Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR)
The devastating impacts of the 2019/20 Black Summer bushfires were particularly harsh in the East Gippsland region of Victoria.
To help revive spirits and bring people back to the region, a group of locals came up with the idea of The East Gippsland Winter Festival, an event to be held over the Winter Solstice. It would bring people back to the region during the traditionally quieter period to celebrate and showcase the art, food, culture and nature, as well as help the community heal and recover.
Then COVID hit, making the challenges all the greater. However, the volunteer committee was determined to proceed – just 12 months later than originally planned.
FRRR supported this new Festival with a $25,000 grant. The grant funded a Community Engagement Manager to help connect artists, schools, community groups and individuals with local venues, galleries, businesses and organisations and to provide support to event organisers.
And what an event it was, with 85 local events plus 24 lantern-making workshops held in the lead up to the Festival. In total, it attracted nearly 20,000 people and more than 75 local businesses were involved, ensuring the impact was widespread.
Adam Bloem, Festival Founder and Committee Chair, said they were absolutely blown away by the response!
“It was much bigger and better than we ever expected for a first-year event. While COVID was still a big and stressful challenge, we were very lucky that the festival fell within a four week window of no lockdowns and Melbourne open to travel to regional Victoria!
“The community support and engagement was fantastic. Virtually every town across East Gippsland got involved and organised their own events or installations to be part of the program.
“I think the best thing was the free lantern making workshops. They were very popular and people loved them! They loved coming together and getting creative, making something with their hands and many people commented on the great sense of community that was felt at the workshops.
“The thing I am most proud of is the many comments that I have received from people saying the Winter Festival has helped the region to come together and heal after the devastating Black Summer bushfires,” Mr Bloem said.
Check out some of the amazing photos from the Festival.
The small regional town of Katanning, in the ‘heart’ of the Great Southern agricultural region, 287 kilometres south-east of Perth in WA, has a shire population of just 4,200 people. While the area is essentially known for agriculture, the town is a regional centre that offers a range of government, health and education services. The Katanning community also prides itself on its multicultural diversity.
This small community was impacted by a bushfire in February 2020, with rebuilding efforts hampered by lockdowns soon after. The community identified that it needed to find ways to engage their younger residents and keep them connected and supported.
The Katanning and Districts Pool Association Incorporated partnered with the Katanning Hub Community Resource Centre (CRC) and the Shire of Katanning to run a Youth program, inviting young people on a Friday night to come to their pool hall to socialise, learn new skills and share a meal. The program has been an overwhelming success with 35-40 young people attending each week.
The hall opened in the late 80s and did not include any kitchen facilities. Requests to use the hall from other community groups had been slowly increasing, as it is one of only a few indoor spaces available in Katanning. Providing catering facilities would make the venue a more suitable location to support these additional groups and their events. With the changing nature of the activities held at the hall, it was time for a refresh. To create a more usable space for community groups to meet, it was decided to add a kitchen area to better support the Youth program in preparing and serving these meals.
Other groups that use the hall were also supportive, including the local men’s group who expressed support for a kitchenette to make a cuppa and make their own events more welcoming for its members.
Thanks to a $10,000 Strengthening Rural Communities grant, funded by IKEA Australia, the Katanning and Districts Pool Association was able to revamp the ageing pool hall and add a meal preparation and serving area.
Local volunteers provided amazing support for the project, contributing more than 80 hours of labour to the renovations and 20 hours to fundraising each month, ensuring the project’s success.
Since finalising the renovation works, the association’s membership has increased, volunteers have been inspired to become more active and the use of the hall by other community groups has expanded. With the improved facilities making the hall more welcoming, friendly and a safe space for people of all ages, the Katanning community is feeling more connected with access to a space tailored to enjoy each other’s company.
The Katanning Police now drop by during the Youth program and challenge the young people to a game, further strengthening these important relationships. Badgebup Aboriginal cooperation is interested in partnering to deliver the Youth program into the future and the Katanning community are proud of what has been achieved, voicing it regularly in person and via social media.
The restoration of an historic jetty trolley has had unexpected benefits for men’s shed and community members on Kangaroo Island. The trolley was first used in the 1840s to transport basalt along the jetty onto waiting ships. The Kingscote Men’s Shed restoration project has seen the revival of rare trade skills using tools that were used 100 years ago to make the trolley, and the formation of new connections in the community.
The Men’s Shed received a $3,683 Strengthening Rural Communities grant, funded by the Waislitz Family Foundation, in partnership with Australian Community Media, to support recovery from the 2019/20 bushfires that devastated much of Kangaroo Island. This project is one of many FRRR supported across the island to strengthen community connection and support recovery activities.
Graeme Connell, Chair of the Kingscote Men’s Shed said, “The Kingscote Men’s Shed volunteers are very proud of their achievement to restore a 100-year-old jetty trolley and preserve the history of these trolleys that were used on jetties around Kangaroo Island. The older members of the Men’s Shed were able to share their knowledge about the skills and tools used in the old ways of construction of steel products with the younger members.”
The group used social media to stimulate interest and encourage new volunteers. New skills and friendships were formed between Men’s Shed members and community volunteers working together on this historic project, which included a local secondary student. Many passers-by were keen to see the restoration in progress, with a cup of tea at the ready for anyone interested in learning more or just having a chat.
The newly restored trolley sits proudly at the Pioneer Memorial Park as a monument both to past activities that forged the town, and as a marker of recovery. It has already become a favourite destination with local visitors and community members, particularly given its location overlooking the old wharf and beautiful coastline.
The Men’s Shed has well and truly achieved its goal of delivering a shared community project to create “meaningful interactions”. The sense of achievement and confidence from the project, and the camaraderie that has come from it has boosted mental health and wellbeing, which will have lasting impact on the group and wider community.
Nearly half of the funding to go towards COVID-19 recovery
Thanks to FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) program, 130 projects across remote, rural and regional Australia will share in $1,663,531 in grants.
These projects are all community-led initiatives that will have a direct benefit to the people living in the local area.
For the first time, the SRC grant recipients have been divided into three streams: the Small & Vital stream, 2019/20 Black Summer bushfire recovery and a new Rebuilding Regional Communities stream, which focuses on recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic in remote, rural and regional Australia.
Funding to support COVID-19 recovery
In this round, 50 of the projects receiving funding are helping to support their community’s ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the RRC stream, these projects will share in $834,892. This includes initiatives like the Texas Country Music Festival, which will receive funding that will help to bring community members together again and improve social connectedness after extended periods of isolation.
Black Summer grants
This round will also see 25 projects receive funding to support the ongoing recovery from the 2019/20 Black Summer bushfires. These projects will share $410,519, with organisations like Kingscote Men’s Shed using the grant for a project focused on empowering the men of the bushfire impacted region, as well as a coastal habitat rehabilitation.
Small & Vital stream
Through the Small & Vital stream, 55 initiatives will share $418,120 in grants. This stream funds projects that locals prioritise to take advantage of opportunities, address gaps in services or generally enhance the vitality of remote, rural and regional communities. For example, the Akurra Walking Trail will get bilingual signage, which will expand opportunities to learn about First Nation’s history, language and connection to the environment.
Jill Karena, Place Portfolio Lead at FRRR, said that this round of applications really highlighted the need for initiatives to tackle the negative impacts of the pandemic.
“This is the first SRC round where we’ve received applications for COVID recovery support through the RRC stream and there were some obvious trends. A large majority of the applications we received were related to mental health issues and social dislocation, which is a strong indicator of how remote, rural and regional Australia is faring in the wake of the pandemic and successive disaster events including fires, floods and drought. This is often exacerbated by the housing crisis and increased costs of living.
“We also clearly saw the impacts of COVID on the sustainability of these backbone organisations, with 30 percent of applications seeking support to ensure they can continue their day-to-day work, providing critical services and support, often to the most vulnerable members of the community.
“When it came to the Bushfire Recovery stream this round, a lot of the applications were focused on reducing the burden on volunteer, whereas in previous rounds we’ve seen more of a focus on infrastructure. This aligns with the findings of our Heartbeat of Rural Australia survey, which showed that volunteers in rural Australia are feeling more fatigued than ever. There was also a strong trend toward greater community connection, with projects to help bring the community together to share their experiences and support one another in their ongoing recovery.
“Meanwhile, in the Small & Vital stream, we continued to see a focus on projects that address food security, although many now also incorporate multiple community-building aspects, such as a community garden also acting as the base for training horticulture students, boosting vocational skills and employment readiness.
“The fact that we’re seeing such distinct and varied trends in each stream of the SRC program really speaks to how important it is that rural communities have access to more flexible funding that can be used as local groups see fit,” Ms Karena said.
