Media releases: 30 April 2024
Funding to meet the local needs and connect communities
One hundred and twenty-nine community groups across remote, rural and regional Australia are sharing nearly $1.4 million in grants through FRRR’s flagship Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) program.
Awarded via three streams of funding, SRC grants support small and vital projects, like upgrades to the community pool in Cummins, SA; COVID recovery projects, such as creating an arts and cultural precinct in the remote community of Tully, QLD; and disaster preparedness or recovery initiatives, like providing culturally informed, trauma-responsive community healing days for the flood-affected community of Lismore, NSW.
FRRR received a record 450 applications for this round of SRC funding, requesting more than $4.5 million in grants for projects valued at more than $19 million. The team has worked hard to shorten the time between applying and awarding SRC grants, with these grants being awarded just nine weeks after the round closed.
Jill Karena, FRRR’s Place Portfolio Lead, says that there is an increasing need for FRRR to fill gaps in areas that may have previously relied on funding from government incentives or programs or support from local businesses.
“The SRC program is flexible and open year-round, meaning it can lean in when Government and other agencies lean out. This access to continued funding opportunities is especially vital in communities that are moving beyond the immediate threats and response to natural disasters and other shocks.
“This round, we have seen increased applications from the organisers of community events, such as local agricultural shows, as some local governments are reducing their annual funding support. We also saw increased funding requests from smaller more remote communities that are a seeking to boost the local economy by developing activities and events to encourage overnight stays from visitors who would otherwise pass through. We also noticed an increase in applications from fringe metro areas and inner rural communities, which seems to indicate that they too are facing diminishing funding opportunities,” she said.
Unmet need continues in small communities
In addition to the 129 initiatives awarded grants, there were a further 85 funding-ready projects, requesting more than $900,000, that FRRR did not have the funds to support. This highlights the importance of small grants to remote, rural and regional community groups and is why FRRR is seeking new partners so that the Foundation can fund more projects in the future.
“Given the uncertainty of the current financial landscape, groups have told us that they value having access to timely secured funding to support medium to long term goals, as well as initiatives that respond to present needs and priorities.
“These are the projects that create a sense of place and identity, and the people and organisations that make these inspiring projects happen need our support. SRC grants provide leverage as they demonstrate to other funders that the projects have value and are supported. But to be able to fund more of them, we need to bring in additional collaborative funders. So we invite all those who want to see a thriving remote, rural and regional Australia to join us to support local initiatives. They really do make a difference,” Ms Karena said.
The SRC program is collaboratively supported by donors, ranging from private individuals to larger foundations, who are acknowledged on the SRC program page.
FRRR always accepts applications to this program, which awards funds around four times a year. Local not-for-profit organisations and community groups are encouraged to review the program guidelines and apply. More information about the SRC program is available at www.frrr.org.au/src.
The full list of grant recipients and their projects are below.
| Organisation | Project | Location | Grant | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SRC Round 20 - April 2024 | ||||||
| NEW SOUTH WALES | ||||||
| Small & Vital | ||||||
| Arthur Butler Aviation Museum | ABAM Management Plan Create a management plan for the aerodrome to develop future facilities, enhancing Tooraweenah's appeal as a destination and boosting tourism. | Tooraweenah | $5,000 | |||
| Colly Gamilaraay Indigenous Corporation | Collarenebri Community Cultural Festival Celebrate traditional and contemporary Aboriginal culture from across the region through a one-day multi-arts and sporting festival addressing cultural isolation. | Collarenebri | $9,500 | |||
| Connecting With Bricks Inc | Mobile LEGO® Brick Pits Expand organisational capacity and provide equal access to educational and social enrichment tools with mobile Lego brick-building pits for hire by rural schools, libraries, and community groups. | Tintinhull | $10,000 | |||
| Parkes & District Historical Society Inc | Wiradjuri Cultural Storage Facility and Workspace Create an engaging space to learn about Parkes' historical and cultural stories by purchasing a shipping container to showcase the extensive Wiradjuri artefact collection. | Parkes | $10,000 | |||
