Community
11 July, 2024
Pavilion cashes in on funding
MONTGOMERY Pavilion will be given a spruce up just in time for its 100th birthday this September.
The much-loved feature of Tea Tree Lake is one of four to receive funding from the Victorian Government’s Tiny Towns Fund, with Moyne Shire council successfully applying for $93,785 for projects.
Moyne Shire deputy mayor Karen Foster said $18,485 from the state government and a further $8000 from council will ensure the Montgomery Pavilion would remain a popular space for the community to gather.
“The Pavilion was built in 1924 using a 500-pound bequest from businessman and Mortlake Shire councillor Thomas Montgomery,” she said.
“The late Mr Montgomery had loved the gardens where the pavilion now sits and had helped transform them from a swamp into the beautiful parklands which are there now.
“It has been a popular and central meeting place for generations, but it needs a bit of TLC so thanks to this funding we will be able to do that to ensure it is looking it’s best ahead of a planned centenary celebration later this year.”
Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney recently announced the first recipients of the Labor Government’s $20 million Tiny Towns Fund, which saw more than 200 new initiatives receive funding to improve small towns.
The program’s first round is bringing to life more than 180 projects in rural and regional towns, and over 20 projects in outer metropolitan towns bordering the regions, each with fewer than 5000 residents.
Ms Tierney said the successful projects will celebrate each community’s local spirit and will drive visitation to these vibrant towns.
“We’re helping our tiniest towns reach their full potential with so many community-driven projects that will upgrade local facilities and encourage more visitors to Victoria’s vibrant regions,” she said.
In addition to Montgomery Pavilion, Koroit Theatre received $28,615 from the fund and with $6300 from council and $3000 from the Theatre Committee, to be used to develop a business case for upgrades.
Port Fairy’s Railway Place will get an electrical upgrade thanks to $22,368 from the government and $7000 from council.
The Nirranda Recreation Reserve’s future will also be mapped out with a masterplan, using $24,317 from the grant funding and $5000 from council.
For more information visit rdv.vic.gov.au/tinytownsfund or suburbandevelopment.vic.gov.au/grants/tiny-towns-fund.