Some more of the 130 projects funded include:
- ShoreTrack Ltd – Nambucca Heads, NSW – ShoreTrack Recovery – Improve employability and civic participation levels of disengaged youth through work experience with the SES and RFS, including gaining essential qualifications. $25,000 (Bushfire Recovery)
- Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association Alice Springs Branch – Alice Springs, NT – First Aid Training for Home Tutors – Upskill home tutors and station workers in remote communities with first aid training. $5,000 (Small & Vital)
- Steaming on the Downs Inc. – Oakey, QLD – Community Skills Workshop / Mechanical Skills Demonstrations – Gazebos and Banners – Expand organisational capacity by purchasing a trailer and three teardrop banners, enabling wider social engagement and broader mechanical skill development. $4,110 (Small & Vital)
- Copley & Districts Progress Association Inc – Copley, SA – Copley Bicycle Repairs Program – Boost physical health and community engagement, and foster new skills in young people through the delivery of a bicycle repair program in a very remote region. $7,886 (Small & Vital)
- Squid Theatre Incorporated – Wynyard, TAS – Saturday Radio Theatre 2023 Season – Sustain the creative activities of a community theatre company by supporting a weekly radio drama, providing a vital point of connection for isolated community members. $2,842 (Rebuilding Regional Communities)
- Culgoa Development Group Inc – Culgoa, VIC – “Reconnecting Culgoa” – Reduce social isolation and foster a more resilient Culgoa through establishing a landscaped outdoor space for community gatherings and events. $50,000 (Rebuilding Regional Communities)
- The Nintirri Centre Incorporated – Tom Price, WA – Midwife Services – Sustain antenatal and postnatal care and support for very isolated remote communities in the Pilbara. $10,000 (Rebuilding Regional Communities)
A full list of grant recipients can be found below.
The SRC program is collaboratively supported by many generous donors, which are acknowledged on FRRR’s website.
This program always accepts applications. Local NFPs and community groups are encouraged to review the expanded program guidelines and apply. More information about the SRC program is available at www.frrr.org.au/src.
To support grants like this through FRRR, make a tax-deductible donation at frrr.org.au/giving/.
Organisation | Project | Location | Grant | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NEW SOUTH WALES | ||||||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Large | ||||||
Happy Boxes Project Ltd | Nyami Gawbarri (Women Gathering) Enhance the process of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic for Gumbaynnggirr women by supporting the expansion of services aimed at reconnection to culture at the Nyami Gawbarri community hub. | Toormina | $50,000 | |||
Human Nature Adventure Therapy Ltd | Wellbeing Sessions with a Therapeutic Mentor Reduce isolation and foster resilience through supporting therapeutic mentor sessions for Northern Rivers youth to enhance their recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. | Ballina | $21,000 | |||
Regional Community Care Ltd | Strengthening Regional SA and NSW Communities through Suicide Prevention Training and Support Sustain the work of Lifeline Broken Hill by supporting them to run suicide prevention training sessions across seven locations in Far West NSW and SA, providing the community with a suicide prevention safety net. | Broken Hill | $49,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Micro | ||||||
The Scout Association of Australia NSW Branch | Community Cuppa and Chat - Reinvigorating and Reconnecting our Community Reduce social isolation and build community resilience in Ulladulla by providing equipment and supplies for the local Scouts Association to host a weekly community morning tea. | Ulladulla | $2,550 | |||
Clarence Valley Conservatorium Inc | Forget Me Nots - A Community Singing Group Reduce social isolation and assist older residents of Grafton living with memory impairment and loneliness to recover through participation in the Forget Me Nots singing group. | Grafton | $6,000 | |||
Coomealla Health Aboriginal Corporation | Purchasing of Infrastructure Sustain the work of the Coomealla Health Aboriginal Corporation through the purchase of a handheld ultrasound device to reduce travel times for patients and help assess illnesses, including COVID-19, in the remote community of Dareton. | Dareton | $7,140 | |||
Country Womens Association of NSW | Spring Lunch Entertainment Reduce social isolation in Weemelah by supporting the return of the annual spring lunch through provision of hall hire, food, and entertainment by the Moree Ukulele Band. | Weemelah | $1,500 | |||
Hay Mardi Gras | Rainbow on the Plains Next Step, Step it Up Reduce social isolation for the LBGTQIA+ community and build resilience both locally and nationally for this vulnerable cohort through support for Rainbow on the Plains. | Hay | $10,000 | |||
Kendall Community Boatshed | Installation Of Vermin Proof Ceilings In Four Rooms Of Kendall Community Boatshed Enhance the recovery of the Kendall community by providing a safe and hygienic community space through repairs to the ceiling of the Kendall Boatshed. | Kendall | $8,050 | |||
Kentucky Memorial Hall and Literary Institute Inc | Purchase of Projector and Associated Equipment Reduce social isolation and foster social connectedness in Kentucky through the purchase of a projector and film licensing fees to facilitate a series of community movie nights. | Kentucky | $10,000 | |||
The Big Scrub Orchestra | Building Resilience for Young People in Regional NSW Impacted by the Black Summer Bushfires, Covid-19, and 2022 Floods through Modern Band Program Reduce social isolation and foster stronger, more resilient youth in northern NSW through participation in the Big Scrub Orchestra's modern band program. | Coraki | $10,000 | |||
2019/2020 Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Ashby Rural Fire Brigade | Replacement of Roller Doors For Ashby RFS Rejuvenate Ashby Rural Fire Brigade’s shed by replacing roller doors, which will enhance functionality and efficiency for volunteers in responding to bushfires and emergencies. | Ashby | $4,650 | |||
Association of Bell Clarence Dargan Inc | ABCD Inc Community Coordinator Ensure the continued delivery of community bushfire recovery activities for the communities of Bell, Clarence, and Dargan by employing a local 'start-up' Community Coordinator. | Clarence | $25,000 | |||
Bega Local Aboriginal Land Council | Bega Aboriginal Community Connections Project Support social connection for isolated Aboriginal elders, while also ensuring they are informed and supported in the case of future disasters, by supporting fortnightly lunches and activity sessions. | Bega | $22,627 | |||
Big Hart Inc | From the Ground Improving health and social wellbeing of bushfire impacted youth through creative arts and digital storytelling workshops and showcase events. | Nowra | $20,000 | |||
Braidwood Life Centre | Creative Spaces for Trust and Healing in Community Foster community health and wellbeing through a part time counselling service to support bushfire recovery. | Braidwood | $17,000 | |||
Community Defib Project | Community Defib Project - Lowanna Ulong Community Strengthen resources in bushfire impacted communities with lifesaving equipment, by purchasing three Automatic External Defibrillators to enhance preparedness in townships of Lowanna, Ulong & Brooklana. | Lowanna | $10,000 | |||
Goulburn Agricultural Pastoral & Horticultural Society Inc | Retaining Water for Future Use on the Showground Support bushfire preparedness at the Goulburn Showgrounds through installing rainwater tank. | Goulburn | $25,000 | |||
Gwymac Inc | Providing Support to Communities to Increase Wildlife Habitat Back into Bushfire Affected Landscapes Promote community bushfire awareness and preparedness and encourage the return of wildlife into bushfire-affected habitat by presenting educational nesting box construction workshops facilitated by a conservation expert. | Nullamanna | $25,000 | |||
Killabakh Public Hall Land Manager | Improve Killabakh Hall's Protection Against Fire through Better Water Catchment and Retention Increase capacity of the Killabakh Hall for bushfire preparedness and resources for water catchment by installing gutters, leaf guards, downpipes and works to connect rainfall to existing tanks. | Killabakh | $7,608 | |||
Rally for Recovery | Lightening the Load Support volunteer safety and build organisational capacity and efficiency through the purchase of pallet jacks and pallets to assist the removal and storage of heavy furniture items donated to people in need after the Black Summer bushfires. | Tomakin | $7,664 | |||
ShoreTrack Ltd | ShoreTrack Recovery Improve employability and civic participation levels of disengaged youth through work experience with the SES and RFS, including gaining essential qualifications. | Nambucca Heads | $25,000 | |||
Welfare Rights Centre Ltd | Social Security Training Program in the Northern Rivers Region, NSW Empower community organisations to support vulnerable residents in the Northern Rivers region, providing targeted communications and training workshops on navigating the social security system. | Lismore | $25,000 | |||
Woodenbong Progress Association | Woodenbong Community Resilience Strengthen community resources and bushfire preparedness for Woodenbong Hall as an evacuation place. Purchase of operational equipment including radios, laptop, lighting, medical supplies, toiletries, a shipping container for storage, communication tools, internal fittings, household items and supplies. | Woodenbong | $24,634 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Dundaloo Foundation Ltd | Dundaloo Enterprises – Community Awareness, Accessibility and Branding Create employment opportunities for people with disabilities by creating a website for microbusiness e-sales and providing work safety clothing for job readiness. | Taree | $10,000 | |||
Dunoon Pre-school Inc | Enhance the Structure of Our Roof Create a structurally safe and sound environment for children to play and learn by repairing the damaged roof at Dunoon Pre-School. | Dunoon | $10,000 | |||
Hargraves & District Progress Association Inc | Purchase of Digital Printer and Laminator Build connections and keep the community informed of local issues and events by purchasing a printer and laminator for the production of the 'Nugget News' local newsletter. | Hargraves | $891 | |||
Indigenous Futures Foundation Ltd | First Nation Food Security Project Reduce food insecurity by supporting a flood-impacted community with a purpose-built shipping container to store frozen meals for distribution. | Lismore | $10,000 | |||
Neville Equine Performance Inc | Multi-Purpose Horse Arena with Holding Yards Providing a Safe Environment for a Wide Range of Equine Events Build connections and provide protection from the elements for community events by purchasing a marquee. | Neville | $1,500 | |||