| Southern Youth and Family Services Limited | Laptops for Learners - Cooma Enable disadvantaged homeless high school students in the Cooma area to fully participate in their school education by providing laptops to complete their studies. | Cooma | $10,000 | |||
| The Trustee for The Salvation Army (NSW) Property Trust | Salvos Community Connect - Engagement Space Boost community connection by purchasing safe, accessible chairs for morning tea gatherings that engage isolated or lonely residents. | Goulburn | $5,000 | |||
| Warren Chamber Music Festival Incorporated | Singing Your Stories | Collie | $10,000 | |||
| Prepare & Recover - 2019/2020 Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
| Mann River Men's Shed Inc | Mann River Shed Electrical System Support bushfire recovery by installing electricity in the workshop building to make it fit for purpose as a Men's Shed, a community meeting space and shelter for future disasters. | Diehard | $25,000 | |||
| Playability Incorporated | Creating an Inclusive Children's Playground Contribute to bushfire recovery by upgrading outdoor facilities to create an abilities and culturally inclusive children’s playground. | Eden | $9,000 | |||
| ADRA Wauchope Community Connect led by ADRA Wauchope Community Connect Adventist Development and Relief Agency Australia Ltd | ADRA Wauchope Community Connect Support bushfire recovery by purchasing a food trailer to continue delivering a food service to vulnerable local residents. | Wauchope | $25,000 | |||
| Courabyra Public Hall Land Manager | Courabyra Hall Storage Infrastructure Contribute to bushfire preparedness and increase capacity to serve as a central resource hub by building new storage areas for food, perishables, and additional safety equipment. | Courabyra | $20,237 | |||
| Friends of Tenterfield Aerodrome Inc | Tenterfield Aerodrome Disaster Resilience Project Enhance bushfire preparedness by constructing a shed to store aerodrome maintenance and firefighting equipment. | Tenterfield | $10,000 | |||
| Nambucca Valley Radio led by Nambucca Valley Radio Radio Nambucca Inc | Tewinga Community Centre Disaster Preparedness Project Enhance bushfire preparedness by purchasing essential disaster equipment and providing emergency training for volunteers and the community. | Tewinga | $16,615 | |||
| Narooma Oyster Festival Limited | Feasibility, Best Practice, Economic Impact Study and Business Case Proposal Enhance organisational capacity in a bushfire-impacted community by engaging industry experts to research and advise on a sustainable self-funding business model for Farmgate and Shellor Door Oyster education and tasting centre. | Narooma | $25,000 | |||
| Narooma Surf Life Saving Club Inc | Video and Audio Conferencing System Enhance bushfire recovery and improve communication during emergencies with a new by video and audio conference system at Narooma Surf Life Saving Club. | Narooma | $1,500 | |||
| Social Justice Advocates of the Sapphire Coast Incorporated | Social Justice Advocates Youth Convenor: A Dedicated Mission Engage a young person to lead workshops and collaboration with diverse young people to build on the youth-focussed bushfire recovery work to address other local l social justice issues | Bega Valley | $24,309 | |||
| Southcoast Health and Sustainability Alliance | Heatwave and Wood Smoke Haven Anglican Church Batemans Bay: Stage 2 Enhance bushfire preparedness by installing hybrid solar technology, ensuring continuous power during grid outages for the building to operate as a bushfire and extreme weather refuge. | Batemans Bay | $24,952 | |||
| Surf Life Saving Lower North Coast Branch Incorporated | 4WD to Maximise Emergency and Disaster Response Capability Contribute to bushfire preparedness and recovery by purchasing a 4WD vehicle for the Surf Life Saving Lower North Coast Branch to maximise emergency and disaster response capability. | Taree, Hallidays Point | $25,000 | |||
| Tabulam Public Hall Reserve Land Manager | Laptop and Printer Acquisition Streamline evacuation centre operations during disasters with a new laptop and printer. | Tabulam | $1,995 | |||
| The Valley Centre for Environmental Education and Research Incorporated | Heart & Humility - Supporting the Creation of a Cultural Fire Hub Facilitate two workshops to establish a community-driven cultural fire hub, promoting cultural burning, and emphasising knowledge transfer and leadership roles for Elders. | Singleton | $10,000 | |||
| Prepare & Recover - 2022 Flood Recovery | ||||||
| Backtrack Works Ltd | Disaster Recovery Response Crews Boost flood recovery and preparedness by upskilling young people as a fast response resource in times of natural disaster. | Tenterfield | $25,000 | |||
| Ettrick Hall Committee Incorporated | The Safe Hub Boost flood preparedness by purchasing a generator for the Safe Hub. | Ettrick | $1,810 | |||
