Community meeting places are integral to the social fabric of society. In the small dairy community of South Purrumbete in Victoria, the local school closed in 1993 and in the following decade, the local hall and churches were sold; the footy club folded; and the community lost a vital space to come together. After an extended period of time of neglect and inactivity, the Recreation Reserve building, which was the last remaining community asset in this small dairy community, was set to be sold.

However, the community united and re-established the South Purrumbete Recreation Reserve (SPRR) committee of management in 2015 to retain ownership, with a vision to create a vibrant community hub. Since then, they’ve undertaken works to remove hazardous trees and control weeds, as well as fencing and revegetation of the Reserve.

The next stage of their efforts to strengthen the community was to embark upon the the rejuvenation of the disused but much sought after Reserve as a community hub, and this firstly involved upgrading the electrical infrastructure. This was necessary to ensure safety and reliability and the availability of essential services such as toilets, water and power to potential users, and to enable further restoration works to continue.

The committee received a 2020 Gardiner Dairy Foundation Community Grant for $4,870 for the designated electrical works, just before the global pandemic hit. Despite the challenges caused by a shortage of contractors due to ongoing lockdowns, this small group of fewer than five volunteers engaged with local landholders, businesses and the wider community, and commenced the massive task of reinvigorating this heart of the local community. Trenches were dug, electrical upgrades took place and basic building drainage issues were addressed.

While the physical infrastructure upgrades could be considered the whole point of the project, the ultimate aim of the project is to build resilience by improving infrastructure at a local meeting place that will facilitate community connectedness. Community support for the project is gaining momentum, with the long-lasting and significant benefit from this small infrastructure project clearly evident in the South Purrumbete community. The consequential coming together of community volunteers has stimulated further plans to upgrade septic systems and renovate the grounds further to meet their ambitious goal of restoring the Reserve buildings and grounds to a safe and suitable condition to enable large gatherings at future community events like markets.

The Grants Only Group (GOG ) is a vibrant group of older and younger community members committed to helping community groups in their area succeed with their grant applications. Primarily focused on the Lower Tarwin Valley District in Victoria, dairy farming is an integral part of these communities and the surrounding areas.

While working with many community groups to raise funds for local events and activities, GOG frequently saw groups hiring sound systems. This gave them a bright idea. In 2020, the group successfully applied for a $4,838 Gardiner Dairy Foundation Community Grant to purchase a Community PA System. The grant allowed them to purchase four speakers, tripods and microphones that could be used by organisations and businesses in the townships of Venus Bay, Tarwin Lower and Walkerville. 

Thirty-seven organisations in the area were emailed about the available equipment, who to contact and how they could place a booking for use. Since purchasing the Sound System, there has been high demand. So far, the Community Luncheon Group, Tarwin District Auto & Machinery Club’s Australia Day event, which raises funds for dementia, and Tarwin Mechanics Institute Hall’s Anzac Day service have all had a turn with the new gear. 

Some clever thinking by GOG has created a practical shared community asset that reduces costs and time for the running of local community activities.

GOG President Wendy Don said “By strengthening our community, we are building the foundations for the sustainability of Dairy farming in the Lower Tarwin Valley. All the locals and the many tourists that visit these beautiful Gippsland Dairy Communities will benefit for years to come.”

Community groups in Gippsland, northern Victoria and south-west Victoria can apply for up to $5,000

In partnership with the Gardiner Foundation, FRRR has announced the opening of this year’s round of the Gardiner Foundation Community Grants Program.

The Program aims to strengthen small, Victorian dairy communities. Community organisations in the three recognised dairy regions – Gippsland, northern Victoria and south west Victoria – can apply for grants of up to $5,000. In total, there is $120,000 available.

Funds can be used to support a broad range of community projects including those that strengthen the community socially and economically, support environmental sustainability, make the community more culturally vibrant, support education and training or improve health and social wellbeing.

Allan Cameron, Gardiner Foundation Chief Executive Officer, said the Foundation is committed to continuing to invest in local not-for-profits in dairying regions.

“Vibrant communities are essential for the long-term sustainability of the Victorian dairy industry. This is our 21st year collaborating with FRRR to provide support for initiatives that regional communities prioritise. We are once again looking forward to supporting great local ideas,” Mr Cameron said.