Northern Rivers Women and Children's Services Inc | Heartfelt House: Healing Pathways Program Support the community with recovery from flood and previous childhood trauma with therapeutic 10-week workshop to build awareness, healing and recovery skills. | Lismore | $8,520 | |||
Peanuts Wellbeing Sanctuary Inc | Strengthening Volunteer Base Support volunteer wellbeing and grow new ways for the volunteers to engage meaningfully with young people at the Peanuts Wellbeing Sanctuary. | Windellama | $5,318 | |||
Rankin's Springs and District War Memorial Hall | Bollards for Hall Safety Improve safety for preschool children, staff and hall visitors by installing removable bollards around the Rankins Springs Hall. | Rankins Springs | $3,000 | |||
RiverTracks | Post Flood Weekend Youth Engagement and Outdoor Adventure Therapy Engaging at-risk youth with an accessible outdoor adventure therapy experience, encouraging personal and professional growth. | Murwillumbah | $10,000 | |||
The Brunswick Heads Breakfast Club Inc | Brekkie Expansion Project Provide those in need access to nutritious, ready-to-eat food by expanding capacity and broadening local knowledge of available services. | Brunswick Heads | $10,000 | |||
The Showground Workshop Inc | Taree Showground Men's Shed Renewal Reduce social isolation and improve health and well-being by replacing workshop equipment damaged in the floods at the Taree Men's Shed. | Taree | $4,000 | |||
Volunteer Marine Rescue NSW | Jason's Cradle Improve emergency response first aid capability and strengthen community health and safety outcomes by purchasing a Jason's Cradle device to aid in the recovery of man-overboard victims. | Huskisson | $4,328 | |||
Walcha and District Historical Society Inc | Lawn mower purchase Reduce volunteer fatigue and enhance accessibility to the Walcha Museum by purchasing a ride-on lawn mower. | Walcha | $6,100 | |||
NORTHERN TERRITORY | ||||||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Large | ||||||
Tracks Inc | Wuyal - Sugarbag Man Reduce social isolation and build resilience amongst older First Nations community members by supporting participation in dance workshops connecting participants with culture and each other. | Batchelor | $50,000 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Director of National Parks The Trustee for National Parks Conservation Trust | Anangu Caring for Tjakura on Country Augment Indigenous knowledge and support participation in a research program to save the Great Desert Skink from extinction. | Mutitjulu | $10,000 | |||
Gapuwiyak School Council Inc | Cairns Work Exposure for Graduating Students Foster lifelong learning in a remote NT First Nations community through an excursion to Cairns to connect with tertiary education and employment opportunities. | Gapuwiyak | $10,000 | |||
Guts Dance Central Australia Inc | Brave Bodies Encourage youth engagement and participation in the creative arts with 'Brave Bodies' Dance Program for remote youth. | Alice Springs | $9,920 | |||
Isolated Children's Parents' Association Alice Springs Branch | First Aid Training for Home Tutors Upskill home tutors and station workers in remote communities with first aid training. | Alice Springs | $5,000 | |||
Pertame Language Revival Project Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education | "Pertame Relha Tningka Purta-irrema Kaltya-irretyeka": Strengthening and Connecting the Pertame Community Through Language and Culture Strengthen culture, revive the Pertame Language and bring community together on-country through camps and using digital technology. | Pwerte Marnte Marnte | $25,000 | |||
QUEENSLAND | ||||||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Large | ||||||
Talwood Race Club Inc | Renovations to Revitalise the Talwood Community Support the social and economic recovery of the Talwood community by upgrading facilities at the Talwood Race Club to enable a long-standing community event and broader community use. | Talwood | $50,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Micro | ||||||
Bribie Island Gem & Fossicking Club Inc | Purchase of Equipment and Supplies for Training Up Members to be Next Generation Tutors Sustain the Bribie Island Gem and Fossicking Club and their ability to recruit and retain volunteer tutors by upgrading essential equipment. | Bribie Island | $8,615 | |||
Burrum District Community Mens Shed Inc | Upgrade Outdoor Work and Assembly Areas Reduce social isolation and enhance community resilience by undertaking concreting works to improve the usability of the outdoor spaces at the Men's Shed. | Howard | $5,000 | |||
Clifton Dabblers Inc | Art and Craft Expo in the Park 2022 Reduce social isolation and foster community-led recovery by raising awareness of, and supplying materials and infrastructure for, the Clifton Arts and Crafts Expo in the Park 2022. | Clifton | $6,606 | |||
Nanango Tourism & Development Association Inc | Nanango's 175th Anniversary Celebrations 2023 Reduce social isolation and build community resilience by supporting an historical re-enactment at the Australia Day Spectacular as part of the Nanango 175th Anniversary celebrations. | Nanango | $10,000 | |||
Texas QLD Inc | Texas Country Music Festival Improve social connectedness and build resilience in Texas by supporting the hosting of the 2022 Texas Country Music Festival. | Texas | $10,000 | |||
2019/2020 Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Beaudesert Quilters Group Inc | Quilters Crafting 4 Community Build organisational capacity with purchase of laptop to further support the operation of local art and craft group and hosting of activities that support social connection in bushfire impacted regions. | Beaudesert | $1,750 | |||
Condamine Headwaters Landcare Group Inc | Learning to Love the Bush - Building a Junior Landcare Movement Increase engagement in environmental awareness and land care practices for children and young people in bushfire impacted regions through field trip learning experiences. | Warwick | $9,960 | |||
Zonta Club of Stanthorpe Inc | Zonta Club Of Stanthorpe Remarkable Women Foster a sense of identity and celebrate community connection by memorialising remarkable women of Stanthorpe in a garden, enhancing tourism and educational opportunities in local bushfire recovery. | Stanthorpe | $2,400 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Bamaga Productions Pty Ltd Inala Wangarra Inc | Bamaga Heritage Project Ensure the unique cultural history of Bamaga, and its founding by Torres Strait Islanders, is not lost through the recording of oral histories and restoration of the Bamaga Cemetery. | Bamaga | $10,000 | |||
Booringa Heritage Group Inc | Preserve Historical Machinery Strengthen tourism and engagement with local history by reinstating a steam tractor back to its original condition and creating a covered area to showcase it at the Mitchell museum. | Mitchell | $7,981 | |||
Goobidi-Bamanga Community Advancement Cooperative Society Ltd | Cooling Our Kids & Community Maximise capacity of the organisation to deliver programs for children and elders through the installation of two air-conditioners in the Goobidi Community Centre, enabling use of the space all year round. | Mossman | $8,730 | |||
Gympie South Primary P&C Association | Hall Upgrades Enable educational and engaging activities of the community groups that use the Gympie South Primary School through upgrading the hall PA system. | Gympie | $7,404 | |||
Kalyan Youth Services Inc | Yarning Circle Support relationship building and provide a safe space for homeless youth by installing a Yarning Circle at Kalyan House. | Mackay | $9,902 | |||
Kilkivan State School (Cattle Team) Kilkivan Primary P&C Association | Cattle Show Team - Kilkivan State School Develop the educational offerings and pre-vocational connections of the Kilkivan School Cattle Team by purchasing the necessary equipment to care for and handle show cattle safely. | Kilkivan | $6,380 | |||
Leading in the Central West Inc | Growing Our Region Provide leadership training in remote locations, that will upskill volunteers and community members to increase confidence, capabilities and networks of people in Central Western Queensland. | Barcaldine | $5,830 | |||
QCWA Branch Abergowrie & Long Pocket | Storage Solutions Strengthen organisational resilience and capacity by purchasing a 20-foot shipping container to store and keep furniture safe from theft, vermin or extreme wet weather and free up space in the QCWA hall. | Longpocket | $7,150 | |||
Returned & Services League of Australia (Queensland Branch) Mundubbera Sub-Branch Inc | Help us to Help our Veterans Reduce volunteer fatigue and enhance accessibility of a local community facility through acquisition of reliable gardening equipment for grounds maintenance. | Mundubbera | $3,962 | |||
Steaming on the Downs Inc | Community Skills Workshop / Mechanical Skills Demonstrations - Gazebo's and Banners Expand organisational capacity by purchasing a trailer and three teardrop banners, enabling wider social engagement and broader mechanical skill development. | Oakey | $4,110 | |||
Tara & District Family Support Committee Inc | Enclosing a Community Space for Year-Round Use Improve useability of the outdoor deck at the Tara Neighbourhood Centre through the installation of outdoor blinds and strip lighting, increasing comfort for community groups all year round. | Tara | $8,498 | |||
Texas Golf Club Inc | Disabled Access Doors Increase inclusivity of community events for those with mobility issues through the installation of large accessible doors to the Texas Golf Club. | Texas | $7,000 | |||
The Creche and Kindergarten Association Ltd | Interactive Learning at C&K Longreach Support improved educational outcomes for local children through the purchase of an interactive whiteboard. | Longreach | $4,300 | |||
Yelarbon Primary P&C Association | Safer and Prepared Community Improve emergency response first aid capability and strengthen community health and safety outcomes via purchasing and installing an Auto External Defibrillator at the Yelarbon Recreation Grounds. | Yelarbon | $2,500 | |||
Laura District Rodeo & Camp Draft Assoc Inc | Laura Race Club Reserve Water Supply Project Encourage people to come together to improve relationships and strengthen the local economy through the installation of a bore and a water reticulation system at a local Reserve. | Laura | $25,000 | |||
SOUTH AUSTRALIA | ||||||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Large | ||||||
Murray Bridge Community Centre Inc | Workshops to Wellbeing Reduce social isolation and foster a more resilient community through running workshops to re-engage a community impacted by COVID-19. | Murray Bridge | $50,000 | |||
2019/2020 Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Kingscote Mens Shed Inc | Improving Social Wellbeing and Coastal Habitat Post-Bushfires; Meaningful Activity to Enhance Connection for Men on Kangaroo Island Empower the men of a bushfire impacted region to engage in social activities whilst supporting a coastal habitat rehabilitation project. | Kingscote | $15,056 | |||
