Wednesday, 14 May 2025

Ministers statements: Tiny Towns Fund

Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Regional Development) (12:38): This is a really nice way to finish question time today. I want to update the house on how the Allan Labor government is supporting some of our tiniest towns and communities in regional Victoria. It is one of my favourite programs, and I do thank previous ministers in the role for the creation of the Tiny Towns Fund, because it just does bring so much joy to the littlest communities in Victoria.

I had the pleasure to be in Waaia last Friday to announce the 159 projects that will be delivered right across regional Victoria. In Waaia the passionate community group led by Sue Cleeland have spent the last few years planning their project. The grain silo sits large and proud directly opposite the pub, which is really fantastic in terms of what this project is going to do, and with the addition of –

Members interjecting.

Jaclyn SYMES: Let us just talk down our Tiny Towns while I am trying to be all positive about our Tiny Towns. Waaia were pretty happy that I was there Friday, and I did enjoy spending time with them. They will be receiving funding to produce a mural on that silo. It will be an opportunity to put that community on the map and become another destination on the renowned Victorian silo art trail.

The Tiny Towns Fund looks at things like walking track upgrades and community centre renovations, and there are grants available of between $5000 and $50,000 to really help these communities flourish, boost tourism and support local workers both during and after development of these projects. Other projects supported include a public environmental art space at Willaura in western Victoria, which will showcase indigenous plants.

It will be an educational, cultural and artistic space for the community and visitors. The Daisy Hill Community Centre is another project that will see an upgrade to their kitchen and a modern functional space. Almost 350 projects around Victoria have been delivered under this project to date. I congratulate all of those communities for their strong advocacy and congratulate them on the outcomes of their funding.