| Hillston Creative Arts Council Incorporated | Red Dust and Paddy Melons Community Gallery Re-stumping and stabilisation project Support repairs to a community-owned heritage gallery and information centre damaged by severe weather and floods. | Hillston | $25,000 | |||
| Northern Rivers Community Healing Hub | Healing Hub : Wellness Wednesdays Provide culturally informed, trauma-responsive community healing days for flood-affected individuals over seven months in a supportive environment. | Lismore | $25,000 | |||
| Proprietor Bundgeam Pre-School Inc | Bundgeam Prepared and Safe Enhance the existing community disaster safe space by purchasing a defibrillator, upgrading pumps for flood mitigation, and fireproofing the building. | Grevillia | $15,000 | |||
| The Colony Bees Association Inc | Pollinate Country Establish and maintain 30 new beehive nesting sites to restore pollination to native plants and crops affected by recent floods. | Lennox Head | $8,800 | |||
| Tyalgum District Community Association Inc | Improving Safety Through Communication Improve communication for flood preparedness and recovery by installing a mobile repeater, linkage repeater and solar charge system. | Tyalgum | $22,605 | |||
| Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
| Big Brothers - Big Sisters Australia Limited | Big Brothers Big Sisters Tumut Address isolation, loneliness and disengagement of young people after the pandemic through training 10 new volunteer mentors for the Tumut Big Brothers Big Sisters program. | Tumut | $10,000 | |||
| Community Resources Limited | Helping Hands – Community Outreach Project Ameliorate post-pandemic isolation experienced by seniors by employing a short-term coordinator and two staff members to facilitate a welfare and education outreach program. | Forster | $8,328 | |||
| Coonamble Golf Club Ltd | Little Links: A Playful Oasis at Coonamble Golf Club Enhance social cohesion and provide a safe and family-friendly place to gather in a remote region post-COVID-19 through the construction of a playground at a community hub. | Coonamble | $9,928 | |||
| Edward River Art Society Incoporated | Riverbend Gallery Encourage visitation and boost community engagement with visual arts and culture post-pandemic with marketing support for exhibitions and events at a community gallery. | Deniliquin | $8,750 | |||
| Eurobodalla Chamber Orchestra | Enhancing Public Performance Enhance the post-pandemic capacity of a chamber orchestra to perform at outdoor venues through the purchase of robust music stands and sheet music covers. | Batemans Bay | $2,748 | |||
| Fungi Feastival Association Incorporated | Fungi Feastival 2024 Unite diverse sectors of the community, reduce social isolation, and encourage tourism post-pandemic through the hosting of the expanded Fungi Feastival with expert guest speakers. | Batemans Bay | $8,000 | |||
| Grafton Community Shed Incorporated | Machinery Upgrade Increase organisational capacity, reduce social isolation and encourage new membership of a community shed by purchasing new woodworking and metalworking equipment. | Grafton | $5,000 | |||
| Hope Bathurst Incorporated | HopeCare Community Garden Expansion Build organisational capacity of a community garden and improve access to fresh food post-COVID-19 through establishing new fruit trees and raised garden beds. | Bathurst | $9,732 | |||
| Lions Club of Boorowa Inc | New Storage Shed - Stage 1 Support the operation of an increasingly busy, volunteer-run driver reviver van by laying a concrete slab for the van storage shed. | Boorowa | $8,440 | |||
| Molong Historical Society Incorporated | Upgrade of Artefacts Storage Facility Encourage visitation post-pandemic through upgrading an artefact storage facility to effectively house museum exhibits and allow the acquisition of further items. | Molong | $10,000 | |||
| Moree Plains Shire Council | Fanny Lumsden's Country Hall's Tour Enhance community morale and recovery post-pandemic and inspire local musicians by facilitating the visit of Fanny Lumsden’s Country Halls Tour to a small remote community. | Garah | $3,000 | |||
| Nimbin Health & Welfare Assoc Inc | Nimbin Mental Wealth Expo '24 Increase awareness of mental health services and enhance wellbeing post-pandemic through hosting an inclusive interagency Mental Wealth Expo. | Nimbin | $7,200 | |||
| RiverSmart Australia Limited | A Better Path to WOW Relaunch Increase tourism and the safety of post-pandemic visitors by building a concrete coach-disembarking point and accessible pathway. | Warren | $10,000 | |||
| Skillset Limited | Career Connections Pilot a workplace learning program by connecting year 10 students with businesses for work placement opportunities addressing barriers faced by disadvantaged students post-pandemic. | Bathurst | $9,992 | |||
| Tamworth Regional Craft Centre Incorporation | Tamworth Regional Craft Centre Incorporation (TRCCI) Accessibility ramp to club house Build an accessible and compliant ramp to encourage increased participation in activities at a community arts centre. | Tamworth | $9,000 | |||
