More than $900,000 in grants awarded to rural communities

Media releases: 25 June 2020

Eighty-nine community-led projects receive funding

Bendigo, 25 June 2020:  The Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) has awarded $912,986 in grants of up to $25,000 to rural, regional and remote communities across Australia through its Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) program.

The SRC program is a grant program that aims to help rural communities across Australia by providing flexible funding for projects that support broad community needs.

This round saw 89 community projects awarded funding as far north as Gunbalanya, NT, south to Huonville, TAS, east to Eumundi, QLD and as far west as Exmouth, WA. The grants will go towards building community resilience, developing organisational resilience and capacity, promoting individual and community health and social wellbeing, and meeting equipment and infrastructure needs.

These grants range from $850 to help fund landscape maintenance equipment for Ulladulla’s Men’s Shed in  NSW, to $25,000 for a range of community infrastructure projects that promote community engagement and improve access to health facilities and enhance working conditions for volunteers.

FRRR CEO, Natalie Egleton, says that despite ongoing uncertainty as a result of COVID-19, it’s vital to keep funds flowing into regional areas.

“Many rural and remote communities have been hit hard by droughts, floods and bushfires and are stretched to the limit when it comes to coping with the economic impacts and additional pressures caused by COVID-19. We recognise that some of the projects may need to be changed to respond to COVID-19, but we wanted to get funding out to communities so that they can adapt and adjust as needed, especially as recovery starts.

“This is particularly relevant for bushfire-affected communities who have experienced the ‘double whammy’ with COVID-19. For this reason, FRRR made the call to fund a number of applications that were for bushfire recovery projects using donations received from a variety of donors over the summer. While FRRR is not yet formally running the bushfire stream of SRC, 12 bushfire recovery grants totalling $138,815, have been awarded as part of this round,” said Ms Egleton.

These grants will go towards helping bushfire affected communities to reduce social isolation, improve community connectedness and boost the local economy through workshops and festivals to help rebuild the economy. Several grants also went toward supporting community resilience and disaster preparedness through resourcing and education, and improving community infrastructure.

Some of the 89 projects awarded this round include:

  • Bobin School of Arts Incorporated, NSW – The Bobin COMA – $24,983 Strengthen the resilience of the Bobin community and support community recovery by providing an outdoor shaded area at the Bobin School of Arts Hall, which will also enhance its amenity as a bushfire-evacuation centre.
  • Njanjma Aboriginal Corporation, NT – Rock Art – Protect and Promote – $10,000 – Preserve and showcase culturally significant rock art at Gunbalanya through installation of barriers and signage and removal of fire-prone hazardous weeds along track.
  • Mission Beach Community Support Inc, QLD – Mental Health First Aid Course – $3,718 – Enable better mental health care in Mission Beach by funding an accredited Mental Health First Aid course for local community members.
  • Otitis Media Group (Inc), WA – Ultrasound Otoscope for East Pilbara Outreach Program – $10,000 – Reduce the impact of hearing loss through improved detection of middle ear disease with purchase of an ultrasound assisted otoscope.
  • Bruthen and District Neighbourhood House, Bruthen and District Citizens Association Inc, VIC – Holistic Community Well-being and Resilience – $25,000 – Support volunteer capacity and increase community engagement through the employment of a community worker.
  • Peterborough History Group SA Inc, SA – Conserving Parnaroo Hall – $3,528 – Increase community engagement and interest in local history by conducting maintenance at Parnaroo Public Hall.
  • Burnie Community House Inc, TAS – Here We Grow Again – Building Resilient Food Systems – $24,814 – Improve health and well-being outcomes for the Shorewell Park community through food security by the expansion of a gardening program.

The SRC program is collaboratively supported by a number of generous donors including: Australia Post, Bertalli Family Foundation, John T Reid Charitable Trusts, Sidney Myer Fund, Tim Fairfax Family Foundation, The Yulgilbar Foundation, Westpac Group, The Sylvia & Charles Viertel Charitable Foundation, Baxter Charitable Foundation, The William Buckland Foundation, Portland House Foundation, The Ross Trust, R.M.Williams, Estate Late Gordon Harold Jones, FRRR and Private Donors.

