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.

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 – $5,184 – Improve 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 – $15,000 – Improving 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.

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.

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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.

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.

Established in 2003 and administered by the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR), the program has provided more than $5 million to more than 800 community groups to support local projects and help build vibrant and sustainable rural and regional communities.

In 2021, the ANZ Seeds of Renewal program is offering a share of $250,000 to community organisations in remote, rural or regional locations for projects that improve:

• 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

ANZ General Manager Business Banking Jenefer Stewart said: “The ANZ Seeds of Renewal program has been providing grants to regional and rural Australia for nearly 20 years. Each year I look forward to seeing the difference the grants are able to make in these communities, many of which find it difficult to access the resources they need to grow, develop and prosper,” Ms Stewart said.

Last year, ANZ and FRRR provided grants to 26 community groups for projects including regenerating bushfire affected land in Kangaroo Island, crisis accommodation for at risk indigenous communities in Gunnedah and supporting the economic empowerment of refugees placed in Bendigo. These were some of the projects that shared in $250,000 cash, and a further $18,000 in IT equipment provided by ANZ’s technology partner Lenovo.

FRRR CEO Natalie Egleton said: “With the cumulative impacts of drought, fires, floods and COVID-19, raising funds locally is extremely challenging in smaller communities, so access to grants is more important than ever. We encourage community groups to consider the funding opportunity that Seeds of Renewal can provide to address local issues such as improving the facilities that are available locally. This aligns with the Housing access theme that seeks to enable people to live well in place, particularly people with a disability” Ms Egleton said.

Applications open on 8 July and close 5pm AEST, 11 August 2021.

17 November 2020: ANZ and the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) today announced 26 community groups across regional Australia will share $250,000 in grants.

The ANZ Seeds of Renewal program has been running since 2003 and in 2020 the program specifically focussed on supporting groups running projects to address environmental sustainability, financial wellbeing and accessible housing initiatives in remote, rural and regional Australia.

ANZ’s technology partner Lenovo contributed more than $18,000 in IT equipment to five community groups, which was in addition to the money ANZ provided.

This year special consideration was given to projects that were in bushfire affected areas, with eight of the 26 grants awarded to groups in those regions.

ANZ General Manager Business Banking Jenefer Stewart said: “Australia’s regional, remote and rural communities have been hit particularly hard this year with the pandemic and the bushfires and we are proud of our track record in supporting them with these grants.

“The applicants show a real passion for their local communities and we are honoured to play a small part in helping these important projects come to fruition and make a positive impact to people’s lives,” Ms Stewart said.

FRRR CEO Natalie Egleton said it was inspiring to see so many groups finding innovative ways of practicing environmental sustainability in their communities and offering support to more vulnerable groups.

“The environment, housing equity and financial wellbeing, are national priority issues and are all critical to maintaining the social and economic vitality of rural Australia. It’s wonderful to partner with ANZ to provide this targeted support for local groups as they seek better ways for their communities to live,” Ms Egleton said.

Some of the locally-led projects funded this round include:

• Community Maker Space – Plastics rePurposed – Berry Springs, NT – $15,000 – Build community capability to recycle and repurpose plastic to address the environmental issues.

• Gunbower & District Development Group Inc – Gunbower Lions Park Wetlands Project – Gunbower, VIC – $12,700 – Improve the environmental sustainability of community facilities by enhancing the native vegetation and habitat.

• Pambula Beach Surf Life Saving Club Inc Environmental assessment for a healthy sustainable environment, and a fire-ready club and community – Pambula, NSW – $3,390 – Support community preparedness and environmental sustainability with review of habitat and use.

• Gunida Gunyah Aboriginal Corporation- Responsive Emergency Accommodation Service – Gunnedah, NSW – $15,000 – Provide additional crisis accommodation support that enables the organisation to support those most in need and bring them back into systems for more permanent housing.

• Sisterworks Inc – Remote Activities Project – Bendigo, VIC – $10,800 – Support the economic empowerment of migrant, refugee and asylum-seeking women in regional centres by addressing isolation issues.

