Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR)

An ANZ Seeds of Renewal Grant has helped a far north Queensland community vulnerable to food insecurity establish a community garden. It’s been invaluable in educating locals on how they can grow their own food and alleviate the impacts of road closures that often follow in the wake of cyclones, affecting local food deliveries.

The project has been led by Eacham Community Help Organisation (ECHO), the Neighbourhood House for the South East Tablelands, based in Malanda in Far North Queensland. Day to day, it delivers individual and community support services, as well as in-home aged care, facilities and events, activities and workshops. The House is used by a large number of people across the community including youth, parents, First Nations groups, senior Australians, people living with disability, visiting services, and those facing hardship and crisis including homeless persons, parents and families.

One of the challenges that ECHO deals with across all these groups is food insecurity, especially following the impacts of disaster events like cyclones, which can see road transport delayed due to damaged and flooded roads, leaving local supermarkets bare of stock for days or even weeks.

So, a community garden was included in both the Malanda Masterplan and the Tablelands Regional Council Community Roadmap. As the community hub, ECHO took the lead on this project, which is yielding broad community benefits.

The focus has been growing together, learning how to propagate, harvest and prepare suitable foods at the Community Garden. By understanding which perennial plants and fruiting trees and bushes are suited to the tropics, and how to grow them, individuals and families can have an ongoing source of fresh food. Afterall, “being empowered enhances overall wellbeing.”

To support their efforts, ECHO received a $9,340 grant from the ANZ Seeds of Renewal Program in 2022. Funding went toward the garden design, plant recommendations, initial planting of fruiting trees, bushes, vines and rootstock of tropical staples and raised beds for demonstration herb garden and salad garden. It also contributed to wages for a community worker to manage the project for the first six months, with assistance from volunteers and, as the demonstration garden progressed, it helped fund short workshops delivered by an experienced community worker and volunteer.

Gardeners meet every week, including a core group of four regulars, four occasional participants and 20 visitors who share knowledge or learn. Groups, including home schoolers and school students, have come for dedicated volunteering sessions too. In fact, the garden has become the venue for special events like Mental Health Week, NAIDOC day, staff events and more.

From all accounts, there have been fantastic crops of food – plenty for volunteers, visitors and emergency relief. According to Belinda Moore, Community Engagement and Development Officer, “This is a pleasant surprise and a testament to the efforts of the volunteers. Everyone is learning a lot about tropical edibles and taking cuttings away to share and grow.

“The grant helped us to launch into our Community Garden with purpose and the support of a paid worker. Without it, progress would be slow, the garden would be nowhere near as well-made and productive, and volunteers would be less supported.

“Including children in the garden is the best outcome so far – it’s exciting for the volunteers to know that ‘their’ garden is being shared to influence and inspire children. Showing people some of the tropical edibles they can easily grow from cuttings is the ongoing legacy of this garden and meets the intention of building a resilient and thriving community.”

FRRR and ANZ have awarded $250,000 in grants to 20 community groups and not-for-profit organisations through the ANZ Seeds of Renewal program.

Photo of an old house, with a tree in the foreground.
The Warialda Cultural Community Centre received an ANZ Seeds of Renewal grant to enhance community facilities and volunteer safety at the Warialda Cultural Community Centre Craft Shop with kitchen equipment, chairs, tables, a shade tent and security cameras.

The program, which is now in its 21st year, provides grants to community groups across remote, rural and regional Australia. The awarded funds will support projects that improve access to housing, financial wellbeing, and environmental sustainability.

ANZ General Manager, Strategic Delivery, Jenefer Stewart said: “During the past 21 years, Seeds of Renewal has helped more than 800 communities in remote and regional Australia to thrive, while promoting community vibrancy and sustainability.

“The program is something we are really proud of and it was very pleasing to see a diverse mix of applications, all with strong alignment to the four focus areas; environmental sustainability, financial wellbeing, housing access and projects that assist local communities to thrive.” 

FRRR CEO, Natalie Egleton said “Many Australians are presently facing uncertainty and environmental, financial, housing or wellbeing concerns. For people living outside of metro regions, practical support is harder to access and sustainable solutions require both committed funds and local people with the capacity to lead the change.

“Across remote, rural and regional Australia, local organisations continue to show up for their communities, to help address the critical needs of locals that would otherwise likely be unmet.

“Through partnerships such as this one with ANZ, we can support local organisations to fill these gaps. For example, in Bairnsdale, Victoria, the community’s Recycling Enterprise is building local capacity to recycle. With their $10,000 grant, the Enterprise will purchase the machinery needed to process polystyrene and promote waste reduction practices across the region,” Ms Egleton said.

Since 2003, ANZ Seeds of Renewal has awarded $5.75 million to more than 800 community groups for approximately 900 projects. Some examples of the projects funded this year include:

Improving access to housing:

  • Office AU Limited, Wilya Janta: Making Bricks on Country, Tennant Creek, NT – Enhance local housing and employment opportunities through supporting a community house build designed for the Tennant Creek climate using locally produced bricks. $15,000. 

