Rural Australia receives $820,000 funding boost

Media releases: 13 March 2025

FRRR awards grants to more than 80 community groups and NFPs

More than 80 community groups across remote, rural and regional Australia are sharing $827,253 in grants thanks to FRRR’s flagship grants program, Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC).

SRC grant recipient, Australian Dental Foundation

The funding will be used by grassroots not-for-profit organisations (NFPs) for a wide range of initiatives that celebrate, strengthen and support their rural communities to be more vibrant, resilient, sustainable places to live.

Nearly $560,000 has been awarded through SRC’s Small & Vital (S&V) stream and will support 67 projects that create inclusive and accessible community spaces, provide mentoring and training and learning opportunities, improve employment prospects, or offer people the chance to connect and engage with others and their wider community.

The Prepare & Recover (P&R) stream of the program has awarded nearly $270,000 to 17 initiatives that build community resilience, preparedness and capacity to mitigate the impact of future extreme weather events, as well as support medium to long-term recovery in regions impacted by previous disasters, such as the 2022 floods and the Black Summer bushfires.

Jill Karena, Head of Granting at FRRR, said the SRC team is continually inspired by the strength and resilience of the NFPs dedicated to helping remote, rural and regional communities thrive.

“What makes rural communities amazing are the people that live there. These places are filled with locals working hard to keep community spirit alive and willing to step up to see their region navigate the highs and lows that come with living in the country. We see our role as walking beside them and empowering local groups to lead the projects they know will have a real impact.

“Small grants really do make a big difference and FRRR’s SRC program is so popular because it offers flexible small grants year-round to remote, rural and regional communities in all states and territories.

“Take for example the Forest Heritage Centre in Dwellingup, WA. With a Small & Vital grant of less than $1,500, the Centre will modernise the local gallery and gift shop’s point of sale system. This isn’t much funding but by updating their system, the Centre can look after the volunteers that help to keep the doors open, as well as encourage people to visit and spend money in the region.

“We’re also funding activities that bring people and resources back into country towns, helping these communities stay vibrant and sustainable. Places like Goulburn, NSW, where a $4,000 Small & Vital grant will help to upgrade infrastructure and host community workshops on environmental sustainability at the Goulburn Farmers Market.

“After supporting communities impacted by disasters for the past 25 years, we also know just how important flexible recovery and preparedness funding is, because communities’ needs change over time. By using a medium to long-term recovery lens, we’re able to support projects that strengthen the social fabric of a community through preparedness, capacity and resilience-building activities.

“Although it’s been five years since the 2019/2020 bushfires, the Eurobodalla community in NSW is still healing. Our Prepare & Recover grants allow us to continue supporting places like Eurobodalla, when other funders have moved on. This round, we’ve granted $10,000 to help the Shire Council run a 10-week cultural and personal development program to help connect socially isolated First Nations young people within the region.

“Our grants are often just one part of the bigger picture in terms of getting projects off the ground. But we know that this funding is often a crucial catalyst, encouraging further investment in local solutions. For example, the 84 projects we’ve supported in this round of SRC, are worth over $2.67 million.

“Demand for funding continues to grow, as the cost of living and operational expenses rise, government priorities shift, and the impacts of climate change and disasters evolve.

“To meet this demand, FRRR needs the support of the philanthropic and corporate sectors. A collaborative effort is needed to empower rural communities to lead a vibrant and sustainable future,” Ms Karena said.

The SRC program is collaboratively supported by donors, ranging from private individuals to larger foundations, who are acknowledged on the FRRR website.

If you would like to help, you can donate at www.frrr.org.au/donate.

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.

