Across outer metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria, our tiny towns are great places to live and visit.
The Tiny Towns Fund seeks to increase liveability, opportunity and prosperity by delivering better public places and spaces in these communities, providing facilities for local families, building community capacity and increasing visitation that benefits local businesses.
We invite applications from eligible local governments and incorporated not-for-profit community organisations for grants to support local projects in communities with a population of up to 5,000 people.
These local projects could include upgraded public spaces, community facilities, or initiatives that foster social connection, creativity and celebrate culture.
Applications close at 4:00 pm on Wednesday 4 February 2026.
Towns with a population of up to 5,000 people in the 48 local government areas of regional Victoria, as well as Alpine Resorts and Melbourne’s 10 interface outer metropolitan local government areas, are eligible to apply.
The interface local government areas are:
Grants between $5,000 and $50,000 are available for each project.
All applicants are required to make financial contributions towards the proposed project in line with the requirements outlined in the guidelines.
Applicants that were successful in Rounds 1 or 2 can apply for funding in this round, provided previously funded projects have been completed, or are nearing completion.
For further information regarding eligibility, funding and applications, refer to the Program Guidelines.
For information about the grants for regional Victoria and Alpine Resorts, visit Regional Development Victoria - Tiny Towns Fund.
Hurstbridge
This project will involve upgrades to internal and external spaces used for community performances and events through accessible signage and pathways, fit for purpose performance space, and audio visual equipment upgrades.
The project will be delivered by Allwood Neighbourhood House Inc.
Arthurs Creek
The project will involve the removal and disposal of existing infrastructure, replacement of foundation stumps as required, checking plumbing and electrics, refurbishment, installation of new appliances and cabinetry.
Bunyip
The project will involve an upgrade to existing playground including installation of a carousel for people of all abilities. The project will improve the quality and accessibility of the playground to meet the needs of the increasing number of families and children in the area.
Blind Bight
The project will increase the appeal and appearance of local streets alongside improvements to public open space. This will involve extensive tree planting to increase the tree canopy and improvements to the streetscape. The works will include tree planting, site preparation works, planting to contract specification, installation of water wells and stakes.
Devon Meadows
The project will increase the appeal and appearance of local streets alongside improvements to public open space. This will involve extensive tree planting to increase the tree canopy and improvements to the streetscape. The funding will be utilised for the supply of tree stock, site preparation works, planting to contract specification, installation of water wells and stakes.
Cannons Creek
The project will involve the design and installation of a new playground in Cannons Creek. The new design will provide the Cannons Creek community and visitors the opportunity to enjoy a modern, enhanced play space located within a natural picturesque setting surrounded by native vegetation. The installation will provide all abilities access, all abilities play equipment, including sensory items and nature play opportunities. Additionally, this project will upgrade aged park infrastructure including picnic tables and seating, which reflect the natural coastal setting.
Yarrambat
The project will involve upgrades to the Archery range to enable people of all abilities to participate in all aspects of the sport through the construction of accessible laneways on the archery range. This new surface will significantly enhance the experience for para-archers, removing barriers and ensuring equal opportunity to participate in this rewarding sport. The project will promote inclusivity and grow participation in archery, particularly among para-archers.
Little River
The project will involve the installation of theatre/stage lighting for performing arts and other users. The project will help attract live performances which will increase utilisation of the hall and financial capacity of the committee to maintain the heritage listed facility.
Beveridge
The "We Are Beveridge" project will engage the communities through artist-led workshops exploring local stories and characters. The contribution of 20 community champions will be honoured by artworks the artist will then paint on a vibrant garden of ‘art poles’ outside the Greater Beveridge Community Centre. The permanent artwork will enhance the Centre’s appeal while fostering social connections, promoting participation in community life, and addressing social isolation.
Merricks
This project will deliver wayfinding and informative signage along the rail trail and at its entrances. The project will help guide trail-users to find key facilities along the track.
Tyabb
The project will involve the Installation of lighting at Tyabb Tennis Club to allow for longer periods of use and increased capacity for residents and visitors to engage in active social recreation through tennis.
