Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR)
19 projects funded thanks to the Future Drought Fund
FRRR today announced the final projects funded through the Community Impact Program, which is part of the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative funded by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.
In this final tranche of funding, delivered in partnership with ARLF, grants of nearly $1 million have been awarded to support 15 organisations in delivering 19 projects across the Central West region of NSW, the Eyre Peninsula region of SA and the Loddon Campaspe region of VIC. The grants are designed to enhance drought preparedness through strengthening, enabling and building social capital.
FRRR’s Disaster Resilience and Recovery Lead, Nina O’Brien, says that there are a range of projects being funded in each area, which reflect local priorities.
“All these projects have come about thanks to a robust, locally-led co-design process. In Central NSW, for example, we saw more than 20 organisations, including First Nations groups, actively engage in helping to prioritise what would make a difference in their region.
“The Central West of NSW has been impacted by flooding, as well as bushfires on top of the Black Summer bushfires. These events, combined with prolonged drought conditions have left the community fatigued and in continuous recovery.
“This funding, which will be coordinated by Regional Development Australia – Orana, will support projects including strengthening local leadership and networks through a series of events; a seminar for rural women, which will create a safe space for sharing and creating connections; and educational activities. Other projects in this region will include a pilot program to increase access to better mental health support; a series of networking and social support activities targeting young women; and workshops providing culturally sensitive information in different languages targeting the diverse multicultural community living in the region.
“It’s a similar story in South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, where the program activity will be coordinated by Agricultural Innovation and Research Eyre Peninsula. The co-design process saw 37 participants from the not-for-profit sector, government, small business and general community invited to have input. Four projects have been supported, again with a series of events and activities focusing on different groups, including rural women, young farmers (through peer-to-peer learning) and the broader community, with a focus on building understanding of drought and drought preparedness at a farm, environment and whole of community level.
“In the Loddon / Campaspe region, in Victoria, there is a history of drought, although in late 2022, the region experienced significant flood damage. Several communities remain displaced with the recovery and rebuilding process hampered by a variety of factors, including volunteer fatigue. Despite this, there was strong engagement in the co-design process, including the local traditional owners, the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation. Coordinated by LEAD Loddon Murray Inc, there are four projects that will be supported in this region, including redevelopment of the Bridgewater Community Hub to build a community garden and sensory garden, backed up by eight community workshops to share knowledge. There will also be an education program – ‘Let’s Talk About the Weather’ – involving local community mapping of the network and focused capacity building support. The Dja Dja Wurrung Clans will lead a project that will employ a local coordinator who will work with Council, Landcare, community organisations and private landholders to heal Country, building understanding of traditional land management practices and ways to restore the land. The final project will focus on building and strengthening networks and building capacity of individual leaders in climate resilience,” Ms O’Brien explained.
In addition to the projects that are being supported, each region will also engage in a leadership development activity. ARLF Chief Executive, Matt Linnegar, says those activities include either a community leadership program, leadership action initiative, group coaching or change-maker workshops.
“The activities will be tailored to each area and we’re already working with the local community partner lead organisation to work out the best timing for the various activities. Leadership development is a critical part of building the social capital required to strengthen drought resilience. It helps to create and build local networks, as well as develop the skills and knowledge to take action and address challenges and make the most of opportunities.”
Participants also gain access to the wider alumni network of the ARLF. “It’s these connections that prove invaluable to people. When they’re stuck, there’s someone to ask for advice,” Mr Linnegar said.
FRRR is currently inviting applications for small grants to support activity in parts of the country where there was no Community Impact Program grant awarded. Full details are available at www.frrr.org.au/small-networks-grants.
Other elements of the Future Drought Fund’s Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative are also underway, including a Mentoring program and an online network connecting community members involved in projects in each of the regions, both led by ARLF. FRRR has also launched a portal providing access to experts to support delivery of their projects, if local expertise isn’t available.
Community Impact Program grantees have commenced delivering project activity, increasing connection across regions and supporting locally identified and driven drought preparedness activities. Some activities delivered so far are young farmer network events, women’s events and local field day type activities in several regions, with strong local participation and attendance. From FRRR’s perspective, it is exciting to see the momentum being created by passionate locals keen to see their regions remain connected, and vibrant as dry times increase across many communities nationally.
Learn more about the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative at www.frrr.org.au/drought-preparedness.
The full list of grant recipients and their projects are below.
| Organisation | Project | Location | Grant | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales: Region 03 Central West | ||||||
| Regional Development Australia - Orana | Community Partner Lead Organisation (CPLO): Region 03 Strengthen drought preparedness and drive local action in the Central West region through the coordination of Community Impact Program activities and evaluation administration. | Central West NSW Region | $49,608 | |||
| Coonamble Chamber of Commerce Incorporated | Wellbeing Changemaker Assistance Program Support members of the Coonamble Chamber of Commerce (80+ members) and their families to face drought and other stresses through the provision of access to mental health support services as community workshops and the provision of space locally for mental health support services in Coonamble. | Coonamble Shire | $85,465 | |||
| Hovells Creek Landcare Group Incorporated | Building Community Networks, Community Support and Resilience to Drought Through Social and Learning Activities Increase awareness of and change attitudes to drought preparedness through the delivery of two community workshops focused on holistic property management during drought. | Cowra, Weddin, Hilltops, Hovells Creek, Wyangala | $14,700 | |||
| Oriscon Incorporated | Creating Connections Project Stimulate a change in awareness of and change attitudes towards drought preparedness at the community level through the development of a multilingual knowledge and information sharing website, two community workshops and a networking event supporting migrant community members in connecting, accessing, and understanding localised climate adaptation and drought preparedness activities and information across Central Western NSW. | Dubbo, Warren, Gilgandra, Wellington, Nyngan, Narromine, Wellington, Stuart Town | $10,000 | |||
| Tradies IN Sight | NSW Real Reconnections Tour Build local networks and social support mechanisms required to better prepare for drought through the provision of eight informal mental health events focused on connecting regional men. | Dubbo, Narromine, Gilgandra, Coonabarabran, Warren, Nyngan, Cobar, Tattenham, Parkes, Bourke, Brewarrina, Walgett | $18,417 | |||
| Voices of Women Incorporated | EMBRACE: Voices of Women Dubbo Build a shared experience that can be drawn upon for support during drought through local networks and social support for young women aged 18-35 through the delivery of an intensive creative workshop focused on building relationships and confidence of young women. | Dubbo | $9,550 | |||
