Opportunity knocks for region’s tiny towns

THE City of Greater Bendigo is calling on residents from small townships in the municipal area to submit their ideas for the State Government’s Tiny Towns Grant Program.

The pick of the bunch will be submitted on their behalf as an application to the program by the City.

To meet the criteria the townships are required to be non-urban areas and have a population of under 5000.

Towns that qualify within Greater Bendigo include Goornong, Axedale, Heathcote, Marong and Elmore.

Funding is available for projects between $10,000 and $100,000 (50 per cent to come from the Tiny Towns fund and 50 per cent from the City).

Healthy communities and environments director Jess Howard said the City wants to hear from residents about their ideas.

“Whether it’s a project to improve local spaces, celebrate culture or strengthen community connections, your ideas matter,” she said.

“By working together we can make our local small towns even better places to live.”

Small township residents can offer their thoughts via the City’s community engagement website Let’s Talk Greater Bendigo by Sunday 4 January.

Eligible projects could include improvements to local parks, playgrounds or community spaces, initiatives that celebrate culture and heritage, activities that strengthen community connections, and small-scale infrastructure that benefits residents.

All submissions will be assessed against the grant guidelines and the City’s strategies and policies to ensure project ideas align with community priorities and deliver the best outcomes for Greater Bendigo.

To submit an idea, visit the Let’s Talk Greater Bendigo website.