The Unwanted Sale of Licola: A Tiny Australian Town Faces Uncertain Future

Wed Feb 04 2026 01:59:30 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Licola, a quaint village in Victoria known for its community spirit and scenic beauty, is up for sale, leaving its five residents and local supporters alarmed and disheartened as they fear for its future.

Located in the rugged Victorian bushland, Licola is a small town with a population of just five. Recently up for sale by the local Lions Club due to financial struggles, the community is concerned that this beloved village could fade away or be commercialized. The sale has sparked intense backlash from residents and supporters, leading to petitions and threats directed at the governing board.

The Unwanted Sale of Licola: A Tiny Australian Town Faces Uncertain Future

Tucked away in the rugged Victorian bushland lies the tiny outpost of Licola, population: five. Consisting of a couple of weatherboard buildings, a general store, a caravan park, and a petrol station grouped around a modest main street, Licola is one of Australia's smallest towns.

For those with a couple of million dollars to spare, the entire village—located about three hours' drive from Melbourne—has been quietly listed for sale. This move has shocked the tight-knit locals and raised concerns about the future of the community they love.

Privately owned by a local community club, Licola has long served as a vital pit stop for travelers en route to the Alpine National Park, renowned for its legacy of hosting outreach programs for disadvantaged youth. However, the Lions Club, which manages the town, has stated it can no longer afford to keep Licola running, prompting the decision to sell.

The announcement has sent alarm bells ringing among Licola's small group of passionate residents, who feel blindsided by the lack of consultation surrounding the sale. The situation has also attracted attention from those in surrounding areas, with many expressing deep concerns that the sale could lead to the village's demise.

'A Home Away from Home'

Licola was initially established as a timber mill in the 1950s, providing accommodations for workers. After its closure in 1968, the Lions Club transformed the site into a camp geared toward helping disadvantaged young people during school holidays.

Today, Leanne O'Donnell, who runs Licola's General Store, is one of the town's few full-time residents. Living with her family and best friend, O'Donnell strives to keep the community spirit alive. It’s just an amazing place, she shares, expressing her passion for her work and the town.

However, she now faces eviction as a result of the Lions Club's decision. Despite her commitment to running the store and supporting the local community, she has been informed that her lease will not be renewed, leaving her and the town's residents anxious about their future.

As the sale has ignited online protests and petitions, O'Donnell's supporters argue that the decision was made without sufficient accountability to the broader community. An online petition to retain the store has amassed more than 8,000 signatures, reflecting the strong sentiment against the sale.

Intense Backlash and Future Uncertainty

The Lions Village Licola board has reported that its staff have received threats amid the growing outrage over the sale, prompting discussions about their security in the town. In a statement, they emphasized that the decision to sell was due to financial reviews indicating unsustainable operations. They maintain that the focus should remain on supporting disadvantaged youth rather than preserving the physical premises.

The sale's future remains unpredictable, with considerable interest apparent from potential buyers. However, the existing residents and supporters can only wait and hope for a future that honors the community's spirit rather than commercializing it.