| Watershed Landcare Group Incorporated | Empowering Watershed Women Stimulate a change in awareness of and attitudes towards drought preparedness through the delivery of a seminar for rural women focused on providing a safe space for communication, support, mentoring, professional development and empowerment. | Mudgee, Cudgegong | $10,000 | |||
| Watershed Landcare Group Incorporated | Holistically Strengthening the Capabilities and Resilience of our Rural Community Enable the community to build their local leadership, networks and social support mechanisms at a community level through the delivery of three connection and networking events and Holistic Management training focused on a comprehensive drought and disaster resilience approach to agricultural practices and decision-making. | Mudgee, Gulgong, Rylstone, Kandos | $40,700 | |||
| Western Rural Connect Inc. | Western Rural Connect Networking and Development Events Build local leadership, networks and social support to build drought and other disaster resilience through the delivery of three Women in Agriculture events over two years. | Narromine | $18,000 | |||
| South Australia: Region 23 Eyre Peninsula | ||||||
| Agricultural Innovation & Research Eyre Peninsula Incorporated | Community Partner Lead Organisation (CPLO): Region 23 Strengthen drought preparedness and drive local action in the Eyre Peninsula region through the coordination of Community Impact Program activities and evaluation administration. | Eyre Peninsula SA Region | $30,760 | |||
| Agricultural Innovation & Research Eyre Peninsula Incorporated | Young Farmer – Facilitated Peer to Peer Learning Share innovative ways to build drought resilience and build local leadership, networks and social support in Ceduna and Cleve locations. AIR EP will offer four field events for young farmers focusing on young people aged 18-35 years. | Ceduna and Cleve | $60,000 | |||
| District Council Of Cleve | Future Farmers Focus Future Farmers support a change in awareness of and attitudes to drought preparedness at the community level through the delivery of learning workshops for two target audiences: 1. high school students; 2. families, industry and broader community. | Cleve | $47,000 | |||
| WoTL Ltd | Better Connected Communities Engage 12-15 young women in remote and highly drought sensitive communities to participate in a series of workshops covering a range of topics with overt social drought preparedness themes and outcomes. | Cleve, Franklin Harbour | $77,456 | |||
| WoTL Ltd | Regenerate Rural Women Learn and share innovative ways to build drought resilience by engaging approximately 15 local women in a comprehensive program covering topics to build personal resilience, refine decision making skills, clarify priorities and goals, and enhance personal, family and community wellbeing in Ceduna and Lower Eyre Peninsula. | Lower Eyre Peninsula, Ceduna | $68,400 | |||
| Victoria: Region 28 Loddon Campaspe | ||||||
| Lead Loddon Murray Inc | Community Partner Lead Organisation (CPLO): Region 28 Strengthen drought preparedness and drive local action in the Loddon Campaspe region through the coordination of Community Impact Program activities and evaluation administration. | Loddon Campaspe VIC region | $80,000 | |||
| Lead Loddon Murray Inc | 2024 Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program - Climate Resilience Enable an increase in the reach and activities of community leaders, mentors, networks and organisations driving action on drought resilience through the delivery of LMCLP Climate Resilience program. | Loddon Campaspe VIC Region | $80,000 | |||
| Kooyoora Women's Network Inc | Bridgewater Railway Station Redevelopment Build depth of social connection and increase skills, knowledge and understanding of the risks posed by drought and climate change while offering a place for community connection through the further development of the Bridgewater Community Hub. | Bridgewater, Loddon Shire | $75,000 | |||
| Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation | Healing Country across Djandak Stimulate a change in awareness of and attitudes to drought preparedness while increasing engagement with and participation of First Nations community members through the delivery of the Djaara Forest Gardening Engagement Coordinator pilot program, “Healing Country on Djandak”. | Campaspe, Loddon, Central Goldfield, Bendigo | $100,000 | |||
| Jumpleads NFP Limited | Let's Talk About the Weather | Drought Resilience Enable communities to identify and adopt innovative ways to build drought preparedness at the community level through the delivery of a Let’s Talk About the Weather program across Campaspe, Loddon and Central Goldfields local government areas. | Campaspe, Loddon, Central Goldfields | $120,000 | |||
65 projects funded thanks to Future Drought Fund
FRRR has awarded $3,733,324 to local organisations in 11 regions across Australia for 65 projects that will enhance the capacity and resilience of these agriculture-dependent communities in preparing for the impacts of future drought.
Funded through the Future Drought Fund’s Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative, this is the second tranche of funding delivered through the Initiative’s Community Impact Program. The first tranche was announced last month.
The Initiative is designed to support locally-led organisations across 35 remote, rural and regional regions, identified as vulnerable to the impacts of drought.
Thanks to the Community Impact Program, these organisations will work together to deliver a range of projects, events, initiatives, training, capability building and small-scale community infrastructure projects to assist local people prepare for future droughts.
As part of the Program, a facilitator has been employed in each region to support the lead community partner in engaging and communicating with key stakeholders, helping identify investments that are already happening locally and ensuring that the projects align with the community’s preparedness priorities.
Nina O’Brien, Disaster Resilience and Recovery Lead for FRRR, says that the Foundation is always impressed by the fortitude and adaptability of rural people and their willingness to learn and share innovative ways to build drought resilience.
“The collaborative nature of the Community Impact Program has been well received by local groups. They have really stepped up, coming together to shape local solutions to increase understanding and provide practical solutions to increasing drought preparedness that make sense at a local community level.
“With the Australian Government’s support, these grants will create opportunities for these agriculture-dependent communities to increase social connection, strengthen network opportunities and identify and adopt innovative and transformative ways to build drought resilience.
“We look forward to seeing the impacts of these projects, as they roll out over the next two years,” Ms O’Brien said.
As part of the program, each region can also access tailored Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) leadership development activities.
ARLF Chief Executive, Matt Linnegar, says the leadership development supports the delivery of local projects and yields long-term benefits for the regions.
“We know that a multimodal approach of leadership development increases the impact the investments have in each region. In addition to the project funding, these leadership development activities build social capital required to support the project and people in each region. We get to connect local networks, create a deeper sense of shared purpose and develop capability that helps people to take action and address challenges and make the most of opportunities.”
Participants also gain access to the wider alumni network of the ARLF. “It’s these connections that prove invaluable to people. When they’re stuck, there’s someone to ask for advice,” Mr Linnegar said.
A detailed list of grant recipients and their preparedness projects is below.
Other elements of the Future Drought Fund’s Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative are also underway, including a Mentoring program, being led by ARLF. Work is also underway on the design of the network to connect leaders working on these projects across the country and FRRR is finalising the appointment of an expertise panel, which the groups awarded funding can draw on, if they don’t have locally qualified people with the skills they need.
In addition, there will be small grants on offer in areas that aren’t covered by these Community Impact Program grants, which will open early next year.
Learn more about the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative.
The full list of grant recipients and their projects are below.
