Ms Thomas was given a tour of the Rupanyup Community Retail Hubs by the chairperson of Enterprise Rupanyup Malcolm Uhe.

The retail hub is still under construction and is due to be complete in July this year, with the official opening in spring.

The minister was also joined by Yarriambiack Shire councillors Tom Hamilton and Corrine Heintz and community health manager Tim Rose.

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Ms Thomas said the achievement of Rupanyup was something many people have noticed.

"This a story all of the Victorian Government have noticed about the town of Rupanyup," she said.

"You have demonstrated for over a decade that this is a town that has a can-do capability.

"The love and connection to the community just shines through, the passion for this town to remain viable for people to live and work in I can feel it."

Mr Thomas said this model is something that can be applied to other rural towns across Victoria.

The State Government invested $500,000 towards the retail hub.

Mr Uhe said the retail hub's next stage is to raise funds for solar panels and a community garden.

"We'll raise money for solar panels, which are a no brainer for this area," he said.

"We haven't had to go to the community for funds for the retail hub, but every cent has been accounted for for the build.

"We've applied for a $12,000 federal grant for the solar panels and will appeal to the community for assistance."

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