Completion of Tiny Towns Projects set to benefit local communities

Two significant community projects in the City of Ballarat’s North Ward have been officially acknowledged today, marking an exciting milestone for residents of the area.  

Member for Ripon Martha Haylett MP and City of Ballarat North Ward Councillor Jim Rinaldi attended the Burrumbeet Soldiers Memorial Hall and Cardigan Village Reserve to tour the upgraded facilities.

Both projects received support through the Victorian Government’s Tiny Towns Fund, which helps deliver small‑scale infrastructure upgrades to enhance liveability, accessibility and community connection in regional areas.

Burrumbeet Soldiers Memorial Hall  

Thanks to nearly $40,000 in Tiny Towns funding, the Burrumbeet Soldiers Memorial Hall has been revitalised and made more functional for community use. Key improvements include:

• An extension to the existing building for dedicated storage, freeing up space within the hall.
• A wider and longer concrete path at the rear of the building, significantly improving accessibility for people with mobility impairments.

The hall now has increased capacity to host community group meetings and larger activities and functions.  

L to R: Member for Ripon Martha Haylett, Hall Committee President Ian Marshall, City of Ballarat North Ward Councillor Jim Rinaldi, and Committee member Paul Beechey.

The project was further supported by an investment of nearly $50,000 from the City of Ballarat, along with an additional $1,000 from the Burrumbeet Community Asset Committee.

Cardigan Village Reserve

Cardigan Village Reserve playground has undergone a $600,000 transformation as part of the City of Ballarat’s Neighbourhood Parks Program, supported by a $50,000 Tiny Towns Fund contribution.

Stage One works saw the installation of a new BMX pump track. This was completed in December 2025 and has been enjoyed by families for the past three months.

Recently completed Stage Two works include:

• A new all‑abilities playground
• New drinking fountain and park furniture
• Fitness stations and a small sensory garden connected by a new circuit path.

These upgrades were shaped by community engagement undertaken by the City of Ballarat, where residents identified their needs and aspirations for the reserve.

Kindergarten children enjoy the new playground at Cardigan Village Recreation Reserve.

Member for Ripon, Martha Haylett said the projects support the future of much‑loved community spaces.

“Our community halls and rec reserves are at the heart of our regional communities. I'm so pleased our government has backed upgrades at these hubs for locals in Burrumbeet and Cardigan Village," she said.  

"I want to thank the local volunteers who keep these community assets going, and who have helped upgrade them for the future. Without them, we'd be lost."

City of Ballarat North Ward Councillor Jim Rinaldi said these projects highlight what can be achieved when government and local communities work in partnership.

“Cardigan Village Reserve and the Burrumbeet Soldiers Memorial Hall are much‑loved local spaces, and these improvements ensure they can be enjoyed by more people, more often,” Cr Rinaldi said.

“The community told us what mattered to them, and we’ve delivered exactly that. These upgrades are about supporting active lifestyles, creating inclusive spaces, and making sure our smaller towns receive the investment they deserve.”