Grants awarded to support regional Australia

Media releases: 17 October 2022

53 priority projects receive grants through Nutrien Ag Solutions Community Grants programs

Fifty-three important community projects across the length and breadth of remote, rural and regional Australia will share $250,000 in funding, thanks to the Nutrien Ag Solutions Community Grants Program.

This is the second year of the Nutrien Ag Solutions Community Grants Program, which offers grants of up to $5,000 for projects that contribute to community wellbeing and vibrancy in remote, rural and regional communities.

Nutrien Ag Solutions Director of Corporate Affairs Carissa Buckland says they received more than 300 applications from communities right across the country.

“The strong number of applications we continue to receive for this program clearly indicates the need for this level of support for grassroots, not-for-profit organisations. So, we’re delighted to award grants to so many diverse projects that help these remote, rural and regional communities thrive,” says Ms Buckland.

“Part of the application process involves the local Nutrien store actively endorsing each project and application. Our stores are very integrated in their communities and our teams are passionate about providing meaningful support to positively impact the towns in which they live and work in, so this is a really important part of the process.

“This year we have approved grants to enhance and support the delivery of community events, including new marquees, grandstand seating and improved website functionality to support local show and expo event management. Critical funding will also go towards a diverse range of restorations, upgrades and new equipment for community facilities – from a toilet roof to rejuvenated courtyards to outdoor seating and kitchens, data projectors and lawn mowers. There’s even funding for sensory, Zen, bush tucker and community gardens, with each project designed to inclusively meet the needs of their communities. While they are not large value grants, these projects enable community activity to build connection and, importantly, support volunteers in all their efforts,” says Ms Buckland.

The Program is proudly run in partnership with the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR).

FRRR CEO, Natalie Egleton says she appreciates organisations like Nutrien Ag Solutions partnering with FRRR to support the priorities of grassroots organisations that are the heartbeat of remote, rural and regional communities across Australia.

“The volume and nature of these applications is a strong sign that rural community life is returning to normal, although it also signifies just how challenging it is to raise these funds locally and the extent of the need that exists.

“It’s really pleasing for us that so much of the funding – nearly 30% – will go to communities with fewer than 500 people, which makes fundraising really hard. Most of the groups are also located in outer regional, remote or very remote areas of the country,” Ms Egleton explains.

The full list of recipients is available below. Some of the organisations and projects being supported include:

  • Illabo Showground Land Manager, Illabo, NSW – Build capacity at the local show grounds with a WIFI upgrade, defibrillator installation and new broadcast system to enhance operations and experience for all users. $5,000
  • Dagun Community Group Inc., Dagun, QLD – Enhance community connections with the restoration of the Dagun railway station labyrinth and Mary Valley agricultural history display, and through the community garden project. $4,900
  • Limestone Coast Multicultural Network Incorporated, Naracoorte, SA – Build organisational capability with development of a strategic plan to support strengthening the Limestone Coast Multicultural Network. $4,952
  • Hamilton District Agricultural Show Society, Hamilton, TAS – Build, grow and protect skills and networks with four workshops focusing on entrepreneurism, rural OH&S and resilience.$5,000
  • Kyabram Blue Light, Kyabram, VIC – Increase social engagement opportunities and activities for youth in Kyabram to support their healthy growth and development. $5,000
  • Lower Kalgan Community Association Incorporated, Albany, WA – Build resilience through a Fire Resilience Workshop – “Making your Property Fire Safe and Sustainable” exploring preparedness and land management aligned to changing climate impacts. $5,000

The third round of the Program is expected to open around June 2023. Community groups looking for funding in the interim should head to www.frrr.org.au/find-funding.