The bushfire recovery grants are funded thanks to donations from Australian Community Media’s South Coast is Calling initiative, Nelson Alexander Charitable Foundation, Charter Hall, Fire Fight Australia Fund, Pepper Money, Vicinity Centres and Westpac Group.

The next round of SRC grants will open in late July and will include a dedicated stream of funding for recovery projects in bushfire-affected communities.

The full list of grant recipients and their projects are below.

Jump to : NSW | NT | QLD | SA | TASVIC | WA

Organisation

Project

Location

Awarded

NEW SOUTH WALES

Bermagui Seasiders Inc Seaside Sounds
Support community recovery and boost local economy through the establishment of a contemporary music festival in Bermagui.
Bermagui $10,000
Borenore Branch
Country Women’s Association of NSW
All Abilities Access to Memorial Hall
Support essential infrastructure development with installation of accessibility ramps and a water tank at the Borenore CWA Memorial Hall.
Borenore $7,652
Collombatti Public Hall Land Manager (Roll on up) and SIT RIGHT DOWN
Increase amenity and capacity at the Collombatti Hall through the purchase of stackable chairs.
Collombatti $1,669
Dalgety P&C Association Operation Equipment Housing Project
Increase storage capacity at the Dalgety Public School through the purchase and fit out of a shipping container.
Dalgety $5,000
Evans Head Business & Community Chamber ‘Hooked on Evans’ Community Festival
Stimulate the local economy in Evans Head and support community recovery through supporting the delivery of the ‘Hooked on Evans’ festival.
Evans Head $10,000
Lifeline Central West Incorporated Rapid Community Support Program
Support individual and community resilience in Central West communities impacted by bushfires by providing funding for Lifeline crisis response workshops.
Dubbo $9,000
Mackville Community Health
Mid North Coast Local Health District
Sisters Retreat
Reduce social isolation and improve mental health for cancer survivors in the Nambucca Valley who have also been impacted by bushfires, by supporting a wellness retreat.
Grassy Head $10,000
Milton Ulladulla Men’s Shed Incorporated Maintain and Mitigate: Essential Ground Maintenance to Reduce Bush Fire Risk
Reduce fire risk at the Milton Ulladulla Men’s Shed through the purchase of landscape maintenance equipment.
Ulladulla $850
Narrandera Arts & Creative Network The Narrandera Creates Project
Increase community access and engagement with the arts, reduce social isolation and encourage community connection through the delivery of nine workshops and three exhibitions in the Narrandera region.
Narrandera $10,000
Nymboida Canoeing Limited Goolang Creek Regeneration – Nymboida. Tennis Court Rapids to K&L Wave
Support nature and community bushfire recovery through revegetation and installation of picnic tables at Goolang Creek.
Nymboida $10,000
Nymboida Community Groups Inc Firesticks Cultural Burn Program – Nymboida Community Workshop
Support community recovery and preparedness in Nymboida through the delivery of a Cultural Burning workshop.
Nymboida $8,077
PLAYING HISTORY
Bungonia and District Historical Society Inc.
Playing History: Acting Out Recovery
Enable cultural and artistic expression and access to the arts by supporting the development and tour of a new play in the Bungonia district.
Bungonia $10,000
Robertson Men’s Shed Inc Energy Efficiency
Strengthen operating viability and capacity through the purchase and installation of a solar system on the  Robertson Men’s Shed.
Robertson $7,320
Rosellas Community Preschool Incorporated Sun Safe Play Area
Improve the educational and social outcomes of children attending the Rosellas Community Preschool through the addition of a shade sail over their outdoor play and learning area.
Murwillumbah $4,000
Southern Tableland Arts (STARTS) Incorporated Dare to Deliver
Build community organisation capacity in Braidwood and Yass by providing eleven governance related workshops.
Braidwood $10,000
Warren Community Homes Association Incorporated Retirement with Dignity Security & Beautification
Improve security and aesthetic value at Warren Community Homes by supporting the installation of fencing and carparking at the front of the property.
Warren $10,000
Warren Shire Council Making the Warren War Memorial Swimming Pool More Accessible
Improve accessibility at the Warren War Memorial Swimming Pool through the installation of a pool lift.
Warren $10,000
Woolgoolga Chamber of Commerce Industry & Tourism Inc Celebrating a Unique Cultural Heritage
Reduce social isolation and promote community connection through supporting an expansion of Woolgoolga’s CurryFest.
Woolgoolga $6,250
Bobin School of Arts Incorporated Community Outdoor Meeting Place (The Bobin COMA)
Strengthen the resilience of the Bobin community and support community recovery by providing an outdoor shaded area at the Bobin School of Arts Hall.
Bobin $24,983
Condobolin and District Landcare Management Committee Water and Birds Arts Exhibition Project
Increase access to the arts, environmental awareness and community connection by supporting a Birds and Water art exhibition and bird watching activities in Condobolin.
Condobolin $24,755
StoryFest Incorporated StoryFest – Fire Relief funding
Build economic activity during tourism off-season supporting bushfire recovery and cultural engagement through ‘Storyteller’ Festival.
Milton $15,000

