More than $980,000 to bolster rural communities
Remote, rural and regional communities across Australia will share $981,100 in grants through FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) program, empowering them to create vibrant and sustainable places to live, work and thrive.
This funding will support 78 locally-led projects that foster resilience, social connection and greater capacity in regional communities. It will help them embrace new opportunities and address challenges such as housing and food security, equitable education access, reduce social isolation and preserve cultural and community assets.
The grants, which range from $1,500 to $50,000, will support a diverse mix of initiatives. The majority are funded through the Small & Vital stream, with 62 projects sharing $516,704 towards initiatives such as upgrading community halls, enhancing local amenities, hosting events that reduce isolation and boost regional economies, and providing training to strengthen volunteer capacity.
Nine projects will share $145,579 through the Prepare & Recover stream to help communities recover from disasters and build resilience for future events, including emergency response training, improving crisis infrastructure and addressing food security. Four of these projects are supported by returns on the investment of donations to FRRR’s Disaster Resilience & Recovery Fund.
Finally, seven projects will share $318,817 through the Larger Leverage stream to tackle complex challenges like digital inclusion, through initiatives that improve online safety, digital literacy and access to telehealth services.
FRRR received 331 applications for this round and the funded projects represent critical investments in what communities identify they need to be self-generating, prosperous and able to drive the kind of future they want.
Jill Karena, Head of Granting at FRRR, said that while demand for grants continues to grow and far outstrips the funding available, these grants provide an essential lifeline for not-for-profits working tirelessly to bridge service gaps in their remote and rural communities.
“Grassroots organisations are the backbone of rural Australia. They deliver vital services, create opportunities for connection and respond to local needs with creativity and commitment. Through SRC, we’re helping them tackle real challenges with solutions that they know will make a difference. These locally-led efforts result in tangible improvements and build stronger, more inclusive communities,” Ms Karena said.
annual community celebration.
“We’re also proud to support projects that deepen cultural understanding and connection to First Nations knowledge, as well as initiatives that promote mental health, wellbeing and intergenerational learning. Driven by local organisations, these initiatives create real change, strengthening places where people feel connected, supported and proud to belong.”
Half of the funded projects are in some of Australia’s most remote communities, while nearly 80% are in areas experiencing significant social and economic disadvantage. This confirms that FRRR’s support is reaching the places that need it most. Twenty-three of the funded projects come from first-time applicants, reflecting growing awareness and engagement with FRRR’s programs but also highlighting the ongoing need for this kind of support.
“The projects funded this round highlight the breadth of needs across remote, rural and regional communities. We deeply appreciate the many partners whose support makes these grants possible. Being able to offer flexible programs like SRC is essential to sustaining and strengthening these communities, ensuring they remain vibrant and resilient,” Ms Karena said.
FRRR accepts applications to the SRC program year-round, with funding awarded quarterly. Community groups and NFPs are encouraged to review the guidelines and apply at https://frrr.org.au/src-small-vital/.
The SRC program is made possible thanks to the generosity of FRRR’s donor partners, including individuals, foundations and corporations. To help FRRR fund more community-led projects, visit www.frrr.org.au/donate.
The full list of grant recipients is available below.
| Organisation | Project | Location | Grant | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SRC Round 26 - November 2025 | ||||||
| NEW SOUTH WALES | ||||||
| Small & Vital | ||||||
| Burringbar School of Arts | Stop the Rot! – Repair Burringbar's 120 year old Heritage Hall Replace rotten timber windows to maintain the hall’s safety, heritage character and vital role as a community hub. | Burringbar | $10,000 | |||
| Connections Plus Australia Inc | Disability Club Increase accessibility of digital communication for adults with a disability by developing and training users of an accessible real-time video and audio messaging system on the Disability Club digital platform. | Bega Valley | $10,000 | |||
| Cooee Lodge Hostel & Retirement Village Gilgandra Council | Cooee Lodge – Provision of Outdoor Furniture Purchase outdoor furniture to create a safe, accessible space that supports healthy, meaningful outdoor engagement for residents. | Gilgandra | $10,000 | |||
