Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal
Grants of more than $800,000 support bushfire recovery and community resilience
Seventy-nine community-led projects that will boost remote, rural and regional communities across Australia are sharing in $809,234 in funding, thanks to FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) program.
Funded by generous contributions from a number of donors, the SRC program offers two streams of funding. The Small & Vital Stream offers grants of up to $10,000 for locally-led initiatives that strengthen community resilience and capacity, while the Bushfire Recovery Stream offers grants of up to $25,000 to support recovery from the Black Summer bushfires in 2020/21.
In this round of funding, $446,638 will support 55 Small & Vital projects, while $312,596 will be shared across 22 bushfire recovery initiatives.
Grants awarded range from $1,800 to upgrade the Gujarati Cultural Association of Darwin website, through to $25,000 for Wangaratta Rural City Council, which will be used to purchase and install a generator in their Neighbourhood Safer Place – Bushfire Place of Last Resort.
The funding follows the recent release of FRRR’s Heartbeat of Rural Australia Report, which highlights the challenges that local community groups across the country are facing in funding the vital community-strengthening activities that they undertake.
Natalie Egleton, CEO of FRRR, says that the diversity of projects reflects the critical role that these groups play in the vitality of their communities.
“As we found in our Heartbeat study, rural community groups and NFPs really are the heartbeat of rural communities. However, many community groups have found it tough to access funding, especially over the last two years, so we are delighted to be able to step in and support them to deliver on local priorities.
“We are seeing initiatives address local needs ranging from enhancing organisational capacity, to providing training so that the groups can better support their communities, to upgrades in critical community infrastructure so that people a safe and accessible space where they can meet.
“This diversity of projects confirms that these community organisations are best placed to lead the way when it comes to supporting their communities, facilitating recovery, and building resilience,” Ms Egleton said.
One particularly notable aspect of this round of grants is the total value of the projects being supported in the Small & Vital Stream.
“We often hear from community groups that the funding they receive from FRRR helps them secure the balance of funds for their projects. While we are awarding $446,638 toward Small & Vital projects, the total value of the projects we’re supporting is nearly $3 million. This means that, on average, for every $1 awarded by FRRR there’s another $6.50 going into the community either in cash or in-kind. That’s wonderful to see and we’re delighted to be able to help local organisations make progress toward getting these critical initiatives up and running,” Ms Egleton said.
Some of the 79 projects awarded include:
- The Community Charity Shop Incorporated – Rylstone, NSW – Volunteer Celebration and Expo – $10,000 – Celebrate volunteerism and encourage local involvement through a two-day volunteer expo and celebration of local volunteer groups.
- Gong-Dal Aboriginal Corporation – Gapuwiyak, NT – Miyarrka Homelands Mobile Bush Studio and Pilot Project – $10,000 – Upskill youth in video production skills and build a library of video resources for cultural education as well as the purchase of video equipment to develop On-Country bush video studio.
- Fassifern District Historical Society Incorporated – Boonah, QLD – Ride on Mower – $6,200 – Increase volunteer safety and bushfire preparedness through purchase of a ride on mower.
- Port Neill Progress Association Inc – Port Neill, SA – Health and Connectedness for our Community – $2,860 – Support physical and mental health for residents of Port Neill, through weekly fitness sessions throughout 2022.
- Bruny Island District School Association Incorporated – Alonnah, TAS – Billabong Playground Upgrade – $10,000 – Improve educational, physical and social outcomes, by installing an age-appropriate outdoor play area for preschool children.
- Goulburn Region Pre-School Association Inc – Violet Town, VIC – Violet Town Bush Kinder – $4,264 – Enhance early learning andappreciation of nature through the development of a bush education program for kindergarten children.
- City of Albany – Goode Beach, WA – Albany Community Preparedness and Resilience Project – $8,350 – Building community resilience by supporting community planning and preparation for emergencies or disasters.
A full list of grant recipients is available on FRRR’s website.
The SRC program is collaboratively supported by a number of generous donors, which are listed on FRRR’s website.
The next round of SRC applications is currently being assessed and will be announced March 2022.
More information about the SRC program is available on FRRR’s website.