Improving environmental sustainability:

  • ReForest Now Limited, Expansion of the ReForest Now Nursery, Mullumbimby, NSW Build organisational capacity to increase rainforest regeneration, engage local community in environmental sustainability, and create new local employment opportunities via the expansion of native plant nursery operations. $10,000.
  • Trillion Trees Australia Inc., Healing West Australia’s Wheatbelt – One Tree at a Time, Westdale, WA Restore Indigenous plants and shrubs to regenerate cleared landscape to benefit the environment and the local community with volunteer planting of 20,000 saplings. $14,400.

Improving Financial Wellbeing:

  • South West Community Foundation, Financial Know-how in the Digital World, Warrnambool, VIC Improve financial literacy to reduce vulnerability to digital fraud and increase money management skills through local workshops in South West Victorian communities. $15,000.

Assisting local communities to thrive:

  • Warialda Cultural Community Centre Craft Shop, Building Capacity and Helping Volunteers, Warialda, NSW Enhance community facilities and volunteer safety at the Warialda Cultural Community Centre Craft Shop with kitchen equipment, chairs, tables, a shade tent, and security cameras. $14,932.
  • PCYC Innisfail Braking the Cycle (BTC), Innisfail, QLD A learner driver mentoring program that empowers young people facing barriers to undertake the mandatory 100 hours of supervised driving required to obtain their licence. $15,000.

The full list of grant recipients and their projects are below.

OrganisationProjectLocationGrant
NEW SOUTH WALES
Abbeyfield Australia LimitedUpgrading and Replacing the Flooring at Abbeyfield Narrabri House
Improve community housing facilities with an upgrade and replacement of flooring.
Narrabri$15,000
Boys to the Bush LtdMoney and Sense: Financial Literacy Education at Boys to the Bush
Build organisational capacity to support developing financial literacy for Indigenous and non-Indigenous young people through dedicated training of all staff at Boys to the Bush.
Albury$14,960
OZ Green-Global Rivers Environmental Education Network (Australia) IncorporatedRethink Waste Coffs Harbour
Support waste reduction at major events in Coffs Harbour by funding education material promoted by volunteers onsite.
Coffs Harbour $1,092

Tenterfield Tourism Working Group

(Tenterfield Chamber of Tourism Industry & Business Incorporated)

Tenterfield Tourism & Volunteer Development Program
Build the capacity of the new community-run Tenterfield Tourism activities through funding volunteer training, office equipment and signage for the new operations.
Tenterfield$15,000
Warialda Cultural Community Centre Craft ShopBuilding Capacity and Helping Volunteers
Enhance community facilities and volunteer safety at the Warialda Cultural Community Centre Craft Shop with kitchen equipment, chairs, tables, a shade tent and security cameras.
Warialda$14,932
ReForest Now LimitedExpansion of the ReForest Now Nursery
Build organisational capacity to increase rainforest regeneration, engage local community in environmental sustainability and create new local employment opportunities via the expansion of their native plant nursery operations.
Mullumbimby$10,000
Lions Club of Pambula-Merimbula IncorporatedMulti-generational Inclusive Recreation Area (MIRA) – Stage 1 Concept Design
Enhance community outcomes in Tura Beach for multi-generations through supporting a concept design to create an inclusive community site in a currently neglected community space.
Tura Beach$11,646
NORTHERN TERRITORY
Office AU LimitedWilya Janta: Making Bricks on Country
Enhance local housing and employment opportunities through supporting a community house build designed for the Tennant Creek climate using locally produced bricks.
Tennant Creek$15,000
The Trustee for Karrkad-Kanjdji TrustMimal LiDAR Scanning and Training Program
Develop the capability of local Indigenous rangers by contributing to the purchase of a survey kit and equipment to monitor herbivores' habitats for species conservation.
Bulman Weemol$15,000
QUEENSLAND
Weipa Community Care Assn IncFinancial Counselling Education, Budgeting and Debt
Support Build lifelong financial literacy skills for vulnerable community members through a program of financial counselling and life skills training at the Weipa Community Care Centre.
Weipa$10,000

PCYC Innisfail

(Queensland Police-Citizens Youth Welfare Association)

