Annual Review 2023
Backing Rural Communities
FRRR is the only national foundation specifically focused on ensuring the social and economic strength and resilience of remote, rural and regional communities.
The ongoing impacts of COVID, coupled with the legacy of bushfires and drought, and several incidents of significant flooding, made FY 2022/23 another difficult year. Despite this, communities once again pulled together, harnessing the strengths of local people and their connection and commitment to their places to forge ahead.
FRRR was privileged to support many of them, thanks to the continued trust and commitment of our partners. This document is a snapshot of our activities for this reporting year, and of the resilience and tenacity of the local leaders who helped sustain and strengthen their communities.
We encourage you to click the link below to explore the report in full.
A message from our CEO
I am very pleased to share FRRR’s FY 2022/23 Annual Review, reporting on another year of impact for FRRR.
We saw the largest number of applications in our 23-year history, signalling both that life is getting back to ‘normal’ following COVID but also highlighting the challenges in securing funding in remote, rural and regional communities for the things that matter locally.
Through our many powerful partnerships we distributed a record $22.5M through 1,158 grants in more than 550 locations, covering more than 50% of Local Government Areas in Australia. While we’re proud of this increased reach, there were still around 440 important, funding-ready projects that we could not support. Our goal is for communities to be resourced to pursue projects that matter to them, and that deliver contextual and innovative responses to our country’s most challenging issues.
Our work would not be possible without our generous supporters and I appreciate the trust that you continue to place in FRRR to reach those communities most in need. I also acknowledge the outstanding dedication of our staff and the support of our Board and committee members.
While this report looks back on what we’ve achieved, we continue to look forward, reviewing and refreshing our granting operations processes and focusing on our future sustainability, so we can continue the important capacity building, community engagement and insights work FRRR undertakes alongside our granting.
We invite you to explore some of the stories of impact that we’ve achieved together, as well as more about the areas where we’ll be focusing in the coming years.
As ever, I welcome your feedback or questions.
Natalie Egleton
FRRR CEO
on Dja Dja Wurrung Country
At a glance …
We acknowledge the Dja Dja Wurrung people as the Traditional Custodians of Jaara Country (Bendigo), where we are headquartered, and extend our respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nations where we fund organisations and activities.
We acknowledge their connections to land, sea and community and pay our respect to Elders past and present and to the continuation of the custodial, cultural and educational practices of Australia’s First People.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this report may contain images or names of people who have passed away.