Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Media releases: 22 September 2021
Includes more than $600,000 for Black Summer bushfire recovery
Ninety locally-led initiatives that are set to strengthen remote, rural and regional communities across Australia are sharing in $1,057,044 in funding, thanks to FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) grant program.
The SRC program supports a broad array of projects that address locally determined needs and priorities of smaller remote, rural, and regional communities, including places impacted by the 2019-20 bushfires.
For communities affected by the Black Summer bushfires, 34 community-led projects are sharing $602,958 in grants through SRC’s Bushfire Recovery stream of funding. These grants range from $2,618 for a communications upgrade for the Rocky Glen community in New South Wales, to $25,000 for a project that will improve the safety and security of the community hall at Tamrookum in Queensland.
A further $454,086 in grants have been awarded through SRC’s Small & Vital funding stream to 56 projects that local communities have prioritised for their long-term viability and vitality. Funding ranges from $550 for an equipment safety upgrade for the Riding for the Disabled WA group at Mount Barker in Western Australia, through to $10,000 for a grief support program for young people in Drysdale, Victoria.
Natalie Egleton, CEO of FRRR, said FRRR is seeing a wide range of requests from across the country, reflecting the diverse needs in each place.
“Rural communities continue to inspire and move forward despite the numerous difficulties they’ve faced and the uncertainty ahead. They want something to hope for, to build towards, and we continue to be here to support and celebrate their achievements and are ready to walk with them through any challenges they may be dealing with, or to harness any opportunities they have in front of them.
“With COVID-19 restrictions still being unpredictable, we want groups to know that if you have received a grant from us and, for whatever reason, you have had to delay, postpone or cancel your project, please reach out to our team. We want to work with you to adapt or redefine your project so that the funding stays in your community,” Ms Egleton explained.
With the 2021-22 bushfire season approaching, disaster preparedness is key, especially for those communities devastated by the 2019-20 bushfires.
“Being better prepared means different things for different places. For some, this means improving access to community meeting places, for others it’s ensuring they have the proper equipment and training so that volunteers can protect and support their community through a disaster event. But for some places, preparedness means completely rebuilding community infrastructure that was lost due to the bushfires,” Ms Egleton said.
“We are pleased to be able to provide this support to the communities that have been affected by the fires. And we’ll continue to support them as time goes on and their needs evolve and change.”
Some of the 90 projects awarded include:
- Lions Club of Ulladulla Milton, NSW – FAB (Farmers at Burrill) – $14,896 – Boost local spending with improved marketing and entertainment at the farmers markets.
- Engawala Arts Centre Aboriginal Corporation, NT – Developing the Engawala Arts Centre – $8,595 – Facilitate the set up and development of an Arts Centre that will build tourism-based income in a very remote community.
- The Little Pocket Association, QLD – Resilience through Nature Play – $25,000 – Support children and young families to build resilience and disaster preparedness through nature play, storytelling and strengthening connection to place.
- Tatiara District Council, SA – Tatiara Multicultural Food Festival – $9,900 – Encourage whole community engagement and build cultural awareness through the delivery of a food festival.
- Swansea Primary School Parents and Friends Association, TAS – Nature Play for Rural Families – $10,000 – Strengthen community connection to the natural environment and enhance educational activities for school children through the development of a Nature Play Garden area.
- Lakes Entrance Mechanics Institute Management Committee Inc, VIC – Replacement of Furniture as part of Maintaining and Redeveloping the Lakes Entrance Mechanics Institute Hall – $17,249 – Provide a fit-for-purpose facility and help volunteers to support their community through the purchase of stackable chairs.
- Active Farmers Ltd, WA – Active Farmers Games WA – Increasing Awareness of the Link Between Physical Activity and Improved Mental Wellbeing – $6,340 – Encourage rural communities to be physically active and more connected with inaugural WA Active Farmers Games.
The SRC program is collaboratively supported by a number of generous donors, which are listed on FRRR’s website.
The next round of SRC applications is currently being assessed and will be announced in December. The current round is accepting applications until 23 November 2021, with funds to be awarded in March 2022.
More information is available on FRRR’s website – https://frrr.org.au/ strengthening-rural-communities/.