Lobethal Recreation Ground Sports Club Inc | Fitout of Community Kitchen Strengthen community resources that enable bushfire preparedness by installing a community kitchen in a newly constructed building at Lobethal Oval. | Lobethal | $9,536 | |||
Parndana Bowling Club Inc | The Disability Accessibility Project Increase community access for all abilities and enhance bushfire recovery opportunities by improving disability access at a community gathering space. | Parndana | $19,780 | |||
Parndana Community Children's Centre Inc | Parndana Community Children's Centre Business Establishment Foster organisational capacity by engaging a consultant to undertake operational and strategic planning to boost community economic recovery post bushfires in Parndana and surrounds. | Parndana | $25,000 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Copley & Districts Progress Association Inc | Copley Bicycle Repairs Program Boost physical health and community engagement, and foster new skills in young people through the delivery of a bicycle repair program in a very remote region. | Copley | $7,886 | |||
Foodbank of South Australia Inc | Annexing Resilience in the Riverland Boost the capacity of Foodbank SA Riverland to meet demand for food assistance, through the installation of a covered annexe at the distribution warehouse. | Berri | $10,000 | |||
Leigh Creek Community Progress Association Inc | Akurra Walking Trail Bilingual Signage Expand opportunities to learn about First Nation’s history, language and connection to the environment, through the installation of signage interpreting Adnyamathanha cultural heritage. | Leigh Creek | $10,000 | |||
Mannum Agricultural Society Inc | Mannum Show Infrastructure and Environment Improvements Project Broaden community engagement and support organisational capacity through the refurbishment of a gathering space and installation of a shade sail at the Mannum Showground. | Mannum | $6,170 | |||
TASMANIA | ||||||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Large | ||||||
West Coast Connect Inc | Queenstown Community Nursery Enhance the process of community-led recovery in Queenstown by supporting establishment of a new community nursery and garden. | Queenstown | $41,612 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Micro | ||||||
Squid Theatre Inc | Saturday Radio Theatre 2023 Season Sustain the creative activities of a community theatre company through supporting a weekly radio drama, providing a vital point of connection for isolated community members. | Wynyard | $2,842 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Forth Primary School Department of Education Tasmania | Sprouting Life Long Healthy Habits @ Forth Primary School Enhance student health and wellbeing outcomes and develop connections between community and local industry through establishing a school garden. | Forth | $9,100 | |||
VICTORIA | ||||||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Large | ||||||
Cire Services Inc | Building Resilient Children in the Yarra Ranges Reduce social isolation and foster resilience in the Yarra Ranges youth by supporting mental health and wellbeing programs for school aged children. | Yarra Junction | $43,388 | |||
Culgoa Development Group Inc | Reconnecting Culgoa Reduce social isolation and foster a more resilient Culgoa through establishing a landscaped outdoor space for community gatherings and events. | Culgoa | $50,000 | |||
Into Our Hands Community Foundation Ltd | Activate VRC: Re-activating Volunteer Engagement, Resilience and Capacity in North East Victoria Sustain community organisations and volunteer capacity in northeast Victoria through dedicated support to strengthen governance, planning, volunteer recruitment and grant seeking activities. | Myrtleford | $45,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Micro | ||||||
Foggy Mountain Inc | Foggy Mountain Primary School Song Writing & Performance Project Reduce social isolation for school children and support recovery from the pandemic through participation in song writing workshops and a community concert. | Kinglake | $6,340 | |||
Mission Australia | Volunteer Mentors: Driving Good Mental Health for Disadvantaged Young People Sustain volunteer capacity by providing mentors with training and support to respond to increased anxiety and distress in young people. | Bairnsdale | $9,950 | |||
Tatura Blue Light Inc | Re-starting Tatura Blue Light Disco Reduce social isolation and build a stronger, more inclusive community by providing activities for youth to connect. | Tatura | $3,000 | |||
Apollo Bay Chamber of Commerce Inc | Purchase of Event Infrastructure for Apollo Bay Community Events and Activities Enhance recovery by encouraging people to come together and celebrate community spirit through a foreshore events hub. | Apollo Bay | $10,000 | |||
Boolarra Folk Festival Committee | 2023 Boolarra Folk Festival Enhance the process of recovery from the pandemic for Boolarra by supporting the return of the Boolarra Folk Festival. | Boolarra | $10,000 | |||
Camperdown Theatre Company Inc | Purchase of Uniforms and Technical Equipment Facilitating a workshop to improve members' technical knowledge. Foster creative arts recovery and volunteer capacity through purchasing new equipment and volunteer uniforms. | Camperdown | $7,133 | |||
Chiltern Racecourse Committee | Chiltern Horse Festival - Celebrating 150 Years Of The Chiltern Equine Park Encourage people to come together and enhance economic recovery of a small community impacted by the pandemic by hiring equipment to stage a three-day horse festival. | Chiltern | $10,000 | |||
Clunes Neighbourhood House Inc | Rebuilding Capacity through Volunteering Reinvigorating local volunteering to support the process of recovery in Clunes through an online volunteer skills bank and community events. | Clunes | $8,326 | |||
Creswick Neighbourhood Centre Inc | Building Capacity and Strengthening Community Engagement in Events in Creswick and Clunes Enhance volunteer sustainability and skills development through an event management training program. | Creswick | $10,000 | |||
Inglewood & Districts Health Service | Enhancing the IDHS Residential Aged Care Outdoor Environment Enhance social engagement and connection with nature by upgrading an outdoor area to provide a more inviting space for the elderly residents and their visitors. | Inglewood | $10,000 | |||
Murtoa Progress Association Inc | Murtoa By Twilight - Moving Forward Together Reduce social isolation and promote community resilience by providing a local event that encourages people to come together post pandemic. | Murtoa | $6,450 | |||
Progressing Cobden Inc | Cobden Connection and Kindness Activation Series Reduce social isolation by supporting the community to reconnect through the Cobden Connection and Kindness Activation Series. | Cobden | $10,000 | |||
SisterWorks Inc | Capacity Building for CALD Women in Wodonga and Surrounds Reduce isolation for culturally & linguistically diverse (CALD) women in a regional centre and support development of new skills, through the delivery of a localised training program. | Wodonga | $10,000 | |||
Talbot Action Inc | Talbot Market Square Renewal Project Enhance the process of recovery by enhancing places for community connection and tourism through revitalising an outdoor public gathering space. | Talbot | $9,822 | |||
The Latrobe Chorale Inc | Trying Not to Lose our Voice: Keep the Latrobe Chorale Singing Foster social connection and connection to the arts by delivering facilitated choir workshops and community concerts. | Morwell | $10,000 | |||
Woodside Public Hall Committee of Management Inc | Replacement Fridges Enhance the process of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic by encouraging increased use of a public hall through kitchen upgrades. | Woodside | $3,998 | |||
Youth Art @The Colac Makers Space -ReGenZ Creative Otways Inc | Outside the SQUARE- ReGenZ Strengthen youth recovery from pandemic impacts by running a creative arts and mentoring program for vulnerable youth. | Colac | $10,000 | |||
2019/2020 Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Bairnsdale Neighbourhood House Inc | Bairnsdale Neighbourhood House Bushfire Recovery and Preparation - Strategic Review and Capacity Building Project Expand organisational capacity of the Bairnsdale Neighbourhood House to support bushfire recovery in East Gippsland by developing a strategic plan. | Bairnsdale | $20,000 | |||
Ecoportal, C/- Parklands Albury Wodonga Parklands Albury Wodonga Ltd | Ecoportal Website Rebuild Increasing capacity and capability of local community organisations to support preparedness and recovery through upgrading a web platform to promote environmental grassroots activities across bushfire impacted regions. | Wodonga | $10,000 | |||
Ensay Recreation Reserve | Rejuvenating the Ensay Recreation Reserve / Bushfire Relief Centre Increase capacity of volunteers to support bushfire preparedness through purchase of a ride on mower and storage shed. | Ensay | $22,854 | |||
Kiewa Catchment Landcare Groups Inc | A Strategic Planning Journey to Build Resilience and Capacity of the Kiewa Valley Landcare Community Empower collaborative partnerships and environmental initiatives in bushfire impacted communities through employing a facilitator to develop a strategic plan. | Mount Beauty | $10,000 | |||
Mallacoota & Genoa Broadcasting Association Inc | Radio for Recovery - Community Capability and Connectivity in Far East Gippsland Grow community broadcasting in Mallacoota and surrounds by purchasing audio technical equipment for mobile broadcasting unit. | Mallacoota | $25,000 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Barham-Koondrook Historical Society Inc | Turning the Pages of History Boost volunteer engagement and connection to local history through safeguarding a significant newspaper collection. | Koondrook | $9,700 | |||
Cobrico Public Hall Reserve | Upgrades to Cobrico Hall Improve opportunities for community connection by providing a comfortable environment with upgraded plumbing and amenities at the Cobrico Community Hall. | Cobrico | $5,520 | |||
Dingee Pre-School Inc | Art Magic to the Paddock Provide an opportunity for young children to share and identify with local culture through the creation of a mural illustrating the district's history. | Dingee | $2,400 | |||
Macedon Community House Inc | Macedon & Mount Macedon Community House Early Years Program - Start Up Procurement Project (2022-2023) Improve social wellbeing and development outcomes for young children by providing a local early years program. | Macedon | $9,100 | |||
Mooroopna Mens Shed Mooroopna Education and Activity Centre Inc | Solar System Enhance social and wellbeing activities, and improve environmental practices by installing a solar PV system at a men's shed. | Mooroopna | $6,000 | |||
Nhill Silo Heritage Project | Water Pumps to Protect Underground Assets Encourage tourism to an iconic regional town and preserve an historical community asset, through the installation of a water pump system at the Nhill Silo complex. | Nhill | $2,363 | |||