| Cummeragunja Sporting and Recreation Restoration Project Team led by Rotary Club of Mooroopna | Cummeragunja Sporting and Recreation Restoration Project – Nanyubak Dungudja – Dream Big Develop culturally informed landscape plans and a maintenance strategy to restore safe and inclusive recreational spaces. | Barmah | $10,000 | |||
| Dharriwaa Elders Group Inc | Galuma-li Digital Equity & Resilience Project Enhance digital skills and increase access to services, education and employment via a culturally safe, technology-enabled ‘Community Desk Space’ and training. | Walgett | $10,000 | |||
| Kyogle Family Support Service Inc | Growing Strong Kind Kids Program Empower primary school children with emotional regulation, empathy and safe relationship skills through a 6-week educational program. | Kyogle | $9,732 | |||
| Mawang Incorporated | Reckoning Documentary Support community participation in a documentary sharing Gundagai’s truth-telling to foster reconciliation, awareness of First Nations history, and pride in the Yarri and Jacky Jacky legacy. | Gundagai | $10,000 | |||
| Northern Gomeroi Aboriginal Corporation | Northern Gomeroi Community Garden and Native Nursery Project Develop a garden and nursery to build skills, social connection, employment opportunities and positive pathways for youth. | Boggabilla | $10,000 | |||
| Ripple Effect North West Inc | Building Intervention Skills in our Community Deliver youth mental health first aid training and parent workshops to 25 adults to strengthen skills, resilience and support for young people. | Gunnedah | $2,800 | |||
| The Trustee for Triangle Public Hall and Recreation Reserve Land Manager | Triangle Hall: Safe & Strong Restore and upgrade Triangle Public Hall to increase safety, amenity and weather proofing. | Condobolin | $10,000 | |||
| Warren Community Homes Association Inc | Keeping it Safe, Keeping it Green! Underground Watering System for Warren's Community Homes Install an underground watering system to enhance safety and ease-of-use for elderly residents while maintaining the community gardens. | Warren | $10,000 | |||
| Way Out West | Shower Facility Installation Upgrade facilities at Ivanhoe campground to boost visitation and overnight stays, improving economic and social benefits. | Ivanhoe | $10,000 | |||
| Wentworth Shire Council | Pomona Hall Furniture Purchase of Chairs & Tables for a Public Hall Replace furniture to keep Pomona Hall a safe, functional and welcoming hub for community events, school activities and emergency recovery. | Pomona | $5,251 | |||
| Larger Leverage | ||||||
| Eden Community Access Centre Inc | ClickStart Bega Valley – Digital Confidence Through Peer-led Training, Infrastructure Support and Wraparound Mentoring Creating digital confidence for older and vulnerable residents by delivering peer-led digital skills training, building a volunteer digital mentoring network and supporting infrastructure connectivity. | Eden | $50,000 | |||
| Prepare & Recover – General Disaster Preparedness & Recovery | ||||||
| Australian Agricultural Centre Limited | Land Rehydration Bootcamp Deliver a 3-day Land Rehydration course to build long-term resilient landscapes and prepare for future climate and disaster risks. | Crookwell | $10,424 | |||
| BackTrack Works | Walking Taller – Empowering At-Risk Young People to Deliver Disaster Relief Equip at-risk youth to lead disaster preparedness and recovery efforts in vulnerable rural communities, while gaining valuable skills, training and meaningful employment. | Glen Innes | $24,000 | |||
| Prepare & Recover – 2019/2020 Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
| Nowra Youth Services Inc | Youth Counselling & Wellbeing Project Contribute to establishing a youth counselling centre in a bushfire impacted area by supporting a qualified counsellor to provide culturally safe support and build resilience for young people. | Nowra | $9,963 | |||
| NORTHERN TERRITORY | ||||||
| Small & Vital | ||||||
| Freds Pass Rural Show Inc | Provide High Value Family Entertainment at a Reimagined Agricultural Show Promote community connection and support the sustainability of a rural show by providing family entertainment. | Berry Springs | $8,220 | |||
| Friends of Araluen Inc | Friends of Araluen Living Histories Project Promote a positive community identity by recording and publishing oral histories of diverse local community members. | Alice Springs | $8,760 | |||
| Galiwin'ku Women's Space Aboriginal Corporation | Sista Girls Program Support wellbeing and foster inclusion for LGBTQIA+ youth through a series of weekly Yolŋu Family Pride Nights. | Galiwinku | $10,000 | |||
| Red Dirt Poetry Incorporated | Red Dirt Poetry Festival – Youth Program Empower young people to engage in the arts by providing school workshops and a dedicated youth space at the Red Dirt Poetry Festival. | Alice Springs | $10,000 | |||
| Larger Leverage | ||||||
| Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation Limited | Business Operation Foundations for Art Centres: Strengthening Digital Access and Learning for Regional and Remote First Nations Art Centres Build capability across a network of remote Indigenous arts centres by designing and delivering two inter-connected training courses focused on digital skills. | Darwin | $50,000 | |||
| Laynhapuy Homelands Aboriginal Corporation | Vital Food Security Solutions for Remote Communities Strengthen food security across multiple very remote Yolŋu homelands by purchasing a refrigerated shipping container for bulk food storage. | Yirrkala | $50,000 | |||
| Malbak Aboriginal Corporation | Building Community Futures in Western Arnhem Land – Water security for the Marlkawo Homelands Support wellbeing and resilience by providing a clean water supply for very remote First Nation homelands in Western Arnhem Land. | Angurugu | $23,650 | |||
| QUEENSLAND | ||||||
| Small & Vital | ||||||
| Balonne Shire Council | The Gallery Hub – Many Stories, One Space Promote cultural vibrancy in a remote community by transforming an underused public space into a community art gallery. | St George | $8,844 | |||
| Bowen Community Council Inc | Neighbour Tools Strengthen rental tenure security for low-income community members by providing free access to gardening tools and support for use. | Bowen | $7,508 | |||
| Capricorn Conservation Council Inc | Capricorn Conservation Council: Ghungalu On-Country Science & Culture Program Provide a series of culturally guided outdoor learning experiences for young people, combining traditional knowledge and modern science to build skills and understanding of Country. | Woorabinda | $10,000 | |||
| Cardwell UFO Festival Inc | Stories in the Stars – Sharing Indigenous Astronomy Through Art and Storytelling Enhance community understanding of Indigenous astronomy and connection to Country through an exhibition and storytelling program. | Cardwell | $10,000 | |||
| Creative Injune Inc | Maranoa Portrait Project & Exhibition with Daniel Butterworth Celebrate people and place by commissioning and exhibiting a series of portraits of local people by an acclaimed national artist. | Roma | $5,000 | |||
| Estelle Cardiff Community Kindergarten Association | Sustainable Outdoor Learning Bush Kindy Garden at Estelle Cardiff Community Kindergarten Establish a sustainable garden at a remote community kindergarten to teach children about healthy eating, sustainability and caring for the environment. | Mount Isa | $5,948 | |||
| Gwandalan Org Limited | Growing Together: The Yapunyah Lodge Community Garden Project Provide aged care residents and the wider community with a space for connection and access to fresh produce by developing a community garden. | Cunnamulla | $10,000 | |||
| Kandanga Cemetery Assoc Inc | Digital Infrastructure for Sustainable Cemetery Management Enhance volunteer digital capability and streamline cemetery operations by providing updated IT, website redevelopment and training. | Kandanga | $7,500 | |||
| Mundubbera Enterprise Association Inc | Berry Big Day Out Chill Out Zone Enhance connection and participation at an annual community celebration by providing sun-safe shelter, a stage and seating. | Mundubbera | $9,637 | |||
| Rollingstone and District Community Association Inc | Stronger Together: Attracting and Retaining Volunteers Strengthen organisational capacity though a targeted program of volunteer recruitment, training and support. | Balgal Beach | $10,000 | |||
| Thallon State School P&C Association | Thallon Truck Pull 2026 – Family Fun, Team Spirit & Community Strength Foster connection by providing activities, volunteer uniforms and security for a remote community event. | Thallon | $10,000 | |||
| Tully and District Senior Citizens Club Inc | Low Maintenance Garden Upgrade for Tully Seniors Improve safety, accessibility and visual appeal of a senior citizens' hall accessed by the wider community through landscaping. | Tully | $1,340 | |||
| Larger Leverage | ||||||
| Mount Perry Sport and Recreation Club Inc | Mount Perry Digital Technology Hub Support seniors to build digital literacy through the establishment of a digital technology hub with weekly targeted workshops. | Mount Perry | $49,967 | |||
| Prepare & Recover – General Disaster Preparedness & Recovery | ||||||
| Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre Inc | Cultivating Community Spirit – Post Flood Support a community recovering from flood by expanding a community garden to improve accessibility and provide space for workshops. | Ingham | $4,380 | |||
| SOUTH AUSTRALIA | ||||||
| Small & Vital | ||||||
| Murray Bridge Life Saving Club Inc | Safe and Equipped First Aid Trailer Purchase a trailer to securely store first aid equipment, supporting volunteers in promoting water safety for the community and visitors along the riverside. | Murray Bridge | $10,000 | |||
| Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Education Committee Aboriginal Corporation | Sustainable Systems: Strengthen Community Impact CMS Install a digital management system to streamline data coordination and staff processes to strengthen student welfare and Indigenous Data Sovereignty across five education zones in the APY Lands. | Pukatja | $10,000 | |||
| Port Neill Progress Association Inc | Fitness and Wellbeing in Our Community Promote physical activity and social connection in a remote community through weekly group fitness sessions led by a qualified instructor. | Port Neill | $2,620 | |||
| William Creek Progress Association | Dust to Play: Multi-use Play area Enhance the wellbeing of people living in the outback by creating an accessible, safe recreational space for all community members, especially young people. | William Creek | $10,000 | |||
| Wilmington Progress Society Inc | Improve the Dawes Brothers Geological Museum Enhance volunteer and visitor comfort while showcasing artifact exhibits by installing energy efficient air conditioning in a community-run museum. | Wilmington | $5,000 | |||
| Larger Leverage | ||||||
| Regional Development Australia Murraylands and Riverland Inc | Connected Mallee Boost digital capability and literacy among farmers, their families and community through facilitated workshops and training to strengthen device confidence and online skills. | Tailem Bend | $45,200 | |||
| Southern Eyre Arts Incorporated | Our Place, Our Future Support a two-year, community-led initiative to produce an animated film complemented by live music, visual art and science presentations to build disaster preparedness and climate resilience on the Southern Eyre Peninsula. | Port Lincoln | $50,000 | |||
| Prepare & Recover – General Disaster Preparedness & Recovery | ||||||
| Innamincka Sporting Club Inc | Resupply & Recovery of Multi-use Facility Support recovery in an outback community and enhance a community hub’s operational capacity by replacing furniture and equipment damaged by recent flood water. | Innamincka | $20,000 | |||
| TASMANIA | ||||||
| Small & Vital | ||||||
| George Town Council | Art Across Ages: Bridging Generations Deliver a locally led series of art and craft workshops to strengthen intergenerational connections and promote community wellbeing. | George Town | $9,660 | |||
| King Island Regional Development Organisation Inc 2520 | Cyber Security Support Strengthen organisational capacity to engage with and upskill community by upgrading a website and providing digital literacy and cybersecurity awareness workshops. | Currie | $10,000 | |||
| Rocky Cape Public Hall Inc | Social Interactive Outdoor Environment Create a safe, accessible outdoor space to foster greater social connection and wellbeing at a remote location. | Rocky Cape | $10,000 | |||
| VICTORIA | ||||||
| Small & Vital | ||||||
| Edenhope Mens Shed | New Thicknesser Enhance the capacity of volunteers and boost mental health of older men by upgrading equipment for a shed program. | Edenhope | $2,516 | |||
| Forrest & District Neighbourhood House Inc | Community Gym Enhancement: Expanding Health & Fitness Opportunities Improve health and wellbeing by upgrading equipment inclusive of all fitness levels and repainting the interior of a community-managed gym. | Forrest | $8,090 | |||
| Gippsland Auto Museum Inc | Replacement of Asbestos Roof Support safety for volunteers and community members by replacing a museum’s roof, ensuring the long-term sustainability of an important community asset. | Maffra | $10,000 | |||
| Korumburra Showgrounds Amenities Complex Joint Management Committee | Complex Chair Procurement Solution Improve comfort for volunteers and participants by purchasing new chairs to increase the safety and capacity of a community gathering space. | Korumburra | $10,000 | |||
| Maldon Focus Inc | Thermal Blanket for Maldon Pool Improve community comfort and encourage social connection and exercise, by installing a thermal cover to regulate temperature at a local pool. | Maldon | $6,000 | |||
| Millewa Advisory Group | Werrimull Campground Makeover Foster tourism and create a safe, accessible and sustainable environment for visitors and volunteers by installing lighting, signage and a water tank at a remote campground. | Werrimull | $5,900 | |||
| Minyip Recreation Reserve Committee | Power Supply Upgrade Upgrade an electrical system at a pivotal reserve to ensure a safe, compliant hub for community events and activities in Minyip. | Minyip | $10,000 | |||
| Neighbourhood House Murchison (VIC) Inc | Our IT Support Build digital literacy in Murchison by providing a facilitator to help older residents safely access services, manage devices and develop online skills. | Murchison | $6,400 | |||
| Omeo Community Hall and Hub CoM Inc | Lower Energy Consumption Build community resilience by installing sliding partitions in a community hall to improve temperature control and privacy, creating a comfortable and welcoming gathering space. | Omeo | $10,000 | |||
| Patchewollock Inc | Expanding Patche Connections Improve digital access for vulnerable community members through video conferencing equipment that supports telehealth, online engagement and education to build skills and resilience. | Patchewollock | $7,700 | |||