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 | ||||||
| Border Ranges Richmond Valley Landcare Network Incorporated | Supporting Safe and Connected Landcare Communities Through Digital Resources and WHS Training Help Landcare volunteers to have better access to training opportunities with the purchase of a Smart TV, laptop and improved meeting space furniture. | Kyogle | $6,915 | |||
| Brunswick Valley Landcare Incorporated | Climate Resilience For Our Community's Gardeners and Landholders Encourage people to come together to plant trees and learn about climate resilience at the 2022 Mother's Day Community Planting event. | Mullumbimby | $10,000 | |||
| Do It For Batlow Incorporated | Community Health and Wellbeing / Sports Area Upgrade Encourage the community to come together, connect and exercise through rejuvenation of the netball, basketball courts and surrounding area within the Batlow Showground Precinct. | Batlow | $25,000 | |||
| Gundillion Recreation Reserve Land Manager | Chainsaw Training Round Two Increase awareness for local community impacted by the Black Summer bushfire events in the safe use of chainsaws for the removal of burnt trees. | Krawarree | $5,000 | |||
| Modern Art Projects Blue Mountains Assoc Inc | Carnivale Catastrophe Inspire community to come together to share their experiences of the 2019/20 bushfires through an exhibition, public programs and an online digital publication as part of Cementa Festival 2022. | Kandos | $21,022 | |||
| Rainforest 4 Foundation Ltd | Building a Volunteer Base for Local Bushfire Recovery Community Tree Plantings Expand and retain a volunteer base that will support tree planting and forest regeneration in bushfire impacted rainforest areas. | Mullumbimby | $9,316 | |||
| Scotts Head Community Group Incorporated | Scotts Head Community Gardeners Establish a community garden to encourage community engagement and create an inclusive and supportive meeting place. | Scotts Head | $15,000 | |||
| TenterLIFE Suicide Prevention Network Inc | TenterLIFE Suicide Prevention Network Inc Boost community knowledge of suicide and its impact through a series of awareness events and Mental Health First Aid training. | Tenterfield | $25,000 | |||
| The Community Charity Shop Incorporated | Volunteer Celebration and Expo Celebrate volunteerism and encourage local involvement through a two day volunteer expo and celebration of local volunteer groups. | Rylstone | $10,000 | |||
| Treading Lightly Inc | Treading Lightly Community Hub and Youth Program Enable the development of a youth committee by local community hub with rent support in addition to training and mentoring support for youth skill development. | Milton | $25,000 | |||
| Valla Public Hall Committee of Managerment Nambucca Valley Council | Historic Valla Hall - Upgrade of Amenities for Community Comfort and Resilience Improve the comfort and use of the community hall by installing heating and cooling plus dishwasher. | Valla | $17,400 | |||
| Small & Vital | ||||||
| Clifton Community Food Garden Incorporated | Artificial Turf for Garden Walkways Between Beds Encourage community participation and make the Clifton Community Food Garden more accessible by installing artificial turf for walkways between garden beds. | Sanctuary Point | $3,998 | |||
| Gloucester Arts and Cultural Council Inc | Growing Gloucester's Arts Boost participation and increase cultural vibrancy by bringing more arts-based and cultural programs to Gloucester. | Gloucester | $10,000 | |||
| Home-Start National Inc | Crookwell Parent to Parent Mentor Project Strengthen social connection and build resilience by supporting the Crookwell Parent to Parent Mentor Project. | Crookwell | $9,480 | |||
| Ivanhoe RSL Club Ltd | Ivanhoe RSL Upgrades Boost functionality of the Ivanhoe RSL Club through provision of a deep fryer, dishwasher and kitchen equipment. | Ivanhoe | $9,750 | |||
| Mulga Bill Festival Incorporated | The Air Conditioning of the Banjo Paterson...More Than a Poet Museum/Exhibition Boost functionality and usability of The Banjo Paterson…more than a Poet Museum through provision of air conditioning. | Yeoval | $4,117 | |||
| Scone Triathlon Club Incorporated | Splash into Summer in Scone Increase community participation, health and wellbeing by providing free pool entry and swimming programs for the residents of Scone. | Scone | $5,800 | |||
| Warren Chamber Music Festival Incorporated | Warren Chamber Music Festival Education Week Inspire more culturally vibrant communities and increase engagement in learning by supporting Warren Chamber Music Festival Education Week. | Warren | $10,000 | |||
| NORTHERN TERRITORY | ||||||
| Small & Vital | ||||||
| Bula'Bula Arts | Moiety Murals: Yirritja and Dhuwa Dreamings Encourage younger generation’s understanding and knowledge of Yolngu culture through creation of two large murals depicting Dhuwa and Yirritja moieties. | Ramingining | $9,973 | |||