OrganisationProjectLocationGrant
SRC Round 23 - March 2025
NEW SOUTH WALES
Small & Vital
3rd Space Mob Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander CorporationBaryulgil Cultural Garden Project
Re-invigorate connection to culture through young people growing and learning about bush tucker and bush medicine.
Baryulgil$6,539
Cobargo Quaama Business Recovery Group IncorporatedBusiness Catch-Up Evenings
Build business alliances that increase social connection in Cobargo by establishing a regular business catch-up event.
Cobargo$3,870
Condobolin and District Landcare Management CommitteeRemote Rural First Aid Awareness in Condobolin
Increase community safety in a remote area through first response First Aid and CPR training for locals.
Condobolin$9,450
Corowa and District S.H.E. Shed IncCultivating Connections and Forging Friendships
Build membership of a SHE Shed by increasing the range of tools and creating usable outdoor space.
Corowa$6,748
Country Womens Association of NSWUpgrading Our Hall
Boost community access and use of the hall by installing lighting, painting and undertaking repairs.
Woodstock$6,250
Dalaigur Pre-school and Children's Services Aboriginal CorporationGrowing Spaces
Provide sensory developmental resources to boost social and emotional wellbeing of vulnerable children.
Kempsey$7,590
Grow the Future LimitedGrowing Youth, Growing Sustainability
Improve employment outcomes for young people through a vocational training and mentoring program.
Bega$9,984
International Volunteers for Peace IncGoulburn Farmers Market - Core Infrastructure and Targeted Workshops
Encourage local sustainable food production through upgrading market infrastructure and community workshops on environmental sustainability.
Goulburn$4,000
Let's Dance Carinda Tribute Committee IncorporatedKeep Dancing in Carinda, the Yearly David Bowie Music Event
Engage community and visitors in an event to commemorate the local filming of an iconic music video.
Carinda$10,000
Mainly Music (Australia) LimitedMoree East Public School Mainly Music Program
Build school readiness for vulnerable children through weekly interactive music sessions.
Moree$7,585
Mungindi Machinery Display Reserve Land ManagerA Helping Hand for Mungindi's History Park
Increase tourism in a very remote community through improving promotional materials and storage in the park.
Mungindi$9,186
Nambucca Riverwatch IncorporatedCitizen Science Volunteering Skills Project
Build volunteer skills and participation in environmental monitoring of the Nambucca River.
Bowraville$9,393
Outback Arts IncorporatedHello, Coonamble!
Foster community and cultural connection through developing 20 local’s personal stories into community performances.
Coonamble$6,150
Relationships Australia Canberra and Region IncorporatedGardening & Healthy Living - Youth Mental Health Initiative
Deliver food education and gardening workshops for young people and a “bush tucker” garden developed with local Indigenous services.
Narooma$8,000
Trangie Local Aboriginal Land Council Bellies and New Life Project
An art project to connect pregnant women to community, combined with maternal health check-ups.
Trangie$10,000
Warren Health Action Committee IncorporatedCalara House Riverside Grill & Chill BBQ
Establish an outdoor area, garden and BBQ at an aged care facility to encourage social interaction.
Warren$9,298
Prepare & Recover - General Disaster Preparedness & Recovery
Connecting Communities Australia LtdYacaaba Head Restoration Stabilisation Project + Fire Breaks in Pindimar
In consultation with local First Nations Rangers and volunteers, develop native plantings, fire breaks and trails to improve the stability and resilience of the Yacaaba Spit landscape and mitigate future bushfire impact.
Hawks Nest$23,400
The Elands Community Health & First Aid Centre IncorporatedDeveloping Essential Services for Elands & Surrounds Community Safer Place
Ensure the Elands Community Health Centre’s continuing designation as a Community Safer Place by increasing water and power security to support vulnerable locals during disaster events.
Elands$20,580
Prepare & Recover - 2022 Flood Recovery
North Coast Radio IncorporatedIncrease Transmission Power Enhancing Capacity, Capability and Long-term Viability
Increase capacity, reach and long-term viability of a vital emergency communication service by completing the transmission upgrade with the purchase and installation of an antenna system.
Lismore$10,500