| St Arnaud Neighbourhood House Inc | Upgrade Kitchen Upgrade a kitchen at a community hub to provide a welcoming and accessible environment for seniors participating in activities and programs. | St Arnaud | $9,390 | |||
| Tatura Mens Shed Inc | Blinds for Outdoor Covered Area Install exterior blinds for a shed program to enhance temperature control, creating a comfortable, inclusive and energy-efficient community space. | Tatura | $7,494 | |||
| Wandong History Group Inc | Moments That Matter: Documentary Film Create an intergenerational documentary with local school children to educate and share the history of Wandong from past to the present, with the wider community. | Wandong | $9,405 | |||
| Woodside Public Hall Committee of Management Inc | Woodside Hall Defibrillator Strengthen safety for older community members attending events and activities, by installing a defibrillator at a local hall. | Woodside | $2,650 | |||
| Yallourn North Senior Citizens Centre Inc | Comfort and Security for Community Create a welcoming gathering space for seniors by installing electric blinds to control temperature and provide comfort. | Yallourn North | $6,495 | |||
| Yarram Regent Theatre Committee of Management Inc | Keys for the Future: Theatre Piano Upgrade Strengthen community resilience and culture through a piano upgrade to foster participation and help youth and community groups develop performance skills. | Yarram | $10,000 | |||
| Prepare & Recover – General Disaster Preparedness & Recovery | ||||||
| Moyston Public Park (Former Racecourse) | Emergency Infrastructure Upgrade – Moyston Reserve Upgrade the pavilion’s electrical wiring and install a permanent backup generator to enhance disaster readiness, strengthening the Moyston community with a safe, functional hub for emergency response, recovery coordination and inclusive community use. | Moyston | $23,089 | |||
| Rochester Senior Citizens Club Inc | Op Shop Rebuild Strengthen organisational capacity by funding electrical works for a new flood-resilient shopfront that secures long-term operations and sustainability of a community asset. | Rochester | $25,000 | |||
| WESTERN AUSTRALIA | ||||||
| Small & Vital | ||||||
| Borden Pavilion Committee Inc | Borden Pavilion Air Conditioning Upgrade Encourage community participation by installing air-conditioning in a community hall in a region experiencing increased heat-stress. | Borden | $8,491 | |||
| Cervantes Community Men's Shed Inc | Under Cover and Store Space – A Safety Must Promote organisational sustainability and the wellbeing of local volunteers by providing a shade shelter as part of a new shed build. | Cervantes | $10,000 | |||
| Collie Chamber of Commerce & Industry (Inc) | Collie Chamber of Commerce and Industry Community / Communal Meeting Room Accessibility and Technology Upgrade Enhance a meeting space widely used by the community with improved accessibility and IT upgrades. | Collie | $9,293 | |||
| Gnowangerup Family Support Assoc Inc | Nobarach Playground for a Safer and More Age Appropriate Play Area that is Nature Based Provide stimulation and engagement for preschool children by installing age-appropriate and safe play equipment. | Gnowangerup | $10,000 | |||
| Jurien Bay Volunteer Fire & Rescue | Better Brigade Communications Enhance community and volunteer safety in a region with communications blackspots by providing a mobile Starlink unit for use in emergency responses. | Jurien Bay | $1,560 | |||
| Lake Grace Community Resource Centre Inc | Harvest Festival 2025 Support connection in a remote community by providing children's entertainment at an annual harvest festival. | Lake Grace | $7,500 | |||
| Mulan Aboriginal Corporation | Mulan Starlink Internet Service Project Promote digital inclusion and enhance access to services and communications by installing Starlink at four strategic locations in a very remote Indigenous community. | Halls Creek | $10,000 | |||
| Pemberton Community Resource Centre Inc | Voices of Pemberton: Sharing Our Stories Through Mixed Media Foster intergenerational connection and youth skills development using interviews and skills workshops to collect and publish local's personal stories. | Pemberton | $10,000 | |||
| Shire of Northampton | Northampton – Story Harvest – Echoes of the Past Celebrate local history and resilience while encouraging connection with an inclusive community dinner. | Northampton | $10,000 | |||
| Prepare & Recover – General Disaster Preparedness & Recovery | ||||||
| Ardyaloon Inc | A Community-Led Fire Resilience Unit for Ardyaloon Ensure fire preparedness and response capability for a very remote Aboriginal community by providing a fire unit. | Bardi (One Arm Point) | $22,900 | |||
| Nornalup Residents & Ratepayers Association Inc | Powering Connectivity Build disaster preparedness in a high bushfire-risk community by providing reliable connectivity, generator and resilience forums. | Nornalup | $5,823 | |||