NORTHERN TERRITORY

Central Land Council Native Title Story in Language
Educate community members on complex native title legislation, and rights and responsibilities of Indigenous bodies who manage landholdings with native title tenure, through translation of informative booklet into six Indigenous languages.
Alice Springs $9,100
Darwin Community Arts Inc CARTwheels- Mobile Art Studio
Build capacity to deliver mobile outreach program with fit out of custom caravan for arts workshops.
Humpty Doo $9,950
Durrmu Arts Aboriginal Corporation Fostering Cultural Vibrancy
Preserve and share cultural knowledge through creation of film featuring traditional dance Partial funding of the project will support local cultural advisors’ participation, technical equipment and a partial contribution towards the University of New South Wales researchers’ contribution.
Peppimenarti $5,000
Harts Range Amateur Race Club Inc Canteen Upgrade
Increase amenity and functionality of the Harts Range Amateur Race Club through an upgrade of kitchen.
Harts Range $10,000
Injalak Arts & Crafts Association Inc Mankarre Project
Share and transfer of intergenerational cultural knowledge and lore through four On Country excursions, leading to traditional performances of Indigenous music and language songs at Stone Country Festival.
Gunbalanya $10,000
Isolated Children’s Parents Association of Australia Incorporated ICPA (Aust) Website Development Project
Strengthen organisational capacity with integrated website for Local, State and Federal branches of the Isolated Children’s Parents Association of Australia Inc.
National $10,000
Katherine Regional Arts Incorporated The KRA Solar Powered Cinema’s Final Stage Optimization Project
Enhance audience satisfaction with upgrade to remote power supply and improve OH&S for volunteers, with lifting equipment for remote mobile cinema.
Katherine $9,779
Njanjma Aboriginal Corporation Rock Art – Protect and Promote
Preserve and showcase culturally significant rock art by installation of barriers and signage and removal of fire prone hazardous weeds along track.
Gunbalanya $10,000
Northern Australian Aboriginal Charitable Trust The Remote Laundries Project (RLP) Stage Two
Build sustainable social enterprise, with creation of laundry facilities for very remote community.
Borroloola $10,000
Skinnyfish Music
Gurrumul Yunupingu Foundation
Bunggul as Part of the Barunga Festival Culture Program
Maintain access to cultural practices and support reconciliation through celebration of Indigenous dance forms at Barunga Festival.
Barunga $22,000