| Organisation | Project | Location | Grant | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales: Region 02 Murray | ||||||
| Holbrook Landcare Group | Community Partner Lead Organisation (CPLO): Region 02 Strengthen drought preparedness and drive local action in the Murray region through the coordination of Community Impact Program activities and evaluation administration. | Murray NSW Region | $80,970 | |||
| Holbrook Landcare Group | The Holbrook Loooong Lunch for Community Resilience Build depth of social connection, a shared sense of purpose, and longer-term community belonging that can be drawn upon in future drought through the Holbrook Loooong Lunch drought preparedness Networking event. | Holbrook, Greater Hume Shire Council | $23,821 | |||
| Holbrook Landcare Group | Holbrook Drought Preparedness Community Planning Workshop Build capability in community leaders, networks and organisations to undertake strategic drought resilience planning and future drought preparedness activities through hosting a facilitated workshop and networking dinner. | Holbrook and Culcairn, Greater Hume Shire Council | $13,125 | |||
| Corowa District Landcare | Corowa Community Nursery Build depth of social connection, awareness of and attitudes to drought preparedness at the community level by establishing a community volunteer plant propagation program which will distribute Indigenous plants to grow in the local community. | Federation Council, Berrigan Shire | $30,920 | |||
| Corowa District Landcare | Cultural Awareness Training and Cultural Tour Build depth of social connection, a shared sense of purpose and longer-term community belonging that can be drawn upon in future drought through delivering on Country culture walks, cultural awareness workshops and information sharing drought preparedness events. | Federation Council | $9,239 | |||
| Yanco Creek and Tributaries Advisory Council (YACTAC) | Chicks in the Sticks Increase skills, knowledge and understanding of the risks posed by drought and climate change through field day events that focus on enabling women living in a geographically vast region to network, as well as building depth of social connection, a shared sense of purpose and longer-term community belonging. | Jerilderie, Murrumbidgee Council, Moulamein, Murray River Council | $40,176 | |||
| Rice Growers Association of Australia | Connecting the Community to Connect to Country Improve capability, coordination and collaboration between networks, other community organisations and sectors that can be drawn upon in future drought through establishing a Community of Practice that brings together service providers, community groups and businesses, as an avenue to collaborate, host training, share information and resources. | Deniliquin, Edward River Council | $39,650 | |||
| Western Murray Land Improvement Group | Inland Delta – Connection to the Community Build depth of social connection, a shared sense of purpose and longer-term community belonging that can be drawn upon in future drought through facilitating a community tour of a culturally significant local site, host tours of wetlands and showcase local industries, produce and art. | Murray River Council | $50,806 | |||
| Southern Growers | Finley Community BBQ Trailer Build depth of social connection, a shared sense of purpose and longer-term community belonging that can be drawn upon in future drought through a fit-for-purpose barbeque trailer as a new mobile meeting place. | Berrigan Shire; Jerilderie, Murrumbidgee Council; Blighty, Edward River Council | $32,000 | |||
| West Hume Landcare | Walla & Walbundrie Weeds Warriors & Cultural Sites Recognition Training Build depth of social connection and increase skills, knowledge and understanding of the risks posed by drought and climate change through workshops that will share tools and techniques to address rapid weed escalation as well as First Nation Elders' knowledge sharing on protecting cultural sites. | Greater Hume Shire Council | $14,586 | |||
| Riverine Plains | Riverine Plains Innovation Expo Build depth of social connection and increase skills, knowledge and understanding of the risks posed by drought and climate change by delivering expo events, awareness and education activities. | Federation Council | $16,000 | |||
| Hay Trees on the Plains Landcare Inc | Nari Nari Cultural Burn Workshop Build depth of social connection, a shared sense of purpose and longer-term community belonging that can be drawn upon in future drought through delivering a cultural burn workshop, which will also enhance community and landowners' awareness of First Nations cultural burn practices and share knowledge on enhancing native ground coverage for future drought preparedness. | Hay Shire | $13,651 | |||
| New South Wales: Region 04 North-West | ||||||
| Northern Slopes Landcare Association Incorporated | Community Partner Lead Organisation (CPLO): Region 04 Strengthen drought preparedness and drive local action in the Central West region through the coordination of Community Impact Program activities and evaluation administration. | North-West NSW Region | $45,090 | |||
| Northern Slopes Landcare Association Incorporated | Gulf Creek Hall Improve access and utilisation of community infrastructure by making minor repairs to the community managed Gulf Creek Hall, which will enhance the space and facilities for community groups to gather, function and support their local community in times of drought. | Gulf Creek, Gwydir Shire | $10,000 | |||
| Northern Slopes Landcare Association Incorporated | TLC Nursery Project Build awareness of and attitudes to drought preparedness at the community level by re-establishing a community nursery in Bingara, creating a space for people to come together, share knowledge and learn plant propagation skills through workshops. | Gwydir Shire | $24,963 | |||
| Country Women's Association of NSW | North Star CWA Hall Project Improve access and greater utilisation of community infrastructure, enhancing the space and facilities for community groups to gather, function and support their local community in times of drought by enhancing disability and mobility access through installing a ramp entryway to the community managed North Star CWA Hall rooms. | Gwydir Shire | $10,000 | |||
| Tamworth Regional Landcare Association | Tamworth Pride Enable capacity building activities where local people and communities have opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge to face the unique challenges caused by drought in remote, rural and regional Australia, and awareness through workshops, field day events and mental health first aid training that specifically cater to the needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals and their allies. | Tamworth Region | $26,240 | |||
| Tamworth Regional Landcare Association | Intrepid Landcare Tamworth Enable capacity building activities where local people and communities have opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge to face the unique challenges caused by drought in remote, rural and regional Australia through establishing an Intrepid Landcare group which will provide an avenue for youth. | Tamworth Region | $36,996 | |||
| Northern Slopes Landcare Association Incorporated | Ladies' Horsemanship Weekend Build depth of social connection, a shared sense of purpose and longer-term community belonging that can be drawn upon in future drought through hosting a drought preparedness event with a guest speaker and dinner. | Gunnedah Shire | $4,200 | |||
| Wee Waa Local Aboriginal Land Council | Culturally Significant Drought Resilience Build depth of social connection, a shared sense of purpose and longer-term community belonging that can be drawn upon in future drought through delivering events that promote culturally significant drought resilience techniques such as cultural burn workshops, as well as hosting formal training and informal activities through Caring for Country drop-in sessions. | Gwydir Shire | $61,960 | |||
| Rotary Club of Gunnedah | Health and Wellbeing Build depth of social connection, a shared sense of purpose and longer-term community belonging that can be drawn upon in future drought through expanding on the long-running Gunnedah Gallop community fitness run, delivering drought preparedness-focused positive mental and physical health and wellbeing activities. | North-West NSW Region | $6,000 | |||
| Northern Slopes Landcare Association Incorporated | Women's and Men's Catch Ups Improve capability, coordination and collaboration between networks, other community organisations and sectors that can be drawn upon in times of drought through women's and men's events increasing awareness of and familiarity with local services. | Tamworth | $44,892 | |||
| Northern Slopes Landcare Association Incorporated | Northwest Rural Leaders and Support Services Network Build depth of social connection, a shared sense of purpose and longer-term community belonging that can be drawn upon in future drought and improve capability, coordination and collaboration between networks, other community organisations and sectors, through the establishment of the Northwest Rural Leaders and Support Services Network and relevant resources. | Moree Plains Shire | $8,579 | |||