| The Rotary Club of Uralla Incorporated | Bundarra Garden Festival Enhance community reconnection, tourism, and economic recovery post-pandemic through promoting and creating signage for a garden festival. | Bundarra | $4,000 | |||
| Tumbarumba Men's Shed Inc | Spindle Moulder Purchase install and commission fit-for-purpose woodworking equipment to enhance a the Men’s Shed ability to safely recycle bushfire-recovered and salvaged timber for use in community projects after COVID-19. | Tumbarumba | $3,446 | |||
| NORTHERN TERRITORY | ||||||
| Small & Vital | ||||||
| Marrakai Volunteer Bushfire Brigade Incorporated | Enhancing Prescribed Burn Capabilities: ATV Buggy Acquisition Project Purchase a specialised all-terrain vehicle to support volunteers to increase the number and safety of prescribed burns to protect the community. | Marrakai | $10,000 | |||
| The Trustee for Karrkad-Kanjdji Trust | Warddeken and Walaaybaa Ranger Exchange Enhance community capacity for cultural and environmental preservation by sharing knowledge across Indigenous Ranger groups through a ranger exchange. | Mamardawerre | $40,500 | |||
| Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
| Enterprise Learning Projects | Impact North Cowork Upgrades for Community Events Support remote Indigenous entrepreneurs and organisations to connect and learn post-pandemic by purchasing outdoor furniture, equipment, and signage to establish a culturally appropriate events and meeting space. | Darwin | $9,693 | |||
| QUEENSLAND | ||||||
| Small & Vital | ||||||
| Burdekin Woodcrafts Association Incorporated | Provide Additional Storage Area for Burdekin Woodcrafters Support the purchase and fit out of a storage facility for donated wood, increasing the groups’ capacity to support community initiatives and reducing environmental waste. | Ayr | $9,450 | |||
| Clermont Kindergarten Day Care Centre Association Incorporated | Kindy Gym / Obstacle Course Project Provide outdoor play facilities for preschool children, supporting the development of physical skills, coordination, and balance. | Clermont | $10,000 | |||
| Etheridge Cares Inc | Mowers to Maintain Yards for Seniors Purchase mowing equipment to provide at-home mowing services for elderly residents, supporting them to live independently in the community. | Georgetown | $9,426 | |||
| Isisford Primary P&C Association | Dancing Lessons in the Dirt and Dust Foster community connection by providing after-school dance lessons for children in an isolated community, culminating in a public performance. | Isisford | $6,000 | |||
| Millmerran Academy of Performing Arts Inc | What's the MAPA Support a series of creative arts workshops and events to foster youth engagement with the arts, improving social outcomes and youth resilience. | Millmerran | $10,000 | |||
| Peak Crossing Public Hall Association Incorporated | Perimeter Fence Around Peak Crossing Public Hall Install a perimeter fence around a public hall to create a safe and welcoming space that will facilitate increased community use. | Peak Crossing | $10,000 | |||
| QCWA Branch Jackson | Back Yard Blitz Undertake landscaping works to improve safety and amenity of a local CWA hall, ensuring the community has access to a comfortable and safe gathering space. | Jackson | $9,900 | |||
| Returned & Services League of Australia (Queensland Branch) Gin Gin Sub-Branch Inc | New Fridge for Gin Gin RSL Sub Branch Replace worn out and inefficient fridge at the local RSL to ensure the safe storage of food for social events and activities that connect elderly residents. | Gin Gin | $2,750 | |||
| Returned & Services League of Australia (Queensland Branch) Wondai Sub-Branch Inc | Maintaining Wondai RSL Sub Branch Memorial Park Purchase a ride-on mower to enable older volunteers to maintain a local memorial park that Council has handed over to the group to manage for community use. | Wondai | $9,000 | |||
| Prepare & Recover - 2022 Flood Recovery | ||||||
| Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Council | Wujal Wujal Prepare and Recover Project Build preparedness for future climate related disasters in a community impacted by Cyclone Jasper by purchasing emergency generators, lighting, portable cooking equipment and swags. | Wujal Wujal | $25,000 | |||
| Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
| Artworks Granite Belt Inc | Upgrade of Facility Boost the capacity of a volunteer-run community cafe to provide training and employment opportunities post-pandemic by upgrading commercial kitchen equipment. | Stanthorpe | $8,437 | |||
| Babinda Community Kindergarten Inc | Meeting Place Reduce social isolation post COVID-19 by creating an inclusive outdoor community meeting space protected from the elements by a gazebo. | Babinda | $10,000 | |||