The full list of recipients is below:

Applicants	Project	Location	Grant
NSW
Barnabas House Crisis Care Incorporated	Barnabas Community Garden and Composting Program Build capability in program participants to improve environmental sustainability of community garden.	Griffith	$9,282
Pambula Beach Surf Life Saving Club Inc	Environmental assessment for a healthy sustainable environment, and a fire-ready club and community. Support community preparedness and environmental sustainability with review of habitat and use.	Pambula Beach	$3,390
National Indigenous Culinary Institute Limited	Muswellbrook Skills for Success Program Provide training and mentoring opportunities for indigenous youth at risk to develop skills for employment in hospitality and agriculture.	Muswellbrook	$15,000
Early Links Inclusion Support Service Incorporated	Teen Life Skills Develop the life skills of young people who live with a disability to improve their independent living capability.	Muswellbrook Maitland Cessnock Singleton	$11,916
Gunida Gunyah Aboriginal Corporation	Responsive Emergency Accommodation Service Support individual and community housing access with additional crisis accomodation options.	Gunnedah	$15,000
Western Murray Land Improvement Group Incorporated	Laptop resources contributing to vibrant and sustainable communities in the mid-murray region. Build community capacity for youth and seniors with 3 laptops to develop IT and Employment skills	Barham Moulamein Koraleigh Wakool	$5,640
Tirkandi Inaburra Cultural & Development Centre Inc	Work Readiness Support Build capability with access to 2 laptops for youth who are training for employability.	Coleambally	$3,760
Weddin Landcare Steering Committee Incorporated	Setting the Weddin Community Native Nursery up for Success with a Lenovo Laptop Build organisational capacity to enhance environmental sustainable practice at the Weddin Community Native Nursery	Grenfell	$1,880
NT
The trustee for Karrkad-Kandji Trust	Mayh Recovery Project – protecting culturally important species in west Arnhem Land Improve organisational capacity to protect biodiversity by monitoring vulnerable habitats in Arnhem Land.	Kabulwarnamyo	$15,000
Berry Springs School Council Inc	Plastics rePurposed – Community Maker Space Build community capability to recycle and repurpose plastic to address the environmental issues.	Berry Springs	$15,000
QLD
Balkanu Cape York Development Corporation Pty Ltd	Life Skills Development Program for Families and Women distressed with Domestic Violence (DV) and Homelessness Support individual and community financial wellbeing with lifeskills programs for vulnerable women and families.	Mossman	$11,900
Mossman Botanic Garden	Today’s seeds for tomorrow’s trees – Identification, collection and propagation of locally-sourced tropical, lowland rainforest trees. Build organisational capacity by developing capability in classifying and preserving native habitats.	Mossman Daintree National Park	$15,000
The Creche and Kindergarten Association Limited	Supporting Environmental Sustainability at C&K Middlemount Develop organisational capability to better manage and use water with a new irrigation system	Middlemount	$2,248
Tablelands Regional Council	Tablelands Smarter with our Water Support community education on water conservation for environmental sustainability through an engagement and training program.	Atherton Malanda Ravenshoe Herberton	$15,000
SA
LifeChanger Foundation Limited	LifeChanger Community Programs with Tree-planting (Tribe Event) Workshop Celebration Support individual and community wellbeing through engaging local mentors with youth to deliver environmental projects.	Penneshaw, Kingscote, Pengilly	$15,000
VIC
Wangaratta Community Toy Library	Recyclable Party Time Enable sustainable environmental practice in the ommunity with the purchase of recyclable party ware for lending for childrens parties.	Wangaratta	$621
Barham-Koondrook Historical Society Inc	Upgrading a Community Multi-Purpose Facility Build community resilience by supporting local residents to live well in place with upgraded community facilities.	Koondrook	$5,000
Western District Employment Access Incorporated	Solar Power Systems supporting employment equality at WDEA Works Social Enterprise – Nigretta Disability Employment Strengthen environmental practices in disability enterprise spaces through solar power installations.	Hamilton	$15,000
Gunbower & District Development Group Inc	Gunbower Lions Park Wetlands Project Improve the environmental sustainability of community facilities by enhancing the native vegetation and habitat.	Gunbower	$12,700
YWCA Australia	Money Savvy – Empowering young women in Broken Hill through financial literacy education Build resilience of young women with a program to develop their financial literacy.	Broken Hill	$15,000
Country Fire Authority – Headoffice	Woodend CFA Fire Resistant Garden Education Project Build community resilience with education in fire resistant and sustainable species through a demonstration garden at the Woodend CFA Station.	Woodend	$10,000
Stanhope & District Development Committee Inc	Upgrading Computer and Printer Facilities Build community capacity by upgrading public IT facilities to support education and personal use.	Stanhope	$10,260
Cann River Community Centre Inc	IT  Upgrade Build community capacity with public access to 2 laptops for personal tasks, education and employment seeking.	Cann River	$5653
SisterWorks Inc	Remote Activities Project Support the economic empowerment of migrant, refugee and asylum seeking women in regional centres by addressing isolation issues.	Bendigo	$10,800
Bendigo Family and Financial Services Inc	BFFS Student Financial Resilience Program Support the financial wellbeing of young people experiencing financial hardship through a program of emergency relief, case management and advocacy.	Bendigo	$13,850
WA
Karajarri Traditional Lands Association (Aboriginal Corporation) RNTBC	Quality Foundations for Indigenous Enterprise in Native Botanicals – Caring for Country through Sustainable Harvest Practices Build organisational capability and implement environmentally sustainable practice to manage nature resources on country.	Broome Karajarri Country	$14,900