PCYC Innisfail Braking the Cycle (BTC)
Support young people to obtain their licence by matching young drivers with volunteer mentors to complete the supervised hours driving requirement.
Innisfail$15,000
Towers Players IncSound Equipment for the Future
Build the capacity of the local theatre facility with a new sound system to support local connection, events and provide a shared resource for community activity.
Charters Towers$4,500
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Ozfish Unlimited LimitedFishers for Fish Habitat – Growing Waterway Stewardship
Improve environmental outcomes for waterways through engagement and training of local community volunteers to participate in seagrass seeding habitat restoration projects.
Goolwa$11,350
The Trustee for Nature Glenelg TrustNatives are Good in Gardens Too!
Improve biodiversity in Mount Gambier through establishing 1,000 local native plants with staff and volunteers in high profile public spaces / gardens to promote the benefits of growing native plants for local biodiversity and increase awareness and educate the local community on native propagation.
Mount Gambier$12,120
VICTORIA
The Growing Abundance Project IncA Year of Abundance
Build community resilience to improve food security and reduce food waste through a series of events to share food and educate on local food systems, production and preserving.
Castlemaine$15,000
South West Community FoundationFinancial Know-How in the Digital World
Improve financial literacy to reduce vulnerability to digital fraud and increase money management skills through local workshops in South West Victorian communities.
Warrnambool$15,000
Bairnsdale Recycling Enterprise IncBREI Polystyrene Recycling Project
Build community capacity to recycle by purchasing machinery to process polystyrene and activate waste reduction practices with local councils.
Bairnsdale$10,000
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
K Farmer Dutjahn Foundation LimitedHealthy Country, Healthy Community: Developing the Next Generation of Martu Caretakers
Preserve local Martu lore and knowledge of Country through funding camping equipment, food and the appropriate clothing for participation in an Indigenous Youth Ranger Program learning from Elders.
Wiluna$15,000
Trillion Trees Australia IncHealing West Australia's Wheatbelt – One Tree at a Time
Restore Indigenous plants and shrubs to regenerate cleared landscape in WA to benefit the environment and the local community with a volunteer planting of 20,000 saplings.
Westdale$14,400
The Country Women's Association of Western Australia IncDarkan CWA Building Restoration Project
Build the capacity of the Darkan CWA by restoring their hall facility to benefit the organisation and the community with a functional meeting space and local evacuation centre.
Darkan$15,000

Applications are now open for the ANZ Seeds of Renewal program, with grants of up to $15,000 available for not-for-profit organisations in remote, rural and regional areas to support the ongoing prosperity of regional Australia.

Karrkad Kandji Trust Warddeken Rangers on Country
The Karrkad-Kanjdji Trust received a $15,000 Seeds of Renewal grant in 2020 to help fund a network of cameras that look into the prevalence of djabbo (northern quoll) in west Arnhem Land.

The program, which is now in its 21st year, is administered by FRRR, and has provided more than $5.5 million to more than 800 community groups for approximately 900 projects to help build vibrant and sustainable communities.

This year, the ANZ Seeds of Renewal program is again offering a share of $250,000 to community organisations in remote, rural or regional locations for projects aligned to four focus areas:

  • Environmental sustainability: initiatives that restore and conserve the natural environment or which contribute to lower carbon emissions, water stewardship and waste minimisation;
  • Financial wellbeing: particularly for under-represented and disadvantaged people in the community, including initiatives that improve economic participation. For example, building financial literacy and vocational skills and providing access to meaningful work;
  • Housing access: initiatives and programs that support those experiencing or at risk of homelessness or that provide supports for people living with disability; or
  • Projects that assist local communities to thrive: by either enabling vibrant communities where everyone can participate and build a better life, or creating sustainable communities that help deliver demonstrable medium to long term economic sustainability.

ANZ General Manager Business Banking Jenefer Stewart said: “ANZ is committed to enhancing the wellbeing and prosperity of the communities where our people live and work, and where our business operates. One way we do this is by reinvesting in communities through programs like Seeds of Renewal. This year we are proud to once again contribute to the long-term growth and sustainability of small rural communities,” Ms Stewart said.

FRRR CEO Natalie Egleton said: “In the current financial environment, we know there is a heightened need to support and strengthen the sustainability of rural Australia. We believe local leaders and community groups are best placed to identify and address the environmental, financial and housing concerns in their region, and to know first-hand what their communities need to thrive. Programs like ANZ Seeds of Renewal mean we can support these types of meaningful and community-led projects that promote the sustainability and liveability of remote, rural and regional Australia. We look forward to seeing what projects local groups put forward this year,” Ms Egleton said.

Last year, ANZ and FRRR provided grants to 20 community groups for projects including preserving Anbinik Rainforests through Indigenous Fire Management in Arnhem Land, NT; building capability and confidence by providing practical financial literacy skills and awareness training to women in East Gippsland, Victoria; providing fit out of accommodation to support women at risk of domestic violence and homelessness in remote WA; and delivering key skills training to increase the employability of young people in agriculture in Crookwell, NSW.

Applications open on 12 July and close 5pm AEST, 10 August 2023.

A grantseeker workshop will be held online from 1 – 2pm AEST, on Wednesday 19 July, 2023.

For more information about ANZ Seeds of Renewal, or to apply for a grant visit: https://frrr.org.au/funding/place/anz-seeds-of-renewal/.

ANZ and the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) have awarded $250,000 in grants to 20 regional community groups and not-for-profit organisations through the ANZ Seeds of Renewal program.

