Expansion for Victoria’s Murrindindi Shire

Freya Lucas

Feb 20, 2025

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The Victorian Government is supporting small businesses in the Murrindindi Shire to expand with a total of $100,000 in funding being awarded.

Both a long day care (LDC) service and a boat servicing business have benefited from Round One funding from the Forestry Transition Fund.

Victorian Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence announced a total of $100,000 in funding, naming Dindi Daycare, located in Alexandra, and Inferno Marine at Eildon benefiting.

Dindi Daycare will use its $50,000 Forestry Transition Fund grant to build acoustic fencing at the centre to provide a safe environment for children.

The early learning setting was established by Pagan McCarthy, following her firsthand experience looking for long-term childcare facilities in the Murrindindi Shire. Once fully operational the service is expected to create up to 12 ongoing jobs in the community, and to offer traineeships, further boosting career opportunities in the community.

As well as creating new positions, the centre will enable local parents to more readily participate in local employment opportunities themselves.

Inferno Marine will use its $50,000 Transition Fund grant to purchase a computer numerical control (CNC) machine, so it can manufacture components on site, reducing freight costs and wait times.

The funding will also assist Inferno Marine with the purchase of a portable building that will be used as an office.

Round 2 of the Forestry Transition Fund is open now, looking for projects that create jobs and develop businesses in and around communities impacted by the end of native timber harvesting.

A $20,000 employment incentive payment for the employment of ex-native timber workers is also available. Applications close on 31 October 2025. For more information visit deeca.vic.gov.au/forestry or call 1800 318 182.

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