| Northern Slopes Landcare Association Incorporated | Moree Women on Country Build depth of social connection, a shared sense of purpose and longer-term community belonging that can be drawn upon in future drought through on Country workshops, which will provide opportunities to share cultural knowledge and drought preparedness information. | Gunnedah Shire | $12,617 | |||
| Tamworth Regional Landcare Association | Upper Namoi Water in the Landscape Initiative Field Days Build depth of social connection and capability in community leaders, networks and organisations to undertake strategic drought resilience planning and future drought preparedness activities through hosting field days in Wallabadah and Duri, which will showcase innovative and transformative on-farm practices to reduce the impacts of drought. | Gwydir Shire | $8,790 | |||
| Queensland: Region 06 Central West | ||||||
| Central Western QLD Remote Area Planning and Development Board | Community Partner Lead Organisation (CPLO): Region 06 Strengthen drought preparedness and drive local action in the Central West region through the coordination of Community Impact Program activities and evaluation administration. | Queensland Central West Region | $31,111 | |||
| Western Queensland Drought Committee | WQDC Legacy & Future – Settling the Dust Build capability in community leaders, networks and organisations to undertake strategic drought resilience planning and future drought preparedness activities and build organisational networks across the region through a mobile drought information hub offering community-based resources. | Barcaldine, Barcoo, Blackall, Tambo, Boulia, Diamantina, Longreach, Winton | $252,076 | |||
| Central Western QLD Remote Area Planning and Development Board | Woven Stories Build depth of social connection, a shared sense of purpose and longer-term community belonging that can be drawn upon in future drought through local arts-led events. | Barcaldine, Barcoo, Blackall, Tambo, Boulia, Diamantina, Longreach, Winton | $123,123 | |||
| Western Australia: Region 16 Gascoyne | ||||||
| Gascoyne Catchments Group Inc | Community Partner Lead Organisation (CPLO): Region 16 Strengthen drought preparedness and drive local action in the Gascoyne region through the coordination of Community Impact Program activities and evaluation administration. | Gascoyne Region | $35,000 | |||
| Gascoyne Catchments Group Inc | Connection Across the Gascoyne Build depth of social connection and increase skills, knowledge and understanding of the risks posed by drought and climate change through workshops that share drought resilience approaches to land practices and wellbeing. | Carnarvon, Exmouth, and Upper Gascoyne | $205,000 | |||
| Carnarvon School of the Air P&C | Social Connection for Young Children and Their Parents Build depth of social connection, a shared sense of purpose and longer-term community belonging that can be drawn upon in future drought through strengthening a network of remote children and families. | Carnarvon | $6,000 | |||
| Western Australia: Region 17 Wheatbelt Central East | ||||||
| Wheatbelt Natural Resource Management Incorporated | Community Partner Lead Organisation (CPLO): Region 17 Strengthen drought preparedness and drive local action in the Wheatbelt Central East region through the coordination of Community Impact Program activities and evaluation administration. | Wheatbelt Central East Region | $49,839 | |||
| North Eastern Wheatbelt Travel Association | Events Officer Build capability, coordination and collaboration between networks, other community organisations and sectors in the local community that can be drawn upon in future drought through volunteer organisation capability building, | Dowerin, Koorda, Mount Marshall, Mukinbudin, Nungarin, Trayning, Westonia, Wyalkatchem | $63,554 | |||
| Town Team Movement | Wheatbelt Rising Deliver capacity building activities where local people and communities have opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge to face the unique challenges caused by drought in remote, rural and regional Australia through establishing a Town Teams in the Wheatbelt to undertake training, develop resources and host activities. | Bruce Rock, Dowerin, Kellerberrin, Koorda, Mount Marshall, Merredin, Mukinbudin, Nungarin, Tammin, Trayning, Westonia, Wyalkatchem, Yilgarn | $63,500 | |||
| Wheatbelt Beyond Youth Mentoring | Wheatbelt Beyond Youth Mentoring Enable capacity building activities where local people and communities have opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge to face the unique challenges caused by drought in remote, rural and regional Australia through a youth mentoring program that strengthens social support systems, mitigates impacts of social and physical isolation, and boosts educational and wellbeing outcomes. | Kellerberrin, Mukinbudin, Narembeen | $96,250 | |||
| Merredin and Districts Farm Improvement Group | Agribusiness Network Build capacity of local people and communities to develop the skills and knowledge to face the unique challenges caused by drought in remote, rural and regional Australia through establishing an Agribusiness and Mentoring Program which will foster a collective knowledge base, strengthen local networks and provide opportunities to learn and share through events. | Merredin, Nungarin | $32,000 | |||
| Meridian Regional Arts Incorporated | Meridian Regional Arts Build depth of social connection, a shared sense of purpose and longer-term community belonging that can be drawn upon in future drought through delivering workshops, wellbeing and social support. | Merredin, Bruce Rock, Nungarin | $85,564 | |||
| Western Australia: Region 18 Wheatbelt South | ||||||
| Corrigin Farm Improvement Group | Community Partner Lead Organisation (CPLO): Region 18 Strengthen drought preparedness and drive local action in the Wheatbelt South region through the coordination of Community Impact Program activities and evaluation administration. | Wheatbelt South Region | $73,687 | |||
| Shire of West Arthur | Economic / Business Diversification Improve capability, coordination and collaboration between networks, other community organisations and sectors that can be drawn upon in future drought through networking sessions, information, events and through the increase in the utilisation of community infrastructure. | Darkan, Bruce Rock | $106,437 | |||
| Lake Grace Community Resource Centre | Youth Events and Network Build capability in community leaders, networks and organisations to undertake strategic drought resilience planning and future drought preparedness activities through the establishment of an informal youth network, activities and events, which will build capabilities of future leaders. | Darkan, Corrigin, Lake Grace, Pingelly | $52,277 | |||
| Corrigin Farm Improvement Group | Next Generation Volunteers Support capacity building activities where local people and communities have opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge to face the unique challenges caused by drought in remote, rural and regional Australia through delivering leadership workshops and volunteering opportunities for emerging leaders. | Wheatbelt South Region | $122,239 | |||
| Western Australia: Region 20 Mid-West | ||||||
| Northern Agricultural Catchments Council Incorporated | Community Partner Lead Organisation (CPLO): Region 20 Strengthen drought preparedness and drive local action in the Mid-West region through the coordination of Community Impact Program activities and evaluation administration. | Mid-West Region | $95,296 | |||
| Northern Agricultural Catchments Council Incorporated | Maintaining Community Capacity Improve capability, coordination and collaboration between networks, other community organisations and sectors that can be drawn upon in future drought through training to build capacity and leadership of local volunteer organisations. | Yuna, Morowa, Mingenew, Murchison, Wiluna | $149,857 | |||
| Southern Rangelands Pastoral Alliance | Support to Capture Peer-to-Peer Learning Build depth of social connection, a shared sense of purpose and longer-term community belonging that can be drawn upon in future drought; through facilitation of peer-to-peer knowledge sharing through podcasts and virtual field days. | Murchison, Wiluna | $40,470 | |||
| Midwest Food Industry Alliance | Healthy Lifestyles Community Events Increase skills, knowledge and understanding of the risks posed by drought and climate change through community events focused on locally based food production and adaptive solutions to food consumption. | Yalgoo, Murchison, Wiluna, Chapman Valley, Northampton, Mingenew | $63,000 | |||
| South Australia: Region 25 Murraylands and Riverland | ||||||
| Regional Development Australia Murraylands and Riverland Incorporated | Community Partner Lead Organisation (CPLO): Region 25 Strengthen drought preparedness and drive local action in the Murraylands and Riverland region through the coordination of Community Impact Program activities and evaluation administration. | Murraylands and Riverland Region | $69,000 | |||