Beltana is a remote town with a permanent population of around 35 people, located 540 kilometres north of Adelaide in South Australia. The picturesque place is a state heritage listed town, with many of the original buildings still standing and in use. Despite the incredible remoteness of the community, they have approximately 50 cars pass by the town every day, and this can be up to 150 cars per day in peak tourist times.

The Beltana Progress Association begun restoration works on the local Assembly Hall to establish a local gallery and artefacts exhibit and a small café for tourists and locals alike. An underground cellar measuring 20m x 7m and 3m deep hadn’t been accessed in years but provided an opportunity to create a new historical space and also a cool gathering space in the warmer months. However, it was unsafe to enter and needed significant restoration works.

With thanks to the ANZ Seeds of Renewal Program, FRRR was able to provide the Beltana Progress Association with a $15,000 grant to contract a local carpenter to carry out the restoration works and create a new space for residents and tourists alike!

Upon gaining access to the cellar it became apparent that there was significantly more dirt and debris that initially anticipated. Residents came together and worked to remove nine tons of it, bucket by bucket. Pleasingly, the original stairs were still there, although they needed a significant restoration to be made safe.

Local tradespeople worked together to reset the original stones that were used to establish the stairwell when it was originally constructed, before creating new timber treads. Finally, a new balustrade was constructed to ensure that the stairs could be used safely.

The Beltana Progress Association also discovered that rather than a stone floor, they cellar actually has a natural sleet reef, and received advice on how to safely preserve that floor, while still allowing for the space to be operational as a gallery.

Jan Ferguson AM, who is the President of the Beltana Progress Association, said of the project; “There were 468 hours of volunteer time in the project as well as significant donations from the community. There has also been significant interest from tourists in the cellar even though it is not open to the public yet.

“The cellar has not been in use for at least 70 years. The fact that it is now a usable space and has been restored meticulously has brought a great deal of community pride. Our volunteers faced with 9 tons of rubble that had to be manually removed just stuck at it day after day in very difficult circumstances.

“We are most proud of the replacement of the original staircase which looks amazing and that as a very small community we have been able to achieve the project.

“The local tradespeople talked about it as once in a lifetime project and worked tirelessly to achieve the result in partnership with the community.”

In 1979, an idea was formed between a bunch of country music loving mates over a few drinks around a campfire in the south west of WA. It became the Country Music Club of Boyup Brook (CMCBB), and before long, they were putting on a show on a regular basis.

Since 1986, the Boyup Brook Country Music Festival has been a major drawcard for this small farming community, attracting more than 10,000 visitors. The CMCBB does a lot more than put musicians on a stage though – there is a strong commitment to upskilling and training it’s volunteers and trainees in all aspects of event planning, including administration, bookkeeping, budgeting, grant writing, event management and office procedures, supporting them to gain financial literacy and job readiness skills. This benefits a core group of 20 volunteers that contribute to pre-planning throughout the year, and 150 during the Festival weekend. The Festival also provides the main fundraising event for more than 36 local community groups that participate during the weekend.

A couple of bad years recently set the club back: in 2017, flooding required the festival to be relocated; and in 2018 the club was hit by a sophisticated ticket scamming operation. On top of all this, the IT equipment available to the group was ageing and unreliable, often freezing unpredictably. Two of the computers were classed as ‘vintage’ by Apple, and the club said they could take a “very long time before they decide to boot up and one makes a noise like crickets are in the building.” This hurdle was adversely affecting the efficiencies and upskilling of the core group volunteers, not to mention the security of ticket sales and smooth running of the festival. But the tough luck the Club had run into had affected their capacity to invest in new equipment.

