a new concrete footpath through the playspace and landscaping works,” he said.

“In keeping with the city’s circular economy objectives, most play items and park furniture will be retained and refurbished including the drinking fountain, bollards, boulders, soft-fall and mulch.

“In December 2025 the city called for residents from small townships communities to submit their ideas for the city to apply for funding through the Tiny Towns Grant Program.

“The city is very pleased that we have been successful in obtaining this funding through the Tidy Towns Fund to undertake this project.”

Elmore can be found about 50km north-east of central Bendigo.