TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (12:32): I rise today to inform the house that the $20 million Tiny Towns Fund is now open for applications. Last week I visited Talbot, in our historic goldfields region, to launch Tiny Towns at the local arts and historical museum. Marion, the museum’s secretary, gave us a wonderful tour of this beloved Talbot institution, which has been upgraded with Victorian government support, playing a vital role in collecting and sharing the rich history and stories of the local community. I also met Patty, who helps run the local farmers market, a drawcard bringing tourists from all over to showcase what Talbot has to offer. Grants of up to $50,000 will support a wide range of projects, from local markets and museums, hiking trails and splash parks to community hall upgrades, playgrounds and arts projects.
Towns with up to 5000 residents are eligible, and I encourage all to apply. We want to hear from community groups and councils about the best projects that resonate with each town’s unique history and genuine local priorities. We all know smaller communities rely on volunteers like Marion and Patty, so we have also made sure that RDV teams will be available to assist. We have extended the applications to late February, giving communities the support and the time they need to bring their ideas to life. This community-driven process is now open via the Regional Development Victoria website to more than 2000 small towns across our state to support them to thrive for years to come. Tiny Towns continues our government’s more than $41 billion of investment in our regions, backing local projects that strengthen regional communities.