Sarah Matthee, Acting CEO of FRRR, said that it’s wonderful to have partners that understand the importance of supporting grassroots groups.

“Gardiner Foundation recognises the importance of the local community groups in helping to capitalise on opportunities for the future or fill gaps in access to services. For example, last year one of the groups we funded together was Katamatite Bush Kinder, who run a program taking the four year-old Kinder group out to the bush, rain or shine. The grant helped them fund technology to capture the activity, report on it and share it with parents to engage them in their child’s experience. Parents reported that the children had such a wonderful time that all they did when they went home was discuss the day at bush kinder! Funding these kinds of initiatives helps create lasting connections to the environment, not to mention stimulate their creativity.

“Another example was funding some equipment for a community hall, to make it quicker and easier for volunteers to serve meals following cricket training. The Secretary told us the appliance upgrade made a real difference as it meant more people stuck around to catch up with neighbours, improving their overall mental and physical wellbeing. I look forward to seeing what comes forward this year,” Ms Matthee said.

Once again, grants will be awarded at local ceremonies in each region, providing valuable networking opportunities as well as the chance to celebrate local grantees.

Applications for the Gardiner Foundation Community Grants Program close Thursday, 16 March 2023 at 5pm AEDT. A dedicated online grant seeking workshop will be held online Monday, 13 February 2023, 12 – 1pm AEDT. More information on the Gardiner Foundation Community Grants Program can be found on the FRRR website.

This case study is courtesy of the Gardiner Dairy Foundation

A new teen fitness program in Kyabram is inspiring community spirit and building fit and healthy bodies.

A health and wellbeing centre has been established by Kyabram Blue Light at the town’s P-12 College, thanks to $5,000 from the Gardiner Dairy Foundation Community Grants Program in partnership with Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR).

The centre has proven to be a holiday hit with local teenagers and will be used regularly during the school year.

It is part of the KyFit police and teen gym-based mentoring program and, according to organiser Senior Constable Mitchell Bull, the benefits are wide-ranging.

Teenagers have played a central role in establishing the gym in an old storeroom at the school.

“The kids have done the majority of it,” Senior Constable Bull said. “They put together a wish list of equipment, posters and information and then volunteered on weekends to load trailers and remove rubbish and then helped in designing the layout and setting up and testing the equipment.

“It’s not just given to them on a silver platter – it’s a community effort and we all chip in. For six or seven weekends in a row we had up to 10 kids at the gym helping out. We removed six trailer loads of rubbish from the storeroom.”

The gym includes two bench presses, two rowing machines, two magnetic resistance bikes, two treadmills, two decline sit-up benches, sets of dumbbells from 3kg to 10kg and 13 spin bikes for classes.

The Gardiner Foundation grant also helped with installing fans, electrical power points and tiles for the floor.

“We made every cent count and called in favours left, right and centre and had a lot of volunteer assistance with everything,” Senior Constable Bull said. “It’s nothing fancy but it’s equipment tailored to young people.”

The gym is the latest development in the KyFit program that started in 2019 and is run by Kyabram Blue Light using police members, volunteers and community members.

“It was identified there was a need for a sporting or physical program that didn’t require the time, cost and travel commitments of the likes of football or netball,” Senior Constable Bull said.

“The gym will help those who may not have the opportunity to be involved in the local gyms or sports clubs.”

Personal trainers, defence force members, police and other community members help with the program, ensuring young people can access a variety of training programs ranging from boxing to swimming sessions and pitting their abilities against the police fitness test challenge.

A weekly in-school program attracts at least 13 participants and after-school programs are reaching about 30 teenagers. The school also uses the facilities for physical education classes.

Senior Constable Bull said the grant had helped to empower local young people. “We used the gym over the school holidays, allowing kids to drop in when there wasn’t much else to do – we can barely keep up with the demand,” he said.

“A lot of kids want to join the program now because they’ve seen the benefits the others are getting. It’s helping with their physical and mental health and the kids are seeing the benefits of physical activity and working out with other people.”

Police can also use the fitness programs to help break down barriers between officers and young people.

“The kids get the benefits of getting to know local police and other volunteers and mentors,” Senior Constable Bull said. “It’s about building a relationship between police officers and young people and showing we’re approachable if there is a problem in the community that needs to be discussed.”