OrganisationProjectLocationGrant
NEW SOUTH WALES
A Taste of Paradise Organic Farm LimitedOutdoor Kitchen Construction
Enhance facilities where the community comes together and connects with the installation of an outdoor kitchen.
Broughton Village$5,000
Broken Hill Branch The Australian Stock Horse Society Incorporated
Topar Christmas Tree
Topar Christmas Tree
Improve social connectedness and build resilience by supporting the Topar Christmas Party for 60 adults and 40 children in the isolated area.
Little Topar$4,975
Challenge Community ServicesCreation of a Zen Sensory Garden at Challenge's Patterson Street Disability Site
Increase inclusion with the creation of a Zen Sensory Garden at Challenge's Patterson Street Disability site.
Tamworth$4,550
Delungra Memorial Bowling & Recreation Club LtdRejuvenate, Protect and Provide
Enhance organisational capacity with the provision of adequate storage for the Delungra Memorial Bowling Club.
Delungra$5,000
Dorrigo Community Nursery IncWater Resilience for the Dorrigo Community Nursery
Improve the water efficiency of Dorrigo Community Garden with a new water tank enabling multiple volunteer projects.
Dorrigo$5,000
Gulgong Show Society IncOperation Seating
Increase the organisations ability to support their community with the provision of seating under the sheltered area of the Gulgong Showgrounds.
Gulgong$3,427
Illabo Showground Land ManagerFacilities Enhancement
Enhance community facilities safety by upgrading the broadcasting box, installing a defibrillator and enhancing Wifi facilities at the Illabo Showgrounds.
Illabo$5,000
Laggan Hall Land ManagerLaggan Hall Ride-on Mower
Boost volunteer vitality with the provision of a ride on mower supporting the maintenance of the Laggan Hall grounds..
Laggan$5,000
Lions Club of Young IncorporatedShelving for Lions Shed
Increase the capacity of the Lions Club of Young with the installation of appropriate shelving in their storage shed.
Young$4,263
Nyngan Ag Expo IncorporatedNyngan Ag Expo Website, Interactive Site Map and Exhibitor Booking Upgrade
Build organisational capacity by upgrading the website of Nygan Ag Expo with site booking functionality to reduce volunteer efforts and increase efficiency in operations.
Nyngan$5,000
two eight two eight inctwo eight two eight Lighting Upgrade
Increase access to community facilities with the preservation of the historic Gulargambone hall.
Gulargambone$5,000
QUEENSLAND
Artworks Granite Belt INCStanthorpe QFS Restoration Project
Preserve local history with the restoration of the Stanthorpe QFS building.
Stanthorpe$5,000
Dagun Community Group IncMary Valley Agricultural History Display and Dagun Railway Station Labyrinth/Community Garden Project
Enhance community connections with the restoration of a labyrinth and agricultural history display supported by social gardening days.
Dagun$4,900
Geham State School Parent & Citizens AssociationNew Data Projector for the Geham School/Community Activities Building
Upgrade community facilities with a new data projector to support community engagement including movie nights, local events and school presentations.
Geham$5,000
Hungerford Sports Association IncPortable Shade Tents for Hungerford Community
Increase the organisational capacity of Hungerford Sports Association with the provision of portable shade tents to support community events and activities.
Hungerford$5,000
Isis Community Pre-School & Kindergarten Association IncIndigenous Entrance Art and Bush Tucker Garden
Increase cultural awareness at the Isis Community Kindergarten with the installation of an Indigenous artwork and Bush Tucker Garden.
Childers$5,000
Lions Club of Home HillReplacement Gazebos and Catering Bar-b-ques
Increase organisational capacity with the provision of gazebos and catering equipment for the Lions Club of Home Hill.
Home Hill$5,000
Mundubbera Horse and Pony Club IncShaded Grandstand for Mundubbera Community
Enhance community facilities by supporting the installation of a shaded grandstand at the Mundubbera Showgrounds.
Mundubbera$5,000
Prospect Community Services LtdCharters Towers & the Region Wellness Luncheon
Enhance general health and wellbeing with the provision of a series of community wellness activities across the Charters Towers region.
Charters Towers$5,000
Tambo Child Care Parents Group IncTambo Childcare Centre Sensory Garden Project
Enhance engagement in traditional educational settings with the development of a sensory garden at the Tambo Child Care facility.
Tambo$5,000
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Booleroo Centre Community Development and Tourism Association IncorporatedPass the Popcorn!
Increase functionality of the local Booleroo Hall with the provision of a projector for community information sharing and entertainment.
Booleroo Centre$5,000
Bute History Group IncBlinds Installation
Build organisational capacity for the Bute Historical Society with new window blinds to protect their artefacts from sun damage.
Bute$4,660
Cambrai Sports Club IncInstallation of Solar Power to Enhance Regional Community Facility
Reduce organisational overheads with the installation of Solar power at the Cambrai Sports Club.
Cambrai$5,000
Crystal Brook KindergartenA Path of Intergenerational Connection
Increase community connections with "A path of intergenerational Connection" enabling kindergarten children and residents of Roseview Aged care to come together in a safe space.
Crystal Brook$5,000
Limestone Coast Multicultural Network IncorporatedStrategic Plan Development - Limestone Coast Multicultural Network
Build organisational capacity with a strategic plan and vision to support the Limestone Coast Multicultural Network development.
Naracoorte$4,952
Lucindale Area SchoolAquaponics Student Learning Facility
Enhance the learning opportunities at Lucindale Area School with aquaponics equipment to enable community vegetable growing.
Lucindale$4,633
Marree Sports Club IncSound System for Marree Sports Club
Increase the organisational capacity of the Maree Sports Club with the installation of a sound system.
