17 projects funded to tackle isolation and strengthen community ties
FRRR is investing another $266,308 in 17 projects led by not-for-profit organisations to support mental health initiatives in farming and rural communities. The In a Good Place (IAGP) program supports projects that promote awareness, encourage open conversations and foster social connection to strengthen resilience.
Thanks to the support of FRRR’s donor partners, the In a Good Place program has been able to fund a wide range of general community wellbeing projects, as well as nine initiatives specifically designed to support the mental health and wellbeing of farmers and the communities they live in.
Jill Karena, Head of Granting at FRRR, said that the continued demand for In a Good Place grants shows that rural communities are determined to tackle mental health challenges head-on.
“The program continues to be an important source of support for rural communities, helping them create safe spaces, build knowledge and strengthen networks so people know they’re not alone. The response to the program demonstrates just how proactive and committed these communities are to improving mental health and wellbeing,” Ms Karena said.
“At the same time, isolation – both geographic and social – remains a recurring theme. Many communities told us they’re losing traditional gathering points like local shows, schools and sporting clubs, which makes it harder for people to connect. These grants will help to create opportunities for people to come together, learn, and support each other,” she added.
By backing these initiatives, FRRR aims to show rural communities that seeking help is a sign of strength. Locally-led projects that directly focus on strengthening mental health, as well as social and emotional wellbeing help break down stigma and foster connection.
“We’ve awarded grants to NFPs delivering practical, culturally relevant initiatives. For example, in Mount Isa, Queensland, Campfire Healing Indigenous Corporation will host On-Country healing sessions that nurture mind, body and spirit through yarning and cultural connection. In Deniliquin, NSW, locals will take part in Mental Health First Aid training to build capacity and reduce stigma, while in Molong, NSW, Lifeline Central West is focussing on the mental health and resilience of women in agriculture,” Ms Karena said.
“We’re also supporting creative approaches to recovery and connection. Tie Up the Black Dog in Quilpie, Queensland, will provide mental health support following floods through art and storytelling, and in Dunrobin, Victoria, Wando River Landcare Group will bring people together through art and nature to strengthen community ties.
“This kind of education and connection empowers local people to support one another – a key factor in sustaining vibrant, resilient rural communities. That’s why these grants matter so much.”
In a Good Place is collaboratively supported by FRRR’s partners, APS Foundation and CCI Giving; Well Thanks Foundation; the Farmer & Farming Community Funder Collective consisting of Macdoch Foundation, Jibb Foundation, Morris Family Foundation, Norman Family Foundation and Rebecca Gorman & John Sevior; and general donations.
FRRR would also welcome more partners for this program. Potential supporters should contact [email protected] or call 03 5430 2399.
The full list of grant recipients and their projects are below.
| Organisation | Project | Location | Grant | Stream | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NEW SOUTH WALES | |||||||
| Deniliquin Mental Health Awareness Group Inc | First Response, Local Strength Enhance mental health literacy, building capacity and supporting help seeking behaviours in Deniliquin and villages through Mental Health First Aid training. | Deniliquin | $13,225 | Community Wellbeing | |||
| Fling Physical Theatre Inc | The My Black Dog Film Tour to Regional Communities in NSW & VIC Explore youth mental health and tackle stigma through regional screenings and workshops of 'My Black Dog', a youth-led mental health theatre performance. | Narooma | $12,500 | Community Wellbeing | |||
| Lifeline Central West Ltd | Sowing Strength: Supporting the Mental Health & Resilience of Women in Agriculture Strengthen the capacity of mentoring networks to support women working in agriculture through a series of tailored workshops, networking and mentoring. | Molong | $20,000 | Farming & Farming Communities Wellbeing | |||
| Mental Health Association NSW Ltd | The Open Minds + Open Doors Project Reduce stigma and value lived experienced through animated storytelling. | Ballina | $18,875 | Community Wellbeing | |||
| Playgroup NSW Ltd | Thrive Together - Playgroup Postpartum Create low-barrier, community-based mental health support for new parents through monthly parenting workshops at Playgroup. | Coleambally | $5,720 | Farming & Farming Communities Wellbeing | |||
| West Darling Arts Inc | Jordan Liberty Project: Making A Peaceful Place For Mental Health Address rural isolation, encourage help-seeking and build resilience through a series of community activities and the creation of a Peaceful Space. | Broken Hill | $20,000 | Community Wellbeing | |||
| NORTHERN TERRITORY | |||||||
| Urapuntja Health Service Aboriginal Corporation | Stronger Together: Healing On Country Through Yarning Circles, Art and Mental Health Leadership Promote connection, reduce isolation and strengthen local capacity and confidence in recognising and responding to mental distress through On Country activities. | Atitjere, Akarnenehe and Engawala | $20,000 | Community Wellbeing | |||
| QUEENSLAND | |||||||
| Campfire Healing Indigenous Corporation | Campfire Connect: On-Country Healing for Mind, Body and Spirit Combine traditional knowledge with practical support to strengthen resilience and emotional wellbeing, through the delivery of on-Country camps and mental health first aid training. | Mount Isa | $20,000 | Community Wellbeing | |||
| Tie Up the Black Dog Inc | Floods of Hope Support post-disaster recovery through tailored local events that help restore emotional resilience and social connection. | Quilpie | $16,044 | Farming & Farming Communities Wellbeing | |||
| SOUTH AUSTRALIA | |||||||
| Coomandook Amalgamated Pastime Club | Beyond the Mallee Address mental health challenges and isolation in remote agricultural regions through music, arts, storytelling and connection. | Coorong | $20,000 | Farming & Farming Communities Wellbeing | |||
| VICTORIA | |||||||
| Alexandra Football and Netball Club Inc | Shaping Today Together, Preparing for Tomorrow Tackle mental health stigma through humour and the development of practical ‘tools’ for the tough times by providing community wellbeing events. | Alexandra | $4,000 | Farming & Farming Communities Wellbeing | |||
| Australian Outward Bound Development Fund Pty Ltd | Helping Youth Overcome Mental Health and Re-engage Improve confidence and resilience in at risk young people through transformative outdoor experiences. | Orbost | $15,744 | Community Wellbeing | |||
| Community Centre Swifts Creek Inc | Making Mindfulness: A Community-Based Mental Health and Wellbeing Program Increase connection and mental health literacy through practical and creative wellbeing activities. | Swifts Creek | $20,000 | Farming & Farming Communities Wellbeing | |||
| One Red Tree Resource Centre Inc | Harvesting Resilience: Mental Health Support for Agricultural Professionals Improve mental health literacy and increase skill and capacity to manage mental health distress in the local agricultural sector. | Ararat | $15,000 | Farming & Farming Communities Wellbeing | |||
| Wando River Landcare Group Inc | Connecting With Our Rural Community Through Art and Nature Strengthen community bonds and reduce climate related stress through shared creative activities. | Dunrobin | $14,000 | Farming & Farming Communities Wellbeing | |||
| Wombat's Wish Inc | Weekend Grief Programs & Family Days Support families through grief by providing opportunity for therapeutic play, peer connection and supportive social networks. | Queenscliff, VIC | $16,200 | Community Wellbeing | |||