It’s also beneficial for police. “It means we’re not always seeing the negative side of things in the community and we get to work towards positivity,” Senior Constable Bull said.

The program is free for local teenagers who also receive a free sports top when they get involved.

In recognition of his work with young people, Senior Constable Bull was named Citizen of the Year for Campaspe Shire at the 2022 Australia Day Awards.

Now in its 20^th year, the Gardiner Dairy Foundation Community Grants Program is delivered by the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR). Grants of up to $5,000 help not-for-profit organisations in small Victorian dairy communities deliver projects that will benefit local people and strengthen their ability to deal with local issues and enhance existing community infrastructure.

Applications for the 2022 program opened on 1 March and close on 13 April. More information can be found at https://frrr.org.au/funding/place/gardiner-communities-grants/

$120,000 in Gardiner Community Grants available

The annual Gardiner Dairy Foundation Community Grants Program (Gardiner Community Grants) has opened today. Delivered in partnership with the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR), this round marks the 20^th year of the program, which is focused on supporting communities across Victoria’s three dairying regions.

This year Gardiner Community Grants will encourage projects to focus on building the capacity of community organisations and improving digital connectivity. The new focus is in response to insights from FRRR’s Heartbeat of Rural Australia Report, which was published late last year.

The report highlighted that there was a significant digital divide in rural communities, compared to urban areas, and that local not-for-profit organisations needed capacity building support to be able to do their vital work, particularly following the impacts of back-to-back disasters, including COVID, on fundraising and volunteers.

A digital connectivity grant project might involve upgrading infrastructure and facilities, improving digital access or providing training that enables the community to benefit from digital services.

A building capacity grant aims to support organisations to sustain or grow the effectiveness of their operations. Funds may be requested for salaries to increase the organisations paid workforce, training for volunteers, upgrading office equipment or supporting strategic planning and improved governance.

The small grants program, which has $120,000 in available funds for grants up to $5,000, will continue to support a broad range of community projects that local groups identify can make their community socially, economically or environmentally stronger. Applications for events to enhance cultural vibrancy, volunteer planting projects to support environmental sustainability, extending education and training opportunities, support for infrastructure projects or programs to improve health and wellbeing are all encouraged.

Allan Cameron, Gardiner Dairy Foundation Chief Executive Officer, said Gardiner is committed to strengthening Victorian dairy communities and is pleased to be partnering with FRRR for the twentieth year to support innovative, community-driven projects.

“Investing in the communities that are at the heart of the Victorian dairy industry is critical to the sustainability of dairy farming in Victoria. Since launching the program with FRRR in 2002, Gardiner Dairy Foundation has supported over 500 local projects and distributed more than $2 million to Victorian dairy communities.

“Gardiner is committed to supporting the needs of the communities as they change and evolve, now, and in the future. That’s why, this year, we are encouraging initiatives around digital literacy and organisational capacity, to help local groups respond to the current needs of Victoria’s dairy communities,” Mr Cameron said.

Natalie Egleton, CEO of FRRR, said that the Heartbeat of Rural Australia Report called for more support to go to community groups to address critical issues, and it’s wonderful to see Gardiner Foundation respond.

“Our Heartbeat Report highlighted significant gaps and challenges for rural communities, but also highlighted the critical role that local not-for-profits play in meeting the needs and filling the gaps in rural communities. That’s why we value our longstanding relationship with Gardiner, because they, like us, are committed to working together to support these vital community groups in the long-term.

“For 20 years, Gardiner’s Community Grants have consistently boosted Victorian dairy communities with contributions towards large important community projects, and significantly enabling many smaller community organisations and projects, often for items and activities that are less accessible through government or major philanthropic funding,” Ms Egleton said.

Applications for the Gardiner Dairy Foundation Community Grants Program open Tuesday, 1 March and close Wednesday 13^th April 2022 at 5 pm AEDT. More information can be found at – https://frrr.org.au/gardiner-communities-grants/.

Thirty projects from across Victoria’s three main dairy regions will share in $131,188 in grant funding to help build community capacity to deal with local issues and enhance existing community infrastructure.

Now in its 19^th year, the Gardiner Dairy Foundation Community Grants Program is delivered by the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR). The grants of up to $5,000 will help not-for-profit organisations in small Victorian dairy communities deliver projects that will benefit local people and strengthen their ability to deal with local issues.

Gardiner Dairy Foundation Chief Executive, Dr Clive Noble, said the funding ensures that Gardiner is contributing to locally identified issues.

“The Community Grants program continues to attract applications from a wide range of community organisations running varying projects. Through this partnership we are contributing to solutions unique to that community to create genuine, long-term impact.

“We also see communities leverage these funds. Often, that cash injection can be the catalyst that enables community groups to undertake projects of larger impact.”

Natalie Egleton, CEO of FRRR, said the longstanding partnership with Gardiner Dairy Foundation has been successful in creating many exceptional projects within Victoria’s dairy communities.

“Our long partnership with Gardiner Dairy Foundation has enabled us to support Victoria’s dairy communities with funding for projects that tackle local challenges and meet the needs and priorities of each place.

“The program is supporting several projects that will develop young people socially and educationally, and once again, there are fantastic initiatives to improve community spaces such as the addition of tiered seating in Neerim South, a hot water urn for the residents of Leitchville, and erecting shade sails over the hall deck to increase the utility of the Kawarren Recreation Reserve,” Ms Egleton said.

Supported projects include:

• Gippsland Dairy Region – Manna Gum Community House received $4,650 to work with local youth to create provide a program for young people in the community to access to youth service, connection, and solidarity.
• Northern Dairy Region – Rochester Secondary College received $5,000 to restore an existing vegetable garden and incorporate it into the Healthy Eating components of the syllabus.
• South-Western Dairy Region – Anam Cara House received $4,501 to purchase digital equipment, which will allow the facility to offer residents and guests greater connectivity through enhanced internet service and equipment.

Since the launch of the annual program in 2002, the Gardiner Dairy Foundation has invested more than $1.9 million in this program and has supported a total of 497 community projects.

The full list of 2021 Gardiner Dairy Foundation Community Grants Program recipients are:

26 projects funded in Victoria’s dairy farming regions

The Working in Dairy Communities (WIDC) Small Grants program, which is run in partnership between the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) and Gardiner Dairy Foundation, has awarded $121,584 in grants to support 26 projects in Victoria’s three dairy regions.

Now in its 18th year, the WIDC Small Grants program offers up to $5,000 to support community-driven projects that strengthen Victorian dairy communities through enhancing community infrastructure and local capacity.

Dr Clive Noble, Gardiner Dairy Foundation Chief Executive, said this year the Working in Dairy Communities grant program is supporting projects that support early childhood and adult education and stimulate economic recovery. These projects will have long-lasting benefits for these communities.

“Things have been tough for small towns reliant on dairy. These grants will help communities on their renewal journey by supporting projects that will encourage community engagement and social connectedness.

“The diversity of the projects reflects the differing needs of dairy communities too. For example, in Murrabit, a street beautification project will boost morale and add cultural vibrancy, while the funding of children’s activities at the Tarwin District Auto Festival should help to bring families into town for the November event.”

Natalie Egleton, CEO of FRRR, said the longstanding partnership with Gardiner Dairy Foundation has been so successful because both Foundations share the belief that local groups are best placed to know what their community needs; they just need some support to turn their ideas into reality.

“Working with Gardiner Dairy Foundation over the past 18 years, we’ve seen just how passionate and dedicated local not-for-profit groups are in meeting challenges and creating their own opportunities.

“This year the program is supporting some fantastic initiatives to rejuvenate and extend the capacity of community spaces so that locals have access to high quality facilities – including the addition of an all abilities access ramp at Scotts Creek Hall, gas heaters to warm the many elderly citizens who use the Girgarre Hall, and audio visual equipment to improve local film nights at Yanakie Recreation Reserve and Public Hall.

Some of the 26 grants awarded this round include:

• Gippsland Dairy Region – Leongatha Community Preschool received a $5,000 grant to replace Hassett St Kindergarten’s worn out and damaged outdoor blinds, which will improve the kindergarten’s learning environment.
• Northern Dairy Region – Cobram Community Cinema Inc received $5,000 to purchase kitchen appliances to provide facilities for community use of the space and hospitality training programs at the new cinema facility – now in its final stages of construction – after the town’s previous cinema was destroyed by fire in 2010.
•  South Western Dairy Region – South Purrumbete Recreation Reserve received $4,870 to rewire the Reserve’s buildings and toilet facilities as part of a larger scale project to rejuvenate the last remaining community asset, so that it is fit for regular events including markets and community gatherings.

Since the launch of the annual Working in Dairy Communities (WIDC) Small Grants program in 2002, Gardiner Dairy Foundation has invested more than $1.8 million in this program and has supported a total of 471 community projects.

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

Organisation	Project	Location	Awarded
GIPPSLAND DAIRY REGION
Anglican Trusts Corporation of the Diocese of Gippsland	Mow, Mow, Mow Your Lawn: Improve volunteer support and the upkeep of a community gathering space through the purchase of a ride on Lawnmower.	Trafalgar	$4,899
Boisdale-Briagolong Football Club Inc	Re-development of Boisdale Recreation Reserve’s Outdoor Entertainment Area: Strengthen community connectivity by enhancing the amenity of a venue where locals and visitors can gather for celebrations, recreation and social interactions.	Boisdale	$5,000
Foster Primary School	Phone System Upgrade: Ensure children’s well-being and improve the amenity of the Foster Primary School through the purchase and installation of a new phone system.	Foster	$5,000
Grants Only Group Inc	Better Communication Sounds Good: Strengthen community connectivity and engagement through the purchase of a new sound system.	Tarwin Lower	$4,838
Leongatha Community Pre School Centres Inc	All Weather Screens – Hassett St Kindergarten: Upgrade the amenity of the kindergarten’s learning environment by replacing worn out and damaged outdoor blinds.	Leongatha	$5,000
Manna Gum Community House Inc	Manna Gum Gathering Place -Stage 2: Strengthen educational and social outcomes through equipping a space that is safe and welcoming and can be used for relevant programs and activities.	Foster	$4,308
Venus Bay Tarwin Lower and District Mens Shed Inc	Tarwin District Auto Festival 2020: Increase community engagement and strengthen social outcomes for volunteers through the delivery of Children’s activities at an annual festival.	Tarwin Lower	$5,000
Yanakie Recreation Reserve and Public Hall Reserve	Yanakie Community Movies: Increase community engagement and the long-term sustainability of the Yanakie Public Hall.	Yanakie	$5,000
NORTHERN DAIRY REGION
Campaspe Shire Council	Grow and Share Together: Support community engagement and participation through the creation of a sensory garden.	Stanhope	$3,649
Cobram Community Cinema Inc	Cobram Community Cinema Kitchen Project: Improve the future employment prospects of young people and increase community engagement through the purchase of kitchen appliances for a community cinema.	Cobram	$5,000
Cobram District Children’s Services Inc	Eilleen Taylor – Outdoor & Imaginative Play Promotion: Improve educational and health outcomes for pre-school children by upgrading the Punt Rd Kindergarten’s outdoor play area.	Cobram	$5,000
Cobram District Children’s Services Inc	Punt Rd Kinder & Childcare – Outdoor Play Enhancement: Support children’s learning and development through the purchase of outdoor play equipment.	Cobram	$5,000
Gannawarra Shire Council	Supporting Gannawarra: Women Take a Well-Being Vacation!: Improve health and welfare of Women through the delivery of a Women’s workshop during Women’s Health Week.	Cohuna	$5,000
Girgarre Community Group Inc	Books Bringing People Together: Improve the organisational capacity and increase community participation through the purchase of furniture.	Girgarre	$1,240
Girgarre Development Group Inc – Girgarre Hall Committee	Warmer Winters: Strengthen community connectivity and engagement through installation of a heating system.	Girgarre	$5,000
Kindred Spirits Tatura Co-Operative Limited	Opera at the Dairy Farm: Strengthen local culture and increase community engagement through the presentation of Opera at the Dairy Farm.	Tatura	$3,850
Murrabit Promotions Committee Inc	Murrabit – Colour our Town!: Drive local tourism and strengthen community connection through the delivery of a community-based street beautification project.	Murrabit	$5,000
Rochester Secondary College	The Resilience Project: Increase the well-being of children and young people in the community through the delivery of a resilience program.	Rochester	$5,000
SOUTH WESTERN DAIRY REGION
Bostocks Creek Public Hall	Building a New Kitchen: Increase community engagement and financial sustainability by conducting maintenance on a public building creating a secure hospitable meeting space.	Bostocks Creek	$3,930
Coragulac & District Kindergarten Inc	Create an Indigenous Mural/Artwork ‘Our land/One Community’: Strengthen childhood education and community identity through the creation of a mural that will extend understanding of local culture.	Cororooke	$5,000
Friend’s of St Brigid’s Association	Installing a Ceiling in our Undercover Area: Build community connectivity and capacity through the replacement of an outdoor covering, creating a secure hospitable meeting space.	Crossley	$5,000
Purnim Mechanics Institute	Lighting up the Purnim Township: Contribute to the cultural vibrancy of Purnim township through the purchase and installation of a solar light system.	Purnim	$5,000
Scotts Creek Mechanics Institute and Free Library Reserve	Disabled Ramp and Toilet: Enhance community well-being and connectedness and improve the amenity of a community hall through the installation of an all ability access ramp and toilet.	Scotts Creek	$5,000
Simpson & District Community Centre Inc	Fun without the Sun: Strengthen community connectivity and engagement through the purchase and installation of seats and tables in a public park, creating a comfortable, year-round gathering space.	Simpson	$5,000
South Purrumbete Recreation Reserve	Reconnection to Community Project Stage 1 – Restoring Power: Increase community participation through the improvement of a Recreation Reserve.	South Purrumbete	$4,870
South Western District Restoration Group	Library Extension: Strengthen organisation capacity and social outcomes through equipping a space that is safe and welcoming and can be used for relevant programs and activities.	Cobden	$5,000

Bendigo, 11 July 2019: Twenty-six projects in Victoria’s three dairy regions will share in $120,326 in grant funding from the Gardiner Dairy Foundation’s Working in Dairy Communities Small Grants program, run in partnership with the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal.

In its 17^th year, the Working in Dairy Communities Small Grants program offers up to $5,000 to help build Victorian dairy communities’ capacity to deal with local issues and enhance existing community infrastructure.

Gardiner Dairy Foundation Chief Executive, Clive Noble, said the grant funding aimed to strengthen dairy communities through supporting local initiatives.

“These grants help to create more resilient communities, enhance infrastructure and assets that all local people can benefit from,” Dr Noble said.

“Many of these projects leverage support from multiple sources to build community facilities where locals gather, like halls and clubrooms; support lifelong learning through education and training; and create community arts and health programs. Others look to contribute to creating a more vibrant, cultural community.”

“The Working in Dairy Communities Small Grants program continues to bring us these wonderfully creative ways of strengthening the various support mechanisms that many of us, at one time or another in our lives, will fall back on,” said FRRR CEO, Natalie Egleton.

“I’m continually amazed by the exponential value and genuine long-term impact that is created from these grants funded by the Gardiner Dairy Foundation. It’s a program we are very proud of.”

A complete list of the projects supported is below. They include:

• Gippsland Dairy Region – Fish Creek Community Garden received $5,000 to commission and install a new artwork at the community garden, connecting it to the rest of the town and engaging local residents and tourists.
• Northern Dairy Region – Greater Shepparton City Council received $5,000 to build community resilience through delivery of mental health first aid training in the communities of Tatura and Tallygaroopna.
• South Western Dairy Region – South West Community Energy received $5,000 to strengthen environmental awareness and education outcomes by fitting out a renewable energy education van.

Since the launch of the annual program in 2002, the Gardiner Dairy Foundation has invested more than $1.7 million in this program and has supported a total of 445 community projects.