NSW Women in DairyNSW Women in Dairy Bale Up Conference
Connect, support and empower flood-impacted women with workshops, training and events on health, goal setting, communication and dairy technical knowledge.
Kingscliff$10,000
Rainbow Region Community Farms IncorporatedFuture Proofing Water Infrastructure at the Lismore Community Garden
Replace water tanks lost in the 2022 floods to ensure water security for the Lismore Community Garden that provides fresh food for those in need and a space for social connection.
Lismore$25,000
Prepare & Recover - 2019/2020 Bushfire Recovery
Burragate Rural Fire ServiceFlooring for the Burragate Fire Shed
Increase community use and comfort of the Fire Shed by upgrading floor coverings.
Burragate$9,000
Eurobodalla Shire CouncilOur Generation - Fit to Flourish
Connect socially isolated First Nations young people with a ten-week cultural and personal development program.
Moruya$10,000
How Art Bemboka Community Hub IncBemboka Winter Solstice Women's Dinner
Reduce isolation for women impacted by the 2019/20 bushfires through an annual social dinner.
Bemboka$2,541
Marlee Rural Fire BrigadeMarlee Brigade Improvements
Increase volunteer capacity and experience by purchasing a battery starter pack and a car fridge.
Marlee$2,249
Native Animal Education Sanctuary LimitedPotoroo Palace Resilience and Preparedness Program
Build and support ongoing wildfire conservation operations and disaster preparedness for bushfire impacted Bega Valley with a community education and volunteer program providing opportunities for NDIS participants, students and job seekers.
Bega Valley$25,000
NORTHERN TERRITORY
Small & Vital
Hermannsburg Potters Aboriginal CorporationHermannsburg Potters Urgent Infrastructure Upgrade
Support the social and economic wellbeing of a very remote community by upgrading the local art centre’s septic system, allowing a facility that is a cornerstone of the local economy and community life to reopen.
Hermannsburg$35,000
Yandamah Indigenous CorporationNgurra Kurlu: Warlpiri Digital Culture Project
Strengthen and preserve Warlpiri culture by recording Elders knowledge and stories in digital content that is accessible, engaging and connects with the next generation.
Lajamanu$10,000
Prepare & Recover - Ex Tropical Cyclone Ellie & Associated Flooding
Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association (Aboriginal Corporation)Strong Signals: First Nations Emergency Network
Strengthen disaster preparedness and connectivity in four very remote First Nations communities impacted by ex-Tropical Cylone Ellie by supplying mobile journalist kits and training in emergency communications for local reporters.
Tennant Creek$16,367
QUEENSLAND
Small & Vital
Alpha District Tourism & Development Assoc. IncNew Seating for the Main Street of Alpha and Giant Game
Support older residents to engage in town life and promote inter-generational engagement with new seating and novelty games for the main street of a very remote community.
Alpha$8,676
Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail IncorporatedCounting People Creates Opportunities and Awareness
Install a series of people counters across a volunteer-developed and run rail trail, providing an evidence base for future investment in the rail trail and in local communities.
Mundubbera$4,162
Cherbourg Historical Precinct Group IncorporatedGreening The Ration Shed Museum - A Place to Gather
Purchase a ride-on mower and brush cutter to support the grounds maintenance of a museum used by the community and tourists.
Cherbourg $10,000
Cooloola Coast Medical Transport IncOffice Equipment & Storm Preparation
Support volunteers to provide an essential medical transport service for their community by replacing outdated IT equipment and repairing a damaged storage room roof.
Tin Can Bay$8,600
Eromanga District Rodeo Association IncorporatedEromanga Rodeo Kitchen Facility Upgrades
Enhance capacity of multiple community groups to host events by upgrading kitchen electrical systems and appliances at a key facility in a very remote community.
Eromanga$10,000
Eungella Community Development Association IncCoffee Corner
Enhance local markets, provide barista training for volunteers, and encourage social connection by establishing a commercial-standard coffee station at a local community hall.
Eungella$10,000
Goondiwindi & District Historical Society IncCustoms House Celebrates 50 Years: Hands On Heritage Fair