| Enterprise Learning Projects | Empowering the Social Entrepreneurs of Remote Northern Australia Build successful social enterprises in remote Northern Australia through five online workshops and an entrepreneurs' network. | Northern Australia | $10,000 | |||
| Gong-Dal Aboriginal Corporation | Miyarrka Homelands Mobile Bush Studio and Pilot Project Upskill youth in video production skills and build a library of video resources for cultural education with purchase of video equipment to develop On-Country bush video studio. | Gapuwiyak | $10,000 | |||
| Gujarati Cultural Association of Darwin Incorporated | GCAD Website 2022 Grow awareness of Gujarati Indian culture and participation in multicultural celebrations with the upgrade of community website. | Darwin | $1,800 | |||
| Junior Police Rangers Land Association | Greening Goanna Park - Preservation Phase Maintain grounds of Youth Leadership Camp with purchases of a spray unit to control invasive Gamba Grass and a high-pressure washer for removal of mold. | Marrakai | $5,860 | |||
| The Trustee for Mantiyupwi Family Trust | Wurrumiyanga Community Tree Planting and Clean-Up Week Encourage residents to participate in a program to beautify their environment, reduce erosion, increase access to fresh fruit, and increase shade via a community tree planting and Clean-Up week. | Wurrumiyanga | $5,500 | |||
| QUEENSLAND | ||||||
| Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
| Fassifern District Historical Society Incorporated | Ride on Mower Increase volunteer safety and bushfire preparedness through purchase of a ride on mower. | Boonah | $6,200 | |||
| Scenic Rim Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Inc | Mobile Field Hospital Fitout Support volunteers responding to natural disasters by providing cooling, refrigeration and a computer for mobile field animal hospital. | Boonah | $9,350 | |||
| Small & Vital | ||||||
| Begonia Golf & Sports Club Inc | Connect Begonia Boost opportunities for inclusion and participation through connecting Begonia residents to internet and providing an online yoga program. | Begonia | $10,000 | |||
| Bowen Neighbourhood Centre Bowen Community Council Inc | Community Computers Increase access to digital services through provision of a bank of computers at Bowen Neighbourhood Centre. | Bowen | $10,000 | |||
| Captain Creek Community Sport and Recreation Club | Commercial Dishwasher and TV for Captain Creek Community Club Encourage community connection and support volunteers through provision of a commercial dishwasher and television for Captain Creek Community Club. | Captain Creek | $8,265 | |||
| Cawarral Primary P&C Association | Playful Partnerships at Cawarral Encourage social connection and engagement in learning through installation of a new playground and fencing for Cawarral State School. | Cawarral | $10,000 | |||
| Childers Neighbourhood Centre Bundaberg Regional Council | NOT The One Pot Wonders Build community resilience and participation through provision of a series of cooking classes that focus on health, nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. | Childers | $9,445 | |||
| El Arish Community Sport and Recreation Association Incorporated | STAGE 2 Air Conditioning Project for the El Arish RSL Memorial Hall Expand the use of El Arish RSL Memorial Hall by installing three user-pays air conditioning units. | El Arish | $9,950 | |||
| Home Hill Chamber of Commerce | Create and Host a New Website, Email Service and Social Media Presence Build economic strength and enhance community identity by provision of a new website and social media presence for Home Hill business community. | Home Hill | $10,000 | |||
| Nanango & District Kindergarten Assn | New Indoor Timber Furniture Revitalise the learning environment of Nanango & District Kindergarten through the provision of sustainable timber activity tables and chairs. | Nanango | $10,000 | |||
| Roma Show Society Inc | Maranoa New Years Spectacular Boost the local economy and increase social connection by providing fireworks and entertainment for the Maranoa New Year Spectacular. | Roma | $10,000 | |||
| Torres Strait & Cape York Peninsula Indigenous Futsal Association Limited | Remote Indigenous Junior Futsal Clubs Foster a more engaged, participative community and contribute to "closing the gap" for Indigenous children by establishing long-term extra-curricular activities in the remote communities of Torres Strait and Cape York Peninsula. | Northern Peninsula Area | $9,500 | |||
| Woodhill Hall Association Inc | Refurbish Kitchen Benches and Shelving Rejuvenate the Woodhill Hall through provision of new kitchen benchtops and shelving. | Woodhill | $4,485 | |||
| SOUTH AUSTRALIA | ||||||
| Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
| Lights of Lobethal SA Inc | Illuminature Bringing community together and support activities that promote recovery through a lighting display. | Lobethal | $25,000* | |||
