Media releases: 23 May 2024
FRRR and Charter Hall are pleased to announce the expansion of their partnership, signing a three-year agreement to drive further investment in disaster preparedness and recovery efforts across remote, rural and regional communities. The funding will be distributed through FRRR’s flagship Strengthening Rural Communities small grants program.
Natalie Egleton, FRRR’s CEO, said that with rural communities increasingly at the forefront of the impacts of climate change, it’s more important than ever that communities can access flexible funding to support preparedness efforts, especially in smaller remote, rural and regional communities.
“We’re grateful for this commitment from Charter Hall, as it means that there will be more funding to empower local communities to shape and lead their preparedness, disaster recovery and resilience building projects in a way that makes the most sense in their community.
“After decades of working alongside remote, rural and regional communities, we know that no two are the same. Our small grants program has proven a critical source of funding, as it’s always open and ready when the time is right. For some, it’s helped them purchase emergency equipment or upgrade the place of last refuge so it’s safe, accessible and fit for purpose; for others, it’s supported a whole of community planning process, while for others it’s enabled leadership and local capacity development.
“With Charter Hall’s support, we will be able to support more communities be better able to respond to whatever comes their way. We also look forward to sharing the importance of this kind of support among their networks and colleagues,” Ms Egleton said.
Natalie Devlin, Charter Hall’s Chief Experience Officer, commented on the importance of its partnership with FRRR in having an enduring impact on its communities.
“At Charter Hall we have always focused on actively partnering for mutual success. Our approach to community investment is no different, focusing on creating lasting change by partnering where we can make the most difference to individuals and communities. We are pleased to be expanding our partnership with FRRR, ensuring relief and recovery solutions are funded in the community to deliver the greatest community benefit.
“Through this partnership, we will enable local people and organisations to shape and lead their disaster relief, recovery and resilience building processes. Having worked with FRRR since 2020, we have seen first-hand the difference they can make through their local understanding, and connection to grassroots organisations that often can’t access support otherwise.”
The first grants to be made with Charter Hall’s support was announced 30 April 2024.
Rural community groups and not-for-profit organisations that want to apply to the Prepare & Recover stream can find out more on FRRR’s website.
The list of Charter Hall-funded grant recipients and their projects are below.
| Organisation | Project | Location | Grant |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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, NSW | $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, NSW | $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, NSW | $10,000 |
| 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, NSW | $1,500 |
| 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, QLD | $25,000 |
| 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, TAS | $9,968 |
| 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, TAS | $7,260 |