QUEENSLAND

BTStraps Inc Equipment Upgrade Purchase Project Increase inclusivity of BTStraps programs by purchasing accessible equipment for use in leatherwork training and workshops for veterans. Gatton $5,407
Chinchilla Creative Centre Management Committee Inc Outdoor Undercover Creative Space
Foster local creative pursuits by supporting the development of an Outdoor Undercover Creative Space at the Chinchilla Creative Centre.
Chinchilla $2,500
Johnstone River Community Gardens Inc Community Pavilion Project
Enhance the capacity of Johnstone River Community Gardens to run activities through the purchase and installation of a semi-permanent shade structure.
Innisfail $10,000
Kawana State Emergency Service
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services
Kawana SES Airconditioning Upgrade
Improve comfort for volunteers at the Kawana State Emergency Service by providing air conditioning units for training room and office areas.
Kawana $9,808
Maraboon Power Boat and Ski Club Inc Purchase of Firefighting Water Cart Trailer for Bushfire Management
Boost fire preparedness of the Maraboon Power Boat and Ski Club through the purchase of a 1000L water cart fire trailer.
Emerald $8,976
Maryvale Community Hall Incorporated Update Our Community Hub
Increase comfort, amenity and a range of activities at the Maryvale Community Hall through purchase and installation of a dishwasher, Projector and Screen.
Maryvale $8,957
Millaa Millaa Progress Association Governance and Planning – To Support Larger Funding Applications
Grow capacity of the Millaa Millaa Progress Association by supporting a consultative strategic planning process and governance framework development.
Millaa Millaa $10,000
Mission Beach Community Support Inc Provide an Accredited Mental Health First Aid Course
Enable better mental health care in Mission Beach by funding a Mental Health First Aid course for local community members.
Mission Beach $3,718
Mornington Island SES Group
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services
Furnish Mornington Island SES Headquarters
Build capacity in the Mornington Island SES Group through the purchase of furniture and IT equipment for their training facility.
Mornington Island $5,048
Murgon Local Ambulance Committee Acquisition of HoverMatt System
Improve emergency response in the South Burnett region through the purchase of a Hovermatt system for the Murgon Local Ambulance Committee.
Murgon $10,000
PCYC Palm Island
Queensland Police-Citizens Youth Welfare Association
Palm Island Community 3×3 Basketball Street Hustle
Improve social cohesion on Palm Island, through a basketball tournament for indigenous youth and clinics at local schools.
Palm Island $10,000
Rangewood Rural Fire Brigade Tandem-use Trailer
Boost the capacity of the Rangewood RFS to respond to longer term situations by purchasing a trailer to house a generator and portable tank.
Rangewood $10,000
SevGen Indigenous Corporation Maker, Market, Makers Market: Building Economic Strength in Tough Times
Empowering and educating creative and cultural entrepreneurs to develop sustainable enterprises.
Eumundi $10,000
Somerset SES Unit
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services
Kilcoy SES HQ Improvements
Enhance volunteer comfort at the Somerset State Emergency Service Unit by purchasing an air conditioning unit for their Kilroy Headquarters.
Kilcoy $10,000
Tourism Bowen Inc Smoothies & Coffee at the Big Mango
Enhance visitor experience at the Bowen Information Centre through the purchase of a coffee machine and smoothie maker.
Bowen $5,645
Tourism Whitsundays Limited Destination Website Design and Development
Support rebound from tourism downturn in the Whitsundays through the redevelopment of the Tourism Whitsundays destination website.
Cannonvale $10,000
Royal Life Saving Society – Queensland Rural Queensland Rural Drowning Prevention Outreach Program
Build vital skills in the Barcaldine region by funding a tailored water safety program provided by The Royal Life Saving Society Queensland.
Alpha $25,000