Daly and Sharon Winter, CMCBB’s President and Music Director, say the Festival helps a small rural community build a vibrant and sustainable community.

“It has wider audience appeal with a multiplier effect for injecting new capital into the local economy, and improves financial well-being within our community. The Festival is a celebration of our country lifestyles and community spirit. The event encourages hundreds of visitors to our state, providing a great boost to our tourism.”

Through the ANZ Seeds of Renewal program, the Club was successful in gaining new equipment. Via the Lenovo stream of the program, the Club was delivered three new Lenovo Thinkpads to support the events future operations, productivity and skill development of the group and volunteers.

The Club also plans to train staff and volunteers to scan, edit, and save photographs and documents to preserve its history as one of the oldest Incorporated Country Music Clubs in Australia and Western Australia.

Some of the volunteers use the equipment throughout the year, and under the guidance of the committee a young employee of the club recently completed her Certificate II and III in Business, plus Event Management modules. In their report, the Club wrote: “Learning new skills through the Club has led past volunteers to new employment options and keeps people living within our rural town and region.”

Nicki Jones, a volunteer, was ecstatic when the new laptops arrived, and with them, she says she achieved much more than she anticipated. 

“Not only were they efficient, user friendly and supported current applications, they had a webcam and sound!  This might initially sound silly, but in the big picture, this allowed me to join webinars and learn new software packages and how to use the computer to better capacity. I found one of the new software packages extremely useful and have now produced several documents with it for the Club. These documents are up to date, professional and easy to read.”

The experience and access to technology, she said, has built her self-esteem and confidence, and she has since been successful in seeking full-time employment, bringing her new skills to her position.

“I cannot thank FRRR and ANZ enough for making life so much easier.”

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 rural areas to support the ongoing prosperity of regional Australia.

Established in 2003 and administered by the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR), the program has provided more than $5 million to more than 800 community groups to support local projects and help build vibrant and sustainable rural and regional communities. 

In 2020, the ANZ Seeds of Renewal program is offering a share of $250,000 to community organisations in regional locations for projects that improve:

• 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. 

ANZ General Manager Business Banking Jenefer Stewart said, “The ANZ Seeds of Renewal program has supported hundreds of community-based, grassroots programs and initiatives that have created new opportunities for regional communities. It is truly humbling to see the difference these grants are able to make in rural and regional Australia,” Ms Stewart said. 

Last year, ANZ and FRRR provided grants to 25 community groups for projects ranging from saving an endangered bee species on Kangaroo Island to supporting young people at risk of homelessness in the Port Hedland region of Western Australia. These projects shared in $250,000 in cash, and a further $16,728 in IT equipment provided by ANZ’s technology partner Lenovo.

FRRR CEO, Natalie Egleton said, “Rural and regional communities play such a vital role in the prosperity of Australia. Yet they face far greater economic inequity and limited housing opportunities compared to those living in the city. Additionally, rural areas are also often at the forefront of environmental disasters, like drought and bushfires. The ANZ Seeds of Renewal program is a great opportunity to help address these challenges with locally-appropriate solutions. We look forward to seeing what inspirational ideas rural and regional communities put forward this year,” Ms Egleton said.

Applications open on Tuesday, 14 July and close Wednesday, 19 August 2020.

Bendigo, 3 December 2019: The Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) has today announced the 21 community groups that will share in $250,000 in grants through the ANZ Seeds of Renewal Program.

ANZ has contributed $250,000 in funds and in addition, its technology partner Lenovo has contributed more than $16,000 in IT equipment to four community groups. These grants will go towards building vibrant and sustainable rural communities and ensure regional Australia’s ongoing prosperity.

Now in its 17^th round, the ANZ Seeds of Renewal program will this year focus on helping communities in rural, regional and remote Australia address environmental sustainability, financial wellbeing and housing initiatives.

These three issues clearly resonated with small communities, with most applications coming from places with fewer than 3,000 residents.

FRRR CEO, Natalie Egleton said that this program allows local leaders to apply for funding to support priorities they identify as important to their community.

“People living in rural and regional areas often wear multiple hats for their community. This round, we saw several groups looking for ways to build on their existing skills and knowledge to help them tackle key issues in their community – and several grants will do just that.

“Projects acting on environmental challenges and opportunities proved popular, with around a third of applications seeking support to create a greener, more sustainable future for their communities.

