Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR)

$400,000 available for resilience and preparedness in disaster impacted communities

FRRR and insurer Suncorp, today launched the latest round of grants aimed at supporting community groups in remote, rural and regional Australia to build back better after extreme weather events.

Rebuilding Futures Round 4 grant recipient, Bloomfield River District Residents Association.

Community groups and not-for-profit organisations (NFPs) in regions affected by declared disasters or extreme weather events between 2019 and 2024 are invited to apply for funding to reduce the impact of disasters and prepare for future weather events.

As extreme weather events increase in frequency and severity, the Rebuilding Futures program has strengthened its focus on supporting communities to be prepared and resilient.

This latest round of funding will provide grants across two funding streams for projects that can mitigate risks by adapting physical infrastructure, enhancing social connectedness or building the capacity of NFPs.

The two funding streams include:

  • Stream 1 offers grants up to $20,000. This funding is for locally-prioritised recovery or preparedness initiatives that build resilience through equipment or infrastructure, enhance the wellbeing and the mental health of communities; create stronger networks; or develop resources that share information and enhance understanding of disaster risk.
  • Stream 2 offers grants up to $50,000. This new stream is designed to help small, locally-based organisations to upgrade small-scale community owned infrastructure to better withstand the impacts of future disasters. This can be through improved skills, knowledge, and connection to expertise. This opportunity will provide one-on-one support from FRRR, advice from a resilient building specialist, where required, and financial support to complete the project.

A small number of grants are available for local community places, such as community halls or meeting places, that play a critical role in disaster response and recovery. These grants will be focused on strengthening the ability of the wider community to be resilient to future declared disasters and extreme weather events.

Nina O’Brien, FRRR’s Disaster Resilience and Recovery Lead, said the Foundation knows that many small, grassroots community groups struggle to access funding and expertise for projects that they know will help their community to prepare or recover, beyond the bricks and mortar.

“People often only see the physical damage from disaster events but it’s important to take a holistic approach to supporting community recovery through a balanced focus on strengthening  both built  and social infrastructure, which is critical to longer-term community wellbeing.

“These events take a huge emotional toll on the community. It can really knock people about. Resilient, functional and well-resourced community meeting places are a critical component of the complex community recovery process, and we are incredibly pleased to be working alongside Suncorp to help local community organisations be better prepared for the future.” Ms O’Brien said.

Suncorp Chief Executive Consumer Insurance, Lisa Harrison, said helping communities to build back better after disasters was crucial.

“We are proud to partner with FRRR to provide increased support to communities affected by disasters to recover faster and be better prepared for future extreme weather events,” Ms Harrison said.

“This funding is aimed at rebuilding essential community infrastructure, such as local meeting places, which are vital for fostering connection and growth within communities.

“This critical community infrastructure needs to be built to last, and it’s exciting to see significant advancements in technology and materials for mitigation infrastructure, which will greatly enhance our communities’ resilience to extreme weather.

“We look forward to reviewing the applications submitted during the second stream of the ‘expressions of interest’ process, aimed at building back better.”

Applications are now open for the Rebuilding Futures program. Expressions of interest (EOIs) for the Stream 2 grants (up to $50,000) must be lodged by 25 February 2025. Full applications for both streams close 5pm AEDT, 3 April 2025. Funding will be awarded in June 2025.

GRANTSEEKER WEBINAR DETAILS

FRRR’s ‘Rebuilding Futures’ Grantseeker Webinar – Tuesday 11 February 12.30pm -1.30pm AEDT. Click here to register.

Learn more about eligibility criteria and what’s required in the application on the Rebuilding Futures program page.

Grants up to $20,000 available to support wellbeing in rural areas

FRRR’s In a Good Place (IAGP) program is inviting applications for grants up to $20,000 for community-driven projects that strengthen the mental, social and/or emotional health and wellbeing of people living in remote, rural and regional places, particularly in farming communities.

Outdoor event
Tumby Bay Area School Resilience Project, IAGP Round 8 (2024) grant recipient

This round, the IAGP program has $290,000 to support initiatives or activities that prevent or respond to mental wellbeing concerns. Priorities include increasing mental health education and understanding to reduce stigma; supporting people to build connections and reduce social isolation; and encouraging, supporting and enabling people to seek help for their mental health.

Thanks to FRRR’s donor partners, community groups and not-for-profit organisations (NFPs) can apply for grants through two streams of funding:

  1. Community wellbeing: for projects that focus on strengthening the general mental health and wellbeing of people in remote, rural and regional communities.
  2. Farmers and farming communities: for projects specifically supporting the mental health and wellbeing of farmers and the communities they live in.

Jill Karena, Head of Granting at FRRR, said that while Australia’s farming communities are incredibly vibrant and resilient, even the strongest person needs help from time to time.

“There is a legacy of silence and perceived stigma around speaking up and seeking support for mental health issues. Thankfully, in rural communities, this narrative is shifting.

“Together with our funding partners, we are supporting local groups to be part of that momentum and continue to challenge and positively shift perceptions about mental health in their remote, rural and regional communities.

“We want to fund initiatives that foster open and honest discussions around mental health, support the social and emotional wellbeing of vulnerable community members, and encourage farmers, and other community members concerned with their mental health, to seek support.

