Media releases: 27 August 2024
In partnership with the Sally Foundation and the ABC, FRRR has awarded $40,000 in grants to eight youth-led community projects in remote, rural and regional Australia as part of the Trailblazers program. The young people have partnered with local community organisations to receive the grants.
Trailblazers are invited to apply for funds to help them to take their project ideas to the next level, or for personal development opportunities to build their skills and networks and boost their capacity to strengthen their community. This year’s themes centred around inclusivity, access to services and education, as well as improving social connectedness.
Lauren Ryan, FRRR’s Youth Futures Manager, said that it was great to have several alumni on the Advisory Panel.
“This year we had four previous Trailblazers helping out with the selection process, all of whom provided unique insights, curiosity and constructive feedback to the applicants.
“Three of the Trailblazers to receive funding this year are previous grant recipients. The idea behind funding them again is to help in developing capacity for the sustainability of their projects, which are making a great impact within their communities.”
The Sally Foundation partners with FRRR through a Giving Sub-Fund, which helps to ensure that their funding reaches groups and young people in all corners of the country. The priority of this fund is to invest in young regional leaders to build their leadership skills, and their capacity to make a difference in their communities.
Co-founder of The Sally Foundation, Geraldine Roche, said “The Trailblazers program has shown to be an important stepping stone for the young people involved to achieve and exceed their goals within their communities. Grants from the Development Fund are designed to help these change-makers do what they can to make regional Australia a better place.
“This is our fifth year in supporting Trailblazers, and it’s inspiring to see their enthusiasm and the impact of their projects addressing the needs of young people in their local communities.”
This year’s recipients are detailed below.
| Organisation | Project | Location | Grant | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NEW SOUTH WALES | ||||||
| Ability Agriculture Foundation Limited | Audiovisual Podcast Pilot Raise awareness and promote inclusion for persons and families with disabilities in agriculture by sharing the story of an individual with a neurodiverse invisible disability in rural Queensland, highlighting their talents and skills through an audiovisual podcast pilot. | Kempsey | $6,000 | |||
| NORTHERN TERRITORY | ||||||
| Artback NT Incorporated | One Percent - Better Communities Offer free, accessible programs to build resilience and promote healthier lifestyles through kickboxing, team building, mindfulness, and men’s behaviour change models while addressing domestic violence, concluding with meditation and key topic discussions. | Darwin | $8,000 | |||
| QUEENSLAND | ||||||
| Now I Can Run Inc | NICaR Educational and Upskill Development Fund Support compliance and opportunities for the organisation through purchase of governance software. | Gold Coast | $2,925 | |||
| TASMANIA | ||||||
| Now I Can Run Inc | FIST 2025 Improve social connections, reduce isolation and grow a connected community for people interested in Esports through the Esports major competition. | Launceston | $2,515 | |||
| Self Help Workshop Inc | Project Vulcan - Adelaide Fringe and Hobart Tours Explore ancient myths while highlighting facts about climate change and Australia's relationship with fire, told by actors living with disabilities, emphasising that we all have a voice regardless of age, ability, or gender. | Exeter | $4,000 | |||
| THEIRS Inc | From Little Things, Big Things Grow - Growing THEIRS Capacity Strengthen sustainability and impact in the community through financial management, self-development, relationship building and branding initiatives. | Launceston | $6,560 | |||
| VICTORIA | ||||||
| Now I Can Run Inc | Money for the Young Address the lack of financial literacy resources in rural and regional areas by providing interactive workshops for individuals aged 15 to 26. | Bairnsdale | $2,000 | |||
| Now I Can Run Inc | Social Vision for Young Adults Provide a safe space for 18 to 30 year olds who are blind or have low vision to discuss issues and enhance independence, mental health and community engagement through events, podcasts and professional support. | Ballarat | $8,000 | |||