To support grants like this through FRRR, make a tax-deductible donation at frrr.org.au/giving/.
The full list of grant recipients and their projects are below.
Jump to: NSW | NT | QLD | SA | TAS | VIC | WA
| Organisation | Project | Location | Grant | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NEW SOUTH WALES | ||||||
| Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
| Mad Proppa Deadly Indigenous Corporation | ReVibe - Northern NSW Music Workshop Tour (Tamworth/Armidale) Inspire community to come together to celebrate culture through music writing, production and recording workshops. | Armidale | $25,000 | |||
| Trustees of the Roman Catholic Church for the Archdiocese of Canberra & Goulburn as Trustee for Marymead Child and Family Centre | Rural Rugby: Resilient Recovery Encourage young people to be active and enhance their mental health and nutrition through a school based after-school rugby enrichment program. | Batehaven | $25,000 | |||
| Campfire Co-op Ltd | Participatory Leadership Training for South Coast Bushfire Affected Communities Develop leadership skills by training community members in bushfire-impacted areas the Art of Hosting Conversations. | Bega Valley | $25,000 | |||
| Southcoast Health and Sustainability Alliance | Power on the Move Boost the community’s ability to respond to future disasters by purchase of a mobile generator, to be made available free of charge for use by the community. | Bodalla | $25,000 | |||
| Capital Region Community Services Limited | Bungee Youth Resilience Program in Braidwood Boost and strengthen the resilience of young people by running a creative art based program. | Braidwood | $21,432 | |||
| Lions Club of Ulladulla Milton | FAB (Farmers at Burrill) Boost local spending with improved marketing and entertainment at the farmers markets. | Burrill Lake | $14,896 | |||
| Comboyne Community Association Inc | Towards Opening Day Boost and strengthen the local economy by restoring the original farmhouse fireplace in the Comboyne Museum complex. | Comboyne | $9,200 | |||
| Copmanhurst Pre-School Inc | Aboriginal Mural and Art Lessons Improve access to local recovery activities for children and families at Copmanhurst Preschool by providing a local Indigenous artist to offer Indigenous Art classes and a mural at the centre. | Copmanhurst | $3,750 | |||
| Eden Community Access Centre Inc | Building Social Capital and Enhancing Social Outcomes Boost and strengthen the local economy by employing a Resilience and Recovery Officer to help find local solutions to bushfire recovery. | Eden | $25,000 | |||
| Marine Rescue Merimbula Volunteer Marine Rescue NSW | Marine Rescue Merimbula Training Computer Boost capacity of Marine Rescue Merimbula to provide essential volunteer training through the purchase of computer equipment. | Merimbula | $5,000 | |||
| Catholic Parish of St Mary's Star of the Sea Milton | Shoalhaven Rising from the Ashes - Stage 2 Boost the community’s bushfire recovery by hiring a coordinator to facilitate & create art-based community workshops. | Milton | $13,587 | |||
| Salt Care | Warehouse Food Storage Expansion Support for individuals and families living with disadvantage through the purchase and fit out of additional warehouse storage for distribution of needed personal and household items. | Nowra | $24,600 | |||
| Oberon and District Museum Society Inc | Fitout of New Forest and Timber Interpretive Center Boost local spending in Oberon by developing the Forest and Timber Interpretive Centre. | Oberon | $21,614 | |||
| Pambula Chamber of Commerce & Associates Inc | Pambula Art Project - Stage 2 Boost and strengthen the local economy through creation and installation of art trail murals. | Pambula | $25,000 | |||
| Borah Creek Public Hall Land Manager | Supply and Install Telstra and Optus YAGI Communications Systems in the Hall Improve the community's ability to communicate with the outside world in cases of emergency by installing a mobile phone signal boosting antenna. | Rocky Glen | $2,618 | |||
| First Steps Count Incorporated | Many Hands Build, Create and Unite - Our Design Journey Encourage people to come together and celebrate through art workshops leading to a collaborative artwork. | Taree | $25,000 | |||
| Manning River Aero Club Inc | MRAC Solar Boost the community’s ability to respond to future disasters by installing a solar power and battery system to provide a backup in case of power failures. | Taree | $25,000 | |||
| One Vision Productions Limited | EMPOWER our Community Celebrate and cultivate a sense of identity and cultural connection for Indigenous youth through Caring for Country music and film workshops. | Tweed Heads | $25,000 | |||
| Small & Vital | ||||||
| Bellingen Youth Orchestra Incorporated | Volunteer Management Strategy Increase the sustainability and profile of Bellingen Youth Orchestra and reduce volunteer fatigue through implementing a Volunteer Management Strategy and website. | Bellingen | $8,000 | |||
| Berry Branch Country Womens Association of NSW | Community Craft Workshops for a Sustainable Future Boost creativity, connection and support for local artists by providing a series of sustainable craft workshops. | Berry | $3,300 | |||
| Forbes Public School P&C Association Inc | Wiradjuri Mural Project at Forbes Public School Enhance community connection and cultural identity through Forbes Public School students painting a mural with local Wiradjuri Indigenous artist. | Forbes | $5,000 | |||
| Adavale Lane Community Centre Incorporated | Light Up and Cool Adavale Lane Community Centre Increase community usage and functionality by lighting up and cooling down the Adavale Lane Community Hall. | Goonumbla | $10,000 | |||
| Mona Magazine Western Riverina Arts Inc | Mona Women's Magazine - Second Edition Enhance rural women's identity, wellbeing and sense of place by printing the 2nd edition of Mona Magazine, paying for the contributors' pieces and contributing to wages for the editorial staff. | Leeton | $10,000 | |||
| Boori Dreaming Womens Group | Awakening the Dream Increase cultural identity and creativity through purchasing sewing machines, equipment and craft supplies for Boori Dreaming Women's Group. | Narrandera | $2,860 | |||
| Umina Beach Branch Country Womens Association of NSW | Build Accessible Ramp New entry and accessible bathroom with one accessible toilet and second toilet plus a shower. Increase accessibility of the Umina Beach CWA hall by installing a wheelchair accessible ramp. | Umina Beach | $4,325 | |||
| Tharpa Choeling Incorporated | Red Rattler Community Garden Increase community participation and connection by converting a vintage train carriage into a new community garden. | Wellington | $9,247 | |||
| Circartus Incorporated | Governance Guidance and Review Enhance community connection and creativity by engaging an industry- experienced governance consultant to ensure the sustainability of Circartus. | Wingham | $9,750 | |||
| Woodstock Branch Country Womens Association of NSW | Improving Our Street Cred Increase community participation and functionality through the refurbishment of the Woodstock Branch CWA hall. | Woodstock | $9,865 | |||
| NORTHERN TERRITORY | ||||||
| Small & Vital | ||||||
| Engawala Arts Centre Aboriginal Corporation | Developing the Engawala Arts Centre Facilitate the set up and development of an Arts Centre that will build tourism based income in a very remote community. | Engawala | $8,595 | |||
| West Daly Regional Council | Wadeye, Nganmarriyanga and Peppimenarti Annual Clean-up Day Reduce health and safety risks via a Community Clean Up Day to remove rubbish in remote communities. | Wadeye | $7,578 | |||
| Wagait Shire Council | Wagait Youth Program Encourage young people to be physically active and participate in community activities, with Youth Group excursions and skateboard clinics. | Wagait Beach | $6,000 | |||
| QUEENSLAND | ||||||
| Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
| The Little Pocket Association | Resilience through Nature Play Support children and young families to build resilience and disaster preparedness through nature play, storytelling and connection to place. | Beechmont | $25,000 | |||
| Wildlife Noosa Ltd | Noosa Bushfire Readiness & Myna Bird Project Support recovery from bushfires and volunteer training through purchase of a vehicle and equipment to improve disaster preparedness and conservation efforts. | Cooran | $12,248 | |||
| Charters Towers State Emergency Service Queensland Fire and Emergency Services | Ladder Racks for Operational Response Vehicles Support volunteers' safety and capacity to respond to emergencies through provision of ladder racks on response vehicles. | Pentland | $5,680 | |||
| Tamrookum Memorial Hall Incorporated | Hall Restoration Increase safety and support recovery through upgrade of community owned hall. | Tamrookum | $25,000 | |||
| Tin Can Bay Community and Mens Shed Incorporated | Storage Shed Support community recovery and wellbeing through purchase of a storage shed for materials and equipment. | Tin Can Bay | $15,336 | |||
| Small & Vital | ||||||
| Atherton Performing Arts Inc | Atherton Performing Arts Lighting Equipment - New Lighting Desk Console Expand the use of the Atherton Performing Arts theatre by installing a new lighting console. | Atherton | $7,997 | |||
| Barcaldine Rugby League Football Club Inc | "Bluey Live!" Kids' Concert, Meet & Greet Strengthen social connection and encourage culturally vibrant communities through a "Bluey Live!" kids' concert for the remote community of Barcaldine and surrounds. | Barcaldine | $10,000 | |||
| Beeron Road Country Club Inc | Beeron Road Country Club Community Hub Development Grow ways to support the community through refurbishment of a disused school into a vibrant rural Community Hub. | Beeron | $10,000 | |||
| Selectability Ltd | Selectability Mental Health Toolbox Improve mental health of remote communities by developing an online training course to strengthen community capacity to identify and support one another. | Cloncurry | $9,775 | |||
| Cooktown School of Art Society Inc | Computer System Plus Reception Area Upgrade Strengthen and increase volunteer capacity and access to online training, by installing a new computer system and reception desk. | Cooktown | $10,000 | |||
| Gloucester Sports and Recreation Ass Inc | Outdoor Theatre Promote recovery centre and encourage people to come together by installing an outdoor venue screen and projector. | Hideaway Bay | $10,000 | |||
| Malanda Chamber of Commerce Incorporated | Malanda’s Adventure Park Encourage children's development and increase community connection through installation of a fence around a new adventure playground. | Malanda | $10,000 | |||
| Gidgee Healing Mount Isa Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services Limited | Women's Group Boost social inclusion and wellbeing through delivery of a monthly Women's Group for Indigenous women in Mount Isa. | Mount Isa | $10,000 | |||
| Highways and Byways Ltd | Seeds of Connection - Healing and Belonging Through Culture Enhance cultural identity, resilience and wellbeing of Indigenous children and their families in Roma by providing a two week cultural immersion program for 7-12 year olds. | Roma | $9,740 | |||
| Care Balonne Association Inc | Provide Safe Accessibility Services to Care Balonne Clients and Staff Improve the use and accessibility of the Care Balonne community hub through toilet facility upgrade. | St George | $10,000 | |||
| Texas Show Society | Upgrade to Showground Facilities Increase amenity and participation in community events by providing a grandstand for the Texas Showgrounds. | Texas | $10,000 | |||
| SOUTH AUSTRALIA | ||||||
| Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
| Adelaide and Hills Koala Rescue - 1300KOALAZ Incorporated | Vegetation Regeneration Planting Conserve native habitat and support recovery from 2019 bushfires through the restoration of bushland. | Cudlee Creek | $24,289 | |||
| Edithburgh Football Club and Sports Assoc | Community and Sporting Clubs Working to Improve Community Safety Improve a location that provides refuge in times of emergency through the installation of water tanks. | Edithburgh | $22,090 | |||
| Small & Vital | ||||||
| Andamooka Progress and Opalminers Association Inc | Community Facility Rationalisation & Development Project – Upgrade 'Old Community Church' to Passive Recreation Facility Encourage community engagement and social wellbeing by enhancing facilities. | Andamooka | $10,000 | |||
| Tatiara District Council | Tatiara Multicultural Food Festival Encourage whole community engagement and build cultural awareness through the delivery of a food festival. | Bordertown | $9,900 | |||
| Cummins & District Enterprise Committee | Winter Wonderland - Platform for Success Improve an organisation’s ability to support the community and strengthen the town's revenue through developing a storage shed used for the Cummins Christmas display. | Cummins | $4,140 | |||
| Bedford Kadina Bedford Phoenix Incorporated | Kadina Pergola and Deck for Supported Employees Expand supported employment opportunities for people living with a disability in Kadina through the construction of pergola and deck. | Kadina | $10,000 | |||
| The Food Embassy Incorporated | Supporting Citizens in Creating Local and Sustainable Food Systems Provide opportunities for local people to gain knowledge about growing and consuming healthy foods, through the delivery of the Food Matters program in Strathalbyn and Milang. | Strathalbyn | $9,585 | |||
| TASMANIA | ||||||
| Small & Vital | ||||||
| Lions Club of Lilydale Incorporated | Lilydale Men's Community Shed Support volunteer skill development and encourage social interaction, through the establishment of a Men's Shed in Lilydale. | Lilydale | $10,000 | |||
| Freycinet Volunteer Marine Rescue Association Inc | Putting You Through Now! Boost safety and disaster preparedness by installing telecommunications hardware at a remote Marine Rescue facility. | Swansea | $2,244 | |||
| Swansea Primary School Parents and Friends Association | Nature Play for Rural Families Strengthen community connection to the natural environment and enhance educational activities for school children through the development of a Nature Play Garden area. | Swansea | $10,000 | |||
| Coastal FM Inc | Development of Recording Studio Improve connection to community and broaden the capability of a community-run radio station through establishing a recording studio. | Wynyard | $5,000 | |||
| VICTORIA | ||||||
| Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
| Bright Spring Festival Bright and District Chamber of Commerce Incorporated | Bright Spring Festival Drive-In Movie Boost a community festival by providing a family-friendly activity and support recovery from the 2019/2020 bushfires by holding a drive-in movie night. | Bright | $5,000 | |||
| Cassilis Recreation Reserve Committee of Management | Living it Up Increase opportunities to support local connectedness and recover from the 2019/2020 bushfires through the delivery of a whole community music event. | Cassilis | $4,290 | |||
| Lakes Entrance Mechanics Institute Management Committee Inc | Replacement of Furniture as part of Maintaining and Redeveloping the Lakes Entrance Mechanics Institute Hall Provide a fit-for-purpose facility and help volunteers to support their community through the purchase of stackable chairs. | Lakes Entrance | $17,249 | |||
| Traralgon Men's Shed and Woodworking Inc | Mallacoota Picnic Tables and Benches Increase connection to place and build community partnerships through the provision of outdoor furniture for Mallacoota township. | Mallacoota | $20,000 | |||
| Mitta Valley Community TV Inc | Mitta Valley Community Translator Project Provide reliable communication transmission and safeguard the community through the upgrade of telecommunications equipment in a remote valley. | Mitta Mitta | $10,000 | |||
| 1st Myrtleford Scout Group The Scout Association of Australia Victorian Branch | Community is Key Provide a refuge in times of emergency and boost an organisation's capacity to offer a fit for purpose space through the upgrade of facility. | Myrtleford | $24,954 | |||
| Ramahyuck District Aboriginal Corporation | Ramahyuck Connection through Art Project Promote local culture, and support health and social recovery post-bushfires for First Nations people through painting the exterior of the Ramahyuck District Aboriginal Corporation building. | Sale | $8,910 | |||
| Community Centre Swifts Creek Inc | Roofing Rescue Improve the amenity of a community centre and create a safe, fit-for-purpose environment through the upgrade of a roof. | Swifts Creek | $21,660 | |||
| Wyeeboo Recreation Reserve | Wyeeboo Recreation Reserve - Water Tank Increase preparedness for future disaster events through the provision of a water tank. | Tallangatta Valley | $19,555 | |||
| Small & Vital | ||||||
| East Gippsland Ceramic Group Inc | Firing Up Encourage development of skills and social connection through the purchase of a pottery kiln and wheels. | Bairnsdale | $10,000 | |||
| Bendigo Queer Film Festival | Bendigo Queer Film Festival Post-COVID Relaunch Foster mental health and celebrate local culture and identity for a marginalised group through the delivery of a community film festival. | Bendigo | $6,565 | |||
| Wombat's Wish | Post-Camp Counselling Sessions Increase opportunities for bereavement support and improve the health, wellbeing and education outcomes for young people through the initiation of a grief support program. | Drysdale | $10,000 | |||
| Everton Primary School | Assisting with Cost of Construction of Outside Decking Encourage community gathering, and children's learning and development by installing decking at the local primary school. | Everton | $10,000 | |||
| Mittagundi Outdoor Education Centre | A Sustainable Kitchen for Mittagundi: Providing Life-Changing Experiences for Young People Increase connection to the environment and enhance educational experiences for young people through the upgrade of a communal kitchen. | Glen Valley | $3,200 | |||
| Eventide Lutheran Homes | Golf Buggy Funding Support health and wellbeing and encourage positive ageing, through the purchase of a mobility aid. | Hamilton | $10,000 | |||
| The Trustee for The MAC Trust | The Mac Goes Online Strengthen opportunities for employment, education and social engagement by providing an electronic ticket system for a community-run cinema. | Mansfield | $9,000 | |||
| Murtoa College | Murtoa College in Full Swing Encourage youth engagement and improve health and wellbeing through the installation of specialised playground equipment for senior students. | Murtoa | $10,000 | |||
| Murtoa's Big Weekend Shared Learning & Activities Murtoa Incorporated | ‘Light Up’ Murtoa’s Big Weekend in 2021 Support Murtoa township's economic recovery and strengthen social engagement through the delivery of a community festival. | Murtoa | $10,000 | |||
| Repair Cafe Bellarine Bellarine Training and Community Hub | Repair Cafe Bellarine Increase reach of a repair cafe service through the development and delivery of social media and marketing. | Ocean Grove | $2,515 | |||
| Romsey Neighbourhood House Inc | YOUTHINK Expand employment opportunities for youth by purchasing a barista machine for hospitality training. | Romsey | $9,145 | |||
| Surf Coast Energy Group (SCEG) | Spring Creek Sustainable Futures - Surf Coast, Victoria Boost the community’s ability to learn about conservation management and increase connection to place through the delivery of community engagement workshops. | Torquay | $9,930 | |||
| Yarrawonga Neighbourhood House Inc | Connecting our Community through Education and Information Enhance the delivery of first aid training programs and encourage further education, by purchasing appropriate equipment that reflects real-life medical trauma. | Yarrawonga | $9,406 | |||
| WESTERN AUSTRALIA | ||||||
| Small & Vital | ||||||
| Albany Youth Support Association | Safe Space for Homeless Youth to Sleep in Swags Increase access to temporary housing for young people sleeping rough by enclosing verandah at emergency accommodation facility. | Albany | $7,230 | |||
| Live To Tell Your Story Inc | Djinda Ngardak - Making it My Business Promote healthy lifestyles and improved health and wellbeing while growing opportunities for Indigenous students to pursue careers in hospitality, with week-long cooking skills camp. | Albany | $10,000 | |||
| Enterprise Partnerships WA Limited | Piriwa Place Making Project Support economic opportunities for Indigenous women while increasing access to affordable clothing with expansion of innovative Op Shop project. | Balgo | $10,000 | |||
| Jarlmadangah Burru Aboriginal Corporation | Cultural Centre Entrance Improvements Increase comfort and amenity through refurbishment of Cultural Centre’s entrance with installation of a shade sail. | Derby | $9,196 | |||
| Greenbushes Community Resource Centre | The New You - Working Through Change And Loss Help people to recover and adapt through delivery of workshop on coping with change and loss. | Greenbushes | $1,650 | |||
| Marble Bar Primary School | STEM Education Increase engagement in school in remote community through provision of virtual reality equipment to enhance innovative digital arts program. | Marble Bar | $9,958 | |||
| Riding for the Disabled WA Plantagenet Group Inc | Equipment Maintenance and Safety Support riding program for children with a disability, with OH&S upgrade of trailer used for transporting riding equipment. | Mt Barker | $550 | |||
| Nungarin Heritage Machinery & Army Museum Inc | Aunty Jim's (re) Store Enhance authentic historical shop display within the Nungarin Machinery & Army Museum, with new linoleum floor coverings. | Nungarin | $6,500 | |||
| Active Farmers Ltd | Active Farmers Games WA - Increasing Awareness of the Link Between Physical Activity and Improved Mental Wellbeing Encourage rural communities to be physically active and more connected with inaugural WA Active Farmers Games. | Torbay | $6,340 | |||