“We look forward to reading the project ideas put forward by community groups and not-for-profits across the country, and to be inspired by their positive, proactive and community-focussed, mental health initiatives,” Ms Karena said.

Groups seeking support must first lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI), which is due 14 February. Final applications from those shortlisted are due 11 March.

Learn more at: https://frrr.org.au/funding/place/in-a-good-place/. FRRR would also welcome more partners for this program. Potential supporters should contact partnerships@frrr.org.au or call 03 5430 2399.

Nutrien Ag Solutions Community Grants Program invests over $1 million into local not-for-profit projects since 2021

FRRR and Nutrien Ag Solutions have today announced the 59 recipients of the 2024 Nutrien Ag Solutions Community Grants Program, with over $1 million invested in remote, rural or regional communities through the program over the past four years.

Finley PCP received a grant to reduce volunteer manual effort at a local NFP farm enterprise by installing automated crop irrigation.

The 2024 not-for-profit (NFP) recipients will receive a share of $250,000 for projects that will contribute to the success, vibrancy and wellbeing of their communities. Grants have been awarded in every state and each of the projects supported will receive up to $5,000.

This is the fourth round of the annual Nutrien Ag Solutions Community Grants program, which aims to strengthen resilience and sustainability and contribute toward long-term positive social and environmental outcomes.

Mady Muirhead, Corporate Affairs Advisor at Nutrien Ag Solutions, said that it’s wonderful to be able to support so many of the places where the Nutrien staff live and work.

“The nature of our business means that most of our staff live and work in small communities across remote, rural and regional Australia. We love seeing our branch staff making sure that their community know about the grants, and we often find that they also get involved in projects like working bees or events. By supporting the grassroots organisations that are the heartbeat of these communities, we know that we are contributing to the success, wellbeing and vibrancy of these places that our people call home,” Ms Muirhead said.

FRRR’s Place Portfolio Lead, Jill Karena, said that the partnership with Nutrien Ag Solutions means that community groups, especially in smaller, more remote locations, can access the funding they need to create vibrant and sustainable communities.

“Small rural communities – especially those with fewer than 500 people – find it hard to raise the funds to deliver key activities, so we are grateful for our partnership with Nutrien Ag Solutions, as it means that we can help local not for profit groups in these communities to continue to function and deliver critical services and activities.

“Like all of us, these volunteer-led organisations are also feeling the increases in the cost of living, so we’re pleased that a significant tranche of funding has gone toward helping to sustain local community organisations and to host events that both bring the community together and raise vital funds for key local projects.

“As in previous rounds, the most common requests were for funding to support infrastructure and equipment. Many community facilities, which are critical to sustaining social cohesion, are deteriorating as government funding declines, so these grants will help to maintain and enhance these important local meeting places and help create vibrant, resilient communities,” Ms Karena said.

Among the projects funded are:

  • In Ballan VIC, the Community House and Adult Education Centre has received $5,000 toward a disability access ramp.
  • In Tilpa in very remote NSW, the Tilpa Community Committee will use $1,000 towards garden tools.
  • In Teelba, in remote QLD, the Primary School P&C Association will use a $5,000 grant to restore the school landscaping.
  • In Padthaway SA, the Progress and Development Association will put their $5,000 grant towards a new display fridge at their community cafe.
  • In Darkan WA, the West Arthur Community Resource Centre will use their $5,000 grant to lease a car for community use.
  • In Huonville TAS, the Huon She Shed will use their $5,000 grant towards internal heating and a ceiling fan in their shed.

If your group could benefit from an FRRR grant, head to www.frrr.org.au/find-funding-now to explore the programs currently open.

FRRR’s grant programs are always in demand, so if you can help us award more grants to deserving organisations that have funding-ready projects, contact our team via partnerships@frrr.org.au.