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Blinman Progress Association Inc Cochineal Nursery: To Maintain and Increase the Locally Adapted Cochineal Strain for Opuntia Cactus Control
Build organisational capacity and volunteer engagement for the Blinman Progress Association through the installation of a shed to be used as a nursery.
Blinman $9,208
Mt Hope Soldiers Memorial Hall Inc Mt Hope Soldiers Memorial Hall – Keeping the Facility Fresh for a Strong Community
Improve community infrastructure that will support a resilient and connected community by upgrading the interior of the Mt Hope Soldiers Memorial Hall.
Mt Hope $5,500
Peterborough History Group SA Inc Conserving Parnaroo Hall
Increase community engagement and interest in local history by conducting maintenance at Parnaroo Public Hall.
Peterborough (Parnaroo) $3,528
The Swan Reach Golf Club Inc Golf Club Defib
Strengthen community resilience and capacity to respond to health emergencies by purchasing an AED unit for installation in a public place.
Swan Reach $3,000
Wirrabara Institute
Wirrabara Craft House
Quick Wash
Improve the amenity and the long-term sustainability of the Wirrabara Institute by purchasing and installing a commercial dishwasher.
Wirrabara $5,544
Youth Opportunities Association (SA) Wellbeing, Resilience and Leadership Interventions for Young People in Rural SA
Enhance the well-being, resilience and leadership capacity of young people at risk by delivering a personal leadership and development program.
Allendale East $10,000

TASMANIA

Avoca Museum and Information Centre Upgrading Archiving Resources
Strengthen the cultural vibrancy of the region through the upgrade of a historic archives system.
Avoca $3,532
University of Tasmania Fostering Trauma-Informed Communities of Practice
Improve support for people experiencing trauma caused by family violence through delivery of multi staged pilot project and workshops.
Huonville $9,844
Burnie Community House Inc Here We Grow Again – Building Resilient Food Systems
Improve health and well-being outcomes for the community through food security by the expansion of a gardening program.
Shorewell Park $24,814

VICTORIA


Balook and District Residents Association
Community Woodchipper
Increase community resilience and sense of safety through the purchase of wood chipping machinery.
Balook $4,500
Albury Wodonga Regional Foodshare Nourishing Foodshare
Improve food security, supporting volunteers and organisation capacity through hiring an administrative coordinator.
Wodonga $10,000
Beulah Community Garden
Beulah Historic Learning and Progress Association Inc
Beulah Community Garden
Strengthen community connection and contribute to the cultural vibrancy of Beulah through the upgrade of a community garden.
Beulah $3,875
C-Doc Ltd Castlemaine Documentary Film Festival
Encourage community engagement and broaden cultural experience through the delivery a local run film festival.
Castlemaine $10,000
Centre for Participation Inc Crisis Response – COVID-19 Frail and Aged Self Isolation – Nutritious Meals
Support the health and well-being of vulnerable people and assist volunteer capability through the purchase of commercial kitchen equipment.
Horsham $10,000
Food for All – Swan Hill Region
Swan Hill District Health
Food for All Edible Garden Expo 2020
Improved health and well-being outcomes and increased food security in Swan Hill by supporting a free Edible Gardens Expo.
Swan Hill $7,149
Gippsland Community Radio Society Co-Operative Ltd Able Radio
Build a more resilient community that is engaged and address local disadvantage through the provision of a training program for people living with a disability.
Morwell $10,000
Gippsland East Local Learning & Employment Network Innovation and Sustainable Redevelopment of Bushfire Impacted Communities
Increase community resilience and support recovery from bushfires through the development of online resources.
Bairnsdale $9,997
Great Alpine Gallery Inc Video Stories for Art and Recovery
Support community recovery from drought and recent bushfires and build resilience through the delivery of a story telling program.
Swifts Creek $5,908
Lake Tyers Beach Road Hall Committee Inc Kitchen Renovation – Stage 2
Increase community engagement and financial sustainability through an upgrade of a public hall.
Lake Tyers Beach $10,000
Leitchville Primary School Child and Adult Art Response Project
Encourage participation in life-long learning and education by engaging young adults in a cultural experience.
Leitchville $2,161
Ned Kelly Centre Ltd Collections Project – Strengthening Glenrowan’s Cultural Heritage
Strengthen community engagement and understanding of local history through the development of an archives system.
Glenrowan $9,981
Rural Northwest Health Sharing Moments that Matter: Social Connectedness in Residential Aged Care
Reducing isolation in Wimmera Mallee Region by purchasing software that helps aged care residents connect with their families.
Warracknabeal $10,000
State Coal Mine – Rescue Station Arts Inc Opening Access: Creating an Accessible Arts Program
Build equity, community resilience and organisational capacity through delivery of an inclusive arts program.
Wonthaggi $9,000
Tallangatta Neighbourhood House
Shire of Towong
Tech in Tallangatta
Increase community engagement in the local economy and life-long learning through the provision of an employment related course.
Tallangatta $7,800
The Aboriginal Literacy Foundation Inc Beaufort & Ararat Indigenous After School Tutorial Program
Improving educational outcomes in the Ararat region by providing a tutoring program for Indigenous youth.
Beaufort $10,000
Warrnambool & District Community Hospice Inc Vital Online Training for Hospice in Home Volunteers in Camperdown during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Building capacity at the Warrnambool & District Community Hospice Inc. by purchasing IT equipment and support to allow virtual training for volunteers.
Camperdown $9,215
Wilby Rural Fire Brigade
Country Fire Authority
Arrive Back Dirty Return Home Clean
44Build organisational capacity and support the health and well-being of volunteers through the installation of a laundry.
Wilby $6,066
Yallourn North Action Group Inc New Curtain for the Monash Hall Stage
Enhance experiences for users of the Monash Hall in Yallourn North by supporting the purchase and installation of a stage curtain.
Yallourn North $6,000
Bruthen and District Neighbourhood House
Bruthen and District Citizens Association Inc
Holistic Community Well-being and Resilience
 Support volunteer capacity and bushfire recovery by increasing community engagement through the employment of a community worker.
Bruthen $25,000
Grand Strzelecki Track Incorporated All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) and Equipment Trailer for Track Maintenance
Improve volunteer working conditions with purchase of ride on All Terrain Vehicle to support conservation efforts and track maintenance along the Strzelecki Trail.
Balook $25,000
Kyabram Community & Learning Centre Inc Road School and Community Garden
Support educational initiatives through road safety with creation of a bike path for bike education and recreational activities at the Kyabram Community Garden.
Kyabram $20,000
Lions V Districts Cancer Foundation Inc Mobile Skin Cancer Screening Unit
Improved health outcomes through increased accessibility to skin cancer screening tests for rural communities across Victoria and Southern NSW.
Rural Victoria $25,000
Thowgla Recreation Reserve Committee of Management Thowgla Hall Renovation Project
Promote community cohesion and engagement through refurbishment and insulation of the Thowgla Hall.
Thowgla Valley $25,000

