Tiny towns set for boost

SMALLER localities in Victoria are now able to apply for State Government funding to go towards local projects.

Known as the Tiny Towns Fund, the grant program aims to encourage community groups to showcase their ideas and could provide small communities with financial support.

The grants will range from $5000 to $50,000 and applications are open to groups, organisations, and municipalities in towns with less than 5000 people.

Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, encouraged the community to apply for the money.

“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,” she said.

Many towns across the region are classified as tiny towns including Broadford, Mount Beauty, Euroa and Sea Lake

The fund was officially launched last week by Minister for Regional Development, Gayle Tierney.

She visited the town of Talbot to tour of the Talbot Arts and Historical Museum which received a grant last year to transform the space.

“Whether it’s renovating a much-loved attraction, creating a new hiking trail or adding a splash park, our investment will support local businesses and jobs and attract more visitors to our tiny towns,” she said.

“There are vibrant tiny towns dotted right across regional Victoria and we’re pleased to support them through this exciting new fund.”

It is hoped the funding will encourage the building of more community facilities including trails, splash parks and playgrounds or upgrades to halls and libraries.