By Tyler Wright
The Cockatoo township is set to receive a boost after a $50,000 injection through the state government’s Tiny Towns Fund.
Community groups, local organisations and councils were eligible to apply for the grants, which support beautification projects including public art and street furniture in tiny towns of up to 5,000 people– improving livability for local families.
The initiative is also set to support the creation of tourism draw cards; offering grants for attractions including splash parks, hiking trails and more – with councils across regional Victoria, including Yarra Ranges Council and Cardinia Shire Council, eligible to apply.
Connecting Cockatoo Communities chairperson Tate McFarlane said the funds were obtained through Monbulk MP Daniela De Martino’s advocacy.
“We actually met with Daniela and sat down and spoke to her and she was interested in what the issues of the community were and wanted to know what was required,” Mr McFarlane said.
“Given her background, she has been involved in running a business, she’s also been involved in local community, so she saw what we were trying to achieve and the fact that there were dedicated volunteers on the ground trying to bring better results to the community.
“She won the seat and we got the funding, so we are grateful for that.”
Mr McFarlane said the Connecting Cockatoo Communities committee has asked for submissions from the public as to where to focus the funds for the town, and the group is now deciding which projects to spearhead.
“One of the things that came out of [the submissions] was better signage for Cockatoo – making the main street more visible,” he said.
“Directing them towards the main street, letting them know how to get to the facilities that we have.
“For a local, yes, it’s very clear where you’ve got to go, but for a non-local it’s a little bit more complex, almost to the point where if you blink you miss it.”
Mr McFarlane also said there are other ideas being floated by the committee – with the requirement that the project be completed within 12 months.
“We’re looking to add all the possible options and then we’re going to divide the funds up.
“The one that’s got the most public support at the moment is the signage around the area; that’s certainly one that will be backed, there will be funding provided to the market.”
Mr McFarlane said the ideas will be presented to members of Cardinia Shire Council.
“Some of the ideas put forward are some things that we can’t initiate – it has to be by other parties such as Parks Victoria or the council,” he said.
“Having said that, [the ideas] are still very valid and we’re listening to what the community wants, so therefore that’s why we’re going to talk to our local council members to make them aware of ‘this is what they need, this is what we think they need.’
“It’s all a matter of taking on board the feedback of the community and looking at how we can best invest that money to return rewards to everyone in the community.”
Daniela De Martino said Connecting Cockatoo Communities is an “energetic, consultative” committee who work hard to improve their township.
“I look forward to working with them as they develop an impressive project which will support this vibrant town,” Ms De Martino said.
“Their consultation with the community is ensuring good engagement with as many people as possible to create improvements for Cockatoo.
“The Allan Labor Government is committed to supporting local organisations that help their communities thrive.”
