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

Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant today announced five new projects in Bellarine 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.

• Queenscliff Museum have received $50,000 to deliver the refurbishment of the historic Gil Allbutt Boat Shed.
• Indented Head Yacht Club have received $10,000 to deliver clubhouse refurbishments.
• St Leonards Progress Association have received $11,416 to deliver an entrance and courtyard surface and shade upgrade.
• Portarlington Bayside Miniature Railway Inc have received $21,000 to deliver a refurbishment of the Point Richards Station and Signal Box Building.
• Bellarine Bears Baseball Club have received $50,000 to deliver improvements to fencing at the Wallington Recreation Reserve Baseball field.

The program’s first round is bringing to life more than 200 projects across our smallest regional and outer metropolitan 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 regional cities and surrounding towns.

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

Our investments mean more locals have jobs close to home, more communities have the infrastructure they need to thrive, and more visitors can experience everything our regions have to offer.

For more information visit rdv.vic.gov.au/tinytownsfund or suburbandevelopment.vic.gov.au/grants/tiny-towns-fund.

Quotes 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 Bellarine Alison Marchant

"The Tiny Towns Fund empowers small communities to thrive, ensuring projects that locals are passionate about can become a reality."