| Ngarrindjeri Empowered Communities | Mardawi Community Project Build depth of social connection between Ngarrindjeri women, a shared sense of purpose and longer-term community belonging that can be drawn upon in future drought through Elders sharing knowledge and skills of cultural practices, providing opportunities to build social and economic resilience. | Coorong, Murray Bridge, Southern Mallee | $48,655 | |||
| Our Town Berri | River Families First Build depth of social connection, a shared sense of purpose and longer-term community belonging that can be drawn upon in future drought through the establishment of a peer network to empower young parents. | Berri, Berri Barmera | $85,000 | |||
| Loxton Chamber of Commerce | Collective Business in Loxton Enable capacity building activities where local people and communities have opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge to face the unique challenges caused by drought in remote, rural and regional Australia, through workshops, initiatives and resource development that supports community based, collective economic diversification. | Karoonda East Murray, Loxton Waikerie, Mid Murray | $88,000 | |||
| Mallee Sustainable Farmers | Risky Business – Sustainable Mallee Farming Build capability, coordination, information sharing and collaboration between professional, social or community networks, other community organisations and sectors in local communities that can be drawn upon in future drought through the purchase of a barbeque trailer and delivery of farm expos. | Karoonda East Murray, Mid Murray, Murray Bridge, Southern Mallee | $73,000 | |||
| South Australia: Region 26 Limestone Coast | ||||||
| Limestone Coast Food & Agribusiness Cluster Ltd | Community Partner Lead Organisation (CPLO): Region 26 Strengthen drought preparedness and drive local action in the Limestone Coast region through the coordination of Community Impact Program activities and evaluation administration. | Limestone Coast Region | $51,000 | |||
| Mackillop Farm Management Group | Skill Up: Helping Community Organisations Govern Improve capability, coordination and collaboration between networks, other community organisations and sectors that can be drawn upon in future drought through the delivery of governance workshops. | Grant, Kingston, Mt Gambier, Naracoorte-Lucindale, Robe, Tatiara, Wattle Range | $75,000 | |||
| Limestone Coast Food & Agribusiness Cluster Ltd | 35 Under 35 Build capability in community leaders, networks and organisations to undertake strategic drought resilience planning and future drought preparedness activities through a program for youth that supports upskilling, networking and mentoring activities. | Grant, Kingston, Mt Gambier, Naracoorte-Lucindale, Robe, Tatiara, Wattle Range | $147,550 | |||
| Limestone Coast Landscape Board | Walking the Seasons Build depth of social connection, a shared sense of purpose and longer-term community belonging that can be drawn upon in future drought through tailoring bi-monthly art workshops run by the Burrandies and Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Corporations. | Coorong, Grant, Kingston, Mt Gambier, Naracoorte-Lucindale, Robe, Tatiara, Wattle Range | $39,823 | |||
| WOTL | Building Rural Women's Connection and Capacity for Drought Preparation Improve capability, coordination and collaboration between networks, other community organisations and sectors that can be drawn upon in future drought through a capacity-building program for women in two locations. | Keith, Millicent | $47,000 | |||
| Australian Migrant Resource Centre Incorporated | Migrant Integration and Volunteering for Impact Exchange Build depth of social connection, a shared sense of purpose and longer-term community belonging that can be drawn upon in future drought through engaging recent migrants in the local community and agricultural industry. | Bordertown, Naracoorte, Mt Gambier | $49,000 | |||
| Victoria: Region 30 East Gippsland | ||||||
| Gippsland Agricultural Group | Community Partner Lead Organisation (CPLO): Region 30 Strengthen drought preparedness and drive local action in the East Gippsland region through the coordination of Community Impact Program activities and evaluation administration. | East Gippsland Region | $54,768 | |||
| Gippsland Agricultural Group | Drought Preparedness Decision Making Trigger Plans Build depth of social connection and capability in community leaders, networks and organisations to undertake strategic drought resilience planning and future drought preparedness activities through training and community planning sessions. | East Gippsland | $130,200 | |||
| Southern Farming Systems | Drought Preparedness Skills Workshops Build depth of social connection and capability in community leaders, networks and organisations to undertake strategic drought resilience planning and future drought preparedness activities through a series of workshops focused on drought preparedness at a community level. | East Gippsland | $42,300 | |||
| Victoria: Region 31 Goulburn | ||||||
| Riverine Plains Incorporated | Community Partner Lead Organisation (CPLO): Region 31 Strengthen drought preparedness and drive local action in the Goulburn region through the coordination of Community Impact Program activities and evaluation administration. | Goulburn Region | $69,887 | |||
| Many Mobs Indigenous Corporation | Yarrawonga Indigenous Festival Build depth of social connection, a shared sense of purpose and longer-term community belonging that can be drawn upon in future drought at the community level through a cultural festival to revive the town as a traditional meeting place for Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. | Moira Shire | $45,100 | |||
| Gecko CLaN | Schools Program: What Happens in Drought? Increase skills, knowledge and understanding of the risks posed by drought and climate change through a pilot education program for secondary school students on the impacts of drought and family mental health. | Benalla, Moira, Strathbogie | $65,600 | |||
| Riverine Plains Inc | Ladies' Luncheon Build depth of social connection, a shared sense of purpose and longer-term community belonging that can be drawn upon in future drought through hosting Ladies' Lunches in 2023 and 2024 that align with International Rural Women's Day, reducing social isolation and building local networks and social supports for women in this remote region. | Moira | $44,800 | |||
| Riverine Plains Inc | Youth in Ag Build depth of social connection, a shared sense of purpose and longer-term community belonging that can be drawn upon in future drought through the facilitation of two mentoring and networking events for youth in the region and two 'Youth in AG' dinner events. | Moira | $73,950 | |||
| Hughes Creek Catchment Collaborative (Landcare Victoria Inc) | Citizen Science Build depth of social connection and enable capacity building activities where local people and communities have opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge to face the unique challenges caused by drought in remote, rural and regional Australia, through coordination of citizen science programs. | Murrindindi, Strathbogie | $22,140 | |||
The Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) and the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) have today announced the appointment of Nous Group to assess the impact of the Future Drought Fund’s Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative, which is funded by the Australian Government.
The Future Drought Fund’s Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative aims to build enduring resilience to the impacts of climate change and drought and to enhance the public good in agriculture-dependent communities. It focuses on building community capacity by strengthening social and community networking, support, engagement and wellbeing.
There are five parts to the Initiative, including the Community Impact Program, Small Grants, a Learning Network, Mentoring Program and Expertise Pool to support local groups implementing their projects, all of which will be evaluated.
While the evaluation will explore the outcomes of the Initiative, it will also provide valuable feedback on the various funding mechanisms employed and the impact of leadership development initiatives delivered. This will also reveal insights into the different ways that the Australian Government can invest in remote, rural and regional communities to address locally prioritised challenges. In total, $1.3 million will be invested in the process, reflecting the value that FRRR, ARLF and the Australian Government place on evaluation, something that is often not prioritised or funded.
Multi-year evaluation
The evaluation will take place over two and a half years and see Nous Group consult with the delivery partners, as well as other stakeholders, to develop the evaluation plan and then work closely with local leaders and with the delivery partners on the evaluation itself.
Phase 1 data collection and analysis is already underway, as the first tranche of funding has been awarded. An interim report will be prepared mid-2024, followed by workshops for community groups and stakeholders to unpack the learnings to date. Phase 2 of data collection will then get underway in August 2024, with the final report due September 2025.