| Southern Yorke Peninsula Community Hub Incorporated | Incident Response Trailer Empower community led initiatives in responding to and preparing for natural disasters. | Yorketown & District | $24,950 | |||
| TULKA Progress Association | Purchase of a Zero Turn Ride-On Lawn Mower Boost the community's ability to prepare for bushfire seasons and maintain fuel reduction though purchasing a mower. | Tulka | $6,199 | |||
| Small & Vital | ||||||
| Cummins Area School | Preschool Outdoor Area Upgrade Encourage connectivity, educational and social opportunities for young children, by constructing a sensory garden and play-space. | Cummins | $10,000 | |||
| Port Neill Progress Association Inc | Health and Connectedness for our Community Support physical and mental health for residents of Port Neill, through the operation of a weekly fitness session throughout 2022. | Port Neill | $2,860 | |||
| The Beltana Progress Association Incorporated | Increasing Community Resilience -Purchase a Replacement Tractor Support organisational capacity and volunteer wellbeing through the purchase of a tractor for the maintenance of town infrastructure. | Beltana | $10,000 | |||
| Wudinna & District Swimming Pool Inc | Wudinna Swimming Pool Canteen Upgrade Support revenue generation and develop organisational capacity through the upgrade of a refrigerator. | Wudinna | $4,432 | |||
| TASMANIA | ||||||
| Small & Vital | ||||||
| Bruny Island District School Association Incorporated | Billabong Playground Upgrade Improve educational, physical and social outcomes, by installing an age-appropriate outdoor play area for pre-school children. | Alonnah | $10,000 | |||
| Dunalley Tasman Neighbourhood House Inc | Holistic Volunteer Strategy Increase the Neighbourhood House’s capacity to support volunteers through the establishment of a volunteer engagement strategy. | Nubeena | $8,200 | |||
| VICTORIA | ||||||
| Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
| Ambassadors of Jesus Inc | Ensuring Emergency Food Relief in the Upper Murray Boost health and wellbeing of communities affected by natural disasters through delivering emergency food relief and essential goods. | Corryong | $25,000 | |||
| Bright Court House Committee of Management | Auditorium Upgrade - Live Streaming Cameras Encourage people to come together and strengthen connections to arts and culture in a community affected by natural disasters. | Bright | $9,970 | |||
| Bruthen Arts and Events Council Inc | Bruthen Blues & Arts Festival, 2022 Strengthen recovery and encourage people to come together by enhancing entertainment and COVID-safe practices at the Bruthen Arts & Blues Festival. | Bruthen | $25,000* | |||
| Corryong Junior Gymnastic Club Inc | Circastics Access for All Encourage access and inclusion for all abilities through the purchase of specialist gymnastics and circus equipment. | Corryong | $6,650 | |||
| Dartmouth Community Progress Association | Strengthening Volunteer Capacity Through the Upgrading of Equipment in our Local Community Hall Increase community connection and disaster preparedness by improving kitchen facilities at a community gathering space. | Dartmouth | $9,000 | |||
| National Alpine Museum of Australia Incorporated | Australia's Alpine Album Grow community resources and local connection by preserving stories and historical artefacts. | VIC Alpine | $12,274 | |||
| Whitfield Recreation Reserve Community Asset Committee Wangaratta Rural City Council | Strengthening Resilience and Capacity for the Whitfield Community During Emergency Events Building capacity to respond to natural disasters through purchasing a generator for a community gathering space. | Whitfield | $25,000 | |||
| Small & Vital | ||||||
| Art House Gippsland Incorporated | Inward Goods Festival 2022 Build capacity of a music event and extend artistic engagement of young people in creative activities through supporting amenities costs at the Inward Goods Briagolong Festival. | Briagolong | $10,000 | |||
| Banyena Community Hall Incorporated | Banyena Hall Automated External Defibrillator Enhance community safety and capacity by providing an accessible defibrillator and training at the local hall. | Banyena | $2,321 | |||
| Bass Coast Community Foundation Open Fund | Bass Coast Kids as Catalysts Enhance school engagement and develop life skills through implementing the Kids as Catalysts creative learning program at Bass Valley Primary School. | Corinella | $10,000 | |||
| Bellarine Historical Society Incorporated (INC. NO. A 0015326L) | Upgrade Computer Equipment Boost volunteer capacity and engagement through the upgrading of IT equipment. | Drysdale | $3,030 | |||
| Boolarra and District Historical Society Inc | Improving access to Boolarra Museum Expand the use of the Boolarra Museum by installing a ramp to improve access. | Boolarra | $10,000 | |||
| Centre for Participation Inc | Alternative Life Skill Program for Vulnerable Youth Develop resilience of at-risk Youth through participation in a food handling training program. | Nhill | $9,750 | |||