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

OrganisationProjectLocationGrant
NEW SOUTH WALES
Barmedman Community Centre IncBarmedman Community Centre Inc - Refurbishment Project
Build community resilience through the purchase of crockery and glassware to support the establishment of a functional community hub supporting local events.
Barmedman$5,000
Binnaway PAH&I Assoc IncorpDelivering Accessible Toilet Facilities to Binnaway Showground
Enhance community facilities by funding accessible toilets at the showground to enable all abilities access for increased access and participation at local events.
Binnaway$4,550
Bourke Pastoral & Agricultural AssociationBourke Show Organisational Upgrade
Build organisational capacity with the purchase of Square technology and a lockable storage cabinet to enable cashless payments at the show enhancing operations for volunteers and patrons.
Bourke$2,564
Corowa and District SHE Shed IncParticipation Plus
Build organisational capacity with the purchase of additional tools and equipment to encourage greater participation in the local SHE Shed activities and workshops.
Corowa$1,498
Corowa Rutherglen District Search and Rescue Squad IncVolunteer Lockers
Build community resilience by providing lockers for local volunteer emergency services to operate effectively.
Corowa$5,000
Dunoon & District GazetteDunoon & District Gazette Computer Equipment and Skills
Build community resilience with the purchase of computer equipment to support local media production and volunteer engagement.
Dunoon$5,000
Hay Services Club LtdUpgrading Audio Visual Technology to Facilitate Rural Conferencing and Community Events
Improve community facilities with audio visual technology to support local events, community meeting and educational workshops.
Hay$5,000
Tilpa Community Committee IncorporatedGarden Tools for Tilpa
Build community resilience with the purchase of a lawnmower to maintain the only local park in the community providing a place for local engagement.
Tilpa$1,000
Wanaaring Parents and Citizens AssociationSchool Library Project
Improve community facilities with an airconditioner installed at the local school library to increase usage by the whole community for both meetings and library services.
Wanaaring$5,000
Young Crisis Accomodation CentreSupport to Deliver the Lovebites Program Across the Hilltops
Build community resilience with iPads for increasing delivery and efficacy of programs on domestic and family violence issues to support young people developing skills for coping and help seeking.
Young$4,076
Finley PCP LtdFinley PCP Automation of Crop Irrigation
Build organisational capacity through installing automated crop irrigation to reduce volunteer manual efforts at a not-for-profit farm enterprise that funds local community needs.
Finley$5,000
Hillston Creative Arts Council IncorporatedThe Red Dust and Paddy Melons Community Gallery Building Project
Support cultural vibrancy by contributing to the restoration of a gallery building to offer local arts workshops and cultural activity.
Hillston$5,000
Toganmain Woolshed Precinct IncorporatedToganmain Sub-division Fencing
Improve community assets by fencing off the historic Toganmain Woolshed Precinct to prevent roaming cattle damage and ensure safety of volunteers and visitors.
Darlington Point$5,000
Braidwood & Villages Business Chamber IncorporatedBraidwood and District Event Coordinator
Build community resilience through employing an events co-ordinator to support local events in the district for social and economic benefits.
Braidwood$5,000
Wagga Wagga Rescue Squad IncorporatedMilwaukee Lighting
Build organisational resilience and capacity through upgrading lighting equipment for emergency first responders to ensure visibility and safety for broad community benefit.
Wagga Wagga$4,685
QUEENSLAND
Bowen Flexi Care IncProvide Alternative Power Source - Generators
Enhance the capacity of a community facility to support vulnerable residents by purchasing generators for operation of medical equipment during power outages.
Bowen$4,927
Meandarra Primary P&C AssociationMeandarra Show 2025
Improve community safety by preventing trip hazards at the Meandarra Show, a community event that provides the Meandarra wider community an opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich culture of this local region.
Meandarra$3,872
Moore Park Beach Arts IncMoore Park Beach Community Annexe Fit Out
Ensure the safety of community and improve the comfort of a community meeting and activity space with the acquisition of safety equipment and furniture.
Moore Park Beach$5,000
Teelba Primary P&C AsssociationTeelba State School Landscape Restoration Initiative
Restore the garden at Teelpa State School to enhance the community hub for student and local benefit including demonstrating biodiverse planting for drought conditions.
Teelba$5,000
Outback Festival IncPioneers & Legends of the Outback
Build organisational capacity by supporting volunteers with additional resources to ensure event sustainability and greater operational efficiency.
Winton$5,000
Woowoonga Public Hall Association IncWoowoonga Hall Facility Upgrade
Enhance community facility's capacity to support social engagement with a kitchen and rear stair upgrade that improves accessibility.
Woowoonga$5,000
Callide Valley Agricultural & Pastoral SocietyShade Shelter Project
Build organisational capacity through the purchase of gazebos to support volunteers, show patrons and support to be protected from conditions at local events.
Biloela$4,351
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Bute Golf Club IncorporatedBute Golf Club Kitchen Equipment Upgrade
Improve kitchen facilities to benefit community users and relieve volunteer burden.
Bute$5,000
Padthaway Progress & Development Association IncorporatedNew Display Fridge
Enhance organisation's ability to provide residents and visitors with a source of fresh food by purchasing a fridge for the Padthaway community shop.
Padthaway$5,000
Port Germein Bowling Club IncPort Germein Bowling Club Portable Public Address System Project
Build capacity of a local organisation to host community activities by installing a PA system to increase effectiveness of communication.
Port Germein$2,000
Central Yorke Football Club IncorporatedInstallation of Solar Panels & Batteries at CYFC Clubrooms
Build the capacity of clubrooms to act as a designated disaster safe haven and Medivac evacuation point by installing solar panels and batteries to enable offgrid power supply.
Maitland$5,000
Eudunda & District Agricultural & Horticultural Society IncorporatedEudunda Show Kitchen Upgrade
Improve community facility by upgrading its kitchen so it's better able to provide catering at community events.
Eudunda$3,596
Lucindale Community Economic Development Board IncorporatedLucindale Community Hub Kitchen Floor Coverings
Create connection opportunities between people by upgrading kitchen facilities within the community Hub.
Lucindale$3,105
Western United Tigers IncorporatedSafe Food Handling Practices
Enhance functionality of kitchen by installing a dishwasher which will improve kitchen hygiene and support community wellbeing.
Penong$5,000
Renmark / Paringa Museum Community GroupRenmark Paringa Community Museum Equipment Upgrade