“There is a significant focus on the health of our planet at the moment, and so it’s not surprising that at a local level, communities are looking to do what they can to improve the health of the environment around them,” said Ms Egleton.

ANZ General Manager Business Banking Jenefer Stewart said that she was impressed by the ingenuity shown across the community groups.

“The creativity of the projects illustrates a genuine passion by local community groups to build and strengthen communities in rural, regional and remote Australia. Fundraising in smaller communities can be a hard task, so we’re pleased to be able to provide vital support that will help these local communities thrive,” Ms Stewart said.

Some of the locally-led projects funded this round include:

• The Wheen Bee Foundation Limited – Bee Sanctuary – Saving Australia’s largest and iconic Green Carpenter bee on Kangaroo Island, SA – $15,000: Provide artificial nesting materials for the Green Carpenter bees on Kangaroo Island after their habitat was destroyed by fires in 2017. This is part of an interim conservation strategy to support threatened bee populations until the local native Banksia flora recovers to pre-bush fire levels.
• The Shift Project Byron Inc – The Linen SHIFT, NSW $14,265: A laundry service that will provide training, employment and support to women experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Funds requested will purchase an ironing roller to contribute to laundry operations.
• Cocos (Keeling Islands) Shire Council – 58 Plants, WA $15,000: Re-establish a community garden space and refurbish an ageing nursery to propagate 200 native tree seedlings via cuttings or seeds. Established trees around the two islands will be labelled to assist with identification and community education of the native species. A series of educational sessions will be conducted with local school children engaging them in the propagation process.
• Northern Gulf Resource Management Group Ltd – Bush Business: Resilience, Growth and Connection, QLD $15,000: Free business workshops for 45 participants across three locations to build economic renewal and improve skills and capacity for local community members recently affected by drought and then flood.
• Murray Human Services Inc – Design for Access and Mobility, VIC $13,200: Upgrade the ramp at Burke House, a residential service offering 24/7 care to up to six residents. The new ramp will be compliant with regulations, ensuring the facility meets contemporary standards, and is accessible to those with wheelchairs or other mobility issues.

The full list of grant recipients is below.