Enhance inter-generational knowledge-transfer and social connection by supporting older volunteers to share their skills with a series of lost trades workshops and the launch of a military display.
Goondiwindi$10,000
Herberton Pocket Films (HCIA)Meet Me - Moving from Rural Life to Aged Care
Promote intergenerational connection and teach digital skills to young volunteers through producing a series of mini documentaries on rural community members transitioning into aged care.
Herberton$4,700
Innisfail Community Band IncorporatedEmpowerment and Access to Musicality
Enable a community band to support their local music scene by developing a website where local musicians can share music and promote local events.
Innisfail$4,830
Mornington Shire CouncilCommunity Development: Developing Frisbee Golf on Remote Mornington Island
Promote youth engagement, inter-generational connection and environmental sustainability in an isolated community by installing a frisbee golf course, with no-cost frisbees made from recycled materials.
Gununa$10,000
Muttaburra Stock Show SocietyMusic for Muttaburra: live music drawcard for 2025 Stock Show!
Support organisational sustainability and social connection in a very remote community through opening night entertainment as a drawcard to increase numbers at a long-running community event.
Muttaburra$10,000
Noorama Community Group IncNoorama Recreation Grounds Lawn and Garden Establishment Project
Increase community use and amenity of a remote public recreation reserve by establishing lawns and gardens.
Noorama$10,000
Palliative Care Queensland Inc led by Charters Towers Compassionate CommunitiesWhen Grief Comes Sit With Us - Empowering Grief Support
Build skills and support for local palliative care volunteers through training and establishing a peer network across remote Queensland communities.
Charters Towers$6,292
QCWA Branch MitchellKeep Shady for Better Health
Strengthen organisational capacity to provide all weather support for local events such as Christmas markets and community luncheons, by purchasing marquees.
Mitchell$3,452
Warwick & District Archers Association IncToilet / Shower Facilities - Safe Access and Water Supply Upgrade
Upgrade toilet and shower block and water supply at a community facility to build drought resilience and facilitate more diverse community use.
Warwick$5,336
Whitsunday Art Fusion (Art Whitsunday Inc)Strengthening Community Cohesion and Wellbeing Through Creative Arts
Engage isolated community members through the creative arts by co-designing, promoting and facilitating a series of workshops across outlying communities in the region.
Proserpine$7,668
Yamison Hall Recreation Grounds Association IncWheels on Community Recovery
Enhance a volunteer committee’s ability to undertake bushfire mitigation activities by purchasing a trailer to transport their ride-on-mower to secure storage.
Yamison$5,830
Prepare & Recover - General Disaster Preparedness & Recovery
Quilpie Cultural Society IncRecovery from the Drought Through Creativity
Enhance resilience in a very remote drought-impacted community by providing a series of creative workshops to boost wellbeing and improve social connections.
Quilpie$19,894
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Small & Vital
Australian Dental Foundation IncorporatedHealthy Smiles for Loxton
Provide access to essential healthcare for vulnerable community members by equipping a mobile dental clinic with treatment materials to deliver a free service for an aged care and schools program in a disadvantaged area.
Loxton$10,000
Encounter Centre IncCommunity Garden Upgrade
Provide a disability inclusive environment for health and social wellbeing activities by installing mobility-friendly pathways and garden beds for a community gardening program.
Victor Harbor$7,803
In Home Hospice Care IncorporatedPractical Skills - Carers Education
Strengthen capacity and capability of non-paid carers of vulnerable community members by providing free workshops and opportunities to connect for people who provide palliative care.
Port MacDonnell$9,881
Karoonda and District Bowling Club IncCooking Up Connections - Kitchen Upgrade
Upgrade kitchen appliances to enhance club capacity to ensure volunteer safety and maintain strong community networks at a focal meeting place.
Karoonda$10,000
Mid North Arts (SA) - Burra CMC (Burra Community Management Committee Incorporated)Back to Burra - 180th Celebration