Pyalong Neighbourhood House Inc | Airconditioning and Heating for Op Shop Module Support vulnerable community members to live well in a place and encourage volunteer engagement through the purchase and installation of a climate control system. | Pyalong | $1,650 | |||
Stratford & District Historical Society Inc | Purchase of Ride-on Mower and Multi Tool for use at Museum Grounds Improve capacity of older volunteers to maintain historic gardens and outdoor exhibits through the purchase of a ride on mower. | Stratford | $4,950 | |||
Talbot Arts and Historical Museum Inc | Preserving our Past for the Future: Repainting the Former Amherst Hospital Isolation Ward Celebrate local culture, boost tourism and community engagement in Talbot by preserving an important heritage building. | Talbot | $6,776 | |||
Tatyoon Recreation Reserve Inc | Regenerating Old Grounds Strengthen community capacity to protect the environment and increase preparedness for fire events through rejuvenating a disused area at a recreation reserve. | Tatyoon | $8,000 | |||
The Koondrook Swimming Pool Inc | Sustainable Water Quality Improvement Foster health and safety and develop organisational capacity through upgrading the water treatment system at a community-run pool. | Koondrook | $7,490 | |||
Toongabbie and District Mens Shed Inc | Mobile Reception Booster Tower for Toongabbie Men's Shed Provide a safe environment and support social interaction for older people participating in Men's Shed activities, by installing a booster tower to improve mobile phone reception. | Toongabbie | $2,193 | |||
WESTERN AUSTRALIA | ||||||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Large | ||||||
Broome Community Information Resource Centre and Learning Exchange Incorporated City Information Resource Centre and Learning Exchange Incorporated | Broome CIRCLE Community Nursery and Universally Accessible Garden Boost community-led recovery and connection by supporting the establishment of a new all-abilities community garden in Broome. | Broome | $45,455 | |||
Glass Jar Australia Ltd | Art with the Stars – Spanning Western Australia from Kununurra and Tom Price to Narrogin Reduce social isolation and build resilience for Aboriginal girls in remote northern WA by supporting the Art with the Stars program. | Kununurra | $50,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Micro | ||||||
Merredin Community Resource Centre Inc | Spreading the Words, Sounds and Music at Community Events Reduce social isolation by encouraging people to come together and celebrate at community events by upgrading PA equipment to improve audio quality. | Merredin | $2,263 | |||
Nungarin Heritage Machinery & Army Museum Inc | The Barracks Sustain the work of the Nungarin Museum by supporting their 'Visiting Volunteers' program through renovations to the rustic accommodation for travelling volunteers. | Nungarin | $4,198 | |||
Quairading Community Resource Centre Inc | Kwirrading Noongar Tracks: Adding Casts of Local Fauna Footprints to the Pathways of Kwirrading Koort Community Park Foster a more resilient community with acknowledgment of traditional owners' knowledge and culture through incorporating local Noongar Indigenous animal icons into park pathway. | Quairading | $10,000 | |||
Shire of Christmas Island | Christmas Island Senior Programs & Activities Reduce social isolation for the elderly and offer a variety of weekly activities to improve mental cognition and physical health and wellbeing. | Christmas Island | $8,979 | |||
Shire of Tammin | Community BBQ Reduce social isolation by encouraging community gatherings and support social inclusion with disability ramp leading to electric BBQ area. | Tammin | $8,675 | |||
The Nintirri Centre Inc | Midwife Services Sustain antenatal and postnatal care and support for very isolated remote communities in the Pilbara. | Tom Price | $10,000 | |||
WA Bush Poets and Yarnspinners Ass Inc | Toodyay Bush Poetry Festival Enhance regional recovery through an infusion of arts and culture at the Toodyay Bush Poetry Festival. | Toodyay | $2,000 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Denmark Community Resource Centre Inc | Emergency Relief Service 2022/23 Reduce food insecurity and financial stress with provision of emergency food supplies for people experiencing crisis. | Denmark | $10,000 | |||
Kalannie Community Resource Centre Inc | Kalannie CRC Coffee Cart Entice tourists to stop in town and increase opportunities for locals to gain employability skills with purchase of mobile coffee cart to service community events. | Kalannie | $7,594 | |||
Otitis Media Group (Inc) | Listen, Learn, Live Provide local access and improve public health outcomes via education and treatment of middle ear disease in remote communities. | South Hedland | $10,000 | |||
Telethon Speech & Hearing Ltd | Healthy Ears Project Improve health outcomes and build capacity for early diagnosis and treatment of hearing problems in remote disadvantaged communities. | Karratha | $8,904 | |||
Yuna CWA The Country Womens Association of Western Australia (Inc) | Upgrade 1957 Kitchen Improve functionality of volunteers' working space with renovations to 70 year old kitchen. | Yuna | $10,000 |
Final round of Black Saturday funding for community-led initiatives
The final round of the Grants for Resilience & Wellness (GR&W) Kinglake Ranges program opens Tuesday 5 July, with FRRR inviting applications from local not-for-profit groups. The program is designed to assist communities to rebuild, reconnect and recover from the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires.
Thanks to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund, funding is available to not-for-profit groups in Kinglake, Kinglake Central, Kinglake West, Pheasant Creek, Toolangi and Flowerdale. In total, there is approximately $570,000 available, with no minimum or maximum amount per grant. However, applications for more than $30,000 should be discussed with FRRR before being lodged.
Applications must be for new projects that directly assist those individuals and communities that were affected by the 2009 fires and must identify a specific hardship or distress caused by the bushfires, which the activity intends to relieve.
Nina O’Brien, FRRR’s Disaster Resilience and Recovery Lead, encouraged local communities in the Kinglake Ranges to apply now to fund their community-strengthening and resilience-building projects.
“We know that the fires had an immense impact across the Kinglake Ranges, and despite it now being more than 13 years ago, recovering communities still need support to reconnect, share experiences, enhance wellbeing and resilience and build capacity for the future.
“The community consultations during May and June were a great opportunity to hear directly from communities about how these grants can best support Kinglake’s ongoing recovery and we look forward to reading about the projects the community has prioritised,” Ms O’Brien said.
FRRR staff in Kinglake Ranges to chat about applications
FRRR team members Karly Smith-Whelan and Brooke Williams will be in the Kinglake Ranges area on Tuesday 5th (Kinglake) and Wednesday 6th July (Toolangi and Flowerdale) to chat to community groups about their project ideas. To book an appointment, email recovery@frrr.org.au or call 1800 170 020.
As a reminder, the GR&W Kinglake program has a focus on supporting projects that benefit the wider community, and applications should demonstrate community support and the involvement of a range of community groups or representatives.
Applications close Wednesday 16 August 2022, at 5pm AEST, with successful applicants announced in December 2022. For more information and the guidelines, visit https://frrr.org.au/grants-for-resilience-wellness-kinglake/ .
To date, through GR&W Kinglake, FRRR has awarded over $1.1M for 35 projects to local groups in the Kinglake Ranges. Any community impacted by 2009 bushfires and not located in Kinglake Ranges region can apply for support through FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities program.
A much-loved playgroup is going from strength to strength in the Flowerdale community in Victoria, following the engagement of a qualified facilitator to assist parents to develop their skills and confidence to support their child’s wellbeing and development. More than 20 families now participate in the facilitated weekly program, after the Flowerdale Community House received $26,000 from FRRR via the Grants for Resilience & Wellness (GR&W) Kinglake Ranges program in 2020 to engage a qualified Early Childhood Educator to plan and deliver the program. Previously, families who wished to access these services would have had to travel more than 30 km to either Kinglake or Yea.
While there were a few hiccups due to COVID lockdowns, the program has bounced back and is once again supporting children and families across the Kinglake Ranges. Led by experienced educator Jill, the program provides opportunities for parents to learn about local services, to meet with other parents for support and friendship and to build social support networks in the communities in which they live. It also provides the space for the participants, both children and adults, to forge new friendships and have fun.
“We know that relationships and community connectedness is at the heart of our community’s ongoing recovery. Playgroup plays a vital role in all communities to bring parents together, to share experiences and break down isolation; this is even more important here [in Flowerdale] as our town stretches a long distance, so meeting in the street is not a likely option as people need to travel by car to get to locations,” said Flowerdale Community House coordinator Rebekah Grant.
“The children and parents respond very well to Jill’s calm and gentle nature, and the way she is delivering advise to sooth and encourage the children is very well received.”
The Community House is an ideal location for the supported playgroup to operate from, as they are able to sustain this group long term. Now with a facilitator on board, they can provide more support to all families, as well as vulnerable and socially isolated families, to engage with others and the service.
12 Volunteer Emergency Services organisations awarded more than $190,000 in grants
Twelve volunteer emergency services organisations supporting remote, rural and regional communities impacted by the 2019/20 bushfires have been awarded $191,628 in grants for projects that will assist in their disaster recovery efforts and strengthen their emergency response capabilities for future disasters.
Funded through FRRR’s Volunteer Emergency Services Fund (VESF) program, generously supported by a private donor, the funding supports local volunteer emergency services and first-responder organisations in eligible fire-affected communities across New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, and Victoria.
The grants range from $2,996 to provide a rural fire service brigade with wet weather personal protection equipment, to $25,000 for equipment to maintain low bushfire fuel loads in a high risk area.
