The Allan Labor Government is backing more community-led projects in Ripon’s smallest communities, with more than 200 new initiatives set to make our tiny towns across Victoria even better places to live, work, and stay.

Member for Ripon today announced 20 new projects in Ripon are being delivered through the first round of the $20 million Tiny Towns Fund. From community halls to local sporting club upgrades, the fund is strengthening community connections and encouraging more visitors to all corners of Victoria.

Across the Ripon electorate, successful Tiny Towns Fund recipients include:

• $50,000 for the Buangor Recreation Reserve Pavilion Development – Stage 1
• $50,000 for the Cardigan Village Reserve Upgrade
• $9,000 for the Adelaide Lead Hall Upgrade
• $21,563 for the Bealiba Historic Horse Trough Relocation
• $31,050 for the Dunolly Senior Citizens Hall Upgrade
• $37,500 for the Majorca Historic Cemetery Beautification
• $50,000 for the Tullaroop Leisure Centre Upgrade in Carisbrook
• $50,000 for the Talbot ANA Hall Renewal
• $50,000 for the Bowenvale Playground Upgrade
• $5,871 for Mosaic Bollards at the Creswick Neighbourhood Centre
• $8,000 to refurbish the entry foyer for the Creswick Courthouse Theatre
• $18,750 for the Newlyn Recreation Reserve Playspace Upgrade Planning
• $45,000 for a Shade Structure over the Playground in Queens Park, Clunes
• $32,000 to upgrade the Amenities Block at the Tarnagulla Recreation Park
• $8,694 for Public Art at the Pebble Church in Carapooee
• $50,000 for the St Arnaud Country Club to improve disability access
• $50,000 for the Marnoo Memorial Park Refurbishment and Upgrade
• $26,400 for the Beaufort Golf Club Greens Resurfacing
• $12,000 for the Evansford Community Centre Refurbishment
• $49,292 for the Natte Yallock Community Hub Upgrade

The program’s first round is bringing to life more than 200 projects across our smallest rural and regional towns, each with fewer than 5,000 residents. The successful projects celebrate each community’s local spirit and will drive visitation to these vibrant towns.

From local hall upgrades to sports club renovations, community and non-profit groups and councils are eligible for grants of up to $50,000 to get these community-driven projects off the ground.

The Labor Government’s Tiny Towns Fund is just one of the ways we’re creating stronger communities, more tourism opportunities and backing more local jobs, with our $25 million Council Support Package also helping get shovel-ready projects off the ground in our rural and regional towns.

The fund is a part of the Labor Government’s record $45 billion investment since 2014 in projects and programs that support rural and regional Victoria to be an even better place to live and stay.

For more information visit rdv.vic.gov.au/tinytownsfund.

Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney

“We’re helping our tiniest towns reach their full potential with so many community-driven projects that will upgrade local facilities and encourage more visitors to Victoria’s vibrant regions.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Ripon Martha Haylett

“Our smallest communities are full of the greatest people, and I am so pleased we are supporting them to thrive even more with this fantastic fund.”

“From Marnoo to Creswick and everywhere in between, our Labor Government is backing our rural communities and the locals that call them home."