Community
19 June, 2026
One step closer to reality
THE Skipton Football Netball Club will see a new playground one step closer to construction thanks to funding through the Victorian Government’s third round of the Tiny Towns Fund.
The club was among 151 townships and 157 projects to share in $20 million of funding for towns with a population of less than 5000.
The announcement, made last Wednesday, saw the club receive $50,000 to go towards a new playground facility at the Skipton Recreation Reserve.
Skipton Football Netball Club secretary Simone Smith said the club was very grateful to receive the funding.
“We have not had an up-to-standard playground for well over 10 years, and we’ve been trying to get funding that whole time,” she said.
“We are really grateful – this will add to the recreation reserve and the community greatly.
“It’s really important to have a safe play space for the kids.
“It’ll go in our no traffic area and will just add to the whole recreation reserve.
“Now we are in the design process to see exactly what we want – it will be as inclusive as funding will allow.”
Ms Smith said the funding would not have been possible without one committed member of the club.
“If it wasn’t for the tireless work of our grant writer Megan Read, we would not be anywhere near being able to get it,” she said.
“She has worked tirelessly to get this funding, so we really appreciate what she does.”
Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney said Skipton would join the dozens of regional communities reaping the rewards of the fund, with over 100 projects already completed thanks to the Tiny Towns Fund.
“Our smaller towns have so much to offer,” she said.
“They’re built on strong community spirit and passionate volunteers, and it’s fantastic to see their hard work backed through the Tiny Towns Fund.
“Whether it’s restoring a much-loved hall, upgrading a recreation reserve or preserving a piece of local history, every one of these projects has come from the community itself.
“I’m proud we’re backing these local priorities and helping ensure our tiny towns continue to be wonderful places to live, work and visit.”
Minister for Regional Development Michaela Settle said most projects were being delivered by local workers and businesses, backing regional supply chains and economic growth.
“Some of Victoria’s best communities are also our smallest, and the Tiny Towns Fund is helping make sure they have the facilities and infrastructure they need to thrive,” she said.
“Labor is proud to back our smallest towns because we know strong regional communities are built through sustained investment, not cuts.”
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