Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR)
Ten years ago, when Alex was diagnosed with Coeliac Disease and two other autoimmune conditions, she quickly learned how tough it was to find safe, gluten-free food – especially in a regional town. But it wasn’t just about food; explaining her condition to others was a challenge too.
Her personal experience sparked the creation of “Jack the Silly-Yak,” a character initially brought to life in a children’s book to help young people understand Coeliac disease in a fun and approachable way. Jack the Silly-Yak soon became a live, interactive musical and imaginative play, performed to children in regional NSW.
From this work, Alex knew there was more to be done to make Jack the Silly-Yak more accessible to kids with chronic illnesses in other regional communities.
With the help of a $6,330 grant from FRRR through the Sally Foundation Trailblazers Development Fund, Alex was able to take Jack the Silly-Yak to a whole new level. Partnering with the Hunter Business Centre, they developed The Giggle and Learn program. This online program includes three music videos and three seven-minute episodes starring Jack. These episodes mix music, craft, cooking and community outreach to create something fun and educational for kids and their families. Plus, there are downloadable resources so families can easily access everything they need to learn about living with Coeliac Disease and other chronic illnesses.
The outcomes of the video program have been remarkable. Alex is thrilled with how well the program turned out, saying, “I’m so proud of the quality of this program and how it gives the same level of fun and information that my live shows do.”
The Jack the Silly-Yak grant project has successfully expanded the reach and impact of Alex’s original vision, ensuring that kids with chronic illnesses are not only seen and heard but also empowered and supported, no matter where they live.
The online program has made it possible for families across Australia to access critical information about living with chronic illnesses. Whether in a city or a remote regional town, children and their families can now learn about Coeliac disease and other conditions in an engaging and easily understandable format.
Through the project, Alex has been able to develop meaningful relationships within the gluten-free community. These connections have helped to strengthen the message and value of the program, ensuring that it resonates with families and communities alike, as well as helping to grow the audience and therefore increase awareness and representation of both Coeliac and non-Coeliac kids.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the project was the opportunity to support regional creatives, by providing paid and fulfilling work to four filmmakers and artists. Supporting local talent is a key focus for Alex, and she is committed to continuing this approach in future projects.
In partnership with the Sally Foundation and the ABC, FRRR has awarded $40,000 in grants to eight youth-led community projects in remote, rural and regional Australia as part of the Trailblazers program. The young people have partnered with local community organisations to receive the grants.
Trailblazers are invited to apply for funds to help them to take their project ideas to the next level, or for personal development opportunities to build their skills and networks and boost their capacity to strengthen their community. This year’s themes centred around inclusivity, access to services and education, as well as improving social connectedness.
Lauren Ryan, FRRR’s Youth Futures Manager, said that it was great to have several alumni on the Advisory Panel.
“This year we had four previous Trailblazers helping out with the selection process, all of whom provided unique insights, curiosity and constructive feedback to the applicants.
“Three of the Trailblazers to receive funding this year are previous grant recipients. The idea behind funding them again is to help in developing capacity for the sustainability of their projects, which are making a great impact within their communities.”
The Sally Foundation partners with FRRR through a Giving Sub-Fund, which helps to ensure that their funding reaches groups and young people in all corners of the country. The priority of this fund is to invest in young regional leaders to build their leadership skills, and their capacity to make a difference in their communities.
Co-founder of The Sally Foundation, Geraldine Roche, said “The Trailblazers program has shown to be an important stepping stone for the young people involved to achieve and exceed their goals within their communities. Grants from the Development Fund are designed to help these change-makers do what they can to make regional Australia a better place.
“This is our fifth year in supporting Trailblazers, and it’s inspiring to see their enthusiasm and the impact of their projects addressing the needs of young people in their local communities.”
This year’s recipients are detailed below.
Organisation | Project | Location | Grant | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NEW SOUTH WALES | ||||||
Ability Agriculture Foundation Limited | Audiovisual Podcast Pilot Raise awareness and promote inclusion for persons and families with disabilities in agriculture by sharing the story of an individual with a neurodiverse invisible disability in rural Queensland, highlighting their talents and skills through an audiovisual podcast pilot. | Kempsey | $6,000 | |||
NORTHERN TERRITORY | ||||||
Artback NT Incorporated | One Percent - Better Communities Offer free, accessible programs to build resilience and promote healthier lifestyles through kickboxing, team building, mindfulness, and men’s behaviour change models while addressing domestic violence, concluding with meditation and key topic discussions. | Darwin | $8,000 | |||
QUEENSLAND | ||||||
Now I Can Run Inc | NICaR Educational and Upskill Development Fund Support compliance and opportunities for the organisation through purchase of governance software. | Gold Coast | $2,925 | |||
TASMANIA | ||||||
Now I Can Run Inc | FIST 2025 Improve social connections, reduce isolation and grow a connected community for people interested in Esports through the Esports major competition. | Launceston | $2,515 | |||
Self Help Workshop Inc | Project Vulcan - Adelaide Fringe and Hobart Tours Explore ancient myths while highlighting facts about climate change and Australia's relationship with fire, told by actors living with disabilities, emphasising that we all have a voice regardless of age, ability, or gender. | Exeter | $4,000 | |||
THEIRS Inc | From Little Things, Big Things Grow - Growing THEIRS Capacity Strengthen sustainability and impact in the community through financial management, self-development, relationship building and branding initiatives. | Launceston | $6,560 | |||
VICTORIA | ||||||
Now I Can Run Inc | Money for the Young Address the lack of financial literacy resources in rural and regional areas by providing interactive workshops for individuals aged 15 to 26. | Bairnsdale | $2,000 | |||
Now I Can Run Inc | Social Vision for Young Adults Provide a safe space for 18 to 30 year olds who are blind or have low vision to discuss issues and enhance independence, mental health and community engagement through events, podcasts and professional support. | Ballarat | $8,000 |