Natalie Egleton, FRRR’s CEO, said that the VESF program was important for dedicating funding to local initiatives that are a priority of volunteer first-responders.
“Programs like this are vital for fire-affected communities to ensure long-term resilience and preparedness. In this round, we saw requests for support to purchase and upgrade emergency equipment, technology and communications systems, as well as wellbeing activities. With funding provided for the purchase of emergency support vehicles, personal protection equipment and maintenance equipment, these organisations are now better placed to save lives.
“While this is the last round of grants through the VESF program, it has allowed us to learn more about what these groups need and respond effectively. It has bolstered the response capacity of many organisations and FRRR have built new connections in communities with whom we look forward to continuing to work with through their long term recovery. FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities program continues to offer bushfire recovery grant opportunities,” Ms Egleton said.
Some of the projects funded this round include:
- Burragate Rural Fire Service, NSW – Roof insulation for Burragate fire shed – $23,710 – Boost volunteer vitality and comfort while reducing the carbon footprint of the Burragate Fire brigade through the installation of foam insulation at the fire shed.
- Far South Coast Rural Fire Service, NSW – Fire Shed Friday’s – $20,026 – Boost volunteer vitality and general wellbeing with the provision of Fire Shed Friday activities in four impacted communities.
- The Caves Rural Fire Brigade, QLD – New Storage Shed Project – $19,303 – Enhance operational activities and emergency response times with the provision of a storage shed for The Caves Rural Fire Brigade.
- Mt Lofty Group Operations Support Brigade, SA – Enhancing Mount Lofty CFS Group Operations Brigade Communications for Critical Incidents and Community Preparedness – $23,577 – Upgrade technology and increase access to support volunteer development and learning and organisational operations.
- Ensay Fire Brigade, VIC – An Ultralight Vehicle (ULV) for Tambo Crossing – $21,000 – Support emergency response activities by contributing to the purchase of an emergency response ultra-light vehicle for Tambo Crossing community.
For more information, visit FRRR’s website – https://frrr.org.au/volunteer-emergency-services-fund-grant-program/.
The full list of grant recipients and their projects are below.
Organisation | Project | Location | Grant | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NEW SOUTH WALES | ||||||
Braunstone Rural Fire Brigade | Communication, IT and Facility Enhancement - Braunstone Rural Fire Brigade Increase technology capability, security, and general maintenance of equipment at the Braunstone Rural Fire Brigade. | Braunstone | $11,325 | |||
Burragate Rural Fire Service | Roof Insulation for Burragate Fire Shed Boost volunteer vitality and comfort while reducing the carbon footprint of the Burragate Fire brigade with the installation of foam insulation at the fire shed. | Burragate | $23,710 | |||
Far South Coast NSW Rural Fire Service | Fire Shed Friday's | Eden | $20,026 | |||
Grafton City Rural Brigade | Lockers for Brigade Members & Gazebo for Community Engagement Support emergency response volunteers with the provision of lockers and a temporary gazebo for the Grafton Rural Fire Brigade. | South Grafton | $8,030 | |||
Iluka Rural Fire Service | First Response Evacuation Resources- Iluka Support emergency preparedness with the provision of furnishings to meet evacuation needs and appropriate storage facilities for Iluka Fire Brigade. | Iluka | $22,342 | |||
Johns River Rural Fire Service | Supporting and Protecting Our First Responders Boost the vitality of volunteers through the provision of wet weather personal protection equipment for members of the Johns River RFS. | Johns River | $2,996 | |||
Wallaby Joe Rural Fire Service | Wallaby Joe Operational Equipment Procurement Boost volunteer vitality with the provision of wet weather gear, helmet torches and emergency flares for use during community emergencies. | Wingham | $7,213 | |||
QUEENSLAND | ||||||
Aratula Rural Fires Brigade | Aratula Multi Purpose Vehicle Increase the capacity and capability of local volunteer Fire Brigade to support response during disasters by contributing to the purchase of a support vehicle. | Aratula | $7,106 | |||
The Caves Rural Fire Brigade Queensland Fire and Emergency Services | New Storage Shed Project Boost operational activities and emergency response times with the provision of a storage shed for The Caves Rural Fire Brigade. | The Caves | $19.303 | |||
SOUTH AUSTRALIA | ||||||
Mt Lofty Group Operations Support Brigade Mt Lofty CFS Group | Enhancing Mount Lofty CFS Group Operations Brigade Communications for Critical Incidents and Community Preparedness Upgrade technology and increase access to support volunteer development and learning and organisational operations. | Bridgewater | $23,577 | |||
VICTORIA | ||||||
Ensay Fire Brigade Country Fire Authority | An ULT (Ultralight Vehicle) for Tambo Crossing Support emergency response activities by contributing to the purchase of an emergency response Ultra-Light vehicle for Tambo Crossing community. | Ensay / Tambo Crossing | $21,000 | |||
Old Tallangatta Fire Brigade Country Fire Authority | Maintaining a Low Fuel Load Location for the Old Tallangatta Community Increase volunteer vitality with the provision of a ride on mower, brush cutter and concrete pad to support maintaining a low bushfire fuel load. | Old Tallangatta | $25,000 |
More than half of the funding to go towards bushfire recovery
Sixty-seven projects across remote, rural and regional Australia will share in $776,583 in grants thanks to FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) program.
These projects are grassroots initiatives run by organisations led by local people that will strengthen their communities and have direct benefits for those living in them.
In this round of funding, 26 of the projects receiving funding support ongoing recovery from the 2019/20 Black Summer bushfires. These initiatives, which will share $444,552, include purchasing fit-for-purpose health equipment for three divisions of St John Ambulance NSW – all of which were directly involved in the 2019/20 Black Summer bushfire response.
There are also 41 projects being funded through the Small & Vital stream of the SRC program, which will share in a total of $332,031. These grants range from $1,455 to upgrade the NSW It’s Heaven website to make it more accessible for those who have a disability, to a $10,000 grant for the Northern Australian Aboriginal Charitable Trust that will help to deliver three new, free-of-charge laundromats to remote Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory.
Jill Karena, Place Portfolio Lead at FRRR, said that a noticeable trend emerged in this latest round of applications.
“Interestingly, we saw a strong interest for community gardens in this round. With the cost of living rising on top of the food shortages that are happening as a result of the pandemic and natural disasters like drought and floods, there are growing concerns in rural areas about food security and the lack of access to nutritious, affordable food.
“This is why flexible programs like SRC are crucial. The funding from this program can be used where community leaders see the greatest need. Our climate and our economy are rapidly evolving and these grants can be used to support a broad range of community-led, grassroots initiatives that are helping to address very current issues in real time,” Ms Karena said.
Some of the 67 projects funded include:
- OpenField Arts Festival Inc – Berry, NSW – OpenField Arts Festival – Facilitate community and social connection through a multidisciplinary arts festival. $10,000 (Bushfire Recovery)
- Riding for the Disabled in the Top End – Palmerston, NT – Optimisation of Volunteer Management at Riding for the Disabled in the Top End – Improve the management, rostering and training of volunteers by installing a database program and employing a volunteer coordinator. $9,948 (Small & Vital)
- Girls from Oz Ltd – Kowanyama, QLD – Helping to Keep Language Alive in Kowanyama – Support language revitalisation and student engagement through a performing arts project in a remote school. $9,212 (Small & Vital)
- Fat Farmers: Rural Health Initiative Incorporated – Cummins, SA – Eyre Peninsula Expansion Project – Enhance physical and mental health by promoting a community fitness group at a local social event. $8,500 (Small & Vital)
- Fingal Valley Neighbourhood House – St Helens, TAS – Building Blocks: Play and Learn Together – Support delivery of playgroups, early learning and parenting support programs in rural areas through the purchase of a vehicle. $25,000 (Bushfire Recovery)
- Dunsborough Yallingup Chamber of Commerce – Dunsborough, WA – DYCCI Skills Development and Capacity Building Workshops 2022/23 – Boost and strengthen the local economy by running a series of workshops to help community members improve their business skills. $9,994 (Small & Vital)
- Country Fire Authority Corryong Country Fire Brigade (CFA) – Corryong, VIC – Corryong Fire Station Kitchen Modernisation – Improve capacity of Corryong Fire Brigade to support bushfire recovery and preparedness by upgrading kitchen. $24,040 (Bushfire Recovery)
A full list of grant recipients is available on FRRR’s website.
The SRC program is collaboratively supported by many generous donors, which are acknowledged on FRRR’s website.
This program always accepts applications and thanks to recent support from the Australian Government, there is now a COVID-recovery stream – Rebuilding Rural Communities. Local NFPs and community groups are encouraged to review the expanded program guidelines and apply. More information about the SRC program is available at www.frrr.org.au/src.
To support grants like this through FRRR, make a tax-deductible donation at frrr.org.au/giving/.
The full list of grant recipients and their projects are below.