Support for a community organisation focussed on preserving and exhibiting local history artefacts to benefit whole of community by purchasing tools.
Paringa$4,257
TASMANIA
Lower Barrington Community Hall IncWarm Welcome: Upgrading Kitchen Facilities for an Inclusive Community Hall
Improved community facilities by renovating the kitchen at the Lower Barrington Community Hall, helping the small community to stay connected.
Lower Barrington$5,000
Parkham Community IncFire Safety Infrastructure for the Parkham Community Centre
Build the capacity of a community group to protect a vital social hub facility by installing rainwater tanks, thereby improving its usage.
Parkham$4,975
Huon She Shed IncInternal Heating and a Ceiling Fan in the Huon She Shed
Upgrade the Huon She Shed with a heating and cooling unit so that it can be used all year round and is a more attractive meeting place.
Huonville$5,000
VICTORIA
Ballan & District Community House & Adult Education Centre IncBallan Neighbourhood House Disability Access Ramp
Improve community facilities for disability access with a ramp at the Ballan Neighbourhood House ensuring inclusive participation in learning and centre activities.
Ballan$5,000
Cohuna & District Agricultural Pastoral & Horticultural Society IncWireless Satellite Internet Connection
Build organisational resilience through installing a wireless satellite internet connection at the local showground to benefit community organisations and users of the facility.
Cohuna$544
Concongella Public Hall CommitteeConcongella Hall Grounds Rejuvenation Project
Improved local community facilities with fencing, roof repairs and signage works to lay the foundations for restoring the local hall for the community.
Concongella$5,000
Dimboola Art IncDimboola Tower Park Wonderland
Enhance cultural vibrance and celebrate diversity by funding a Tower Park display for broad promotion, participation and engagement in the Dimboola Steam Punk Festival.
Dimboola$5,000
Dimboola Sporting Club IncKitchen Upgrades
Improve community facilities with an upgrade to kitchen flooring that will support local use of the hall for community organisations.
Dimboola$5,000
Edenhope Pastoral and Agricultural Society IncEnhancing Efficiency through Digital Transformation at the Edenhope Pastoral and Agricultural Society
Build digital capability for Edenhope show operations to support volunteers, and the efficiency and sustainability of the event.
Edenhope$5,000
Loch Community Development AssociationThe Loch Village Community Hub - Building Connections Project
Build community resilience through the purchase of a generator to combat power outages supporting business continuity and emergency response capability.
Loch$5,000
South Gippsland Seed Bank IncorporatedRestoring the Heart of Mirboo North
Support conservation and biodiversity through the purchase of seeds to restore the native landscape following devastating storm damage on local flora.
Mirboo North$4,565
Donald Learning Group IncDonald Building Social & Economic Strength
Build organisational capacity with a freezer to support local food security programs.
Donald$2,044
Grampians Disability Advocacy Association IncHelping Those Who Help Others
Enhance local community workforce support with professional counselling for disability advocates to ensure continuity of service.
Ararat$5,000
Mansfield Community Radio IncRadio Mansfield - Upgrade of Access Infrastructure
Improve community infrastructure with a steel staircase installed for Radio Mansfield to access the emergency generator to ensure emergency broadcasting and OH&S for volunteers.
Mansfield$1,976
The Cohuna Community Bus Committee IncCommunity Transport for All
Upgrade community equipment with a wheelchair hoist for a new community bus to provide transport for medical, retail, community and family activities.
Cohuna$5,000
Glenorchy Memorial Hall Committee IncEvents, Safety and Emergency Readiness Minor Facility Upgrades
Enhance local community facility with an electrical upgrade at Glenorchy Memorial Hall to support safety and operational effectiveness for local events and emergency preparedness.
Glenorchy$2,000
Kilmore District Men's Shed IncSanders
Build organisational capacity to support local connection and contribute to projects that support broader community needs.
Kilmore$2,400
Moyhu Tennis ClubCommunity BBQ Project
Build community resilience by building a community BBQ area at Moyhu that will be widely accessible for regular local gatherings and events.
Moyhu$5,000
Coleraine Pastoral and AgriculturalSociety IncorporatedColeraine Show Sun / Weather Protection
Build community capacity with gazebos to support volunteer participation with all weather protection at local events including the show.
Coleraine$3,524
Landcare Victoria Inc on behalf of Murrayville Landcare Group Harnessing the Power of the Sun for a Sustainable Future in Murrayville
Invest in local community environmental assets with solar lights installed at the Murrayville wetlands to increase use and safety.
Murrayville$4,235
Horsham Arts Council IncInsulation of Main Rehearsal Space
Improve local community facilities through insulating the rehearsal space to enhance environmental and practice conditions for local performers.
Horsham$5,000
Loddon Plains Landcare NetworkBoort Landcare Group
Act on environmental challenges through establishing a Boort Landcare group as a part of the Western Victoria Landcare network to increase capacity for addressing issues locally to benefit agriculturally-dependent communities.
Boort$5,000
Zoe Support AustraliaSupported Playgroup for Young Mothers
Support young mothers with a supported playgroup that will contribute to building parenting skills, early years development and personal growth of participants.
Mildura$5,000
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Boyup Brook District High School Parents & Citizens Association IncBoyup Brook District High School Olive Orchard
Increase educational opportunities with the expansion of the school farm to include an olive grove to support the agriculture teaching program.
Boyup Brook$3,173
Kalannie Community Resource Centre IncBringing Bootscooting to Kalannie
Support community cohesion and wellbeing by organising a bootscooting activity that is accessible to all members of the community, regardless of fitness levels
Kalannie$1,310
Mingenew Historical SocietyThe Restoration Shed Mingenew
Boost accessibility to community facilities by supporting an organisation to develop a community shed by supplying them with communal tools.
Mingenew$4,873
Moora Playgroup IncMoora Bowling Green Community Bike Skills Park
Improve vibrancy, wellbeing and connectedness by installing a community accessible playground and bike skills track.
Moora$5,000
West Arthur Community Resource Centre IncImproving Community Transport Options for Seniors and People with Disabilities
Bolster a community's support of their residents by providing access to a community transport vehicle.
Darkan$5,000
Narrikup Cricket Club IncNarrikup Sporting Clubrooms Shade Sails
Support the initiative of a community group to sustain access to a community meeting place through the purchase and installation of shade sails.
Narrikup$5,000