FRRR’s Disaster Resilience and Recovery Lead, Nina O’Brien, says that there are great efficiency gains in having Nous Group undertake this work, as they are familiar with both the Future Drought Fund and with the delivery partners. “Nous Group supported the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) to design the Measuring, Learning and Evaluation (MEL) framework for the overall Future Drought Fund, so they are intimately familiar with the overall aims of the various streams of work the Fund supports. They bring a depth of understanding and rigour to the process, while still being able to work closely with and relate to the groups delivering projects on the ground.
“What we are most excited about however, is that this process will help build the capacity of communities and stakeholders to engage with and ultimately undertake more formal evaluations of the projects and initiatives that they run. They can learn by doing. These skills will help local communities then better direct their limited resources, as well as be able to provide greater evidence to support funding applications for their initiatives.
“We look forward to working with Nous Group to co-design the evaluation approach and collect insights for the evaluation. We will also be connecting them directly with the local lead partner and other groups delivering projects in the community to understand the impact of the various elements of the Initiative, as well as bring together community groups and stakeholders to explore and interpret their findings,” Ms O’Brien said.
Matt Linnegar, CEO of the ARLF, says understanding the impact is becoming more important for people participating in initiatives, as well as those providing the support for it to happen.
“It’s increasingly important to understand the impact of initiatives like the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative at depth and from multiple perspectives.
“This is because when we’re talking about leadership across regions and communities, we’re talking about people, relationships, networks and structures. Here, understanding the quantitative impact or intervention on the participant alone isn’t enough.
“It’s important to understand the individual and collective impact those people have on their regions and communities.
“As the ARLF continues to grow its work in the impact evaluation space, we highly value the collaboration with FRRR and work with Nous as an evaluation partner for this Initiative.”
Carlos Blanco, Nous Group Director, says Nous is excited to partner with the FRRR, ARLF and DAFF to collaborate with delivery partners, initiative participants and communities to help build even greater resilience within drought-prone communities.
“Nous has a long history of working with regional communities across Australia. We’re looking forward to co-designing and delivering an evaluation that strengthens the evidence base on how to empower remote, rural, and regional Australia to become more prepared for and resilient to the impacts of drought,” Mr Blanco said.
If community groups have any questions about the evaluation process, they can contact FRRR via futuredrought@frrr.org.au.
Local not-for-profits (NFPs) across the Central West NSW and WA Great Southern region are being encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to partner with the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) and the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) to lead the Future Drought Fund’s Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative’s Community Impact Program in their region.
The Initiative seeks to help agriculture-dependent communities in regions across remote, rural, and regional Australia that are vulnerable to the impacts of drought become more prepared for and resilient to these impacts.
It is part of the Australian Government’s $29.6 million investment in drought resilience initiatives over three years and builds on the Future Drought Fund’s previous Networks to Build Drought Resilience program (led by FRRR) and the Drought Resilience Leaders program (led by ARLF).
There are two main components to the program:
- Community Impact Grants: Grants between $200,000 and $500,000 for projects that strengthen community networks, capabilities and facilities that support drought preparedness; and
- Community Leadership Activities: AARLF will offer a range of funded leadership development activities to support community members to develop their leadership skills and equip them with the networks to respond to drought preparedness in their community.
Nina O’Brien, FRRR’s Disaster Resilience and Climate Solutions Portfolio Lead, said that this a great opportunity for community groups in Central West NSW and the Great Southern region of WA to proactively strengthen drought resilience across their regions.
“Rural communities are better able to withstand the impacts of events like drought when they are strong and well connected. The overall aim of this program is to ensure communities are better prepared for future.
“But we know that looks different in each community, which is why we are looking for a local lead partner. They can then work with other community members and organisations to identify what local action will be most appropriate. FRRR staff will be there to support the process and we’ll also fund a facilitator to work with the community to get the best outcome possible.
“The grants can fund projects, events, initiatives, training, capability building and small-scale community infrastructure projects and we’re really keen to make sure that First Nations communities and younger people are also engaged in drought resilience planning and action.
“We have already funded some impressive projects in other ag-dependent communities, including training and awareness-building activities to develop skills and knowledge to face the unique challenges caused by drought, preparedness upskilling and capacity building for local NFPs, and youth-focused activities such as field training and skills development programs,” Ms O’Brien explained.
As part of the program, ARLF will offer several complementary Leadership Development Activities at no cost to the successful applicants. These are designed to strengthen the leadership capabilities of communities to build individual and community drought resilience.
ARLF’s Chief Executive Officer Matt Linnegar said that because every lead organisation and region will be at a different point in their resilience journey, ARLF has a number of options that communities can tap into.
“We have five leadership development activities, ranging from intensive residential leadership programs to a series of deep-dives into particular leadership topics to group coaching. Each is underpinned by the concepts of adaptive leadership, resilience and network leadership.
“Applicants will need to include their preference for leadership development activities when they lodge their express of interest for the Community Impact Program, and we will work closely with applicants to refine their preferences as we move through the collaborative project design phase,” Mr Linnegar explained.
Expressions of Interest close 9 June, with shortlisted groups commencing co-design in their communities in August and funding confirmed in November 2023. Groups will have until June 2025 to implement the projects.
Interested groups can learn more about the program and lodge their EOI here.
More than $1.7M awarded thanks to Future Drought Fund
FRRR and ARLF are pleased to announce the first organisations to receive funding through the Future Drought Fund’s Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative.
The Initiative, which is being delivered by FRRR in partnership with ARLF, seeks to help agriculture-dependent communities in regions across remote, rural, and regional Australia that are vulnerable to the impacts of drought become more prepared for and resilient to these impacts.
Over the last three months, FRRR and ARLF have worked closely with a local community partner lead organisation in five areas to identify projects that local groups across each region can implement to enhance preparedness for drought.
This first tranche of funding through the Community Impact Program sees five regions awarded $1.7M, which is being shared across 15 organisations.
In the coming months, the local community partner lead organisation will collaborate with other grantee organisations in the region to deliver projects that include events, training and workshops that will create opportunities for communities to identify and adopt innovative and transformative ways to build drought resilience, develop a change in awareness of and attitudes to drought preparedness at the community level, learn and share innovative ways to build drought resilience.
FRRR’s Disaster Resilience and Recovery Lead, Nina O’Brien, says that this is a really exciting milestone and a wonderful opportunity for these communities to drive local action that helps prepare for drought.
“People are more resilient when they’re part of a strong community. Through this place-based program, with the Australian Government’s support, we’re investing in the future, enabling agriculture dependent communities to identify and act on their drought preparedness priorities at a grassroots level.
“The overall aim of this program is to facilitate increased social connection, strengthen network opportunities, build leadership skills, and link capacity building opportunities to ensure widespread local benefit, so that communities are better prepared for the future.
“The program was deliberately designed to be flexible, allowing a bespoke approach in each region that reflects the unique conditions in each area. The projects that we’re funding have broad community support. As part of their development, we paid for a facilitator to support the local lead organisation to help bring key stakeholders into the conversation and to make sure that the projects align with local priorities and connect with investments already happening at the community level.
“We look forward to continuing to walk alongside these local groups as they implement their projects over the next two years,” Ms O’Brien said.
Each of the regions being funded will also receive access to tailored ARLF leadership development activities. Lead organisations can choose between one of five leadership development activities, depending on their projects and local priorities. In the first five regions, four different activities have been taken up.