| Mt Perry Show Society Inc | Mt Perry Showgrounds Maintenance and Upkeep Support the post COVID-19 development of a site for community events and a new caravan park by purchasing a ride-on lawn mower. | Mount Perry | $10,000 | |||
| Noorama Sports and Recreation Centre Inc | Kitchen Renovations Reduce social isolation in a very remote community post-COVID 19 by upgrading kitchen facilities at their only community hub. | Noorama | $10,000 | |||
| Rathdowney and District Memorial Grounds Association Incorporated | Telehealth Room Provide discreet access to vital healthcare and social-support services post-pandemic by creating a private, dedicated telehealth room at a community hub in an isolated regional area. | Rathdowney | $10,000 | |||
| Ravenshoe Community Centre Inc | Ravenshoe Community Garden Strengthen social connection, provide access to fresh food, and sustain the work of volunteers at a community garden after the pandemic through the purchase of a trailer and improved garden soil. | Ravenshoe | $6,000 | |||
| Stella Community | Bowen Community Garden Support the creation of a new inclusive community garden to provide access to fresh food and encourage social cohesion post-pandemic through the purchase of raised garden beds, soil, and garden equipment. | Bowen | $8,000 | |||
| The Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre Incorporated | Community Skills Boost Facilitate a low-cost leadership program to support members of community organisations in the social service sector to build skills and capability to address local challenges post-pandemic. | Hervey Bay | $7,850 | |||
| Theodore Early Childhood Centre Association Inc | TECCA Bonanza Project Support community reconnection, economic recovery, and organisational sustainability post-pandemic by holding a family-friendly rodeo event. | Theodore | $9,988 | |||
| Tully Arts and Cultural Precinct led by Tully Arts and Cultural Precinct Tully Support Centre Inc | Tully Arts and Cultural Precinct - Community Consultation and Planning (TACP-CCP) Support the creation of an arts and cultural precinct in a remote community post-COVID-19 by engaging the community in developing a strategic plan. | Tully | $10,000 | |||
| SOUTH AUSTRALIA | ||||||
| Small & Vital | ||||||
| Cummins Memorial Recreation Centre Inc | Cummins and District War Memorial Swimming Pool Redevelopment Support community wellbeing and water safety with upgrades at a remote community pool that offers vital learn-to-swim programs. | Cummins | $10,000 | |||
| Inman Valley Community & Memorial Hall Association Incorporated | Keep Us Cool at the Inman Valley Memorial Hall Increase hall usage by installing a split system to provide a comfortable, safe, and welcoming community meeting space. | Inman Valley | $10,000 | |||
| Mintaro Progress Association Inc | Mintaro Seniors a Connected Community Foster social connections and increase community wellbeing and resilience by providing a series of activities and workshops for older people. | Mintaro | $4,000 | |||
| Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
| Balaklava Town Hall Management Committee Incorporated | Sound Upgrade Stage 2 Bolster post-pandemic organisational recovery and improve community access to the arts by upgrading audio equipment to provide quality sound at a community theatre and concert venue. | Balaklava | $10,000 | |||
| Carrackalinga Board of Management | Improving Functional Use of Carrickalinga House Senior Citizens Facility Encourage greater use of a community facility and increase safety, hygiene, and accessibility post-pandemic through floor resurfacing and installing a commercial-grade benchtop dishwasher. | Victor Harbor | $10,000 | |||
| Milang and District Community Association Incorporated | Lakeside Butter Factory Cafe & Catering Social Enterprise Boost the capacity of a new social enterprise cafe to provide training and employment opportunities in the community post-pandemic through the purchase of commercial kitchen equipment. | Milang | $9,778 | |||
| Riding for the Disabled Association SA Inc | Revival of Riding for The Disabled on the Yorke Peninsula Support the re-establishment of a Riding for the Disabled group closed due to lack of volunteers post-pandemic through fortnightly transport of horses to provide social and therapeutic activities for those living with disability. | Kadina | $10,000 | |||
| Southern Yorke Peninsula Community Hub Incorporated | Supporting our SYP Community Foster life-long learning, community resilience and cohesion post-COVID-19, through a series of digital literacy workshops and technical assistance for disadvantaged community members. | Yorketown | $10,000 | |||
| TASMANIA | ||||||
| Small & Vital | ||||||
| Brighton Community Food Hub | Expansion Project - Food to Families Enhance the capacity of a growing emergency food relief program by upgrading equipment and covering volunteer travel costs to aid vulnerable residents. | Brighton | $10,000 | |||