A small investment in tools or equipment often doesn’t just generate practical outcomes for communities but also provides a foundation for community groups to build their confidence. 

In the case of the Dunn Lewis Youth Foundation in NSW’s Shoalhaven region, the Youth Local Podcast Program has provided young people with more than just a microphone. It’s given them an opportunity to find their voice and feel more empowered, while also exploring, learning and connecting with their community.

Even for those initially hesitant, the experience has been transformative. Mia told us, “If I’m going to be honest, I was not keen for this, but now it’s the highlight of my week. It’s really fun, and the whole process of having ‘Living Skillfully’ as a segment within Youth Local has been really good.”

For Darcy, another one of the participants, podcasting has opened doors to new experiences and skills. “I’ve loved podcasting; it’s been an amazing opportunity. Not only do I get to meet awesome people, but I also get to try out new things every week and explore topics that I’m really passionate about.”

Darcy’s enthusiasm for the creative freedom that podcasting offers is infectious, and it’s clear that this program is more than just a hobby – it’s a pathway to a potential future career. “It’s got me inspired to actually explore this as a career path,” Darcy added, reflecting the broader impact of the initiative.

Claire, another dedicated podcaster, shared how the program has helped her grow in ways she didn’t expect. “Podcasting has been an amazing experience because I’ve gotten to meet new people and learn more about our local area and some strange facts that I did not know before.”

The group of podcasters shared the skills they were learning along the way including: planning, communication with peers and others outside the community, patience and listening skills, as well as technical skills like editing and using the deck.

These quotes aren’t just words; they are a testament to the value of giving youth a voice. As Jasper aptly put it, “I’ve learned that everyone is a little bit goofy in their own way doing this podcast,” and, “It allows you to be who you want to be.”

This program isn’t just about teaching technical skills – it’s about creating a safe space for self-expression, community engagement and personal growth. In a world where youth voices are often underrepresented, this podcast has become a powerful tool for empowerment. It serves as a reminder that when young people are given the tools and the platform, their voices can be both insightful and impactful. It leaves us with a thought-provoking question: what other untapped potential lies within our youth, just waiting for the right opportunity to be unleashed?

Local leaders play a critical role in the community. They are the driving force behind the growth and long-term sustainability of remote, rural and regional communities. But they also need to build their capacity.

Group of people standing together

FRRR was pleased to be able to support IRCF participants to attend the Social Impact in the Regions (SIITR) Conference held on Dungutti Country in the community of Kempsey, NSW. It’s focus was on investing in regional impact, empowering regional voices and understanding regional challenges.

This year’s delegation of 12 local leaders travelled from the Yuin Country communities of Nowra, Bay & Basin and Bega Valley and Nambucca Valley on Gumbaynggirr Country. Not only did they learn heaps but it was also a great way to build connections across communities and to meet more of the FRRR team.

Drawing on our participatory practice training, we started on the first day with a connection opportunity and check in overlooking the Macleay River, to share our intention for the next few days. This was then followed by a warm welcome to Country by Uncle Fred Kelly. Our People Portfolio Lead, Deb Samuels, co-hosted a master class on place-based design with Jesse Taylor, Jo-Anne Kelly and Chad Renando, sharing their place based experiences, and on the final day our CEO, Natalie Egleton, presented a keynote on Regional Challenges and Strengths. She highlighted how some of our community partners have flipped the narrative around how hard things are in remote, rural and regional communities to create strong, vibrant communities.

There were a lot of learnings throughout the three days. The standouts included the innovative adaptation of an event space – activating the main street of Kempsey utilising disused shopfronts – really emphasising the conference being IN community as apposed to AT a community – a huge and noticeable change from the inaugural conference, which was held at a conference centre. There were a lot of ideas that could be replicated in other communities. Youth participation and the inclusion of students from two Kempsey high schools was also great to see. These young people shared their aspirations and explored how enterprise models can support their endeavours. Another learning was how local voices can be amplified through the Ready Communities model.

On returning home, the local leaders who attended shared their gratitude for being supported to attend.

“Julie, our emerging leader, and I both enjoyed the conference immensely, especially the connection with new people and the wonderful opportunities we heard about. The conference dinner was fun, surprising and an unexpected treat from the usual conference dinners. We certainly have lots to think about and are now back at work and looking at what I can start putting in to practice.”

Nicki, Noah’s Inclusion Services, Nowra

Karen from the Bay and Basin Community Resources shared, “It was really great to get out and discuss new ideas, explore different models and network. It has been invaluable and very inspiring. We are already starting to put into practice some of our takeaways.”

