Valued upgrades for rural townships

Published on 20 May 2026

The Wareek Hall has received an upgrade, with restoration works underway at the Talbot ANA Hall and improvements at the Daisy Hill Community Centre set to begin soon.

These township upgrades are welcome news for townships across the Shire and have been made possible thanks to joint funding from the Victorian Government’s Tiny Towns Fund, Council and local community groups.

In June 2024, Council announced it had secured funding for seven projects, with a further two projects announced in May 2025.

Projects have been delivered in Adelaide Lead, Bealiba, Majorca, Bowenvale, Dunolly, Talbot, Carisbrook and Wareek — with Daisy Hill next on the list.

Central Goldfields Shire Mayor and Paddys Ranges Ward Councillor Ben Green said community projects like these might seem small to some but make a significant difference to rural communities.

“Federal and state funding streams are critical for small rural councils such as ours to deliver new and upgraded infrastructure.

“We are grateful to the Victorian Government and Member for Ripon Martha Haylett for this funding to deliver these really important projects for our community.

“Thanks also to the Council staff who led the funding applications and have managed the upgrade works in direct partnership with local communities.”

Member for Ripon Martha Haylett said the Wareek Hall is at the heart of the community and it is fantastic to see it receive the upgrades it deserves.

"This is what our Labor government's Tiny Towns Fund is all about, supporting our smallest communities to thrive with projects that might not cost a lot, but that make a huge difference." 

Talbot ANA Hall

Restumping, structural repairs, floor re‑laying and associated works.

Project cost: $100,000 — $50,000 from the Victorian Government, $25,000 from Council and $25,000 from the Talbot ANA Hall Committee of Management.

Wareek Town Hall

Security upgrades to doors, locks and lighting, plus a small awning verandah and a new concrete ramp for wheelchair access.

Project cost: $16,000 — $12,000 from the Victorian Government, $2,000 from Council and $2,000 from the Wareek Public Hall Committee.

Daisy Hill Community Centre

New kitchen cabinetry and benchtops.

Project cost: $16,000 — $12,000 from the Victorian Government, $2,000 from Council and a $2,000 contribution from the Daisy Hill Community Centre.