Applicant	Project Title & Description	Location	Awarded
NSW
North Coast Community College Inc	Indigenous Land Management Employment Pathway Strengthen economic participation and employment related activities for Aboriginal communities through the establishment of a training program to be run as a social enterprise.	Alstonville	$15,000
OZ Green-Global Rivers Environmental Education Network (Australia) Inc	Bellingen Riverwatch – A Pioneering Citizen Science Program and A Catalyst for Change Develop environmental awareness and increase volunteer engagement by running an awareness raising campaign.	Bellingen	$14,909
Sustaining the Williams Valley (SWV) Inc	REPAWA (Renewable Energy Paterson Allyn Williams Area) Reduce the environmental footprint and increase the creative capacity of the district by establishing a Community Owned Renewable Energy Cooperative.	Dungog	$15,000
Tabourie Lake Ratepayers and Residents Association Inc	Tabourie Lake Waterwatch Improve organisational capacity to deliver community-based environmental programs through the purchase of a water testing kit.	Lake Tabourie	$4,980
The Shift Project Byron Inc	The Linen SHIFT Improve health and financial well-being of women, whilst providing employment opportunities, through the purchase of equipment to establish a new social enterprise.	Byron Bay	$14,265
Forbes Youth Action Team Forbes Shire Council	Connecting the Youth of Forbes Build organisational capacity to deliver computer-based vocational training and services through the purchase of IT equipment, improving young people’s ability to access online services and opportunities.	Forbes	$4,182
NT
Ti Tree CRC Church Incorporated.	Ti Tree Accommodation Project Increase availability of appropriate housing and reduce overcrowding in the remote Ti Tree community in Northern Territory through installation of a septic system in a new housing development.	Ti Tree	$15,000
QLD
Central Burnett Landcare	Regenerating the Central Burnett Improve sustainable farming practices while protecting the natural environment, through the delivery of workshops on regenerative agriculture.	Mundubbera	$15,000
Goondiwindi Aboriginal Corporation	Skilling Her… Improve education, social and economic outcomes for Aboriginal women, their families and the wider community through the delivery of an Employment Support program.	Goondiwindi	$10,975
Northern Gulf Resource Management Group Ltd	Bush Business: Resilience, Growth and Connection Strengthen economic participation and community resilience through a small business program for drought affected communities.	Georgetown	$15,000
Waggamba Landcare Group Inc	Skilling Her Enterprise Build the capacity of rural Women by engaging in business training and employment related activities through a series of skill development workshops.	Goondiwindi	$10,365
SA
Jamestown Apex Club	Jamestown Community Irrigation Strengthen environmental sustainability and community financial well-being through the development of a local irrigation system and the growing of crops, which will be sold to support local health and education initiatives.	Jamestown	$9,250
Workshop26 Kimba Community Development Group Inc	Workshop26 – Supporting the volunteers to more effectively manage and operate Kimba’s Creative Quarter Improve levels of financial participation and well-being in the local economy by establishing a shared retail / workshop / office space for local micro-businesses.	Kimba	$14,146
The Wheen Bee Foundation Limited	Bee Sanctuary – Saving Australia’s largest and iconic Green Carpenter bee on Kangaroo Island Support local biodiversity and environmental sustainability through the provision of artificial nesting materials for Kangaroo Island’s Green Carpenter bees and raising community awareness of the importance of bees in the environment.	Flinders Chase, Kangaroo Island	$15,000
Willunga Environment Centre Inc	Citizen Science Tree Tagging Project Improve local environmental outcomes by building a network of knowledgeable, engaged and skilled community volunteers.	Kangarilla	$7,895
Uni Hub Spencer Gulf Incorporated	IT for Pt Augusta Uni Hub Deliver new educational opportunities to people living in the Spencer Gulf region, through the provision of IT equipment at the study hub to be established in Port Augusta in 2020.	Port Augusta	$4,182
VIC
Bass Coast Landcare Network Inc	Building a sustainable Bass Coast through environmental activity days at the River Garden Improve the quality and sustainability of the local environment through the delivery of a series of educational days for community members.	Bass	$14,820
Committee for Drouin	Renewal of Trees of Nations Increase environmental awareness and sustainability through the delivery of community-led works aimed at restoring and developing a local park.	Drouin	$12,000
Murray Human Services Inc	Design for Access and Mobility Improve availability of accessible housing in Echuca through the upgrade of an access ramp at a local residential care facility.	Echuca	$13,200
Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority	On-ground Action for a Greener Brighter Future – Grow West Community Planting Day Promote environmental health and sustainability by actively engaging community members in environment-based activities.	Ballan	$8,000
WA
Cocos (Keeling) Islands Shire Council	58 Plants Improve the natural environment and amenity of the Cocos Islands through a replanting and educational program of activities involving the local community.	Cocos Keeling Islands – Home Island	$15,000
The Liebe Group Inc	Encouraging Leadership and Learning for Regional Women Increase capacity and knowledge of agribusiness and sustainable farming practices among regional women in the wheatbelt of WA through workshops at annual Field Day event.	Dalwallinu	$4,200
Youth Involvement Council Inc	Housing for life Support positive outcomes for young people at risk of homelessness in the Port Hedland region of WA through purchase of household items for a youth crisis accommodation facility.	Port and South Hedland	$5,995
Avon Youth Community and Family Services	The Connecting the Dots Lifestyle Program Reduce barriers to homelessness and build information technology skills among youth in the Wheatbelt of Western Australia through the provision of three laptops.	Avon	$4,182
Country Music Club of Boyup Brook WA Inc	Make IT Happen Improve the capacity and job readiness skills of volunteers supporting an annual country music festival in south west Western Australia through the three new computers.	Boyup Brook	$4,182

Bendigo, 5 December 2018: The Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) today announced that 27 community groups will share in $250,000 in community grants, plus a further $12,990 in IT equipment, through the ANZ Seeds of Renewal Program.

The funds donated by ANZ and the IT equipment provided by Lenovo will help build vibrant and sustainable rural communities, ensuring regional Australia’s ongoing prosperity.

FRRR Chief Executive Officer, Natalie Egleton said the aim of the grants was to empower regional communities to build a strong and sustainable future, and to kick-start many of the great ideas that exist in regional and rural Australia.

“This year most requests were for funds to help purchase infrastructure and equipment, particularly IT equipment. Another strong theme was knowledge and skills development – from vocational skills that lead to employment opportunities, through to performing arts.

“The range of groups receiving funding is a great example of the diverse needs in rural, regional and remote communities, and reinforces why flexible programs like ANZ Seeds of Renewal are so important for building strong, vibrant and sustainable communities.”

