Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards MP has announced funding for six new projects across the Mount Alexander Shire, to help make our communities better places to live, work, stay and play.

The six projects are being delivered through Round 2 of the Tiny Towns Fund, which grants community-building funding for towns with populations of fewer than 5,000 people.

From walking track upgrades to community centre renovations, the funding of between $5,000 and $50,000 will help local communities across Victoria flourish, and in many cases, support local workers during project development. Many of the projects are being delivered by volunteer organisations.

Locally funded projects:

• Chewton Community Park Welcomes Everyone, Chewton Domain Society Inc - $7,200
• Maldon Golf Club Kitchen Upgrade, Maldon Golf Club - $28,800
• James Park Harcourt upgrades, Mount Alexander Shire Council - $50,000
• Weaving a River: A Community Arts & Place-Making, Newstead Arts Hub - $30,400
• Walk Tarrangower Village, Tarrangower Village - $14,553
• Muckleford Recreation Reserve Fence Upgrade, Muckleford Recreation Reserve Association - $44,120

“Our smallest communities are the beating hearts of this region, and I know how important this funding is to complete projects that make a real difference," Ms Edwards said.

“Congratulations and thank you to the groups of who have applied and were successful.

“I can’t wait to see these projects come to fruition.”

Almost 350 projects are now being supported through Round 1 and Round 2 of the Tiny Towns Fund across more than 300 towns.

The fund is a part of the Labor Government’s record $45 billion investment over the past decade in projects and programs that support regional and rural Victoria.

For more information about the Tiny Towns Fund, visit www.rdv.vic.gov.au/tiny-towns-fund