Organisation | Project | Location | Grant | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NEW SOUTH WALES | ||||||
Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Cobargo Wellness Group | Ginger the Frog Community Arts Project Tour Support children and families impacted by bushfires to process complex emotions resulting from trauma through performance, storytelling and mindfulness. | Coffs Harbour | $19,500 | |||
Container of Dreams Ltd | Container of Dreams Lockup Workshop Expand the capacity to provide affordable housing and workshop space for bushfire-affected communities by building a shed. | Drake | $25,000 | |||
Gwymac Incorporated | Fostering Inclusive, Friendly, Stronger and More Resilient Communities in Small Rural Towns Strengthen community recovery and improve health and social wellbeing outcomes and connection through creative workshops. | Bonshaw | $25,000 | |||
Nambucca Valley Phoenix Limited | Fostering Recovery and Resilience through Creative and Connected Communities Increase capacity of arts organisation to build sustainability and delivery of projects in bushfire-impacted areas through employing a coordinator. | Bowraville | $25,000 | |||
Kendall Community Centre Reserve Land Manager | Kendall's Co-working Hub Strengthen community recovery and improve health and social wellbeing outcomes and connection through creative workshops. | Kendall | $6,713 | |||
Northern NSW Helicopter Rescue Service Limited | Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service Annual Volunteers Conference – Narrabri Support volunteers of Northern NSW Helicopter Rescue to connect with one another through attending an annual conference. | Narrabri | $9,710 | |||
OpenField Arts Festival Inc | OpenField Arts Festival Facilitate community and social connection through a multidisciplinary arts festival. | Berry | $10,000 | |||
Sanctuary Point Men's Shed Inc | Extension to Existing Men's Shed | Sanctuary Point | $19,263 | |||
South East Arts (NSW) Inc Navigate Arts | Regeneration Roadtrip Promote healing through reconnection to Country in bushfire-impacted communities with an interactive road journey and map. | Bungendore | $25,000 | |||
Southcoast Health and Sustainability Alliance | Bushfire and Heatwave Haven ‐ Batemans Bay Uniting Church Facility Support establishment of a heatwave and bushfire haven by upgrading toilet, shower and storage amenities. | Batemans Bay | $24,080 | |||
St John Ambulance Australia (NSW) | Building Emergency Response Capabilities Support volunteer emergency responders to increase preparedness for natural disasters through purchase of equipment. | Armidale | $20,228 | |||
Tenterfield Players Incorporated | "Let There Be Light" Expand capacity of a bushfire-impacted town by boosting ability to host local stage productions through purchase of portable lighting. | Tenterfield | $9,670 | |||
The Circle Foundation Cooperative Ltd | Singing for Health, Wellbeing and Recovery Enhance social connection, health and wellbeing through a community choir program. | Moruya | $24,239 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Equine Angels | Horses 4 Healing Youth Project ‐ Horses Helping Humans Program ‐ Byron Shire Engage disadvantaged young people to participate in an equine therapy program to build resilience and emotional wellbeing. | Mullumbimby Creek | $8,492 | |||
It's Heaven Incorporated | Upgrade www.itsheaven.org Platform Increase inclusiveness through upgrade of an inclusive tourism website, designed to provide accurate and easily accessible information for travellers with a disability. | Shoalhaven | $1,455 | |||
Quandialla Soldiers Memorial Hall Incorporated | Quandialla Soldiers Memorial Hall Mural Increase tourism and commemorate history within the local community by painting a large mural on the hall depicting the area's history, development and attractions. | Quandialla | $6,875 | |||
Weemelah Hall | BBQ Cover and Lighting Project Increase community involvement and engagement, by installing shade and lighting over the BBQ area. | Weemelah | $8,880 | |||
Woodstock Progress Association | Let's Tell Some Stories! Enhance visitor engagement and improve connections within the existing community, by developing information boards that tell the stories of significant Woodstock locations. | Woodstock | $10,000 | |||
Young Public P&C Association | Endemic Showcase Garden, Aboriginal Yarning Circle, and Outdoor Classroom at Young Public School Create an inspiring and inclusive space with an endemic garden and yarning circle where Aboriginal students can come together to connect with each other and Elders. | Young | $10,000 | |||
NORTHERN TERRITORY | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Atyenhenge‐Atherre Aboriginal Corporation | Alternative Education Program (AEP) ‐ An Alternative Curriculum for Remote School Engagement Encourage disengaged young people to re‐engage in their education via a culturally appropriate life skills program. | Santa Teresa | $10,000 | |||
First Nations Bushfood & Botanical Alliance Australia Ltd | First Nations Bushfood and Botanical Alliance Australia ‐ Remote Digital Connectivity Support First Nations Leaders to promote Indigenous economic interest and initiatives through investment in digital capability. | Alice Springs | $9,654 | |||
Northern Australian Aboriginal Charitable Trust | Remote Laundries – Stage Three Improve health and social wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal people in remote communities, by providing access to free specialised washing machines that destroy scabies mites. | Ngukurr | $10,000 | |||
Riding for the Disabled in the Top End | Optimisation of Volunteer Management at Riding for the Disabled in the Top End Improve the management, rostering and training of volunteers by installing a database program and employing a volunteer coordinator. | Palmerston | $9,948 | |||
QUEENSLAND | ||||||
Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Tannymorel Hall Committee Inc | Painting the Tannymorel Hall Roof Foster connection to place and community pride by painting the Tannymorel Hall roof, championing the community’s social, economic and tourism aspirations. | Tannymorel | $9,690 | |||
Tin Can Bay Community and Men’s Shed Incorporated | Storage Shed Support community recovery and wellbeing through purchase of a storage shed to securely house materials and equipment. | Tin Can Bay | $4,000 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Audrey's Angels of Hope | Computing for Compassion Ease administration tasks for volunteers who support cancer sufferers and their families with purchase of a printer and computer. | Ingham | $2,800 | |||
Banana Shire Community Arts Assoc Inc | Restore, Refurbish, Revive: Reconnecting Community Part Two Build community connectivity, participation and capacity through the installation of a split system air conditioner and table / chairs. | Biloela | $10,000 | |||
Blackall Cultural Association Incorporated | Bushman's Artisan Gallery Project Foster and strengthen local engagement with the arts by refurbishing and extending a gallery. | Blackall | $10,000 | |||
Charleville & District Community Support Association Incorporated Charleville Blue Light Association (Charleville Police) | Safer Driving Skills on Outback Queensland Roads: Better Drivers; Safer Roads; Employment Opportunities Provide young people in a remote area with access to a supervised driver training and education program, to increase road safety awareness and reduce road accidents. | Charleville | $10,000 | |||
Community for Coastal & Cassowary Conservation Inc | Historical Photographic Exhibition in Mission Beach - Echo of the Past Increase awareness of environmental issues through recent history with an exhibition of photographs of local historical significance to the Mission Beach area. | Mission Beach | $8,925 | |||
Eacham Historical Society Incorporated | Computers and Archive Map storage Help local community retain and access region’s history with investment in IT and storage cabinet. | Malanda | $7,842 | |||
Girls from Oz Ltd | Helping to Keep Language Alive in Kowanyama Support language revitalisation and student engagement through a performing arts project in a remote school. | Kowanyama | $9,212 | |||
Herbert River Men's Shed Inc | Men’s Shed Equipment Upgrade Strengthen the capacity of local people to connect with each other and respond to community need, by upgrading the equipment of a Men’s Shed. | Ingham | $9,600 | |||
Kilkivan & District Community Care Association Inc | Expanding the Home of the KilkiVAN Boost the ability of residents to live well in place while ageing, by purchasing equipment to expand community support services. | Kilkivan | $10,000 | |||
Muttaburra Community Development Association Inc | Union Hole Camp - Shearers' Strike Boost tourism and commemorate the Great Shearers' Strike of 1891 with installation of a large sculpture. | Muttaburra | $10,000 | |||
SOUTH AUSTRALIA | ||||||
Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Port Vincent Progress Association Inc | Upgrade Projector and Sound System at the Port Vincent Institute Restore communications and build capacity to host community activities at the Port Vincent Institute Hall through upgrading audio visual equipment. | Port Vincent | $10,000 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
District Council of Streaky Bay | The 'Developing Community Leaders and Capacity through Equipping our Volunteers' Program Develop volunteer capability and build leadership skills by providing a not-for-profit operations training program designed to upskill volunteers. | Streaky Bay | $10,000 | |||
Fat Farmers: Rural Health Initiative Incorporated | Eyre Peninsula Expansion Project Enhance physical and mental health by promoting a community fitness group at a local social event. | Cummins | $8,500 | |||
Goolwa Surf Life Saving Club Incorporated | Expansion of Lifesaving Capabilities at Goolwa Surf Life Saving Club Boost the organisation’s capability to deliver surf life‐saving services by purchasing new equipment. | Goolwa | $10,000 | |||
Keyneton Soldiers' Memorial Hall Inc | Keyneton Soldiers' Memorial Hall ‐ Accessibility Upgrade to Supper Room Entrance Provide a safe environment for volunteers and visitors through the upgrade of Keyneton Soldiers’ Memorial Hall’s supper room entrance. | Keyneton | $9,677 | |||
TASMANIA | ||||||
Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Broadmarsh / Elderslie Progress Association Inc | BEPA Water Tanks Improve essential facilities of community hall by installing water tanks to enhance capacity for bushfire preparedness and recovery. | Broadmarsh | $9,995 | |||
Fingal Valley Neighbourhood House | Building Blocks: Play and Learn Together Support delivery of playgroups, early learning and parenting support programs in rural areas through the purchase of a vehicle. | St Helens | $25,000 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Southern Midlands Council | Encouraging Active Ageing Encourage social connection amongst Southern Midland Council’s ageing population by hosting four activities developed by community members. | Oatlands | $10,000 | |||
VICTORIA | ||||||
Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Bairnsdale Neighbourhood House Inc | Rural Minds Mental Health Workshops Boost and strengthen mental health and wellbeing in the Bairnsdale community through the provision of workshops. | Omeo | $10,000 | |||
Bemm River Recreation Reserve Committee of Management Incorporated | Encouraging Connectedness Rejuvenate a place of gathering by replacing an old barbeque with a new community barbeque. | Bemm River | $13,563 | |||