ANZ General Manager of Business Banking, Isaac Rankin, said the program played an important role in supporting regional Australia, with $4.6 million invested by ANZ since 2003 to help more than 800 community groups achieve their goals.

“Many small communities rely on locally-led projects to engage community members and to provide a sense of place and inclusiveness,” Mr Rankin said.

“ANZ believes vibrant communities are diverse and inclusive with facilities and programs that are accessible to everyone. We proudly support communities to innovate, expand and create opportunities that will deliver economic sustainability.”

Since its inception, Seeds of Renewal grants have contributed to a variety of initiatives in communities of fewer than 15,000 people, including the development of social enterprises, education, training and mentoring programs, and improving community facilities.

Some of the locally-led projects funded this round include:

• Arapiles Community Theatre Inc, VIC – $13,856 – By establishing a small recycling plant that converts used plastic items into material for 3D printers, the community of Natimuk will reduce its environmental impact, as well as support the local economy. The recycling plant, 3D printers and laser cutters will be part of a Maker’s Space where local artists and community members can produce art or functional items, such as replacement parts for agricultural equipment. Students at Natimuk Primary School will also learn about the challenges posed by plastic waste by exploring creative responses / solutions to the challenge.
• The CAD Factory, NSW – $10,000 – 15 artists with learning disabilities will work with artists from five Riverina organisations to develop and present a professional two-day exhibition. This project will encourage inclusion and discussions about intellectually disabled artists and the cultural vibrancy that they bring to their regions.
• Warwick Development Group Inc, QLD – $2,710 – This project will facilitate the third annual Bunya Festival, an event that invites non-Indigenous people to engage and learn from others from the Indigenous community and form ongoing relationships. The festival will include workshops on using fire for land management, dance, ecology, native fauna and native plant foods.
• Keith Area School, SA – $9,677 – This school is establishing a farm to plate project, engaging students from foundation through to Year 12. Students will be involved in all aspects of the project from growing and cooking food to running a micro-business. Students will receive leadership opportunities and develop new skills, including horticulture, land management, food hygiene and budgeting.

The full list of grant recipients is below.