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Boyup Brook Tourism Association Inc Railway Goods Shed Mural
Increase town vibrancy and community spirit via the creation of mural on the Boyup Brook Railway Goods Shed Building and refurbishment of surrounding pathways.
Boyup Brook $10,000
Brookton Country Womens Association Disability Inclusion
Increase functionality of hall and enable disability access through conversion of bathroom to support wheelchair accessibility.
Brookton $10,000
Exmouth Titans Boxing Indigenous Corporation Exmouth Titans Boxing
Address stigmatisation and disadvantage by supporting strong mental and physical health outcomes, with establishment of Indigenous youth boxing club.
Exmouth $10,000
North Dandalup Community Group Inc Beautifying the Town
Improve community engagement and promote local events and activities with installation of public noticeboard. Partial funding of the project will support provision of a community noticeboard.
North Dandalup $920
Otitis Media Group Inc Ultrasound Otoscope for East Pilbara Outreach Program
Reduce the impact of hearing loss through improved detection of middle ear disease with purchase of advanced medical equipment – the ultrasound assisted otoscope.
South Hedland $10,000
Wickepin Primary School Parents & Citizens Association Inc Playground Shade Sails
Promote sun safe behaviour and improve amenity of Wickepin Primary School with installation of shade sail across play area.
Wickepin $10,000
Saltwater Country Inc Saltwater Academy
Build organisational capacity through development of a strategic fundraising plan and comprehensive business plan that will lead to local Indigenous employment.
Broome $25,000
Yiyili Community Indigenous Corporation The Yiyili Community Social Enterprise and BMX Track Project
Drive employability skills & capacity building through bicycle repair social enterprise and BMX track design and infrastructure building project.
Yiyili $25,000