Country Fire Authority Corryong Country Fire Brigade (CFA) | Corryong Fire Station Kitchen Modernisation Improve capacity of Corryong Fire Brigade to support bushfire recovery and preparedness by upgrading kitchen. | Corryong | $24,040 | |||
Destination Gippsland Ltd | Event School Foster the planning of rural and regional community events by employing a project manager. | Mallacoota | $25,000 | |||
Ensay Mechanics Institute Reserve Inc | Ensay Community Hall Revitalisation ‐ Kitchen Equipment and Outdoor Seating Upgrade Project Enhance social cohesion, connectedness and wellbeing by upgrading kitchen facilities and outdoor dining area of the Ensay Community Hall. | Ensay | $25,000 | |||
Mount Beauty Cricket Club Inc | Safe, Supportive and Social Spaces Expand capacity of volunteers to maintain valued community outdoor open spaces through purchase of a large area mower. | Mount Beauty | $25,000 | |||
Myrrhee Primary School Breath Circle | Myrrhee School Mental Health and Wellbeing Program Promote improved health and wellbeing for children through school incursions on mindfulness and movement. | Myrrhee | $9,900 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Buxton Progress Assoc Inc | Building Buxton Strategy Consultation Boost organisational and volunteer capacity through community consultation and development of a strategic plan for a local progress association. | Buxton | $9,451 | |||
Committee for Maryborough | Creating a Vibrant Community ‐ Phase One: Planning Facilitate networking and opportunities for intergenerational collaboration through story telling in the Central Goldfield Shire. | Bealiba | $8,000 | |||
Country Fire Authority | Hose Drying Rack Support volunteer safety and build organisational capacity through the installation of a hose drying rack at Arcadia Fire station. | Arcadia | $3,960 | |||
Flowerdale Community House Inc | Flowerdale Community Garden Project Enhance health, wellbeing, and connectedness of the community through building a community garden. | Flowerdale | $10,000 | |||
Highlands Community Hall Committee Inc | Highland Hall going Forwards Strengthen local capacity and skills through governance and strategic planning workshops and support. | Highlands | $10,000 | |||
Kilmore District Men's Shed Inc | Shade Sail Promote social connections in older age groups and protect physical health through the installation of a shade sail. | Kilmore | $8,206 | |||
Lions Club of Benalla Inc | Toilet Facilities in the Benalla Lions Shed Boost volunteer engagement and provide an inclusive and comfortable facility through the installation of accessible toilet amenities. | Benalla | $10,000 | |||
Millewa Advisory Group | Millewa Silo Art Boost tourism and strengthen the local economy by establishing silo art installations in Werrimull. | Werrimull | $8,000 | |||
Southern Otway Landcare Network Inc | Shrub Club Community Nursery Bench Restoration Improve the safety of volunteers through installing new potting benches at a community‐run nursery. | Apollo Bay | $3,320 | |||
St Arnaud Neighbourhood House Inc | Community Vegetable Garden Improve nutrition of low‐income residents through the installation of a community garden. | St Arnaud | $7,300 | |||
Tri Gym Inc | Strengthening Our Community - Healthy Body and Mind Support better health and wellbeing outcomes by enabling older community members to access local pilates classes. | Marysville | $4,450 | |||
UCA Queenscliff Point Lonsdale | "Clearing the Air" - Installation of Air Purifiers in Public Spaces Encourage people to come together safely by installing air purifiers in a community hall and meals space. | Queenscliff-Point Lonsdale | $7,990 | |||
United Way Glenelg Victoria Incorporated | Winter Care Packages Reduce social isolation and decrease financial pressures for aged residents with provision of care packages. | Portland | $5,000 | |||
View Street Public Hall Committee | New Window in the Kitchen of the West End Hall (Castlemaine) Increase the comfort of hall users and lower greenhouse gas emissions by installing double glazed windows that will moderate the temperature inside the View Street Public Hall. | Castlemaine | $2,000 | |||
Woorak Community and Land Management Group | Internet Connection and Data Projector Increase functionality of hall with provision of projector and internet connections to enable video conferencing, workshops, on-line training and presentations. | Woorak | $2,500 | |||
WESTERN AUSTRALIA | ||||||
Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Denmark Community Resource Centre Inc | Distributed 15 ‐ Dance in Porongurup Cultivate connection to environment, climate action and climate hope through creative workshops and performance. | Porongurup | $9,961 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Dunsborough Yallingup Chamber of Commerce Inc | DYCCI Skills Development and Capacity Building Workshops 2022/23 Boost and strengthen the local economy by running a series of workshops to help community members improve their business skills. | Dunsborough | $9,994 |
Black Saturday funding for community-led initiatives
FRRR today announced that the final round of grants to assist Kinglake Ranges communities to rebuild, reconnect and recover from the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires will open soon.
While a lot has changed in the 13 years since the fires, FRRR knows that the impacts are still being felt. This funding, thanks to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund, will help to address those needs, particularly around mental health and wellbeing.
Through the Grants for Resilience & Wellness (GR&W) Kinglake Ranges program, funding will be available to not-for-profit groups in Kinglake, Kinglake Central, Kinglake West, Pheasant Creek, Toolangi and Flowerdale. In total, there is approximately $570,000 available, with no minimum or maximum amount per grant. However, applications for more than $30,000 will need to be discussed with FRRR before being lodged.
The GR&W Kinglake program has a focus on community-strengthening and resilience-building projects, and recognises that recovering communities need support to re-connect, share experiences, enhance wellbeing and resilience, and build capacity for the future.
Nina O’Brien, FRRR’s Disaster Resilience and Recovery Lead, said that this is a great opportunity for the local community to ensure that important projects get the resources and support they need.
“This funding has always been earmarked to support the medium to long-term recovery of communities across the Kinglake Ranges, which we know were so badly affected by the 2009 fires. The focus is on improving mental health and wellbeing – of the community and individuals, and especially young people. There has been a lot of change in the community too, so the funding can help strengthen community connectedness and assist in rebuilding a sense of place and community identity.
“But now it’s up to the community to identify just what the projects are that will be put forward. We know that the best projects will be those that are community-led and which have broad community buy-in. We have supported Kinglake Ranges Neighbourhood House to host a series of facilitated community conversations and some smaller ‘kitchen table’ talks to explore key priorities and grant ideas to inform the final round of funds, so we encourage you to make sure that you get involved.
“If you have an idea, we’d also love to speak to you about it. Karly and Brooke from our team plan on visiting the region during July, and will be available to meet with community groups to discuss applications, and answer questions you may have. We’re really excited about what these grants can do to support Kinglake’s ongoing recovery and I look forward to reading the applications,” Ms O’Brien said.
Applications for GR&W Kinglake will open 5 July, and close Wednesday 16 August 2022, at 5pm AEST, with successful applicants announced in December 2022. For more information and the guidelines, visit https://frrr.org.au/grants-for-resilience-wellness-kinglake/ .
Projects must directly assist those individuals and communities that were affected by the 2009 fires, and must identify a specific hardship or distress caused by the bushfires, which the activity intends to relieve.
To get involved in the local community discussions you can email krftalks@gmail.com. To book a time to meet with the FRRR team and discuss potential applications, community members are encouraged to email recovery@frrr.org.au.
To date, through GR&W Kinglake, FRRR has awarded over $1.1M to 35 projects run by local groups in the Kinglake Ranges, which is assisting communities to re-connect, share experiences, enhance wellbeing and resilience, and build capacity for the future.
This included the Dindi Arts Trail, which received more than $150,000 to support the delivery of the art trail, featuring 11 public murals on concrete water tanks, which enhances local connectedness and will help attract more visitors to the region. The grant funded the employment of a project officer to coordinate the project.
Any community impacted by 2009 bushfires and not located in Kinglake Ranges region can apply for support through FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities program.
Since 2006, the Tablelands community in Far North Queensland has experienced three cyclones, floods in 2015, bushfires in 2018 and higher than average monsoonal rains – and the impacts of climate change will likely increase the frequency, duration and severity of these weather patterns and natural disasters over time. With such a small population, this community must be largely self-reliant when it comes to initial disaster responses. So, they need to ensure they are ready when the next disaster strikes.
Thanks to the support of a private donor, the Tablelands Regional Council was awarded a $25,000 grant through FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) program to run a series of free workshops across the shire. Presented in partnership with Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, these programs were designed to better prepare residents before and during disasters and build resilience for the recovery process.
Seven different workshops were delivered, including First Aid training, Psychological First Aid training, Leadership in Disasters Workshops, Exercise Ready2Respond and Queensland Disaster Management Arrangements (QDMA) training. The workshops aimed to support inclusive and resilient communities, build community capacity and cultivate integrated health and wellbeing. They also helped prepare the community for the impacts of climate change, including more intense weather events in future years.
The funding made it possible for 270 people across the region to participate in the training. In particular, the realistic, scenario-based Community Disaster Team exercise helped the community prepare for the upcoming disaster season. The workshops provided valuable ideas to help families, homes and businesses recover from adversity and many community members provided positive feedback.
Officer in Charge of the Atherton Queensland Ambulance Service, Terry Cumming, felt the training had not only better informed the Atherton community but also alleviated the pressures on Emergency Services during a disaster.
“The effort of getting our community involved in training, and capacity building can only strengthen community resilience and help all emergency services in times of need.”