| Dignity Supported Community Gardening Inc | DIGnity Gardening Sessions Improve health and wellbeing outcomes through a therapeutic gardening program supporting vulnerable, marginalised and socially isolated community members. | Dodges Ferry | $9,240 | |||
| Freycinet Volunteer Marine Rescue Association Inc | PE-ER: Protective Equipment - Efficient Radio Support community safety and enhance organisational capacity during emergencies by upgrading communication equipment and protective clothing. | Swansea | $9,968 | |||
| Huon Valley Police & Community Youth Club Inc | Community Café Skill development for disengaged and at-risk young people through the establishment of a youth led café at local community centre. | Huonville | $10,000 | |||
| St Helens Marine Rescue Association Incorporated | Marine Rescue Capability Extension Strengthen capability of an emergency service and support the work of volunteers through the upgrade of telecommunication equipment and safety jackets. | St Helens | $7,260 | |||
| Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
| Folk Federation of Tasmania Incorporated led by Mount Roland Folk Federation | Mount Roland Folk Festival 2024 Increase community engagement post-pandemic by collaborating with the local school, and by offering free and discounted concerts featuring local and emerging artists. | Sheffield | $5,000 | |||
| Mount Roland Land Care Inc | Reconnecting Kentish: Building Organisational Capacity Develop organisational and volunteer capacity post-pandemic via the delivery of first aid, traffic management and mental health training and the purchase of appropriate PPE and tools. | Sheffield | $8,097 | |||
| The Derwent Catchment Project Inc | Hamilton Resource Centre Upgrade Enhance connectivity, boost organisational capacity, and improve a collaborative space post-COVID-19 by installing video conferencing equipment in a community resource centre. | Hamilton | $10,000 | |||
| VICTORIA | ||||||
| Small & Vital | ||||||
| Strzelecki Public Hall Incorporated | Heating for Our Hall Increase the use of the community hall by installing a climate control split system to make the meeting space more comfortable, safe, and welcoming. | Strzelecki | $10,000 | |||
| Ararat Men's Shed Inc | Metal Lathe Improve older men's mental health by purchasing equipment to encourage new members, enhance shed skills and provide a greater community service. | Ararat | $7,800 | |||
| Benalla Health | Benalla Grow Your Own Establish a network of community worm farms to provide compost for a sustainable community food garden supporting vulnerable residents. | Benalla | $10,000 | |||
| Birchip Neighbourhood House Inc | Connecting and Learning: Food, Fun and Fellowship Enhance senior citizens' health and social wellbeing and foster intergenerational connections by hosting 10 monthly community lunches in Birchip. | Birchip | $6,400 | |||
| Friends of Morwell National Park Inc | Feeling Chirpy: A Bird Book for Morwell National Park Enhance community connections, social wellbeing and understanding of local biodiversity by creating a citizen-led, plain-English, local bird guidebook. | Jeeralang Junction | $5,000 | |||
| Maffra Golf Club | Clubroom Renovation Boost opportunities for social connection in a community meeting space by upgrading furniture and re-painting a function room hired for training activities, functions, and events. | Maffra | $10,000 | |||
| Numurkah Community Learning Centre Inc | Growing Community Improve the viability of the community hub’s food garden with new equipment and greenhouse, ensuring year-round produce to provide local access to nutritious food via a food relief pantry. | Numurkah | $8,342 | |||
| Tatura Civic Halls Committee Incorporated | Keep the Power Safe and On Create a safe and compliant space for meetings and activities by upgrading the electrical system at the community owned Tatura Civic Hall Complex. | Tatura | $7,000 | |||
| Tyntyndyer Homestead Incorporated | Ride-on Mower Enhance tourism and cultural awareness of Watti Watti First Nations and colonial history by purchasing a mower to assist volunteers to maintain the visitor precinct grounds. | Beverford | $7,699 | |||
| U3A Colac Otway Incorporated | Filipino Cultural Event Foster opportunities for cross-cultural connection and enhance older people’s social wellbeing through a Victorian Seniors Festival community meal event in Colac. | Colac | $2,500 | |||
| Yarrawonga Mulwala Men's Shed | Future Building Enhance a volunteer program for men's physical and social health by purchasing machinery for workshop expansion and new chairs for meetings and activities. | Yarrawonga | $5,073 | |||
| Yea Agricultural Pastoral and Horticultural Society | New Water Supply Improve access to water for users of the reserve by installing new water outlets, supporting tourism, social connection, and community safety. | Yea | $5,698 | |||
| Prepare & Recover - 2019/2020 Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
| Cabbage Tree Public Hall | Emergency Equipment Shed: Construction and Completion Boost disaster preparedness and bushfire recovery capacity by installing a storage shed for emergency equipment at a public reserve. | Cabbage Tree Creek | $22,694 | |||
