The $6.5 million Our Town Fund supports eligible community infrastructure and facilities projects, including community facilities, visitor attractions and experiences, playgrounds, hall and library upgrades and public art.

Applicants in towns with up to 12,000 people, across Victoria’s 48 regional local government areas and Alpine resorts are eligible to apply for a grant.

Objectives of program

The fund aims to:

• support economic development
• improve infrastructure and facilities
• build community pride and enhance the way people live, work and connect
• support inclusive participation in community life for all residents, including First Peoples in Victoria, people living with disability, LGBTQIA+ communities, people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds and those experiencing isolation
• provide opportunities for community groups and local organisations to deliver projects that create place-based benefits for their towns and residents.

Funding details

Grants between $5,000 and $200,000 are available depending on the applicant type.

This includes grants of up to $200,000 for local councils and alpine resorts to deliver larger community infrastructure and public facility projects across one or more towns.

Grants of up to $50,000 are available for all other applicants to deliver smaller community projects.

All applicants are required to make financial contributions towards project in line with the requirements outlined in the Program Guidelines and frequently asked questions (FAQs).

What will be funded?

The Our Town Fund will support infrastructure and facilities projects such as:

• upgrades to community facilities and buildings
• multi-use shared community spaces
• improvements to public spaces
• local tourism attractions
• public art spaces
• parks and picnic facilities
• accessibility and safety improvements
• planning projects to bring forward community infrastructure projects
• recovery projects that are infrastructure in nature.

Application process

For more information about the fund including who is eligible and the application process, refer to the Program Guidelines.

Contact the relevant RDV office if you require assistance with your application.

For general enquiries, contact our Customer Contact Centre on 1800 878 969. Operating hours are 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday.