Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Media releases: 21 June 2022
More than half of the funding to go towards bushfire recovery
Sixty-seven projects across remote, rural and regional Australia will share in $776,583 in grants thanks to FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) program.
These projects are grassroots initiatives run by organisations led by local people that will strengthen their communities and have direct benefits for those living in them.
In this round of funding, 26 of the projects receiving funding support ongoing recovery from the 2019/20 Black Summer bushfires. These initiatives, which will share $444,552, include purchasing fit-for-purpose health equipment for three divisions of St John Ambulance NSW – all of which were directly involved in the 2019/20 Black Summer bushfire response.
There are also 41 projects being funded through the Small & Vital stream of the SRC program, which will share in a total of $332,031. These grants range from $1,455 to upgrade the NSW It’s Heaven website to make it more accessible for those who have a disability, to a $10,000 grant for the Northern Australian Aboriginal Charitable Trust that will help to deliver three new, free-of-charge laundromats to remote Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory.
Jill Karena, Place Portfolio Lead at FRRR, said that a noticeable trend emerged in this latest round of applications.
“Interestingly, we saw a strong interest for community gardens in this round. With the cost of living rising on top of the food shortages that are happening as a result of the pandemic and natural disasters like drought and floods, there are growing concerns in rural areas about food security and the lack of access to nutritious, affordable food.
“This is why flexible programs like SRC are crucial. The funding from this program can be used where community leaders see the greatest need. Our climate and our economy are rapidly evolving and these grants can be used to support a broad range of community-led, grassroots initiatives that are helping to address very current issues in real time,” Ms Karena said.
Some of the 67 projects funded include:
- OpenField Arts Festival Inc – Berry, NSW – OpenField Arts Festival – Facilitate community and social connection through a multidisciplinary arts festival. $10,000 (Bushfire Recovery)
- Riding for the Disabled in the Top End – Palmerston, NT – Optimisation of Volunteer Management at Riding for the Disabled in the Top End – Improve the management, rostering and training of volunteers by installing a database program and employing a volunteer coordinator. $9,948 (Small & Vital)
- Girls from Oz Ltd – Kowanyama, QLD – Helping to Keep Language Alive in Kowanyama – Support language revitalisation and student engagement through a performing arts project in a remote school. $9,212 (Small & Vital)
- Fat Farmers: Rural Health Initiative Incorporated – Cummins, SA – Eyre Peninsula Expansion Project – Enhance physical and mental health by promoting a community fitness group at a local social event. $8,500 (Small & Vital)
- Fingal Valley Neighbourhood House – St Helens, TAS – Building Blocks: Play and Learn Together – Support delivery of playgroups, early learning and parenting support programs in rural areas through the purchase of a vehicle. $25,000 (Bushfire Recovery)
- Dunsborough Yallingup Chamber of Commerce – Dunsborough, WA – DYCCI Skills Development and Capacity Building Workshops 2022/23 – Boost and strengthen the local economy by running a series of workshops to help community members improve their business skills. $9,994 (Small & Vital)
- Country Fire Authority Corryong Country Fire Brigade (CFA) – Corryong, VIC – Corryong Fire Station Kitchen Modernisation – Improve capacity of Corryong Fire Brigade to support bushfire recovery and preparedness by upgrading kitchen. $24,040 (Bushfire Recovery)
A full list of grant recipients is available on FRRR’s website.
The SRC program is collaboratively supported by many generous donors, which are acknowledged on FRRR’s website.
This program always accepts applications and thanks to recent support from the Australian Government, there is now a COVID-recovery stream – Rebuilding Rural Communities. Local NFPs and community groups are encouraged to review the expanded program guidelines and apply. More information about the SRC program is available at www.frrr.org.au/src.
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.
| Organisation | Project | Location | Grant | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NEW SOUTH WALES | ||||||
| Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
| Cobargo Wellness Group | Ginger the Frog Community Arts Project Tour Support children and families impacted by bushfires to process complex emotions resulting from trauma through performance, storytelling and mindfulness. | Coffs Harbour | $19,500 | |||
| Container of Dreams Ltd | Container of Dreams Lockup Workshop Expand the capacity to provide affordable housing and workshop space for bushfire-affected communities by building a shed. | Drake | $25,000 | |||
| Gwymac Incorporated | Fostering Inclusive, Friendly, Stronger and More Resilient Communities in Small Rural Towns Strengthen community recovery and improve health and social wellbeing outcomes and connection through creative workshops. | Bonshaw | $25,000 | |||
| Nambucca Valley Phoenix Limited | Fostering Recovery and Resilience through Creative and Connected Communities Increase capacity of arts organisation to build sustainability and delivery of projects in bushfire-impacted areas through employing a coordinator. | Bowraville | $25,000 | |||
| Kendall Community Centre Reserve Land Manager | Kendall's Co-working Hub Strengthen community recovery and improve health and social wellbeing outcomes and connection through creative workshops. | Kendall | $6,713 | |||
| Northern NSW Helicopter Rescue Service Limited | Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service Annual Volunteers Conference – Narrabri Support volunteers of Northern NSW Helicopter Rescue to connect with one another through attending an annual conference. | Narrabri | $9,710 | |||
| OpenField Arts Festival Inc | OpenField Arts Festival Facilitate community and social connection through a multidisciplinary arts festival. | Berry | $10,000 | |||
| Sanctuary Point Men's Shed Inc | Extension to Existing Men's Shed | Sanctuary Point | $19,263 | |||
| South East Arts (NSW) Inc Navigate Arts | Regeneration Roadtrip Promote healing through reconnection to Country in bushfire-impacted communities with an interactive road journey and map. | Bungendore | $25,000 | |||
| Southcoast Health and Sustainability Alliance | Bushfire and Heatwave Haven ‐ Batemans Bay Uniting Church Facility Support establishment of a heatwave and bushfire haven by upgrading toilet, shower and storage amenities. | Batemans Bay | $24,080 | |||
| St John Ambulance Australia (NSW) | Building Emergency Response Capabilities Support volunteer emergency responders to increase preparedness for natural disasters through purchase of equipment. | Armidale | $20,228 | |||
| Tenterfield Players Incorporated | "Let There Be Light" Expand capacity of a bushfire-impacted town by boosting ability to host local stage productions through purchase of portable lighting. | Tenterfield | $9,670 | |||
| The Circle Foundation Cooperative Ltd | Singing for Health, Wellbeing and Recovery Enhance social connection, health and wellbeing through a community choir program. | Moruya | $24,239 | |||
| Small & Vital | ||||||
| Equine Angels | Horses 4 Healing Youth Project ‐ Horses Helping Humans Program ‐ Byron Shire Engage disadvantaged young people to participate in an equine therapy program to build resilience and emotional wellbeing. | Mullumbimby Creek | $8,492 | |||
| It's Heaven Incorporated | Upgrade www.itsheaven.org Platform Increase inclusiveness through upgrade of an inclusive tourism website, designed to provide accurate and easily accessible information for travellers with a disability. | Shoalhaven | $1,455 | |||
| Quandialla Soldiers Memorial Hall Incorporated | Quandialla Soldiers Memorial Hall Mural Increase tourism and commemorate history within the local community by painting a large mural on the hall depicting the area's history, development and attractions. | Quandialla | $6,875 | |||
| Weemelah Hall | BBQ Cover and Lighting Project Increase community involvement and engagement, by installing shade and lighting over the BBQ area. | Weemelah | $8,880 | |||
| Woodstock Progress Association | Let's Tell Some Stories! Enhance visitor engagement and improve connections within the existing community, by developing information boards that tell the stories of significant Woodstock locations. | Woodstock | $10,000 | |||
| Young Public P&C Association | Endemic Showcase Garden, Aboriginal Yarning Circle, and Outdoor Classroom at Young Public School Create an inspiring and inclusive space with an endemic garden and yarning circle where Aboriginal students can come together to connect with each other and Elders. | Young | $10,000 | |||
| NORTHERN TERRITORY | ||||||
| Small & Vital | ||||||
| Atyenhenge‐Atherre Aboriginal Corporation | Alternative Education Program (AEP) ‐ An Alternative Curriculum for Remote School Engagement Encourage disengaged young people to re‐engage in their education via a culturally appropriate life skills program. | Santa Teresa | $10,000 | |||
| First Nations Bushfood & Botanical Alliance Australia Ltd | First Nations Bushfood and Botanical Alliance Australia ‐ Remote Digital Connectivity Support First Nations Leaders to promote Indigenous economic interest and initiatives through investment in digital capability. | Alice Springs | $9,654 | |||
| Northern Australian Aboriginal Charitable Trust | Remote Laundries – Stage Three Improve health and social wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal people in remote communities, by providing access to free specialised washing machines that destroy scabies mites. | Ngukurr | $10,000 | |||
| Riding for the Disabled in the Top End | Optimisation of Volunteer Management at Riding for the Disabled in the Top End Improve the management, rostering and training of volunteers by installing a database program and employing a volunteer coordinator. | Palmerston | $9,948 | |||
| QUEENSLAND | ||||||
| Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
| Tannymorel Hall Committee Inc | Painting the Tannymorel Hall Roof Foster connection to place and community pride by painting the Tannymorel Hall roof, championing the community’s social, economic and tourism aspirations. | Tannymorel | $9,690 | |||
| Tin Can Bay Community and Men’s Shed Incorporated | Storage Shed Support community recovery and wellbeing through purchase of a storage shed to securely house materials and equipment. | Tin Can Bay | $4,000 | |||
| Small & Vital | ||||||
| Audrey's Angels of Hope | Computing for Compassion Ease administration tasks for volunteers who support cancer sufferers and their families with purchase of a printer and computer. | Ingham | $2,800 | |||
| Banana Shire Community Arts Assoc Inc | Restore, Refurbish, Revive: Reconnecting Community Part Two Build community connectivity, participation and capacity through the installation of a split system air conditioner and table / chairs. | Biloela | $10,000 | |||
| Blackall Cultural Association Incorporated | Bushman's Artisan Gallery Project Foster and strengthen local engagement with the arts by refurbishing and extending a gallery. | Blackall | $10,000 | |||
| Charleville & District Community Support Association Incorporated Charleville Blue Light Association (Charleville Police) | Safer Driving Skills on Outback Queensland Roads: Better Drivers; Safer Roads; Employment Opportunities Provide young people in a remote area with access to a supervised driver training and education program, to increase road safety awareness and reduce road accidents. | Charleville | $10,000 | |||
| Community for Coastal & Cassowary Conservation Inc | Historical Photographic Exhibition in Mission Beach - Echo of the Past Increase awareness of environmental issues through recent history with an exhibition of photographs of local historical significance to the Mission Beach area. | Mission Beach | $8,925 | |||
| Eacham Historical Society Incorporated | Computers and Archive Map storage Help local community retain and access region’s history with investment in IT and storage cabinet. | Malanda | $7,842 | |||
| Girls from Oz Ltd | Helping to Keep Language Alive in Kowanyama Support language revitalisation and student engagement through a performing arts project in a remote school. | Kowanyama | $9,212 | |||
| Herbert River Men's Shed Inc | Men’s Shed Equipment Upgrade Strengthen the capacity of local people to connect with each other and respond to community need, by upgrading the equipment of a Men’s Shed. | Ingham | $9,600 | |||
| Kilkivan & District Community Care Association Inc | Expanding the Home of the KilkiVAN Boost the ability of residents to live well in place while ageing, by purchasing equipment to expand community support services. | Kilkivan | $10,000 | |||
| Muttaburra Community Development Association Inc | Union Hole Camp - Shearers' Strike Boost tourism and commemorate the Great Shearers' Strike of 1891 with installation of a large sculpture. | Muttaburra | $10,000 | |||
| SOUTH AUSTRALIA | ||||||
| Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
| Port Vincent Progress Association Inc | Upgrade Projector and Sound System at the Port Vincent Institute Restore communications and build capacity to host community activities at the Port Vincent Institute Hall through upgrading audio visual equipment. | Port Vincent | $10,000 | |||
| Small & Vital | ||||||
| District Council of Streaky Bay | The 'Developing Community Leaders and Capacity through Equipping our Volunteers' Program Develop volunteer capability and build leadership skills by providing a not-for-profit operations training program designed to upskill volunteers. | Streaky Bay | $10,000 | |||
| Fat Farmers: Rural Health Initiative Incorporated | Eyre Peninsula Expansion Project Enhance physical and mental health by promoting a community fitness group at a local social event. | Cummins | $8,500 | |||
| Goolwa Surf Life Saving Club Incorporated | Expansion of Lifesaving Capabilities at Goolwa Surf Life Saving Club Boost the organisation’s capability to deliver surf life‐saving services by purchasing new equipment. | Goolwa | $10,000 | |||
| Keyneton Soldiers' Memorial Hall Inc | Keyneton Soldiers' Memorial Hall ‐ Accessibility Upgrade to Supper Room Entrance Provide a safe environment for volunteers and visitors through the upgrade of Keyneton Soldiers’ Memorial Hall’s supper room entrance. | Keyneton | $9,677 | |||
| TASMANIA | ||||||
| Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
| Broadmarsh / Elderslie Progress Association Inc | BEPA Water Tanks Improve essential facilities of community hall by installing water tanks to enhance capacity for bushfire preparedness and recovery. | Broadmarsh | $9,995 | |||
| Fingal Valley Neighbourhood House | Building Blocks: Play and Learn Together Support delivery of playgroups, early learning and parenting support programs in rural areas through the purchase of a vehicle. | St Helens | $25,000 | |||
| Small & Vital | ||||||
| Southern Midlands Council | Encouraging Active Ageing Encourage social connection amongst Southern Midland Council’s ageing population by hosting four activities developed by community members. | Oatlands | $10,000 | |||
| VICTORIA | ||||||
| Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
| Bairnsdale Neighbourhood House Inc | Rural Minds Mental Health Workshops Boost and strengthen mental health and wellbeing in the Bairnsdale community through the provision of workshops. | Omeo | $10,000 | |||
| Bemm River Recreation Reserve Committee of Management Incorporated | Encouraging Connectedness Rejuvenate a place of gathering by replacing an old barbeque with a new community barbeque. | Bemm River | $13,563 | |||
| Country Fire Authority Corryong Country Fire Brigade (CFA) | Corryong Fire Station Kitchen Modernisation Improve capacity of Corryong Fire Brigade to support bushfire recovery and preparedness by upgrading kitchen. | Corryong | $24,040 | |||
| Destination Gippsland Ltd | Event School Foster the planning of rural and regional community events by employing a project manager. | Mallacoota | $25,000 | |||
| Ensay Mechanics Institute Reserve Inc | Ensay Community Hall Revitalisation ‐ Kitchen Equipment and Outdoor Seating Upgrade Project Enhance social cohesion, connectedness and wellbeing by upgrading kitchen facilities and outdoor dining area of the Ensay Community Hall. | Ensay | $25,000 | |||
| Mount Beauty Cricket Club Inc | Safe, Supportive and Social Spaces Expand capacity of volunteers to maintain valued community outdoor open spaces through purchase of a large area mower. | Mount Beauty | $25,000 | |||
| Myrrhee Primary School Breath Circle | Myrrhee School Mental Health and Wellbeing Program Promote improved health and wellbeing for children through school incursions on mindfulness and movement. | Myrrhee | $9,900 | |||
| Small & Vital | ||||||
| Buxton Progress Assoc Inc | Building Buxton Strategy Consultation Boost organisational and volunteer capacity through community consultation and development of a strategic plan for a local progress association. | Buxton | $9,451 | |||
| Committee for Maryborough | Creating a Vibrant Community ‐ Phase One: Planning Facilitate networking and opportunities for intergenerational collaboration through story telling in the Central Goldfield Shire. | Bealiba | $8,000 | |||
| Country Fire Authority | Hose Drying Rack Support volunteer safety and build organisational capacity through the installation of a hose drying rack at Arcadia Fire station. | Arcadia | $3,960 | |||
| Flowerdale Community House Inc | Flowerdale Community Garden Project Enhance health, wellbeing, and connectedness of the community through building a community garden. | Flowerdale | $10,000 | |||
| Highlands Community Hall Committee Inc | Highland Hall going Forwards Strengthen local capacity and skills through governance and strategic planning workshops and support. | Highlands | $10,000 | |||
| Kilmore District Men's Shed Inc | Shade Sail Promote social connections in older age groups and protect physical health through the installation of a shade sail. | Kilmore | $8,206 | |||
| Lions Club of Benalla Inc | Toilet Facilities in the Benalla Lions Shed Boost volunteer engagement and provide an inclusive and comfortable facility through the installation of accessible toilet amenities. | Benalla | $10,000 | |||
| Millewa Advisory Group | Millewa Silo Art Boost tourism and strengthen the local economy by establishing silo art installations in Werrimull. | Werrimull | $8,000 | |||
| Southern Otway Landcare Network Inc | Shrub Club Community Nursery Bench Restoration Improve the safety of volunteers through installing new potting benches at a community‐run nursery. | Apollo Bay | $3,320 | |||
| St Arnaud Neighbourhood House Inc | Community Vegetable Garden Improve nutrition of low‐income residents through the installation of a community garden. | St Arnaud | $7,300 | |||
| Tri Gym Inc | Strengthening Our Community - Healthy Body and Mind Support better health and wellbeing outcomes by enabling older community members to access local pilates classes. | Marysville | $4,450 | |||
| UCA Queenscliff Point Lonsdale | "Clearing the Air" - Installation of Air Purifiers in Public Spaces Encourage people to come together safely by installing air purifiers in a community hall and meals space. | Queenscliff-Point Lonsdale | $7,990 | |||
| United Way Glenelg Victoria Incorporated | Winter Care Packages Reduce social isolation and decrease financial pressures for aged residents with provision of care packages. | Portland | $5,000 | |||
| View Street Public Hall Committee | New Window in the Kitchen of the West End Hall (Castlemaine) Increase the comfort of hall users and lower greenhouse gas emissions by installing double glazed windows that will moderate the temperature inside the View Street Public Hall. | Castlemaine | $2,000 | |||
| Woorak Community and Land Management Group | Internet Connection and Data Projector Increase functionality of hall with provision of projector and internet connections to enable video conferencing, workshops, on-line training and presentations. | Woorak | $2,500 | |||
| WESTERN AUSTRALIA | ||||||
| Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
| Denmark Community Resource Centre Inc | Distributed 15 ‐ Dance in Porongurup Cultivate connection to environment, climate action and climate hope through creative workshops and performance. | Porongurup | $9,961 | |||
| Small & Vital | ||||||
| Dunsborough Yallingup Chamber of Commerce Inc | DYCCI Skills Development and Capacity Building Workshops 2022/23 Boost and strengthen the local economy by running a series of workshops to help community members improve their business skills. | Dunsborough | $9,994 | |||
