Media releases: 13 May 2020
Junee not-for-profits (NFPs) will now have a set of helping hands to assist in the development, implementation and evaluation of projects suggested as part of the Investing in Rural Community Futures (IRCF) program, with the appointment of a local facilitator.
Junee was chosen as one of three New South Wales communities to participate in the IRCF program, which was set up through a partnership between the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) and the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation (VFFF).
FRRR’s IRCF Program Manager, Alli Mudford, says that the organisation knows from experience how important it is to have someone local on the ground to support organisations in their own community and help turn these ideas into sustainable solutions.
“One thing that we heard loud and clear from the Junee community was how important it is to have local people playing an integral part in this program,” said Ms Mudford. “That’s why we are delighted to have Cahli Wall joining the team as Junee’s community facilitator.”
Cahli Wall lives in Junee and is passionate about creating educational opportunities and an inclusive environment for the region’s youth, disadvantaged and other vulnerable community members. Cahli believes the new IRCF program will provide Junee community groups with the important resources and support they need to thrive.
Both FRRR and VFFF have been inspired by the ideas that community representatives have put forward. Local organisations have identified that organisational development, governance, skills development and revenue sustainability are priorities for the Junee community.
These suggestions have now been incorporated into a roadmap for the IRCF program moving forward. Individual organisations and collectives in Junee are now invited to apply for grants for projects that are reflected in this community roadmap.
Ms Mudford says that FRRR staff and the newly appointed local facilitator will work closely with local organisations to support them to apply for these, and future grants as part of the Junee’s IRCF journey.
“Each community we’re working with is very different, with its own challenges, unique personalities and the depth and breadth of not-for-profits that work within its boundaries. FRRR’s role in the IRCF journey is to act as facilitators and supporters, to enhance the ability of local leaders to deliver the change they wish to see.
“It is absolutely a privilege to be working with the local leaders we’ve met in Junee, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds and how they turn these ideas into reality.”
Applications for IRCF Ongoing Partnership Grants based on the Junee community roadmap are now open and close at 5pm, Friday 12 June 2020. Grants will be awarded in August 2020.
To apply for an Ongoing Partnership Grant contact IRCF Program Manager Alli Mudford on 0448 992 820, or Junee’s IRCF facilitator Cahli Wall on 0434 934 626 or email ircfjunee@gmail.com.