Boost visitation to a historic township, reduce social isolation and enhance community pride by hosting a parade and picnic commemorating 180 years of Burra.
Burra$10,000
Parrakie War Memorial Hall IncorporatedRepurpose for Social Connection
Revitalise the local hall with a safe, accessible outdoor space by adding a concrete base, shed and covered annex for community activities, workshops and social gatherings, reducing social isolation and improving mental health and wellbeing in an isolated place.
Parrakie$7,575
Rotary Club of Bordertown IncorporatedBordertown Patient Transfer Facility
Install a water tank and plumbing in a new patient transport depot to help to ensure patient comfort and effective emergency service coordination.
Bordertown$10,000
Tatiara Retirement Village Soc IncAn Open and Shut Case
Improve access and safety of residents and visitors by installing an automatic door to the recreation centre, increasing accessibility and independence.
Bordertown$10,000
Wilmington Agriculture and Horticulture Society Incorporated2025 Show: Bringing Our Community Together
Foster social cohesion and provide a fun family-friendly event for a community impacted by drought, by offering amusements and entertainment at an annual agricultural show.
Wilmington$4,900
Wudinna And District Bowling Club IncCool Facility: Reverse Cycle Air Con
Install an air conditioner to enhance sustainability, create a comfortable meeting space and boost community engagement in a remote community’s social hub.
Wudinna$10,000
Prepare & Recover - General Disaster Preparedness & Recovery
The Mount Remarkable Agricultural SocietyReliable, Sustainable Water
Enhance bushfire and drought preparedness and improve organisational infrastructure by installing a solar operated water system at the Melrose Showgrounds.
Melrose$25,000
TASMANIA
Small & Vital
Geeveston Community Centre IncUndercover Community BBQ Area
Foster social connection and support volunteer engagement by building an outdoor undercover BBQ area for youth programs, cooking projects and community activities.
Geeveston$9,955
Phoenix Community House IncThe Gateway to Help and Support
Enhance safety, usability and inclusivity and improve amenity through a landscape upgrade and new fence at the entrance to the community centre.
Currie$8,090
VICTORIA
Small & Vital
Banyena Community Hall IncorporatedGutter and Downpipe Renewal
Preserve an historic building and enhance community engagement by upgrading plumbing to improve water catchment and provide a comfortable meeting place.
Banyena$8,100
Bena Public Hall IncorporatedReplacement Split Air Con
Install an air conditioner to improve sustainability, create a comfortable meeting space and boost community engagement at the only community hub in Bena.
Bena$2,000
Borodomanin Mechanics InstituteAncona Prepare & Recover Project
Enhance the capacity of a community facility to support older vulnerable residents by purchasing a generator for power back-up during outages.
Ancona$3,300
Fryerstown Community Reserve Committee of ManagementTransition and Activation for a Vital Hub
Maintain a community facility and strengthen neighbourhood connections by upgrading furnishings and website to promote local events, activities and workshops.
Fryerstown$9,949
Gunaikurnai Land & Waters Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC2025 NAIDOC Community Day
Enhance access and community and cultural connections in a culturally safe space on Brayakaulung Country by providing transport and a marquee for a NAIDOC celebration featuring storytelling and educational activities.
Stratford$10,000
Jeparit Heritage Walk CommitteeJeparit Heritage Walk and Talk About
Foster visitation and connection to history and expand educational enrichment for local students by purchasing and installing 40 interpretive signs along a heritage trail.
Jeparit$10,000
Loch Sport Community House IncImprove the Meeting Room and Kitchen
Create a safe, accessible and comfortable meeting place for all, including older residents, by upgrading the electrical system, adding kitchen storage and repainting walls at Loch Sport Public Hall.
Loch Sport$10,000
Pennyroyal Hall IncorporatedNot Too Hot, Not Too Cold, Justtttt Right
Install a climate control system to revitalise and increase usage of Pennyroyal Hall, providing a comfortable year-round gathering place.
Pennyroyal$4,959
Tarrawingee Community Hall Committee of ManagementHeating the Tarrawingee Hall