Investing in people is a key pillar in the Investing in Rural Community Futures program and we recommend that you keep a close eye on any regional development or leadership opportunities and put your hand up for anything that comes your way. The ripple effects of these types of opportunities can last for years and reach many.

To build long-term capacity, community organisations must have systems in place that allow them to deliver their services efficiently and effectively.

We saw this in action at Cooinda Court Aged Care, when the organisation undertook significant upgrades to their systems after receiving nearly $70,000 in Investing in Rural Community Futures (IRCF) grants.

They used the funds to modernise Cooinda Court’s systems, installing new technology to improve management of medication systems, clinical care records and communication.  All of this was critical to them being able to continue to operate.

Understandably, there are strict accountability requirements in the Aged Care Standards, which require high levels of corporate governance and due diligence, especially around decision making and financial management.  

This investment in the IT and Care Management Program was central to Cooinda being able to meet the increased regulation of the aged care sector, as well being able to attract and retain appropriately skilled Board members and executive staff. The new IT infrastructure also increased data security.

Organisational outcomes 

Staff report that the new care management system has led to streamlining information collection and management and the upskilling has positively impacted on their confidence and increased literacy. The Board can access documents across the whole organisation, which is a requirement of the Aged Care Standards.

With the installation of MANAD (the electronic care system) and training for staff on this new system, Cooinda also reported better connections with the hospital and doctors. One staff member said, “The new software enables the doctor to be more involved… it’s a spin off”.

At their most recent accreditation visit as of November 2023, Cooinda achieved 100% compliance with the Aged Care Standards. This is a significant achievement largely supported by the IRCF funded IT upgrades. 

With the focus of Cooinda Court being to care for frail and elderly people, the continuation of this facility in Junee is critical to maintaining quality local aged care. 

A staff member says, “It allows our elderly to be with their family, but also in familiar environments. They used to be sent away, and that could have been up to two hours a trip for family. And if they have a spouse, then that spouse very seldom could make that journey. And these people never survived long. 

“So, it is very important for us to keep our community members here because they’ve been a part of our community, when we were young and defenceless, they nurtured us. And that’s what we do now. We look after our residents in an environment that’s solely theirs, where they are protected, and we advocate for them.” 

FRRR’s CEO, Natalie Egleton, recently spoke at the Social Impact in the Regions Conference. Before participating in a panel discussion that was focussed on addressing challenges in remote, rural and regional Australia, Natalie delivered a brief presentation. The following are her speech notes.

All too often, regional communities are only visible to the rest of the country and to policymakers through a lens of crisis, disadvantage, or as somewhere from which resources needed by others can be extracted.

From the hundreds of community grants and conversations we have at FRRR, we know that is not the narrative regional communities want to focus on. The challenges are definitely there; regional communities live them every day. But what would happen if we flipped the narrative to one where regions are understood, invested in and valued for their intrinsic value – their innovation, intelligence, creativity and contribution to their own and the nation’s wellbeing and economies?

The possibilities are remarkable when we do this. I’m going to share three case studies of communities and organisations that FRRR has partnered with over multiple years as they navigated these very questions. I’m not telling their story on their behalf but sharing what we noticed throughout our funding partnerships with them. They stand out but are by no means the only such organisations and communities. And a hint – there are some common themes about the different types and roles of backbone organisations; the capacity for challenges to catalyse innovation; and why place-based change takes time – sometimes generations.

Red Ridge Interior Queensland

Red Ridge Interior is in Blackall – almost the centre of Queensland. They are an arts organisation at their heart and evolved into so much more during the drought that crippled much of western Queensland in the mid 2000’s until very recently. Their model is one of collaboration that supports outcomes like intergenerational connection, First Nations economic self-determination, women’s health and wellbeing, and leadership development.

Laughing and smiling women sitting under a marquee.

The first grant we awarded was just $2,500 to help them build a better business model. We have since supported many of their initiatives. Over the years, as they’ve grown in confidence – and people have built confidence in them –they’ve blown it out of the park.

Red Ridge described themselves as an auspice for local projects – but I would argue that they have played a backbone role for western Queensland.

In remote communities like Blackall, there are fewer services, small, dispersed populations, and narrow economies. They need organisations that can play integrated and multifaceted roles across population groups, industries and join dots in policy and funding systems to make them work for their local context.

One of their activities is the now annual Channel Country Ladies Day – an event with the tagline ‘inspiration in isolation’. It brings together women from across the channel country, right down into Birdsville and further north to Longreach and surrounds.

It was an idea born during the drought, when the load that women were carrying – caring for family, finding ways to generate off-farm income, managing the farm business – was noticed, alongside the fact that they weren’t caring for themselves. This is not any ordinary event; it brings together hundreds of women for reprieve, wellbeing support, fun and skill development. It also builds economic opportunity by creating space for micro-enterprises, and enterprise development. It’s a space for hard conversations and care for people doing hard work.

Women preparing for a fashion parade, with extravagant hats.

As the drought’s impacts deepened, Red Ridge saw an opportunity to play a role in ‘finding beauty in the drought’ and created the Dress the Central West event. They partnered with Central West Hospital and Health Service (CWHHS) and Central West Aboriginal Corporation (CWAC) to create the fashion parade of the year, Dress the Central West. Teaming with Fashion designer Claudia Williams from Llani Creative, each outfit represented the history and traditions of the four communities involved in the project – Winton, Blackall, Longreach and Barcaldine.

