Investing in Bay and Basin’s not-for-profits

Media releases: 11 June 2021

New partnership will expand FRRR program to support recovery of fire-affected communities

Community groups in the Bay and Basin region will soon be offered access to $600,000 of support over the next four years to help them have an even greater impact as they lead recovery following the Black Summer bushfires. The support is thanks to a new partnership between the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) and Bendigo Bank’s charitable arm, Community Enterprise Foundation.

Delivered through FRRR’s Investing in Rural Community Futures (IRCF) program, NFPs and community groups in Vincentia, Sanctuary Point, Sussex Inlet, St Georges Basin, Jervis Bay and Wreck Bay will have access to on-the-ground support including workshops, networking, resources and funding.

The aim is to help these local groups identify what they need to be more effective, so they can better help their community on their recovery journey over the medium to long-term.

The first step in the multi-year program will be a workshop (see details below) that brings together community groups in the area to identify what resources exist, strengthen connections and importantly, uncover where there are gaps. Funding and capacity building support then be made available to activate opportunities and address gaps.

The IRCF program, which launched in 2019 in regional NSW, moved into the Shoalhaven region last year in partnership with the Snow Foundation, providing support in Ulladulla, Bateman’s Bay and Nowra.

Natalie Egleton, CEO of FRRR, said that not-for-profit organisations and community groups play an integral role in the vitality of rural communities, even more so after a natural disaster such as the black summer bushfires.

“FRRR is deeply committed to investing in the capacity, capability, and future sustainability of place-based community groups. It’s wonderful to be able to expand the IRCF program to more communities on the South Coast.

“We are thrilled to have Bendigo Bank’s Community Enterprise Foundation on board as a program partner, especially given its local presence in the Bay and Basin District and our shared values in supporting community-led recovery.

“The program has already made a difference in other communities, and we really look forward to working with local community groups and not-for-profits to envision and realise their roadmap for recovery and longer term resilience.

David Impey, CEO of Bendigo Bank’s Community Enterprise Foundation, said that they were pleased to be able to support this program because it focuses on local organisations and enhancing their ability to rebuild and respond to local needs.

“Our focus for our NSW Bushfire Disaster Appeal and subsequent grants program has always been to assist communities and people impacted by the devastating Black Summer Bushfires. To ensure we can continue to support a community led approach, it’s imperative that the community groups who are key to that recovery are well-resourced, effective, and sustainable. This program will go a long way in helping increase skills and capacity of these local groups and enable them to strongly lead the recovery of affected communities.

“We are delighted to be partnering with FRRR on this program. They bring a strong level of experience and expertise that will guide these local leaders and support them on the long road ahead.”

Bay and Basin workshop – 16 June

The first step in the program is for community leaders to come together to discuss what support they need. Representatives are encouraged to attend the workshop below.

For more information about the Investing in Rural Community Futures program in the NSW South Coast region visit – https://frrr.org.au/funding/people-grants/investing-in-rural-community-futures-nsw-south-coast/.