ANZ celebrates 20 years of Seeds of Renewal by awarding 20 grants to rural communities

Jenefer Stewart, ANZ General Manager Business Banking, said: “We understand small communities face unique challenges in terms of access to services and community facilities. Programs like Seeds of Renewal aim to support these communities by funding projects that address some of these challenges.

“This year is really special as it marks 20 years of ANZ delivering Seeds of Renewal. In that time, we have provided more than $5.5m to around 900 community groups to build vibrant and sustainable rural communities and ensure the ongoing prosperity of regional Australia,” Ms Stewart said.

The 2022 program supported remote, rural and regional communities across Australia to improve their town’s environmental sustainability; increase financial wellbeing in communities, particularly those with disadvantaged or minority groups; or improve housing access for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness and for people living with a disability; and other projects that help communities to thrive.

FRRR’s CEO, Natalie Egleton, said that long-term partnerships like this mean that community groups know that there will be funding available to help them respond to the myriad of challenges and opportunities that they face now, and in the future.

“These communities are extremely resilient and self-reliant but sometimes they need support to help them bring their ideas to fruition. Partnerships like the one that FRRR has had with ANZ over the last 20 years mean that they know that funding will be available, and so they can plan and work toward improving their community for the challenges ahead. We greatly appreciate ANZ’s ongoing support and look forward to it continuing for many years to come,” Ms Egleton said.

Since being established in 2003, ANZ Seeds of Renewal has awarded $5.5 million to around 900 projects. Some examples of the 20 projects funded this year include:

Environmental Sustainability

  • Narrabri Shire Community Radio Incorporated, Narrabri, NSW – Install Roof Top Solar Panels and Battery. Boost organisational capacity using green solar energy to reduce emissions and operation costs at Narrabri community radio station. $15,000

Financial Wellbeing

  • Australian Agricultural Centre, Crookwell, NSW – Australian Agricultural Centre Limited Youth AG Activation. Provide key skills training to increase employability of young people in Crookwell in agriculture. $15,000

Housing Access

  • Phoenix Place Inc, Mackay, QLD – Teen and Adult Social Connection Space. Enable people living with a disability in Mackay to access a drop in social space for connecting with peers. $8,900

Thriving Communities

  • Hub Foundation Castlemaine Limited, Castlemaine VIC – YIMBY Gymby. Boost the capacity of backyard composting through engaging young volunteers to support older community members in Castlemaine. $11,330

The full list of the recipients is below.

OrganisationProjectLocationGrant
NEW SOUTH WALES
Adelong Community Enterprises IncAdelong LPO Sustainable Energy & Education
Strengthen Adelong community social enterprise with solar and battery installations to enhance operations and develop local understanding of alternative energy.
Adelong $15,000
Australian Agricultural Centre LimitedYouth AG Activation
Provide key skills training to increase employability of young people in Crookwell in agriculture.
Crookwell $15,000
Key Employment Association LimitedFreedom to Participate
Increase disability access to outdoor spaces with all terrain mobility equipment and vehicles to be made available in Kempsey.
Kempsey $13,688
Narrabri Shire Community Radio IncorporatedInstall Roof Top Solar Panels and Battery
Boost organisational capacity using green solar energy to reduce emissions and operation costs at Narrabri community radio station.
Narrabri $15,000
Wardell Community Organised Resilience Effort IncGrow Well Wardell
Support local food production via garden support initiatives enabling capability and building resilience.
Wardell $15,000
Weddin Landcare Steering Committee IncorporatedVaughn's Dam Reserve Masterplan
Enhance the understanding and appreciation of Vaughn's Dam Reserve with a masterplan to guide environmentally sustainable management.
Grenfell $5,400
NORTHERN TERRITORY
The Trustee for Karrkad-Kanjdji TrustPreserving Anbinik Rainforests Through Indigenous Fire Management
Sustain the endemic anbinik rainforest species in Arnhem land by employing indigenous rangers for fire management and ecosystem preservation.
West Arnhem $15,000
QUEENSLAND
Bayside Transformations LtdBayside Transformations - Enterprise Development
Improve social enterprise operations of Bayside Transformations Op Shop and Vegie Supply with storage containers and kitchen equipment increasing security and productivity.
Hervey Bay $15,000
Eacham Community Help Organisation IncNeighbourhood House Community Demonstration Garden
Build community resilience by establishing a community garden to educate and engage Eacham community members.
Malanda $9,340
Johnstone Region Landcare Group IncConstruction of Potting Shed
Increase capacity for volunteers to pot trees that deliver benefits to environmental initiatives in the Johnstone Region.
Innisfail $15,000
Phoenix Place IncTeen and Adult Social Connection Space
Enable people living with a disability in Mackay to access a drop in social space for connecting with peers.
Mackay $8,900
Warwick Community Kindergarten Association IncUpgrade Solar Power System
Upgrade solar installation at Warwick Kindergarten to support environmental sustainability and affordable local early childhood learning opportunities.
Warwick $14,500
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Wilmington Bowling Club IncorporatedWilmington Bowling Club Inc - Facilities Rejuvenation
Rejuvenate the facilities at Wilmington Bowls Club to sustain operations for broad community engagement.
Wilmington $2,340
TASMANIA
King Island Landcare Group Building Community Capacity to Restore Native Vegetation and Monitor Impacts of Restoration Effort
Building community capacity to restore native vegetation and monitor impacts of restoration efforts at King Island.
Currie $14,766
VICTORIA
Heyfield Community Resource Centre IncFinancial Wellbeing for Women in Remote Rural Communities: Wellington & East Gippsland Shires
Build capability and confidence by providing practical financial literacy skills and awareness training to women in East Gippsland.
Maffra $13,728
Hub Foundation Castlemaine LimitedYIMBY Gymby
Boost the capacity of backyard composting through engaging young volunteers to support older community members in Castlemaine.
Castlemaine $11,330
Rex Theatre Museum LimitedCascade of Culture –A Roadmap for Rural Creative Diversity
Build a vision for community vibrancy and sustainability by developing a 10 year roadmap for community activity at the Charlton Rex Theatre.
Charlton $10,000
Strengthening Goldfields Community Radio IncorporatedGoldfieldsfm, Music Powered by the Sun
Boost environmental sustainability and reduce operations costs by installing solar panel at the community radio station.
Daisy Hill $13,581
The Fringe Thing IncThriving: Castlemaine Fringe Supports Youth & Disability Arts
Engagement Create opportunities for young people and people with a disability to participate in arts projects that inspire and engage the community.
Castlemaine $12,600
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Mission Australia The Women’s House, Free from Domestic Violence
Provide fit out of accommodation to support women at risk of domestic violence and homelessness in remote WA.
Meekatharra $14,827