Garfield
The project will involve upgrades to the Garfield Community Gardens to create an art space, seating, decking, covered BBQ area, drinking fountain and artworks for the community. The project connects directly to the Moy-Yan Neighbourhood House and will create a space of respite, connection, beauty and shelter for the community.
St Andrews
The project will involve the creation of a vibrant community seating area including an arbour and garden that honours the residents of St Andrews and their connection to the Community Centre. The community will play an active role in the entire process contributing to the design, construction, and creation of new tiles to be incorporated into the structure, fostering a strong sense of ownership and collaboration.
The Scout Association of Australia, Victorian Branch - 1st Red Hill Scout Group - Cook, Share, Connect: The Scout Hall Kitchen Project.
Red Hill
This project involved works to upgrade the outdated kitchen in the 1st Red Hill Scout hall. Works included demolishing the existing kitchen and installing new cabinetry, appliances, plumbing, and electrical work, all in compliance with local health and safety standards.
The Scout Association of Australia, Victorian Branch, 1st Selby Scout Group - Warming our Selby Scouts
Selby
This project involved the installation of heaters to the Scouts Hall for their growing 1st Selby Scouts Group. Works involved the installation of two reverse cycle split systems to improve the facility and comfort of the participants.
Warneet
The project will involve upgrades to the community hall to expand its use as a multi-purpose community space. Works includes improvement to the roof, connection to the clubhouse, electrical, structure, framing, plastering and air conditioning. The project will also involve the installation of computer projection facilities and internet access to enable the provision of training programs for the local communities.
Koo Wee Rup
The project will involve the creation a safe, accessible, and welcoming space for residents to access emergency food hampers and material aid. The upgrades will involve a new carpark, installing outdoor lighting and signage, and carrying out essential interior renovations.
Olinda
The project will involve improvements to the streetscapes of Sassafras and Olinda. Works will include installation of seating, plantings, artwork and lighting. These works will be undertaken along the under-utilised land between the curb and the village green on the North side of Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd, and selected locations in Olinda.
Wattle Glen
The project involved the replacement of twelve halogen court lights with energy efficient LED lights to increase participation and utilisation of the facility and to ensure the financial viability of the Tennis Club.
Flinders
The project involves the updating and installation of five tourism information boards at key locations across the region, designed to enhance visitor experience and accessibility. The project includes: refreshing the current boards in Arthurs Seat and Red Hill to ensure accurate and up-to-date information; and install new boards: in Flinders, Merricks and Balnarring, each featuring essential information about local businesses, attractions, and activities. These boards will serve as mini visitor information hubs, particularly useful for visitors who may not have mobile reception or prefer printed materials.
Yarra Junction
The project will involve workshops to engage local communities in documenting the history of Yarra Junction. An outcome of our workshops will be a roadmap to our future vision of placemaking for Yarra Junction and further beatification and public art plans. Works will include murals, sculptures, streetscaping, lighting features and more. Murals will be produced on the public library and Yarra Burn community centre building, improving the look of the town. The project is expected to attract more visitors to the area and beautify the town with public art.
Panton Hill
The project included the installation of audio, video and lighting system at the Panton Hill Hall. The upgrades increase the use of a space where community members gather, socialise and celebrate.
Badger Creek Hall
The project will refurbish and upgrade existing facility in Badger Creek by upgrading internal lighting and fans, and install carpark lighting to provide safety and security. This project will enhance greater community cohesion and build greater community connection.
Blind Bight
The project has installed new block out and sheer blinds to the Blind Bight Community Centre hall, replacing the old curtains. The old curtains were falling down, stained and ripped making the hall look very worn and shabby. The hall is used as a multi-purpose space for the local community including childcare, playgroup, dance classes, exercise classes, fundraising and social events, recreational senior's and children's activities.
Bunyip Adventure Playground
The project has delivered a playground for the wider community and younger families in Bunyip and surrounds.
Lang Lang
The project will develop, design, construct and install a signature public art work in Lang Lang. The public artwork will be inspired by Lang Lang's rich culture and diverse people with the intention of significantly increasing visitation to the town and stimulating economic growth. The project will culminate with a community co-designed celebration event bringing local residents together to enjoy their collective achievement.
