On 16 May 2024, the Hon Catherine King MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government announced funding for 40 projects under Round 1 of the Growing Regions Program.

Minister King’s media release can be found at Investing in Communities in Regional Australia.
The successful projects that have been offered funding under Round 1 are provided at Growing Regions Program – Round 1 successful projects. 

The Commonwealth Department of Social Services is offering up to half of the cost to build Changing Places facilities in Local Government Areas (LGAs) across Australia. Changing Places are accessible toilets with extra features and more space to meet the needs of people with disability and their carers.
As at 1 February 2024, the Department of Social Services has increased the funding offer to provide:

• 50% of the funding towards build costs for Changing Places facilities in LGAs with an existing facility
• 40% of the funding towards build costs for all subsequent facilities in any LGA with at least one Changing Places

This funding offer can supplement other sources of funding, including the Growing Regions Program. Applicants are encouraged to consider including a Changing Places facility in upcoming community infrastructure plans.
Further information can be found at Changing Places | Department of Social Services, Australian Government (dss.gov.au).

Update to Stage 2 – Full application
28 November 2023: Projects approved to proceed to stage 2 of the Growing Regions Program have been invited to submit a full application. Applications close on 15 January 2024.