The small community of Bowen, on the north Queensland coast, is economically diverse, boasting agriculture, tourism, fishing and mining. Despite this, it experiences high levels of youth unemployment.

PCYC Bowen branch manager Sergeant Michelle O’Regan explains that having high youth unemployment does not necessarily mean a high youth crime rate, as some might assume, but it does present challenges for the community.

“We take a proactive approach by giving young people leadership and building their employability skills. We tap into local resources and connect schools with businesses to build that sense of community. They say it takes a village to raise a child, so our customer is the whole community – it’s about working together and opening up opportunities for both sides to connect,” said Sergeant O’Regan.

Seed funding

PCYC Queensland’s Greener Futures program aimed to support ten students from Bowen State High School gain hands-on experience in the horticulture industry and assist them to become more employable.

Four years ago, PCYC Queensland received $8,000 through FRRR’s ANZ Seeds of Renewal program to buy some basic equipment for the initiative.

“Without that initial funding, we would have never have got the program off the ground. While the program has evolved over time, looking back [the grant] was pivotal to where we are now,” Sergeant O’Regan explains.

She says that the long-term plan for Greener Futures was two-pronged; to expand quality employment opportunities in local industries for young people facing barriers in the labour market, and to strengthen the economic vitality of the local sector through strategic support and consumer education.

Sergeant O’Regan goes on to say that the initial funds were a catalyst for attracting further support and gave credibility to the initiative and what we were trying to achieve.

“The initial pilot program was a successful partnership between the high school, Stackelroth Farms, and Prospect Agriculture, with in-kind support from other local businesses and organisations that ensured the program’s success.

“This program morphed into the Resilience for life (R4L) program, which focussed on more the psychological wellbeing of our youth and attracted funds from Perpetual. From there R4L eventually became our now hugely successful WORKFit program. We received $20,000 in funds from the Queensland Government, which enabled us to employ a community development officer.

“But without the initial injection of funding from ANZ and support from FRRR, we would have struggled to get the pilot program up and running and, therefore, we would not have ended up with the program we are delivering now.

“All I know, when you build a house you need first the foundation. Small grants – five or six years later we look back and see that those funds were really pivotal to where we are now. We could never have pre-planned that.”

“There are multiple layers – from small things big things can grow. For example, if we don’t have a working kitchen, we can’t hold community events or run mental health awareness programs. A bus, even, can really make a big difference to a small community.”

The role of Philanthropy

Sergeant O’Regan believes that communities need to help themselves rather than being entirely reliant on money.

“The role of philanthropy is about giving that a bit of a boost. That confidence that what they are working towards is going to be beneficial.

“It should be a hand-up, not a hand-out. Some communities are reliant on money coming in from outside, rather than working together. If you want something, you have got to work towards it. Whether it is a raffle or something else. Our young people have put in around 5,000 hours – they really want to be part of what we do.”

Sergeant O’Regan explains that people want to help, but they don’t always know how. Corporates may not have the time or the connection within the community to initiate support, but by spending time with a group, they can often work out where they can help best.

