Big wins for tiny towns across the Shire
Published on 17 June 2025
Six community groups in Mansfield Shire’s outlying communities have secured funding for a range of local projects.
Mayor Cr Steve Rabie congratulated the groups on their successful applications to Regional Development Victoria’s Tiny Towns Fund, with announcements made in 2024 and 2025
“It’s fantastic to see 6 great community-led projects across our Shire that can now go ahead, or are already going ahead,” he said.
“It really shows what a fantastic community we have. We have 6 community groups that have got together, taken the initiative to do make something big happen in their local area, and put in a huge effort to secure funding.
“All up there’s nearly $200,000 that community groups have been able to secure for our outlying communities.
“Council is proud of our community groups for seeking funding opportunities that will the deliver the best bang for their buck,” said Cr Rabie.
The successful community groups and projects received the following funding:
- Goughs Bay Boat Sport and Recreation Club – Enhancing Safety at the Goughs Bay Boat, Sport, Recreation and Community Hub – $23,800
- Goughs Bay Area Progress Association – Goughs Bay Community Hub – $19,419
- Merton Recreational & Memorial Hall Reserves Inc. – Merton Community Skate Park – $50,000
- McCormack Park Grounds Management Committee Inc. – Creating a safe and secure community gathering place for recreation, and in times of emergency, as a refuge – $45,005
- Tolmie Mechanics Institute and Recreation Reserve Committee – Upgrade of Tolmie Tennis Court – $22,000
- Jamieson Community Group & Associated Bodies Incorporated – Gerrans Reserve Jamieson – Bandstand Proposal – $17,701
Quotes attributable to Linda Terry, Tolmie Mechanics Institute and Recreation Reserve Committee
“We are very grateful for the $22,000 grant from the Victorian Government Tiny Towns Fund. This, together with $10,000 from our own Committee of Management and $3,000 from another 3 Tolmie community groups made this exciting upgrade possible. A synthetic surface to the tennis court has been long sought after, with the old concrete courts cracked, gritty, hard to maintain and hard on bodies! The new court is a delight to play on and with the help of Tennis Australia to set up a new booking and entry system, we are looking forward to much increased usage. It is a fabulous asset for the benefit of our hard-working community.”
Quotes attributable to Gail Hart, Goughs Bay Area Progress Association and Goughs Bay Boat Club
“The Goughs Bay Area Progress Association (GBAPA) and the Goughs Bay Boat Club (GBBC) were very pleased to receive a Tiny Town Grant in both 2024 and 2025. The GBAPA have used their grant to have storage cupboards and a split system installed in their new Community Hub office. They are also planning some landscaping near their office. The GBBC is preparing to install solar lights as well as some fencing in their carpark to make the area safer for visitors.
These works would not have been able to be undertaken without these generous grants from the Victorian State Government.”
Quotes attributable to Margaret Fitzgerald, Merton Recreation & Memorial Hall Reserves Inc.
"We're not just unveiling a fantastic new facility; we’re celebrating a vision. A vision where our youth and families have a safe, dynamic space to connect, express themselves, and build lasting memories. This skate park is the result of a community dream & true community effort—a labour of love that has brought together volunteers, sponsors, and local leaders, all united by a shared commitment to enhancing our town."
"This park is more than just ramps and rails—it’s a hub for community interaction, a platform for developing skills and confidence, and a symbol of what we can achieve when we work together."
Quotes attributable to Chris Badrock, Jamieson Community Group
“The installation of a permanent stage at Gerrans Reserve will be a great benefit for the local community and avoid volunteers lifting heavy portable stage sections into position for events. Additionally, the permanent structure will add to the main street streetscape.”
Quotes attributable to Ross May, McCormack Park Grounds Management Committee Inc.
“Receipt of a Tiny Towns grant has enabled us to transform our Community owned and operated Park from a ‘farm paddock’ into a safe, versatile recreation reserve for broad community use and to strengthen the Park’s amenity as a place of refuge. We are sincerely grateful for the support.”