Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR)
This story was submitted as part of FRRR’s 25th birthday celebrations.
“Congratulations FRRR on 25 years of community support and grant making. First Steps Count has been fortunate to work alongside FRRR in the delivery of several grants over the last few years. FRRR recognises the value and the power of place-based, community-led projects, funding and supporting the hard work of people on the ground in rural and regional areas who have the passion and drive to make a difference for their communities. Thank you FRRR for your dedication to rural and regional communities and we wish you all the best for the next 25 years!”
Clare Brennan, Director
“First Steps Count received a $25,000 Investing in Not-for-Profit Capacity grant to engage the community with the co-design and development of our amazing centre for families with children aged 0-12. An additional Strengthening Rural Communities grant enabled us to engage with children and families local to the community to create artworks that feature on the internal and external walls at First Steps Count Child and Community Centre.
“Without FRRR funding, we would not have been able to work with an artist to coordinate the art project which enabled us to engage over 250 children and women in the community to create the art. The community’s involvement in the project has had a significant impact on their sense of belonging and ownership of the hub.
“We would also not have had sufficient resources to engage in genuine co-design to ensure that the way in which our hub operates truly meets the needs of the community.”
First Steps Count’s vision for the future
“Babies born today will be in their mid 20s in 2050. It is my hope that more of the children born today successfully finish their education and are supported by their families and community to engage in meaningful study, employment or work. It is my hope that more children have positive childhood experiences that ultimately influence the way they parent and manage relationships. It is my hope that the statistics show better developmental outcomes across all domains for children starting school.”