| Duduroa Dhargal Aboriginal Corporation | Ryans Lagoon Wetlands – Caring and Reviving Culture and Country Hub Strengthen bushfire preparedness and improve safety by purchasing a ride on mower to maintain scrub and grassland on nationally significant wetlands. | Bonegilla | $25,000 | |||
| Swifts Creek Recreation Reserve Committee of Management | Maintenance of the Swifts Creek Recreation Reserve Enhance disaster readiness and volunteer support in a bushfire-affected shire by purchasing a ride-on mower to maintain a reserve and safeguard a community space. | Swifts Creek | $25,000 | |||
| Warrigunya Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation | Maintaining Warrigunya Against Potential Fire Threats Improve disaster preparedness in a bushfire impacted region and support skill development by purchasing a tractor and slasher to maintain grassland. | Darriman | $24,700 | |||
| Prepare & Recover - 2022 Flood Recovery | ||||||
| RFDS Community Transport, Rochester led by RFDS Community Transport, Rochester Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (Victorian Section) | Volunteer Engagement and Community Recovery Enhance volunteer support and health outcomes for flood-impacted residents by engaging a program support worker to coordinate medical appointments via the RFDS transport program. | Rochester | $25,000 | |||
| Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
| Threatened Species Conservancy Inc | Enhancing Mallee Emu-Wren and Mallee Bird Conservation Support community reconnection post-pandemic, by delivering interactive community information sessions on conserving habitats for the Mallee Emu-Wren and other threatened Mallee birds. | Mildura | $10,000 | |||
| Avenel Active | Avenel 'Get Me to the Shops' Community Transport Project Reduce social isolation, increase independence, and enhance wellbeing post-pandemic by providing weekly volunteer-assisted bus shopping trips for residents who are elderly, frail or with restricted mobility. | Avenel | $4,200 | |||
| Beaufort Agricultural Society Inc | Enhance Storage for the Beaufort Show Sustain community events post-COVID-19 and improve participant and volunteer safety by installing roller doors on a storage area and agricultural show livestock shed. | Beaufort | $10,000 | |||
| Bella A'Capella led by Bella A'Capella Echuca-Moama Arts Initiative | Spring Sing Workshop Support post-pandemic creative recovery of Northern Victoria's community choirs, enhancing greater group connection, by facilitating a singing workshop in Echuca. | Echuca | $2,253 | |||
| Gargarro Botanic Garden Ltd | Mower for Gargarro Botanic Garden Improve safety and workload of volunteers’ post-pandemic by purchasing a reliable ride-on mower to maintain grounds and boost visitation of a garden complex in Girgarre. | Girgarre | $10,000 | |||
| Gnarly Neighbours | Social Enterprise Fit-Out Increase opportunities for disadvantaged young people to build skills, knowledge, and connection post-pandemic through a fit-out at a social enterprise to create a skate store, coffee area and chill space. | Seymour | $10,000 | |||
| Hindmarsh Shire Council | Reconnecting Small Communities through Films and Music Enhance reconnection opportunities post-pandemic for seniors with limited capacity for travel through a series of film screenings and concerts being held in their own community. | Dimboola | $10,000 | |||
| Kiewa Valley Community Garden led by Kiewa Valley Community Garden Lions Club of Upper Kiewa Valley Inc | Kiewa Valley Community Garden Inclusive Seating Project Increase opportunities for projects, activities, and social connection post-pandemic by providing durable seating and tables at a community garden hub. | Tangambalanga | $9,754 | |||
| Melville Forest Community Centre Inc | Melville Forest Hall Restoration & Refresh Enhance a community hub through paint, flooring, and air-conditioning upgrades to create a welcoming and financially sustainable venue for events and activities that encourage post-pandemic reconnection. | Melville Forest | $10,000 | |||
| Murtoa’s Big Weekend Event Committee led by Murtoa’s Big Weekend Event Committee Murtoa Events Incorporated | Murtoa - A Land of Wonder Foster social connection tourism and creative COVID-19 recovery by enabling local artists to collaborate with the community to create a lakeside lighting installation for Murtoa’s Big Weekend event. | Murtoa | $10,000 | |||
| RDA - Swan Hill led by RDA - Swan Hill Riding for the Disabled Association of Victoria Inc | Fencing Upgrade Project Boost the capacity of the organisation to provide safe therapeutic equestrian activities post-pandemic through essential fencing upgrades at their site located next to a busy highway. | Swan Hill | $9,304 | |||