The event tapped into layers of talent in the community and gave people who were often excluded from opportunities a platform to shine. With support from a fashion designer, communities designed several outfits that best represented their towns, stories and culture in the adversity of drought, using recycled or found material.

The work that Red Ridge and the communities of the Central West faced – and still face – include big challenges, but they have found ways to create energy from within communities to co-create new stories and futures.

Red Earth Community Foundation

Red Earth Community Foundation is one of about 40 place-based philanthropic foundations in Australia – a network that is growing and evolving dynamic community-owned models of generating and redistributing capital in their local communities. Red Earth covers the North and South Burnett and Cherbourg communities in Queensland.

Side-on view of people sitting around tables at a conference

FRRR has partnered with Red Earth since it was a seed of an idea, through many grants and strategic partnerships. It’s a leading model of community mobilisation and transformation from the ground up.

Like many innovations, a crisis was the catalyst for the formation of Red Earth Community Foundation, following a major flood event in 2014. Conversations among a few key people were about what the Burnett needed in 100 years’ time – it was a different vision and one that held a new narrative about its challenges. This was in a context of the Burnett describing the region as the hole in the doughnut – the region that had high needs and one of the highest rates of socio-economic disadvantage in the country. They saw investment flowing everywhere but the Burnett Inland.

Funding to support flood recovery occurred around the same time as funding to support setting up good governance for the emerging Foundation. The latter involved much consultation and education about what a community foundation structure might bring to the Burnett.

There was a space to shift – they could continue blaming and being victims of poor systems, or they could mobilise and create something else. So, they set out on a different path to most community foundations – instead of starting with money, they started with people and developed a community leadership program. More than 200 people have now graduated from the program and are activating opportunities across the region.

In just a decade, Red Earth has become a vital backbone for the region – they are a trusted convenor of community voice and action. Beyond the leadership program, they are facilitating major drought resilience and disaster preparedness initiatives, and brokering opportunities for community benefit from renewable energy projects.

FRRR and Red Earth are currently partnering on the Disaster Resilient: Future Ready program, which is supporting community co-design of disaster resilience across the small towns in the Burnett Inland region. The teams were together at the recent AIDR conference to showcase the work and learnings.

Red Earth’s is a story of people power and a collective decision to adopt an opportunity mindset.

Toolangi

Mural painted on a water tank with interpretive signage in the foreground.

The final example is not of a single organisation but rather a small community – population just 335 – in an area affected by Black Saturday bushfires in 2009; it’s about an hour and a half north east of Melbourne.

In this tiny village, the Community House is the hub and provides a central point of connection and information. It is mostly volunteer run, with a tiny amount of funding for operations and programming. When the fires impacted the town, the Community House was the central organisation for recovery efforts. They had to step up and play a far more complex role in rebuilding the town and people’s lives.

The Community House brought together the ideas and needs of the town and went about gradually planning and actioning – with small amounts of funding as they went. Of course they couldn’t do it all at once. And as such a small town and organisation, nor could they accept too much support all at once. So, FRRR worked alongside them, supporting the community when they were ready and as needs evolved and people were able to do some of the actual implementation.

The focus was on long-term recovery, regeneration, over weeks and months. Support was given in different places, at different times. The support via the Community House similarly took different forms, and as needs evolved, investment went with them. Some of the projects supported by FRRR included strategic thinking about how to approach recovery; a focus on wellbeing; the need to create a place where health and fitness – physical and emotional wellbeing – could support social wellbeing across different groups – students; women; men etc.

The weekly community fitness program had a huge impact on the community as they recovered and found a ‘new normal’ after the fires. People were at risk of becoming isolated and mental health was a growing issue. In a largely ageing community, physical wellbeing was the way in to addressing mental wellbeing. An evaluation of this program found significant reduction in risk factors and increases in wellbeing at a population level. In fact, the program is still running.

An exercise class, with four men standing one one leg.

They also hosted others including the men’s shed and the community garden – and reactivated spaces in town that could support connection, healing and regeneration. While there were many people involved, one person in particular was, and still is, the glue for this town – she carefully, kindly, and strategically worked with the community to reimagine spaces and opportunities. She did it knowing that they would never attract the big money or media headlines and so worked smartly too – with locally led sustainability as the goal.

That’s often the reality for those working in remote, rural and regional communities – the challenges are there and it’s up to those of us living and working there to find our unique assets and strengths.

These three examples showcase what’s possible if we flip the narrative and invest in communities, especially in backbone organisations that can take carriage of maintaining focus for the long game. They come in different shapes and sizes and, when built from and by community, are vital parts of community infrastructure. The other lesson I’d share, both from my work at FRRR but also as the resident of a small rural community, is to work on the assumption that the money may never come – hard as that is, it can liberate new thinking and opportunity. I hope that these anecdotes encourage you to reconsider your view of remote, rural and regional Australia. It’s not all doom and gloom – even when times are tough. Imagine what might be possible if regions are truly understood, invested in and valued for their innovation, intelligence, creativity and the contribution they make to our nation’s wellbeing and prosperity.

