20th Anniversary – Places
Celebrating people and places
At FRRR, we have always believed in the importance of place, particularly the context of a specific location when it comes to achieving equitable access to opportunities.
In late 2020, with COVID-19 curtailing plans for in-person celebrations and roadtrips, we began sharing some of the places of FRRR – communities that have been supported by FRRR, that showcase the resilience and community spirit that remote, rural and regional towns are so renowned for. These are just an example of the diversity of places that make up country Australia.
Check back regularly to see what towns are featured, and perhaps learn a little about them and the efforts of local leaders to make their community a better place to live and work.
Located in the beautiful Barossa Valley in South Australia amid its many wineries, Nuriootpa is a popular place for tourists. It’s also a great place to live and thrives thanks to its vibrant community.
FRRR is proud to have awarded $325,508 in 47 grants to community groups and not-for-profits in this region.
Check out the video to see some examples of what the community has achieved so far!
We are pleased to put the spotlight on Mount Gambier in South Australia.
South Australia’s second largest city has some wonderful and unique landscapes that make it an excellent option if you’re looking for an adventurous (domestic) holiday.
FRRR has worked with 16 different organisations in the region over the past two decades – awarding a total of 70 grants. Well done to all involved, including those listed below.
Watch the video below to find out more about FRRR’s support of this community.
Situated in the WA wheatbelt, Wongan Hills has strong grain, sheep and cattle industries. But it also attracts a fair bit of tourism every year, thanks to its proximity to Perth and the wonderful Wildflower Trail.
FRRR has awarded nearly $90,000 to 16 community groups and not-for-profit organisations in Wongan Hills over the past two decades, supporting 21 different projects.
Watch the video below to find out more about FRRR’s support of this community.
Alexandra is a beautiful little town, right near the Goulburn River in Victoria. They’ve had their fair share of challenges, especially due to the 2009 bushfires, but always seem to come out stronger.
With the support of our generous donor partners, FRRR has awarded 55 grants to 21 different community groups over the years. A huge congratulations to all of the community leaders over that time, and all the volunteers who have put in so much effort.
Watch the video below to find out more about FRRR’s support of this community.
Perhaps better known as Gundy, Goondiwindi is a little town on the MacIntyre River, just north of the NSW border. It’s the economic centre for a vast agricultural and pastoral region, but it has endured many years of drought.
Luckily for the local community, their region is full of passionate people who work tirelessly to make Gundy a wonderful and vibrant place to live.
Watch the video below to find out more about FRRR’s support of this community.
Lismore city is on the land of the Bundjalung people and is home to over 29,500 people. Located in the lush Northern Rivers area of New South Wales on the banks of Wilsons River, this creative hub draws tourists with its rich alternative lifestyle as well as its agricultural production and centres for higher education.
Watch the video below to find out more about FRRR’s support of this community.
700km west of Rockhampton, Longreach is one of the founding centres for one of the worlds foremost airlines, Qantas. A town that is reliant on its flourishing cattle and sheep industry, it just makes sense to have the Cattleman’s Hall of fame here! This thriving community and tourist destination houses just under 3000 people and lays on the land of the Iningai people.
Watch the video below to find out more about FRRR’s support of this community.
One of the bigger towns in Queensland’s outback, Charleville rests itself against the banks of the Warrego River on the land of the Bidjara people. In the past an important Cobb n Co. station, the town now relies on being the main pastoral hub for the Murweh region. It must be a great place – Slim Dusty wrote a song about it!
Watch the video below to find out more about FRRR’s support of this community.
With a population of just 1500, Jamestown is a small town located 200km north of Adelaide on the Belalie Creek. Named after the Governor of South Australia in 1871, Sir James Fergusson, this community thrives through the sheep and wool industry as well as grains. It also houses some of the most innovative technology from Telsa – the largest battery in the world!
Watch the video below to find out more about FRRR’s support of this community.
In the little town of Smithton, in the north-west regions of Tasmania, archaeologists have found 45,000 year old remains of a huge hippo!
These days Smithon is better known for its rich farming and tourism. This community is also very creative… FRRR has awarded nearly $120,000 in 23 grants to community groups and not-for-profit organisations in Smithon in the past two decades – including a local Youth Fest, a film project and the wonderful “Art About Town” festival.
Watch the video below to learn more about FRRR’s support of this community.
Wiluna is a small Aboriginal community rich in traditional knowledge and culture.
In recent years, FRRR has had the opportunity to support this community with 12 grants of nearly $300,000 to support local projects. Each one has been developed and implemented by local people working hard to make their community stronger and more vibrant.
Watch the video below to find out more about FRRR’s support of this community.
As you can probably guess, Bega is reliant on the dairy industry to produce its famous and delicious cheeses. But Bega has much more to offer than cows! It also has rich natural landscapes and a growing arts scene.
FRRR has awarded more than $350,000 in grants to support 32 not-for-profits and community groups in the area. Well done to each and every one of you!
Watch the video below to find out more about FRRR’s support of this community.
Wonthaggi is a seaside town in Gippsland, Victoria – an attractive tourist destination for those wanting to walk, cycle or horseride along the old railway line. The town’s name means ‘home’ in the language of the Bunurong people. Wonthaggi has turned coal mining into sustainable energy through the installation of Wind turbines.
Watch the video below to find out more about FRRR’s support of this community.
St Helens is a picturesque fishing town located in Georges Bay, east of Launceston in Tasmania. It relies on tourists who come to enjoy a warmer climate and beautiful surrounds, as well as the fishing industry. It is close to the Bay of Fires Conservation Area, only a short distance north passing by Binalong Bay.
Watch the video below to find out more about FRRR’s support of this community.
Situated on the Katherine River, after which the town is named, Katherine is the tourism gateway to the Nitmiluk National Park, it’s draw being the aboriginal paintings and the stunningly picturesque Katherine Gorge. The nearby RAAF base and mining industry, as well as the tourism industry keep this community flourishing. Katherine’s Aboriginal Culture is prevalent here and is showcased in the abundant artwork, festivals and galleries.
Watch the video below to find out more about FRRR’s support of this community.
Walgett means “the meeting place of two rivers”. This Outback community full of history and adventure is situated in northern NSW near the junction of the Namoi and Barwon Rivers. A former paddle-steamer port, it’s a popular fishing spot and rural service centre for an enormous pastoral area known for its wool, beef, chickpeas, barley, cotton and wheat.
Watch the video below to find out more about FRRR’s support of this community.
Located in the lush High Country of Victoria, the small and scenic town of Beechworth is a beautifully preserved old gold mining community. Proud of its Heritage-listed buildings, quaint yet modern accommodations – this town capitalises perfectly on its main industry of tourism. With local produce so abundant here, it’s no wonder Melbourne city slickers flock here for a foodies getaway.
Watch the video below to find out more about FRRR’s support of this regional community.