| St Mary's Primary School Parents and Friends Association led by St Mary's Primary School Parents and Friends Association Sea Lake | St Mary's Sea Lake Gala Day Encourage community connection and address social and geographical isolation post-pandemic by reviving an inclusive Gala Day, providing entertainment and activities for all ages. | Sea Lake | $7,000 | |||
| Trafalgar Holden Museum Inc | Holden Heritage Centre Display Cabinets Sustain the Holden Heritage Centre and their work post-pandemic, encouraging greater visitation to the area by installing display cabinets to securely exhibit and preserve artefacts. | Trafalgar | $10,000 | |||
| Wangaratta Symphony Orchestra Incorporated | Wangaratta Sounds Under Light - Shining a Light on Regional Music! Promote social connection and support creative recovery post-pandemic by facilitating a unique concert and light show at an iconic local cathedral during the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues. | Wangaratta | $10,000 | |||
| Wollangarra Inc | A Strong and Trained Volunteer Team Reignite a program at a youth education centre post-COVID-19, boosting organisational capacity through training activities to increase volunteers’ knowledge and skills. | Licola | $10,000 | |||
| WESTERN AUSTRALIA | ||||||
| Small & Vital | ||||||
| Collie Men's Shed Inc | Lean-to and Wood Storage Area Build an all-weather working and wood storage area to enable members to work safely on outdoor projects. | Collie | $10,000 | |||
| Dandaragan Community Centre ManagementCommittee Incorporated | Storage Cupboards for Change Rooms Install storage at local community centre to increase community use and flexibility of the space. | Dandaragan | $10,000 | |||
| Friends of Bibbawarra Bore Aboriginal Corporation | Bibbawarra Bore Reconciliation and Land Care Project Support development of an ecotourism business case for locally led restoration of historic hot springs. | Carnarvon | $10,000 | |||
| Lower Coastal Community Association Inc | Lower Coastal Community Bus Establish an accessible and affordable community bus service in an area without existing public transport. | Guilderton | $5,000 | |||
| Society of Kimberley Indigenous Plants and Animals led by Society of Kimberley Indigenous Plants and Animals Environs Kimberley | Home for SKIPA Support the development of an indigenous plant nursery, enhancing volunteer capacity to rehabilitate local environments. | Broome | $10,000 | |||
| Prepare & Recover - 2022/2023 Cyclone & Flooding Recovery | ||||||
| Marra Worra Worra Aboriginal Corporation | Preparing and Protecting Fitzroy Crossing Enhance disaster preparedness with back-up emergency food supplies for remote communities in a region severely impacted by Cyclone Ellie. | Fitzroy Crossing | $24,500 | |||
| Prepare & Recover - 2021 Cyclone & Flooding Recovery | ||||||
| Kalbarri Men's Shed Inc | Constructing a Community Garden Establish a community garden as part of a new multi-use facility, fostering social connections and community resilience in the recovery from Cyclone Seroja. | Kalbarri | $9,800 | |||
| Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
| Bridgetown's Grumpy Old Men Inc | Upgrade Dust Extraction System Strengthen organisational capacity to provide safe working conditions and attract new men’s shed members post-pandemic, by purchasing mobile dust extractors for use with woodworking equipment. | Bridgetown | $5,096 | |||
| Great Southern Community Legal Services | Great Southern Community Legal Service Digital Enhancement Project Improve the post-pandemic capacity of a community legal service to provide video-based legal consultations by furnishing three hybrid meeting spaces. | Albany | $8,160 | |||
| Leeman Green Head Community Resource Centre Incorporated | Resilient Roof Restoration: Safeguarding Community Resources Sustain the work of a community resource centre experiencing increased demand for its services post-COVID 19 by undertaking essential roof repairs. | Leeman | $10,000 | |||
| Pemberton Youth Emergency Service Cadets | Pemberton Youth Emergency Services Development Project Boost organisational and volunteer capacity post-pandemic by equipping the Youth Emergency Services cadet program with appropriate PPE and storage equipment. | Manjimup | $10,000 | |||
| Ravensthorpe Wildflower Show Inc | Celebrating Together - Finding Out More Support community reconnection and upskill volunteers post-pandemic by facilitating a native wildflower show opening and holding a series of free community flora identification workshops led by a botanist. | Ravensthorpe | $5,000 | |||
| Shire of Dalwallinu | Dalwallinu Community Celebration Enhance post-pandemic economic and social recovery in a remote community by hosting a community celebration at the culmination of Wattle Week to boost overnight stays and social connections. | Dalwallinu | $9,659 | |||
| Shire of Kondinin | Hyden Railway Barrack Restoration Enhance community spirit and tourism post-COVID-19 by providing interpretive signage to complete the restoration of the town's oldest intact building which has been relocated to a prominent new site. | Hyden | $5,100 | |||