Marree$5,000
Paskeville Football Club IncorporatedKitchen Upgrade
Increase functionality of the Paskeville Community centre by relocating the hot water system.
Paskeville$5,000
TASMANIA
Community Garden Wynyard IncGreenhouse Construction
Increase community activities and opportunities to connect with the expansion of the Wynyard Community Garden facility.
Wynyard$5,000
Hamilton District Agricultural Show Society‘Build, Grow, Protect’
Build community capability with four workshops focused on building resilience in individuals, growing their networks and protecting the rural community.
Hamilton$5,000
May Shaw Health Centre IncBeach Wheelchair Project
Increase access with the provision of an all surface wheelchair enabling beach access for residents and visitors of May Shaw Health with poor mobility.
Swansea$5,000
North Eastern Agricultural & Pastoral Society IncorporatedLight Towers
Increase organisational sustainability with the provision of light towers to mitigate regular hiring costs for the North Eastern Agricultural and Pastoral Society.
Scottsdale$3,681
Parkham Community IncRestoration of Parkham Community Centre floor
Support the development of places where the community can connect, learn and gather by restoring the Parkham Church as the Parkham Community Centre.
Parkham$4,901
VICTORIA
A Better Life For Foster Kids IncorporatedCrisis Cases for Foster Care
Support vulnerable foster children transitioning to care with essential item packs to provide comfort and reduce emotional stress.
Sale$5,000
Arapiles Community Theatre Inc Natimuk & District Soldiers Memorial Hall CommitteeNatimuk Soldiers Memorial Hall Audio Visual System
Boost community vitality with the installation of a data projector and sound system at the Natimuk Soldiers Memorial Hall for cultural events and increased hall usage.
Natimuk$5,000
Boort District Agricultural and Pastoral Society IncorporatedProfessional Marquees for Boort Show!
Enhance the organisational capacity of Boort District Agricultural and Pastoral Society Incorporated with the provision of marquees for use at community events and activities.
Boort$5,000
Cobden Technical SchoolOutdoor Meeting Space / Outdoor Classroom
Improve the functionality of the outdoor classroom at Cobden Technical College with improved wife and seating, built by the local Men's Shed.
Cobden$5,000
Connewirricoo Community Centre IncorporatedConnewirricoo Community Centre Toilets Roofing
Restore community assets with repairs to the roof and walls of the Connewirricoo Community Centre ablution block.
Connewirricoo$5,000
Gallery Central IncorporatedGallery Lighting Improvement
Improve community facilities in Nhill with new lighting at the local community art gallery to enhance visitor and local experience.
Nhill$2,873
Heathcote Community House IncorperatedHeathcote Sustainable Community House
Build organisational capacity and capability with the implementation of sustainability initiatives including a roof top solar installation.
Heathcote$5,000
Kyabram Blue LightKyabram Blue Light Youth Engagement Activities 2022-2023
Increase youth connection with the provision of Blue Light activities and events for Kyabram and surrounding districts.
Kyabram$5,000
Pomonal Progress Association IncorporatedMini Foody Festival - Towards a Resilient Pomonal
Provide access to activities to increase community connection and resilience by hosting the Pomonal Mini Foody Festival.
Pomonal$5,000
Seymour Puckapunyal Community Radio IncorporatedRelocation of 103.9FM Community Radio Station
Increase the broadcasting network of the Seymore Puckapunyal Community Radio by relocating the radio station to a more accessible site.
Seymour$5,000
The Trustee for Country Fire Authority & Brigades Donations Fund Sandsmere Rural Fire BrigadeTraining Equipment and Wellbeing Session Funding
Boost organisational capacity with the provision of training equipment and volunteer support for Kaniva Country Fire Authority.
Kaniva$2,749
Toora Community Action Team IncorporatedToora: GunaiKurnai Country
Preserve understanding of local origins and reflect on the impacts of a changing climate on the Toora community with the installation of a sculpture in the township.
Toora$5,000
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
1922 & You Inc1922 & You Centenary Courtyard Project
Rejuvenate community connections in Corrigin through revitalising the courtyard as a landing place for social and wellbeing activity.
Corrigin$3,500
Dowerin District High School Parents & Citizens Association IncorporatedChild Protection Education - Safe4Kids Workshops
Enhance child safety practice through training of teacher, parents and children to build awareness and develop community skills and capability for addressing issues.
Dowerin$5,000
Geraldton Community Toy LibraryThe Geraldton Toy Library Building Rejuvenation Project
Increase organisational capacity with the provision of adequate storage and fencing upgrades at the Geraldton Toy Library facility.
Geraldton$5,000
Gingin Playgroup IncorporatedCommunity Engagement with Playgroup
Increase community resilience and connections with the provision of community events at activities at the Gingin Playgroup.
Gingin$2,400
Lower Kalgan Community Association IncorporatedFire Resilience Workshop - Making your Property Fire Safe and Sustainable in the Great Southern
Improve community resilience and preparedness with a workshop on property fire safety and climate change impact awareness.
Albany$5,000
Pemberton Sports Club IncMower for the Pemberton Sports Club
Increase the vitality of volunteers with the provision of a ride on mower for the Pemberton Sports club.
Pemberton$5,000
Shire of MorawaSup and Paint Morawa - Art Evenings
Create opportunities for the community to connect with the arts with the delivery of Art lessons in Morawa.
Morawa$5,000
Tom Price Community Garden IncRevegetation of Bush Tucker Area
Increase access to community activities with the revegetation of the Bush Tucker in the Community Garden.
Tom Price$5,000