On this page:

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.

Overview

Towns with a population of up to 5,000 people in the 48 municipalities of regional Victoria, as well as Alpine Resorts and Melbourne’s 10 interface outer metropolitan municipalities were eligible to apply for funds to deliver projects in their communities. 

The interface municipalities include Casey City Council, Cardinia Shire Council, Hume City Council, Melton City Council, Mitchell Shire Council, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, Nillumbik Shire Council, Whittlesea City Council, Wyndham City Council and the Yarra Ranges Shire Council.

  • Applicants could apply for a minimum of $5,000 and up to a maximum of $50,000 in grant funding per project (exclusive of GST).
  • For further information regarding eligibility, funding and applications, refer to the Program Guidelines below.

The Department of Transport and Planning administer the funds for the interface municipalities. Regional Development Victoria, Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions administer the fund in regional Victoria and the Alpine Resorts.

For information about Tiny Towns Grants for regional Victoria and Alpine Resorts, visit Regional Development Victoria - Tiny Towns Fund

Tiny Towns Fund – successful projects (for interface municipalities)

Round 2 grant recipients were announced on Friday 9 May 2025, by the Minister for Regional Development.

Tiny Towns Round 2 successful grant recipients and projects

Location: Hurstbridge.

Project description: 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.

Location:  Arthurs Creek.

Project description: 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.

Location:  Bunyip.

Project description: 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.

Location:  Blind bight.

Project description: 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.

Location: Devon Meadows.

Project description: 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.

Location: Cannons Creek.

Project description: 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.

Location: Yarrambat.

Project description: 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.

Location: Little River.

Project description: 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.

Location: Beveridge.

Project description: 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.

Location: Merricks.

Project description: 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.

Location: Tyabb.

Project description: 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.

Location: Garfield.

Project description: 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.

Location: St Andrews.

Project description: 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.

Project:The Scout Association of Australia, Victorian Branch - 1st Red Hill Scout Group  - Cook, Share, Connect: The Scout Hall Kitchen Project.

Location: Red Hill.

Project description: This project will involve works to upgrade the outdated kitchen in the 1st Red Hill Scout hall. Works will include demolishing the existing kitchen and installing new cabinetry, appliances, plumbing, and electrical work, all in compliance with local health and safety standards.

Project: The Scout Association of Australia, Victorian Branch, 1st Selby Scout Group  - Warming our Selby Scouts.

Location: Selby.

Project description: This project involves the installation of heaters to the Scouts Hall for their growing 1st Selby Scouts Group. Works will involve the installation of two reverse cycle split systems to improve the facility and comfort of the participants.

Location: Warneet.

Project description: 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.

Location: Koo Wee Rup.

Project description: 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.

Location: Olinda.

Project description: 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.

Location: Wattle Glen.

Project description: The project will involve 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.

Location: Flinders.

Project description: 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.

Location: Yarra Junction.

Project description: 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 includes 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.

Tiny Towns Round 1 successful grant recipients and projects

Location: Panton Hill.

Project description: The project will include the installation of audio, video and lighting system at the Panton Hill Hall. The upgrades will increase use of a space where community members gather, socialise and celebrate.

Project description:  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.

Location:  Blind Bight.

Project description: The project will install new block out and sheer blinds to the Blind Bight Community Centre hall, replacing the old curtains. The old curtains are 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.

Project description:  The project will deliver a playground for the wider community and younger families in Bunyip and surrounds.

Location: Lang Lang.

Project description: 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.

Project:  Greening Tooradin - Street beautification and Parks upgrade.

Location: Cranbourne.

Project description: The project will beautify the amenity of local streets and improve public open spaces including parks in the town of Tooradin through the planting of 225 trees in 6 reserves, 1 community centre and 8 streets. The funding will be utilised for supply of tree stock, site preparation, planting, installation of stakes and water wells, mulching and establishment maintenance of trees for 2 years.

Project:  Warneet Recreation Reserve Playground renewal.

Location: Warneet.

Project description: The project will provide an enhanced play space including all abilities access, all abilities play equipment including sensory items and nature play space/equipment. The playground will benefit the local community of Warneet and promote visitation.

Location: Olinda.

Project description: The project will deliver asphalting works surrounding the Olinda Reserve Social Rooms. The area is currently uneven, rutted and dangerous. The rooms serve the biggest community organisations in the area and will also 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.

Location: Bunyip.

Project description: The project will upgrade the fit out of the existing kitchen in a space currently used as a community meeting place for the Bunyip community. This project will provide the local community another facility catered by all user groups.

Location: Kallista.

Project description: 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.

Location: Koo Wee Rup.

Project description: The project will deliver a mural in the Koo Wee Rup town centre opposite the restored and no longer used railway station. The mural will feature a train, a representation of the old station and reproduce classic photos of trucks lined up to deliver potatoes. The mural will boost community pride and visitor numbers.

Location: Millgrove.

Project description: 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.

Location: Hurstbridge.

Project description: The project will deliver a modern and upgraded amenity block with all-abilities access to service the Bittern community and its visitors.

Location: Blairgowrie.

Project description: This project will provide additional workshop space to include equipment to support new activities at the Mens Shed, avoiding unnecessary and potentially unsafe overcrowding in the existing facility.

Location: Research.

Project description: The project will remove worn out and unsafe tennis court surfaces in Research and replace them with new surfaces. The new court surfaces will encourage and welcome everyone to use the facilities to play sport, socialise and enjoy the country feel.

Location: Strathewen.

Project description: The project will include the purchase and installation of acoustic panels in the main hall area to provide a more comfortable space for community members to gather and hear what people are saying. This will encourage more residents to take part in events and enjoy being part of the Strathewen community.

Location: Tonimbuk.

Project description:  The project will revitalise and rejuvenate an outdoor area by installing a steel gazebo that will provide shelter and conduct landscape works with native planting to improve the aesthetics of the community space in Tonimbuk.

Resources

See below for our available resources.

No results were found

For information about Tiny Towns Grants for regional Victoria and Alpine Resorts, visit Regional Development Victoria - Tiny Towns Fund.

Logo use guidelines

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.

Page last updated: 09/07/25