| Edenhope Tourism Incorporated | Permanent Museum to Display Local History Build a stronger local economy and celebrate a historically rich culture through the establishment of a history museum. | Edenhope | $10,000 | |||
| Geelong Food Relief Centre | The Weekly Purchase of Nutritious Food for the Geelong Food Banks Improve food security in vulnerable communities through purchasing and distributing nutritious food. | Geelong (G1 Region) | $10,000 | |||
| Gellibrand Community House Incorporated | Heating Hearts in the Gellibrand Hall Improve volunteer vitality and organisational resilience by installing split systems. | Gellibrand | $10,000 | |||
| Goulburn Region Pre-School Association Inc | Violet Town Bush Kinder Enhance early learning and appreciation of nature through the development of a bush education program for kindergarten children. | Violet Town | $4,264 | |||
| Karramomus Hall and Recreation Reserve Greater Shepparton City Council | Rejuvenating the Karramomus Community Hall Strengthen social engagement for senior’s groups and expand hire of a local hall, through the upgrade of furniture. | Karramomus | $9,750 | |||
| Koroit Irish Festival Committee Inc | Caring for our Kids Increase organisational capacity and young people’s engagement with a heritage festival through the purchase of marquees. | Koroit | $7,500 | |||
| Korumburra Men’s Shed Milpara Community House Inc | The Korumburra Castle ‘Hub 1’ Foster greater engagement and connection by installing an accessible kitchen at the men's shed. | Korumburra | $9,600 | |||
| Ladybird Education North East Regional Pre-School Association Incorporated | Ladybird Education Music Incursion Program at Chiltern Kindergarten Support early childhood pre-literacy development through the introduction of a music program at Chiltern Kindergarten. | Chiltern | $6,800 | |||
| Mirboo Recreation Reserve Incorporated | Reverse Cycle Replacement Strengthen community connectivity and engagement through the purchase and installation of split systems. | Mirboo | $2,000 | |||
| Portland Community Garden Incorporated | Expand our Work Space Expand our Opportunities Enhance engagement opportunities for the Portland community through the establishment of a workshop space at the community garden. | Portland | $10,000 | |||
| Pyramid Hill and District Historical Society Inc A0016804K | Pyramid Hill Historic Plaques Increase community connection and promote history and tourism in Pyramid Hill by installing historic plaques within the township. | Pyramid Hill | $8,253 | |||
| The Growing Abundance Project Inc | 2022 Harvest Program Coordinator Enhance community wellbeing via a food security program and support volunteer management by employing a project coordinator. | Castlemaine | $10,000 | |||
| Wandong History Group Inc | Linking Our Heritage - Wandong Increase access to local history and boost community participation through establishing a new website. | Wandong | $8,327 | |||
| WESTERN AUSTRALIA | ||||||
| Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
| City of Albany | Albany Community Preparedness and Resilience Project Building community resilience by supporting community planning and preparation for emergencies or disasters. | Goode Beach | $8,350 | |||
| Small & Vital | ||||||
| Badgingarra Primary School Parents and Citizens Association | Upgrade School Kitchen Expand the use of the school’s kitchen by installing new cupboards and appliances to increase capacity to deliver food technology programs and provide catering at school events. | Badgingarra | $10,000 | |||
| Cranbrook Community Men's Shed | Shed Extension Grow opportunities to connect and support skill development by extending Cranbrook Men’s Shed to allow a separate metal working area. | Cranbrook | $8,273 | |||
| Dunsborough Toy Library | Dunsborough Toy Library - Building Capacity, Awareness and Resilience Increase opportunities for families to connect and children to access educational toys, with new website and promotional material for toy library. | Dunsborough | $3,605 | |||
| Foodbank of Western Australia Inc | Food Relief Support for Isolated Meekatharra & Wiluna Families Increase access to food for remote communities of Wiluna and Meekatharra, through provision of food hampers. | Meekatharra | $9,750 | |||
| Indigenous Remote Communications Association Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Corporation | 2022 Remote Indigenous Media Festival Boost Indigenous media skills by funding workshops and forums supporting skills development, networking and industry development. | Kimberley | $10,000 | |||
| Walitj Aboriginal Corporation | Boosting Shearing Training Capability for Noongar Young Adults in Great Southern WA Develop workplace skills to address labor shortages in the wool industry through purchase of a wool press that will support industry training and grow a viable social enterprise. | Redmond | $10,000 | |||
| * Tailored grants | ||||||