“It’s not always about money. Support can be in time and expertise. For example, I would love to be able to connect with a good business mentor, who would give up a bit of their time, so I can share my vision and ideas.

“It is about working in partnership. Come and have a look, philanthropists – see for yourselves. Let’s work together.”

On Bigambul Country

Macintyre Ag Alliance, a not-for-profit organisation, is based in Goondiwindi, a four-hour drive west of Brisbane. They work collaboratively with the community to enhance agricultural productivity in the area and create healthy land, with the goal of passing on a more stable environment to the next generation.

With the help of a $10,365 FRRR grant through the ANZ Seeds of Renewal program, Macintyre Ag Alliance was able to implement their Skilling Her Enterprise project. The project consisted of a series of workshops focused on upskilling regional women with the key skills they need to build and maintain successful off farm businesses. FRRR funds went toward the costs of some of the speakers who led the workshops as well as venue hire, catering, bookkeeping and admin.

Over a period of five months, three workshops were held which covered topics like business vision and direction, budget, bookkeeping, mindset and mental health, setting up for sustainable success and social media marketing.

At the time of the workshops, the area was being impacted by border closures. Goondiwindi is right on the NSW / QLD border, which meant that some of the women who had planned to attend were unable to make it in person. However, Macintyre Ag Alliance was able to adapt in order to make that particular workshop both an online event and an in-person event, which meant that everyone who wanted to was still able to benefit from the knowledge and insight that the speakers had to share.

It was a great opportunity to showcase some incredible local women, as both the attendees and speakers had a lot to contribute. It provided an opportunity for these women to come together, form a bond and support one another.

“We are most proud of the fact that these like-minded women are now connected through workshops that they all took part in. These sessions facilitated really wonderful and safe discussions and the women went away saying they felt more confident, empowered and motivated to make changes to the way they live their lives and run their businesses.”

Louise Carroll, Coordinator.

For more inspiring stories like this, head to our FY 2021/22 Annual Review.

Located on the Eyre Peninsula is the town of Port Lincoln in South Australia. This is the home of essential organisations like Yarredi Services, whose purpose is to create a space where those who need assistance can receive it.

HEADING: Technology for Women's Wellbeing Hub. IMAGE: Yarredi Services

Yarredi Services works hard to support local women and children who are victims of domestic and family violence (DFV). Working in collaboration with the South Australian Police, local health services, Aboriginal health services and other not-for-profit agencies, Yarredi focuses on a diverse range of ways to address the needs of the people affected by DFV.

Founded in 1979, Yarredi Services currently works out of a centre that provides resources for their clients to take control of their own lives; the “Women’s Wellbeing and Safety Hub”. In partnership with ANZ, FRRR awarded Yarredi Services $5,184 through the Seeds of Renewal program, to fund the purchase of a range of laptops and office equipment to be used by clients.

The laptops at the centre will be in a safe environment where women and children can study, work, find housing and any other services they may need to access online. The benefit of using the laptops at the facility ensures a level of safety and privacy. According to Executive Officer Sharyn Potts, while access to technology can be empowering, it can also come with risks.“

Technology can be used to abuse or track individuals. It’s important our clients have access to computers and technology in an environment that’s supportive and informative. We want them to be able to put resumes together and manage their banking while learning information about how to avoid being tracked.”

Adapted from an article published by ANZ.

Applications are now open for ANZ’s Seeds of Renewal program, with grants of up to $15,000 available for not-for-profit organisations in remote, rural and regional areas to support the ongoing prosperity of regional Australia.

ANZ commits $250,000 to help rural and regional communities through Seeds of Renewal, a group of female volunteers standing around a metal table

Celebrating 20 years in 2022, the program is administered by the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) and has provided more than $5 million to more than 800 community groups to help build vibrant and sustainable communities.

This year, the ANZ Seeds of Renewal program is offering a share of $250,000 to community organisations in remote, rural or regional locations for projects aligned to four focus areas: 

  • Environmental sustainability: initiatives that restore and conserve the natural environment or which contribute to lower carbon emissions, water stewardship and waste minimisation;
  • Financial wellbeing: particularly for under-represented and disadvantaged people in the community, including initiatives that improve economic participation. For example, building financial literacy and vocational skills and providing access to meaningful work;
  • Housing access: initiatives and programs that support those experiencing or at risk of homelessness or that provide supports for people living with disability; or
  • Projects that assist local communities to thrive.

ANZ Head of Agribusiness Mark Bennett said: “Now in its twentieth year, the ANZ Seeds of Renewal program has provided hundreds of groups in regional and rural Australia with funds to deliver projects to help their communities thrive. We are incredibly proud of the partnership and the contribution it has made to regional Australia,” Mr Bennett said.

FRRR CEO Natalie Egleton said: “It’s been a particularly tough year for many rural communities, with the impacts of COVID on top of fires, floods and drought. Programs like ANZ Seeds of Renewal offer funding to help the local groups that are the backbone of their communities address local needs, issues and opportunities in a way that will help create stronger places to live and work.,” Ms Egleton said.

