Labor is backing local projects in regional Victoria to make sure even the smallest towns can thrive.
Minister Settle announced more than 100 projects have now been delivered through $20 million Tiny Towns Fund.
The completed projects span across regional Victoria and range from town hall upgrades, new public spaces, arts and cultural activities to town activations and tourism attractions.
Across Gippsland Tiny Towns Fund has invested $517,723 for 27 projects, supporting local facilities, boosting community connections and helping small towns thrive.
This includes $25,000 to renew the Loch Memorial Reserve Playground in Loch and $11,076 for new male and female umpires changerooms in Nyora.
Upgrades across Gippsland are improving community facilities and accessibility, with new roofs and refurbishments at halls, pavilions and sporting clubs in towns like Boolarra, Briagolong and Ellinbank.
Near Ballarat, a $50,000 grant is helping the Inverleigh Mechanics Institute Reserve Committee of Management expand the capacity of the Inverleigh Public Hall through a new fully sealed storage shed.
Projects are also strengthening inclusion and participation, with accessible upgrades in Hill End and Newhaven, community spaces in Neerim Junction and Omeo, and local programs in Neerim South.
At the same time, investments in sport and community life from Meeniyan and Outtrim to Tarwin Lower and Toongabbie - alongside events and tourism improvements in places like Paynesville and Sandy Point, are helping bring communities together and keep small towns active and connected.
Under the program, 24 town halls have been renovated and improved across the state, including Bolinda Hall in the Macedon Ranges, where the facility's walking track received an upgrade to connect and keep people active.
Arts and culture have also been celebrated, with new lighting and signage installed at the Lake Boga Silo Art, helping attract visitors and bring in an economic boost.
In an extra boost, regional businesses and workers are being hired to bring our Tiny Towns Fund projects to life, helping boost local employment and business demand.
Labor has invested more than $50 billion in regional Victoria, in new schools, new TAFEs, new hospitals and better roads.
Jess Wilson's $40 billion in cuts can't happen without cutting regional hospitals and schools - because that's where most of the state budget goes.
For more information, visit rdv.vic.gov.au/tiny-towns-fund.
As stated by Minister for Regional Development Michaela Settle
"It's so exciting to see that more than 100 projects now complete, supporting communities with better facilities, visitor attractions, parks and more."
"Small projects can have a big impact upgrading the spaces locals use every day and making a real difference to how communities connect and grow."
As stated by Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh
"These projects are delivering real, practical improvements for dozens of Gippsland towns."
As stated by Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing
"Gippsland is home to many small towns, and while these projects might seem modest, they make a big difference, improving everyday facilities and supporting the communities that rely on them."