ARLF CEO, Matt Linnegar, says leadership development supports the short-term delivery of projects and yields long-term benefits for the regions.
“In addition to the project funding, these leadership development activities are a crucial investment in building the social capital required to support the project and each region. Connecting local networks, creating a deeper sense of shared purpose and developing capability all contributes to people in each region taking action to address challenges and take advantage of opportunities.
“Participants will also gain access to the wider alumni network of the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation. It’s these connections that prove invaluable to people. When they’re stuck, there’s someone to ask for advice.”
In total, 35 regions will be supported through this program. The remaining regions are due to be announced throughout the rest of 2023.
Other elements of the Future Drought Fund’s Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative are also underway, including the Mentoring program, being led by ARLF, which is still accepting applications. Work is also underway on the design of the network to connect leaders working on these projects across the country and FRRR is finalising the appointment of an expertise panel, which the groups awarded funding can draw on, if they don’t have locally qualified people with the skills they need.
In addition, the first of two rounds of Small Grants for areas that aren’t covered by these Community Impact Program grants is expected to open in later this year.
Learn more about the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative at www.frrr.org.au/drought-preparedness.
The full list of grant recipients and their projects are below.
| Organisation | Project | Location | Grant | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Queensland: Region 08 Darling Downs & South Burnett | ||||||
| Red Earth Community Foundation | Community Partner Lead Organisation Region 8 Strengthen drought preparedness and drive local action in the Darling Downs and South Burnett region through the coordination of Community Impact Program activities and evaluation administration. | Darling Downs & South Burnett Region | $38,746 | |||
| Momentum Health | Building Healthier Communities Enhance capability, coordination and collaboration between community networks and organisations that can be drawn upon in times of drought by training local leaders, creating resources and delivering workshops focussed on wellbeing. | South Burnett, Western Downs & Goondiwindi | $92,499 | |||
| Red Earth Community Foundation | Cherbourg Community Leadership Program Strengthen community capacity and leadership through the design and delivery of the Cherbourg Community Leadership Program, to build knowledge and skills to address local challenges caused by drought. | Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council | $51,388 | |||
| Burnett Catchment Care Association | Sharing Models of Successful Groups Deliver community led drought preparedness through networking events that build social connections, share innovative approaches to drought resilience and drive local action through peer-to-peer support and a communities of practice approach. | Burnett Region with possibility of working with Toowoomba & Western Downs Groups | $62,401 | |||
| Queensland Murray Darling Catchment Ltd | Water and Climate Drought Education Deliver workshops to school aged children to build knowledge and understanding of the risks posed by drought and climate change and develop skills to positively adapt. | Schools in Darling Downs & Burnett | $73,412 | |||
| Burnett Inland Economic Development Organisation (BIEDO) | Ag Tech in Action in the Burnett Strengthen community and social connections through events and provide opportunities for young people to build knowledge in innovative approaches to drought preparedness, connect with current networks and develop youth specific networks. | North Burnett, South Burnett, Cherbourg & Bundaberg LGAs | $69,007 | |||
| Queensland: Region 09 Fitzroy Capricornia | ||||||
| Dawson Catchment Coordinating Association | Community Partner Lead Organisation Region 9 Strengthen drought preparedness and drive local action in the Fitzroy Capricornia region through the coordination of Community Impact Program activities and evaluation administration. | Fitzroy Capricornia Region | $140,000 | |||
| Central Queensland Landscape Alliance | Remote Community Capacity Building Create leadership and capacity building opportunities, particularly for local young people, through training and awareness-building activities to develop skills and knowledge to face the unique challenges caused by drought. | Focus on Capricornia Catchments work arena | $40,000 | |||
| Not for Profit HQ Limited | NFP Report Card Assessments –Upskilling Build the capability of local not-for-profit organisations to better serve their communities in times of drought and in drought preparedness by delivering a practical skills audit and using the results to develop business and operational plans. | Fitzroy Capricornia Region | $50,000 | |||
| Dawson Catchment Coordinating Association | Improved Community Access –Dawson Catchment Establish a local community network to improve access to, encourage greater utilisation of or create new community infrastructure by collaboratively reviewing available places, spaces and facilities where community groups can gather, function and support their local community in times of drought. | Fitzroy Capricornia Region | $35,547 | |||
| Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council | Woorabinda Rangers and Youth Development Program Deliver capacity building activities and field training to increase knowledge of local landscapes and share innovative approaches to drought preparedness, which will strengthen community resilience. | Fitzroy Capricornia Region | $42,000 | |||
| Queensland: Region 11 Hinterland to Gulf | ||||||
| Northern Gulf Resource Management Group Ltd | Community Partner Lead Organisation Region 11 Strengthen drought preparedness and drive local action in the Hinterland to Gulf region through the coordination of Community Impact Program activities and evaluation administration. | Hinterland to Gulf Region | $31,359 | |||
| Northern Gulf Resource Management Group Ltd | Local Capacity for Regional Resilience Project Strengthen organisational capacity and governance of not-for-profit organisations, including those that are First Nations led, by delivering training, workshops, networking events and leadership development activities, so organisations can better support community interests ahead of and in times of drought. | Croydon Shire, Etheridge Shire & Mareeba Shire | $181,250 | |||
| Northern Gulf Resource Management Group Ltd | Digital Capacity and Last Mile Connectivity Project Strengthen the ability of communities to adapt and prepare for drought by delivering workshops that improve access to and greater utilisation of digital infrastructure, thereby strengthening social networks and enabling people to better connect to essential services and support in times of drought. | Croydon Shire, Etheridge Shire & Mareeba Shire | $123,700 | |||
| Queensland: Region 13 Cape York – Torres Strait | ||||||
| Cape York NRM | Community Partner Lead Organisation Region 13 Strengthen drought preparedness and drive local action through the coordination of Community Impact Program activities and evaluation administration. | Cape York – Torres Strait Region | $42,166 | |||
| Torres Cape Indigenous Councils Alliance | Cape York Torres Water Project Increase skills, knowledge and understanding of the risks posed by drought through the delivery of a water education program and activating a co-designed, community led strategic water security plan. | Aurukun Shire, Cook Shire, Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire, Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire, Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire, Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire, Mapoon Aboriginal Shire, Mornington Shire, Napranum Aboriginal Shire, Northern Peninsula Area, Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire, Torres Strait Islands, Torres Shire, Weipa Town & Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire | $193,798 | |||
| Cape York NRM | Cape York Torres Fire Project Improve capability, coordination, and collaboration between professional, social and community networks, which can be drawn upon in future drought, through the delivery of a series of fire prevention training activities, events and forums. | Aurukun Shire, Cook Shire, Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire, Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire, Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire, Mapoon Aboriginal Shire, Napranum Aboriginal Shire, Northern Peninsula Area, Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire, Torres Strait Islands, Torres Shire, Weipa Town & Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire | $151,012 | |||
| South Australia: Region 22 Arid Lands | ||||||
| SA Arid Lands Landscape Board | Community Partner Lead Organisation Region 22 Strengthen drought preparedness and drive local action through the coordination of Community Impact Program activities and evaluation administration. | Arid Lands Region | $32,000 | |||
| SA Arid Lands Landscape Board | Women’s Gathering Support communities to learn and share innovative ways to build drought resilience; increase the reach and activities of community leaders, mentors, networks and organisations driving action on drought resilience by facilitating an event for women from across this geographically vast region. | Hawker | $73,750 | |||
| SA Arid Lands Landscape Board | Pastoral Field Day Support communities to identify and adopt innovative and transformative ways to build drought resilience by delivering a field day, which will enable knowledge sharing and networking opportunities. | Port Augusta City Council | $67,750 | |||
| SA Arid Lands Landscape Board | Outback Kids & Family Days Encourage social connection, networking and knowledge sharing to facilitate drought preparedness and resilience building by delivering five family day events to connect communities across a geographically vast region. | Five locations across Port Augusta Region | $50,350 | |||
| Nature Foundation Limited | Family on Country Provide mentorship and leadership development opportunities and strengthen networks and connections by delivering two on-Country, multi-day events that provide opportunities for Elders and Community Leaders to share cultural knowledge on the local landscape and drought. | Hiltaba Station (Unincorporated Area) | $46,000 | |||
| Isolated Children's Parents Association Marla-Oodnadatta | ICPA Conference Encourage drought preparedness conversations at the community level and drive local action for children, families and educational outcomes through a regional conference. | SA Arid Lands | $5,000 | |||
| Quorn Community Landcare Group Incorporated auspiced by SA Arid Lands Landscape Board | Quandong Festival Strengthen local drought resilience by delivering two educational and awareness-raising events that showcase innovative and transformative ways to adapt in times of drought. | Quorn | $35,000 | |||
Regenerate Bega Valley and Regenerate Shoalhaven – two leadership development programs designed in response to the 2019-20 bushfires – are currently open for applications.
