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

Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh today announced 13 groups in East Gippsland would receive grants through round one of the Labor Government’s $20 million Tiny Towns Fund. 

The program’s first round is bringing to life more than 180 projects in rural and regional towns, and over 20 projects in outer metropolitan towns bordering the regions, each with fewer than 5,000 residents.  

The successful projects celebrate each community’s local spirit and will drive visitation to these vibrant towns. 

The Orbost Exhibition Centre will receive $50,000 to retrofit their existing performing arts space to attract touring exhibitions and deliver quality big screen film events, boosting the local tourism offering. 

Mallacoota Arts Council Inc will also be given $50,000 for creating sculptural screens to enhance Mallacoota’s streetscape. 

Other grant recipients include East Gippsland Landcare Network, who are getting $40,622 for upgrading the community seedbank facility in Mt Taylor, and Swifts Creek Pony Club, who will receive $29,976 to build a multi-purpose horse arena. 

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. 

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 Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh 

“East Gippsland has some of the state's best tiny towns and I'm proud our government are backing them with the tiny towns fund.” 

“13 community-led projects right across East Gippsland are getting the support they need to take advantage of their unique opportunities.”