Last year, ANZ and FRRR provided grants to 21 community groups for projects including: upgrading a facility that improves financial outcomes for indigenous women and girls in Port Lincoln; improving community meeting space for people with a disability in Atherton; and educating students in Coffs Harbour on career opportunities in bee propagation and environmental sustainability.

Applications open on 5 July and close 5pm AEST, 3 August 2022.

A grantseeker workshop will be held online from 1 – 2pm AEST, 14 July 2022.

For more information about ANZ Seeds of Renewal, to apply for a grant or to register for the webinar, please visit FRRR’s website.

FRRR and ANZ have awarded $250,000 in grants to 22 regional community groups and not-for-profit organisations through the ANZ Seeds of Renewal program.

ANZ Seeds of Renewal gives rural and regional communities a $250,000 boost

The 2021 program supported remote, rural and regional communities across Australia to: improve their town’s environmental sustainability; increase financial wellbeing in communities, particularly those with disadvantaged or minority groups; or improve housing access for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness or for people living with a disability.

Jenefer Stewart, ANZ General Manager Business Banking said: “Every year, we are impressed by the innovation and desire that these local groups have for the long-term stability and sustainability of their communities.

“Over the past 20 years ANZ Seeds of Renewal has helped more than 800 community groups bring local projects to life and it’s a program we are really proud of,” Ms Stewart said.

Natalie Egleton, FRRR’s CEO, said that these grants will give communities a much-needed boost by funding initiatives that will help to build vibrant and sustainable rural and regional communities.

“Thanks to our long-standing partnership with ANZ, we are able to fund projects that we know will make a big difference to small communities. Over the last 18 months the impacts of drought, fires, floods and COVID-19 have challenged the capacity of communities and the not-for-profit organisations that support them to thrive. 

“Gaining access to this funding will make a huge difference for these local organisations and their communities. The grants will allow them to implement initiatives that will address pressing issues and support their communities to experience better environmental, financial wellbeing and social outcomes in a time when they need it the most,” Ms Egleton said.

Since being established in 2003, ANZ Seeds of Renewal has awarded $5.25 million to more than 800 projects.

Some examples of the 22 projects funded this year include:

  • Agrifood Industry Training Advisory Body Ltd – Coffs Harbour, NSW – Bee Futures Environmental and Food Security Showcase – $12,100 Educating students on career opportunities in bee propagation and environmental sustainability through two hands-on showcases.
  • Yarredi Services Incorporated – Port Lincoln, SA – Women’s Wellbeing and Safety Hub Study Centre – $5,184Improve financial outcomes for indigenous women and girls by upgrading a facility to deliver programs.
  • Anam Cara House Colac Inc – Colac, VIC – Supporting South West Victoria’s Most Vulnerable – $15,000Improving quality of life and increasing access to care for elderly people and those who are vulnerable to homelessness by extending available respite support.

The full list of grant recipients and their projects are below.