Leaders of local not-for-profit organisations in the Bega Valley and Shoalhaven region are invited to apply for locally-delivered leadership development programs, designed to build their capacity to help with ongoing bushfire recovery and response.
There are 24 scholarships offered in each location for local leaders who’ll get access to some of the best leadership thinking and practice available, plus practical tools and skills via experiential learning.
The Australian Government’s Black Summer Bushfire Recovery grants program is funding the programs, to be delivered by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) in partnership with the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR).
FRRR’s Acting CEO Sarah Matthee explains they’re part of FRRR’s Investing in Rural Community Futures program which aims to build confidence, ability, skills and longer-term sustainability of the region’s NFPs.
“We know local not-for-profits are often leaned on significantly, especially in the event of a natural disaster as was the case with the Black Summer bushfires,” she says.
“Pressure on programs, services and volunteers is leading to fatigue and a depletion of local resources. From our work over the last few years in both these communities, we’ve seen an overwhelming appetite for cross sector collaboration and planning within the community. The ARLF leadership programs will help boost their capacity and impact.”
ARLF Chief Executive Matt Linnegar says the Regenerate Shoalhaven and Bega Valley programs will help local leaders to collaborate, build networks and lead community initiatives.
“When future emergencies, or opportunities occur, this network will be invaluable. They won’t be just names and positions; they’ll know and trust each other and be able to work through the challenges in front of them, to build resilience.
“This leadership network will guide and empower communities to address bushfire recovery priorities aimed at rebuilding and growing their local economy.”
For Carina Severs, manager at Eden Community Access Centre and chair of the Eden Recovery and Resilience Alliance, resilience is about knowledge.
“I’d like people to know what’s available, to know the ‘capability and capacity’ of frontline emergency services, as well as the support services such as Red Cross, CWA have. Resilience is about learning skills and being able to look after yourself as best you can, but it is also about showing care for those around you – your neighbours, friends and others.”
Also welcoming the Regenerate programs, Kangaroo Valley community champion Nat Harker reflects: “No lives were lost, but our community has changed. Some people have since left, most are still carrying trauma but we are working closely together to build resilience for the future – to strive, survive and then thrive.”
Applications for the Regenerate Bega Valley and Regenerate Shoalhaven leadership programs are now open. Each program is open to volunteers or employees in the not-for-profit sector. There will be two four-day residential sessions starting in August. For more details and to apply, visit rural-leaders.org.au (regional programs). Applications close on 18 June.
The Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) and the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) are looking for a local NFP partner to work with them across the Loddon Campaspe region as part of the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative Community Impact Program.
The region encompasses the Campaspe, Central Goldfields, Greater Bendigo, Loddon, Macedon Ranges and Mount Alexander Shires.
The Initiative is funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and designed to help agriculture-dependent communities across remote, rural and regional Australia enhance their preparedness for drought.
The $29.6 million investment over three years builds on the Future Drought Fund’s previous Networks to Build Drought Resilience program (led by FRRR) and the Drought Resilience Leaders program (led by ARLF).
The place-based Community Impact Program is designed to support community members and not-for-profit organisations to drive local action that helps prepare for drought. There are two main components to the program:
- Community Impact Grants: This between $200,000 and $500,000 available and FRRR will work with the lead community organisations to develop, co-design and deliver projects that strengthen community networks, capabilities and facilities that support drought preparedness; and
- Community Leadership Activities: ARLF will offer a range of funded leadership development activities to support community members to develop their leadership skills, and equip them with the networks to respond to drought preparedness in their community.
FRRR’s Disaster Resilience and Recovery Lead, Nina O’Brien, said that this a great opportunity for the communities in Loddon Campaspe to proactively strengthen drought resilience.
“While there has been a lot of flooding in recent months, it’s highly likely that it won’t be too long before drought is on our radar. Rural communities are better able to withstand the impacts of events like drought – and indeed other disasters – when they are strong and well connected. The overall aim of this program is to facilitate increased social connection, strengthen network opportunities and link capacity building opportunities to ensure widespread local benefit, so that communities are better prepared for the future.
“But we know that looks different in each community, which is why we are looking for a local lead partner. They will work with other community members and organisations to identify what local action is most appropriate. FRRR staff will be there to support the process and we’ll also fund a facilitator to work with the community to get the best outcome possible.
“The grants can fund projects, events, initiatives, training, capability building and small-scale community infrastructure projects and we’re really keen to make sure that First Nations communities and younger people are also engaged in drought resilience planning and action,” Ms O’Brien explained.
As part of the program, ARLF will offer a number of optional and complementary Leadership Development Activities at no cost to the successful applicants. These are designed to strengthen the leadership capabilities of communities to build individual and community drought resilience.
ARLF’s Chief Executive Officer Matt Linnegar said that because every lead organisation and region will be at a different point in their resilience journey, ARLF has a number of options that communities can tap into.
“We have five leadership development activities, ranging from intensive residential leadership programs to a series of deep-dives into particular leadership topics to group coaching. Each is underpinned by the concepts of adaptive leadership, resilience and network leadership.
“Applicants will need to include their preference for leadership development activities when they lodge their express of interest for the Community Impact Program, and we will work closely with applicants to refine their preferences as we move through the collaborative project design phase,” Mr Linnegar explained.
Initial expressions of interest close 22 March 2023, with shortlisted groups commencing co-design in their communities in May and funding confirmed in August 2023. Groups will have until June 2025 to implement the projects.
Interested groups can learn more about the program and lodge their EOI by visiting www.frrr.org.au/impact-program.