Organisation	Project	Awarded
NEW SOUTH WALES
Bega Valley Meals on Wheels Co-operative Ltd	Computers for Meals on Wheels Enhance organisational capcity through the acquisition of two Lenovo Yoga laptops.	$2,598
Byron Youth Service Inc.	Cottage Connect Improve service delivery for disadvantaged and at risk young people in Byron Shire through the purchase of five new computers.	$6,895
Dunedoo Central Parents and Citizens Association	Growing Stronger Together Increase community connection and support participation across the Dunedoo community through the creation of a community garden, outdoor yarning circle and an Indigenous art program for students.	$14,000
The CAD Factory	YIELD – changing attitudes and access barriers faced by regional artists with intellectual disability Supporting artists with learning disabilities to develop their skills through training and a final exhibition, that will encourage inclusion and discussions about intellectually disabled artists and the cultural vibrancy that they can bring to their regions.	$10,000
Wanaruah Local Aboriginal Lands Council	Wanaruah IT Systems Management Project Enhance organisational capacity of the Wanaruah Local Aboriginal Lands Council through acquisition of two new computers, a laptop, three Microsoft Office licenses, product care and application development training for a staff member.	$10,463
NORTHERN TERRITORY
Artists of Ampilatwatja	Update IT for Art Centre Build economic strength and sustainability of, and skills development within, this remote community, through purchase of IT equipment for use within the arts centre.	$7,192
Shepherdson College	Trade Training Development Program Promote community health, cohesion and engagement, through establishment of a community garden with shade-house, raised garden beds, repair café and community seating area.	$15,000
QUEENSLAND
Charters Towers Regional Men’s Shed Inc	Men’s Shed Expansion Reduce isolation and encourage engagement through the construction of an awning at the Charters Towers Regional Men’s Shed.	$7,864
Gympie District Show Society Inc	Gympie Show Registration Computers –  Capacity Increase Build capacity of the Gympie District Show Society by acquiring three new Lenovo laptops to expedite the registration process for the annual Gympie Show.	$3,897
Just Us Theatre Ensemble	Dare to Dream – tour and residency program in rural and remote Far North Queensland Provide inspiration and skill development, whilst promoting self-confidence and community pride, in remote communities in Far North QLD through a 10 week Indigenous touring and theatre residency program.	$15,000
Warwick Development Group Inc	Bunya Festival Promote cultural awareness, education and cross-cultural engagement by holding an Indigenous-led festival and burning workshops in Warwick.	$2,710
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Berri Barmera Landcare	Educate, Participate, Protect and Conserve – Berri Barmera and Beyond Improve organisational capacity to meet its stated aims and deliver community-based environmental programs through the acquisition of two Lenovo devices.	$2,598
Goolwa to Wellington Local Action Planning Association Inc	Lenovo for Local Action – an IT upgrade to help GWLAP work on the ground Improve organisational capacity to deliver environmental projects in collaboration with the local community, through the acquisition of three Lenovo devices.	$3,897
Keith Area School	Farm to Plate Strengthen educational outcomes for students through an extension of the school’s agriculture program involving the development of a gardening and cooking program that will be sustained by a micro-business selling fresh produce.	$9,677
Kornar Winmil Yunti Aboriginal Corporation	KWY Port Augusta Aboriginal Women’s Strength and Resilience Support program Improve health, education, social and economic outcomes for Aboriginal women, their families and the wider community through the delivery of a pilot program supporting the healing of intergenerational trauma caused by family and domestic violence.	$15,000
The Beltana Progress Association Inc	Beltana Tourism Hub – Appreciating  the Flinders through history and art Strengthen economic development and community resilience through the upgrade of an historic building for use as a gallery and function space, driving tourism and community engagement and participation.	$15,000
Upper Spencer Gulf Common Purpose Group Inc	Uni Hub Spencer Gulf Strengthen the local workforce and economy by supporting further education and life-long learning, through the development of a well-equipped university hub.	$15,000
TASMANIA
Jordan River Service Inc	Computers for Community Build organisational capacity to deliver computer-based vocational training and services through an upgrade of IT equipment, improving the community’s ability to access online services and opportunities.	$13,536
VICTORIA
Arapiles Community Theatre Inc	Plastic Fantastic Reduce the environmental footprint and increase the creative capacity of the town by establishing a small plastic recycling plant as a part of a makers space which is open to local artists and the community.	$13,856
Bass Coast Adult Education Centre Inc	From The Ground Up! Strengthen economic participation of migrant communities in the local economy through the establishment of a multi-cultural food hub to be run as a social enterprise.	$13,916
Girgarre Development Group Inc.	Girgarre Green Thumbs Propagation Hub Strengthen capacity to develop and support community initiatives by generating income through the building of a plant nursery and propagation facility.	$15,000
Grow Lightly Connect Ltd	Grow the Growers Improve food sustainability, economic resilience and community health outcomes through contracting a project officer to support a fresh produce growers’ network during a period of organisational expansion.	$3,254
Woor-Dungin	‘Walking Together’ 2019 Aboriginal On Country Gathering Strengthen the capacity of Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and philanthropy to work together to address challenges identified by the community as they move towards self-determination.	$15,000
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Fitzgerald Biosphere Group Inc	Out with the Old, in with the New! Improve capacity of local environment group monitoring of weed control and disease management in highly significant biodiversity region, through IT upgrade and office furniture.	$4,361
Friends of Pingelly Railway Station Inc.	Pingelly Station Restoration Enhance community identity and strengthen the local economy through the restoration of the Pingelly Railway Station, creating a vibrant cultural hub for the local and tourist community.	$3,685
Leschenault Catchment Council Inc	Seed Collection Equipment Increase employment opportunities for Aboriginal community members and strengthen local conservation, through purchase of seed processing equipment for a seed collection social enterprise with a growing market.	$12,447
Peel Bright Minds Regional Development Australia Peel	Building local career aspirations in the Peel region Build youth job seeker aspiration and promote employment pathways in the entrepreneurship, science, technology, engineering arts and maths fields through five video productions of local youth employment success stories.	$11,144

Local PCYC Branch Manager, Sergeant Michelle O’Regan made a point of coming along to the session to thank FRRR for the support the PCYC had received for the Greener Futures program.

Seed funding

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

“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.

She went on to say that seed funding was really important.

“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 said.

She explained 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 said the initial funds were a catalyst for attracting further support and gave credibility to the initiative and what they 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.

“That 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. Five or six years later, we look back and see that those small grant funds were really pivotal to where we are now. We could never have pre-planned that.”

And she says that the benefits aren’t what you may expect.

“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. But it certainly helps.

“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.”