Increase the use of a facility that provides a social outlet for older people, by installing two split system units to make the space more comfortable and welcoming.
Tarrawingee$10,000
Wycheproof Community Resource Centre IncBuloke Expo & Central Mallee Roadshow
Empower and support regional young people by hosting two primary prevention Youth Health Expo’s for Year 9 and 10 students, covering general health, mental health, drug & alcohol, respectful relationships and consent, increasing knowledge, networks, and practical learnings for better health and wellbeing outcomes.
Birchip$10,000
Prepare & Recover - General Disaster Preparedness & Recovery
Lockington and District Bush Nursing Centre IncFood Security for Our Community
Enhance health outcomes for vulnerable community members in disaster-affected Lockington by providing emergency food relief and healthy eating initiatives via a local food share program.
Lockington$25,000
Peppin Hub IncorporatedEmpowering Community Resilience: Equipping Our Future
Strengthen bushfire preparedness and volunteer capacity by equipping an emergency response hub with a laptop and printer for improved operations.
Bonnie Doon$4,205
Prepare & Recover - 2022 Flood Recovery
Neighbourhood Collective Australia LtdThe Story Exchange: Preparedness for Multicultural Communities
Enhance the resilience, preparedness and recovery of multicultural communities in four central Victorian towns affected by the 2022 floods through the delivery of community-led storytelling workshops to foster two-way learning, connecting multicultural communities and emergency services.
Boort$24,800
Prepare & Recover - 2019/2020 Bushfire Recovery
McCormack Park Grounds Management Committee IncMaintaining a Safe Environment and Refuge
Enhance bushfire preparedness and community safety by purchasing mowing equipment to maintain Merrijig's parkland, and guard a public reserve.
Merrijig$16,000
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Small & Vital
Boab Festival At DerbyBoab Festival - Mardi Gras Opening Night
Support stage costs at the opening event of the Boab Festival, promoting social connection in a very remote and sparsely populated community.
Derby$5,000
East Kimberley Chamber of Commerce and Industry IncorporatedKununurra Community Working Hub
Support the development of a co-work space by providing IT and kitchen equipment, enhancing opportunities for social connection, collaboration and entrepreneurship in a very remote community.
Kununurra$2,500
Forest Heritage Centre IncModern Point of Sale System at Forest Discovery Centre
Support volunteer experience, improve organisational capacity and enhance local economic development by purchasing a modern point of sale system for gift shop and gallery sales.
Dwellingup$1,495
Kununurra Picture Gardens IncorporatedKununurra Picture Gardens Rejuvenation Project (KPGRP)
Promote social engagement in a very remote community by upgrading the projector at a community-owned and volunteer-run outdoor theatre as part of a larger rejuvenation project.
Kununurra$10,000
Manjimup Community Resource Centre IncDigital Literacy Resilience and Empowerment in Manjimup
Foster life-long learning, community resilience and cohesion by providing IT equipment for a digital literacy program targeting vulnerable community members.
Manjimup$9,989
Noongar Kaartdijin Aboriginal CorporationBoorn and Boodja: Etching Culture into a Yarning Circle
Advance opportunities to preserve and learn about First Nations culture by installing etched wooden seating for a yarning circle on a cultural trail.
Toodyay$4,260
Shire of WilunaHealthy Cooking in Wiluna
Provide a community healthy cooking program in a very remote community to foster lifelong wellbeing.
Wiluna$10,000
Southern Edge Arts IncorporatedSouthern Edge Arts Kwoorabup Circus
Support a community-wide strategy to boost youth wellbeing through the provision of equipment, expert safety advice and marketing for the establishment of weekly circus workshops.
Denmark$9,807
The Cannery Arts Centre IncGather & Grow: Social Gardening and Morning Tea at Forage
Encourage social connection and improve food security in a remote community by providing equipment, materials and facilitation for an inclusive weekly gardening and morning tea program.
Esperance$9,995
Yarra Yarra Catchment Management Group IncorporatedImproving Capacity to Deliver Community NRM Projects Enhance organisational capacity and improve volunteer capability to deliver NRM projects by providing IT equipment, training and materials.Perenjori$9,570