OrganisationProjectLocationGrant
NEW SOUTH WALES
Agrifood Industry Training Advisory Body LtdBee Futures Environmental and Food Security Showcase
Educating students on career opportunities in bee propagation and environmental sustainability through two hands on showcases.
Coffs Harbour$12,100
Baradine Preschool IncorporatedBaradine Preschool - Daycare Provision
Enable community financial wellbeing through access to local childcare facilities to support working parents.
Baradine$11,116
PlantingSeeds ProjectsThe Bathurst B&B Highway
Foster environmental sustainability in communities by delivering biodiversity education and planting projects in the Bathurst region.
Bathurst$15,000
RED (Realising Every Dream) IncMoney Mates
Boost job readiness of people living with a disability in the Lismore, Richmond Valley and Kyogle regions by providing professional upskilling and mentoring programs over a 12 months period.
Lismore$5,979
The Shift Project Byron IncorporatedNgali Design Initiative
Create employment opportunities for women vulnerable to homelessness through supporting a social enterprise producing indigenous designed furnishing.
Byron Bay$9,544
UCA - Life Line MacarthurFinancial Counselling
Improve access to financial counselling through additional hours and promotion of services in small communities.
Goulburn$15,000
NORTHERN TERRITORY
The Trustee for Karrkad-Kanjdji TrustMayh Recovery Project - Protecting Culturally Important Species in West Arnhem Land
Protect and preserve culturally important species through supporting land management in Arnhem Land.
Kabulwarnamyo$15,000
QUEENSLAND
Condamine Headwaters Landcare Group Inc“Seeding” a Community Landcare Nursery
Boost environmental sustainability by developing environmental standards to develop a native plant nursery for the Condamine Headwaters region.
Warwick$14,985
Tableland Community Link Asssociation IncorporatedTableland Community Link Associated Incorporated - "The Grove" - Extension
Improve facilities to provide an inspired community meeting space for people with a disability.
Atherton$15,000
The South Burnett Pantry IncFood Hampers for 250
Help alleviate poverty through the provision of food hampers.
Kingaroy$2,418
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Yarredi Services IncorporatedWomen's Wellbeing and Safety Hub Study Centre
Create a safe environment where Indigenous women and girls can access a range of services to improve financial outcomes at Yarredi Services' "Women's Wellbeing and Safety Hub".
Port Lincoln$5,184
VICTORIA
Anam Cara House Colac IncSupporting South West Victoria's Most Vulnerable - Those with Chronic Illness and Housing Vulnerability to Live Their Lives in Safety and with Dignity
Improving quality of life and increasing access to care for elderly people vulnerable to homelessness through extending available respite support.
Colac$15,000
Health Futures Australia LtdSHIFT Young Growers for our Future
Build capability to enable agriculture employment for young people.
Daylesford$14,100
Progressing Cobden IncSustainable Economic Recovery and Growth for Cobden - Stage 2
Supporting economic recovery through implementing strategies to develop tourism and support business in Cobden.
Cobden$15,000
Terang RSL Sub BranchInstallation of 13.32kWp Solar Panels
Increase cost efficiency to support community facility with installation of solar panels.
Terang$7,490
The Aboriginal Literacy Foundation IncThe Post COVID19 Western Victorian Aboriginal Tutorial Program
Improve educational outcomes for indigenous children impacted by Covid-19 through literacy support.
Ballarat$10,000
The Old Colonists Association of VictoriaNet Zero Carbon Retirement Community
Improve environmental sustainability by supporting a retirement community to achieve net zero emissions.
Euroa$14,320
Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club IncProtection of Native Flora and Fauna through Installation of Waste Management Measures
Improve environmental standards within the community by protecting native flora and fauna through installation of waste management measures.
Cape Woolamai$11,364
Woorndoo Land Protection GroupSurveying and Diversifying Significant and Restored Native Vegetation in the Woorndoo District, South West Victoria
Improve environmental standards with drone survey and community revegetation planting project.
Woorndoo$9,700
Yarra Valley Ecoss IncCrops for Community to Market
Supporting local programs and initiatives that improve financial wellbeing through training all abilities volunteers for community market operations.
Wesburn$15,000
Zoe Support AustraliaLittle Sprouts Op Shop & Café
Support volunteer run social enterprise operations to improve women and children's life outcomes by funding the retail shop space.
Mildura$15,000
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
York Branch Wildflower Society of WA Wildflower Society of Western Australia IncEnvironmental Discovery Centre Equipment
Boost organisational capacity through the provision of information technology equipment and software.
York$1,700

Arakwal Country

Founded in 2015, The SHIFT Project Byron is a short-term educational transition program for women who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Five staff, 12 volunteers and a governing committee of seven oversee the program that supports women navigate the challenges from homelessness to independence.

Lack of financial stability and economic independence are major factors contributing to homelessness, and SHIFT wanted to disrupt these persistent challenges in the Byron area, increase financial wellbeing, employability, and community connection through their new project – The Linen SHIFT.

The Linen SHIFT is an innovative social enterprise laundry service, providing transitional employment coupled with training, mentoring, and skill development to help disadvantaged women sustainably enter the workforce. Programs run for between three and 12 months, adapting to the unique needs of individual women, including employment offers / shift times for mothers and accommodating physical capability. Community connections are fostered through the CWA, and SHIFT employs a qualified support worker to assist participants to achieve their individual goals, address housing needs and underlying hardships.  

The SHIFT Project applied to the ANZ Seeds of Renewal grant program at a critical point in its growth. The program was running as a small-scale, in-house opportunity for homeless women living at the SHIFT Project’s residential property in Byron Bay. The social enterprise model will allow for the program to be sustainable and self-funded in the long-term, but they needed initial funding to expand and relocate to a commercial venue, to meet increasing demand for participation from local vulnerable women. Several funders contributed to the project, including FRRR’s  $14,265 grant to purchase an ironing roller.

The program successfully launched in March 2020 and thrived during the uncertain times of COVID. Fourteen women were employed over 10 months and provided with income and stability. The program has been supported by regular customers, and the business has been at capacity and is now planning to expand.

Letters of support from clients of SHIFT give glowing reviews about its management and impact. Elizabeth Jackson, President of Liberation Larder wrote: “The SHIFT Project has shown they are intelligent, creative, hard-working & reliable in their approach to growing their service for the benefit of women at risk of homelessness. With each new project they add to the social fabric of our community.”

The SHIFT Project takes pride in the community they have created, and with very good reason.

“Our women have provided feedback that since joining our team they feel safe, connected, encouraged and valuable – directly addressing the isolation and low self-esteem that poverty can generate.”

Anne Goslet, Managing Director The Linen SHIFT

And they are set to make an even bigger impact, with projections that in five years the project could support upward of 100 women to shift from disadvantage to independence.