Greening Tooradin - Street beautification and Parks upgrade
Cranbourne
The project has beautified the amenity of local streets and improved public open spaces including parks in the town of Tooradin through planting 225 trees in 6 reserves, 1 community centre and 8 streets. The funding was used for the supply of tree stock, site preparation, planting, installation of stakes and water wells, mulching and establishment maintenance of trees for 2 years.
Warneet Recreation Reserve Playground renewal
Warneet
The project has provided an enhanced play space including all abilities access, all abilities play equipment including sensory items and nature play space/equipment. The playground provides benefit to the local community of Warneet and promotes visitation.
Olinda
The project has delivered asphalting works surrounding the Olinda Reserve Social Rooms. The area was uneven, rutted and dangerous. The rooms serve the biggest community organisations in the area and will be used as an Emergency Centre during bushfires, storms or other disasters. The popular Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens are next door and the area also functions as an official "overflow car park" for this tourist destination.
Bunyip
The project has upgraded the fit out of the kitchen in a space that's used as a community meeting place for the Bunyip community. This project provides the local community another facility catered to all user groups.
Kallista
The project will deliver essential maintenance and refurbishments to the historic Kallista Mechanics Hall to facilitate ongoing use by the local community. Refurbishments will include kitchen and bathroom upgrades, painting, and safety and accessibility improvements.
Koo Wee Rup
The project has deliverd a mural in the Koo Wee Rup town centre opposite the restored, former railway station. The mural features a train, a representation of the old station and has reproduces classic photos of trucks lined up to deliver potatoes. The mural boosts community pride and visitor numbers.
Millgrove
The project will revitalise the Yarra River Reserve in Millgrove by developing a land management master plan to incorporate weed control and conservation training program for targeted Millgrove residents. The project will also install interpretive signage and conduct community wide working bees, embracing community cohesion and enhancing community public spaces.
Hurstbridge
The project has delivered a modern and upgraded amenity block with all-abilities access to service the Bittern community and its visitors.
Blairgowrie
This project has provided additional workshop space to include equipment to support new activities at the Men's Shed, avoiding unnecessary and potentially unsafe overcrowding in the existing facility.
Research
The project has removed worn out and unsafe tennis court surfaces in Research and replaced them with new surfaces. The new court surfaces encourage and welcome everyone to use the facilities to play sport, socialise and enjoy the country feel.
Strathewen
The project included the purchase and installation of acoustic panels in the main hall area, providing a more comfortable space for community members to gather and hear what people are saying. This encourages more residents to take part in events and enjoy being part of the Strathewen community.
Tonimbuk
The project has revitalised and rejuvenated an outdoor area by installing a steel gazebo that provides shelter and conducting landscape works with native planting, improving the aesthetics of the community space in Tonimbuk.
Warburton
The project will deliver infrastructure improvements and building upgrades including bi-fold doors, outdoor seating and shade options to increase use of the facility by people of all abilities at the Warburton Bowls Club. The upgrades will increase community participation and inclusion.
French Island
The project will create informative, visually striking signage to reveal the island's treasures. Together with the French Island community, Landcare, and Parks Victoria, the signage will highlight the island's ecology, history, and landmarks. This will foster community pride and engagement, whilst promoting and encouraging responsible tourism practices.
Blairgowrie
The project will deliver and install 2 new drinking fountains and 2 bicycle repair stands to supplement existing bike racks and picnic areas in 2 main public areas in Blairgowrie. The old, non-serviceable picnic tables will be replaced with new all-accessible picnic tables for local community members and visitors to enjoy.
Little River
The project will deliver a Youth Shed (container with an awning) including power connection, internal fit out, furniture and equipment as well as a mural, plantings and outdoor seating. The Youth Shed will be located near the basketball court and skatepark at Possy Newland Reserve in Little River. It will be a space that the Youth Services team and other stakeholders will be able to use to engage young people through sport and recreation in the region.
These guidelines outline how to use the Victorian State Government logo, including how to apply the wording 'Supported by' and 'In partnership with’, when acknowledging the Victorian Government for its contribution to a program, project, event or activity.
For more information, please contact the Programs team.
Page last updated: 20/11/25