Nambucca Valley Phoenix (NVP) received two IRCF Partnership Grants in addition to support through Toolbox funds to contribute to a group of local NFP’s undertaking a feasibility study into collective fundraising for the Nambucca Valley.

NVP’s initial project focused on the development a five-year strategic plan, with a particular focus on creative economy options and pathways to rebuild after a failed merger.

In 2021, they moved onto developing strategies and tools to attract funding. This was activated through communications upgrades, including a website and sponsorship packages. The Coordinator’s wage was also subsidised bring in other support and allow them time to implement a business plan, research and develop strategic fundraising pathways and connections and to share their learnings with other NFPs.

Making solid inroads

Having the five-year strategic business plan has been greatly beneficial in assisting NVP to gain funding and build reputation. The plan has demonstrated their professionalism to stakeholders and provided NVP with a roadmap for redefining and rebuilding.

As a result of FRRR support, NVP also leveraged the Social Sector Transformation Fund, a NSW Government initiative to help small to medium sized charities and NFPs. Through this they developed a Theory of Change, Impact Measurement and Pathways to Sustainability report by Social Enterprise Finance Australia. These documents were developed to further assist NVP to secure financial assistance required as it rebuilt its services through illustrating the organisations social impact. The work done as part of this project will continue to support NVP well into the future, as they say, teach a fisherman to fish…

Since starting this project NVP has leveraged more than a million dollars’ worth of project funding. These projects include much needed capital funding to replace redundant and defective infrastructure and equipment and the development of an accessible carpark, multi-year youth program funding, funding to develop arts and exhibition programs and to support our social enterprises. They have also hosted the Disability Arts Award and the inaugural Winter Ball, bringing community and the disabaility sector together in a joyful celebration of inclusion.

“We created a five-year strategic plan to assist us to build a sustainable social enterprise that creates an inclusive place for people to come together to learn, earn and enjoy the benefits of art, food and community, while still supporting people with disability to engage in meaningful employment and learning programs such as arts.”

In 2020, Junee Community Power (JCP) introduced a circular funding model to allow local community groups and NFPs to install solar power on their premises to help reduce their operating costs. They also gained access to equipment to complete energy assessments on buildings, which they now offer as part of their service model.

The organisation is fully led by volunteers and, in the later stages of the IRCF program, has accessed some administration and feasibility support from FRRR. Over the course of the IRCF program, the organisation has been able to refine its processes by:

  • Clarifying the Circular Funds Business Model with the Community Power Agency;
  • Solidifying their vision and purpose;
  • Streamlining meeting and reporting procedures; and
  • Engaging a solicitor to formalise loan contracts with participants.

Lasting community impacts

They have successfully supported two community organisations to apply for funding to install solar power and improve energy efficiency – Junee Community Centre and the Senior Citizens Centre.

One of the board members said the system is already even more than they had hoped. “Junee Community Centre has paid back to the circular fund years before we expected. This has enabled more upcoming projects – big and small. We can also go back to the Community Centre to look at what else they need.”

JCP also assisted the Senior Citizens Centre to apply for funding for re-wiring, and a new fridge and stove, which were funded by IRCF. Community members are now using the Centre more often and for longer periods of time.

Shovel-ready to support community through the renewable energy transition

JCP remains incredibly active at the culmination of the IRCF program in their area. The group is working on disaster preparedness, with Junee and Illabo Showgrounds both being considered as places of last resort during natural disasters etc. JCP is also working closely with the regional Organisation of Regional Councils Riverina Eastern (REROC) as a potential regional partner and received funding through IRCF to undertake a feasibility study to support this work.

“When government funding becomes available for community batteries later in the year, we’re in a shovel-ready position now to make an application, we’ve got the costing and we’ve got the feasibility already done.”

The below was written by Kate McBride, Community Facilitator in Bay and Basin

At a recent Changemakers workshop in the Shoalhaven, we heard the analogy that being a changemaker is like being in a relay race. We sprint with the baton, pushing for change and progress, but in reality, it’s not solely on our shoulders to cross the finish line. We pass the baton on and share the collective responsibility of creating change. Each person’s contribution in creating change is crucial, and together we cover the distance needed to create lasting impact in our communities.

In the heart of every thriving community lies the united effort of its members, working together to foster growth, resilience and progress. Here, on the South Coast, we are not short of these amazing community members. Fatigue though, had set in and our community was – and still is – weary after living through the 2019 Currowan Bushfires, multiple floods and COVID.

As part of the Investing In Rural Community Futures program in the Shoalhaven, we partnered with the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation to offer an eight day intensive leadership program for 22 participants in the Shoalhaven.

As a Community Facilitator, I feel very fortunate to have been one of the participants. Attending this program has had a transformative impact on myself and the other 21 participants – equipping us with the skills, insights, energy and networks to drive positive change in our communities.

The program fostered personal growth and enhanced our leadership capabilities through immersive experiences and diverse learning opportunities. We emerged from the program with a deeper understanding of rural challenges and the growing confidence to tackle them.

The most significant impact for me though, was the development of a strong, supportive network for us all that has extended beyond the duration of the course. We have celebrated triumphs, troubleshooted issues and delighted in the opportunity to cross paths again. And, most importantly, we have a revitalised relay team, ready to carry that baton of change a bit further in our communities.