GIPPSLAND DAIRY REGION	NORTHERN DAIRY REGION	SOUTH-WESTERN DAIRY REGION
Bena Public Hall IncFish Creek Community GardenFoster Primary SchoolFriends of the Lyre Bird Forest Walk IncHeyfield Tennis ClubLoch Memorial Reserve IncMirboo North Playgroup and Toy Library IncNyora Cricket Club IncProm Coast Centres for Children IncState Coal Mine – Rescue Station Arts Inc	Cobram District Childrens Services IncCohuna and District Progress Association IncCorryong and District Memorial Public Hall IncGreater Shepparton City CouncilGreta Valley Landcare GroupMurrabit Men’s Shed IncRochester Community House IncStanhope & District Development Committee IncTatura Civic Halls Committee Inc	Anam Cara House Colac IncCamperdown & District Community HouseColac Otway Residents Action Group IncEmmanuel College IncPort Fairy to Warrnambool Rail Trail CommitteeSouth West Community EnergyThe Courthouse Camperdown Inc

It was hoped that with the installation of a shade sail, the area could be used for outdoor learning and as a lunch area for the whole school – around 70 students. With the school also the location of a vacation care program out of school terms, a local playgroup and the North East Roller Derby Group, added shade would be a welcome addition for a large section of the community.

A $4,000 Gardiner Dairy Foundation Working in Dairy Communities Small Grants Program grant funded the shade sail, with a local contractor employed to complete the work.

The shade sail created a new outdoor learning area allowing children to connect with natural elements and diversify their outdoor experience, and the use of outdoor areas for teaching improved student learning along with a range of indicators, cognitive and both physical and mental wellbeing.

The school children were also able to use the area to sit and enjoy their lunch, which was a considerable improvement over a rotunda that was previously being used at the front of the school on a busy and noisy road. The adjacent classroom also reported reduced glare through the windows in the summer months and made the room more pleasant to work in.

The Gardiner Dairy Foundation and the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) today announced the 31 recipients that will share $113,000 from the 2016 Working in Dairy Communities Small Grants program. The Aussie Farmers Foundation, which supports grass-roots initiatives to improve the lives of rural Australians, has contributed an additional $12,000 toward the program, while a private donor contributed a further $1,000.

Working in Dairy Communities provides grants of up to $5,000 for projects that aim to strengthen small Victorian dairy communities, build their capacity to deal with local issues and enhance existing community infrastructure. The grant recipients, which come from all three Victorian dairy regions, received their cheques at a reception at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne earlier today.

Gardiner Dairy Foundation Chairman, Dr Bruce Kefford, said that supporting dairy communities through programs like this is critical to a sustainable dairy industry.

“The dairy industry makes an enormous contribution to the economic viability of regional Victoria and the Gardiner Dairy Foundation is proud to be investing in a vibrant dairy future. We have supported this program for 14 years and contributed more than $1.5 million to strengthen Victorian dairy communities in Gippsland, Northern Victoria and South West Victoria.”

The Aussie Farmers Foundation’s Executive Director, Julia Hunter, said the current dairy crisis had triggered a wave of generosity from Foundation supporters. “We’re very grateful to those Australians who’ve pitched in to support our dairy farmers. By adding our support to the Working in Dairy Communities program, we believe we will make a real difference in local dairy farming regions during these trying times,” Ms Hunter said.

FRRR Chairman, Rt Hon Ian Sinclair AC, said small grants play an important role in rural and regional Australia and they are pleased to be supporting Victorian dairy communities, particularly in light of the current industry issues.

“Rural and regional communities face many challenges and experience many gaps in services and infrastructure. Small grants help to address local issues and priorities and enable community groups to implement local solutions to local problems.

“The Gardiner Dairy Foundation’s support of communities through this program ensures the locals have control over what their community needs,” Mr Sinclair said.

The Gardiner Dairy Foundation’s investment of $100,000 is widely and evenly distributed across Victoria’s three principle dairying regions. Since the launch of the annual program in 2002, the Gardiner Dairy Foundation has invested more than $1.5 million in this program, supporting 394 community projects. This year, the average community supported by a grant has 3,758 people, with the smallest community being Tatong in Northern Victoria, with just 150 people.

Details of the 2016 grant recipients and their projects are listed below. 

Organisation	Project	Location	Funding
GIPPSLAND DAIRY REGION – $35,660
Bass Valley Community Group Inc.	Op Shop Shed Replacement New storage shed to create a safer environment for volunteers and room for large items to support low income families.	Bass	$3,500
Bass Valley Music Festival Inc.	Serenade at Sunset Hire professional lighting to enhance cultural experiences and youth/tourism opportunities for the local area.	Grantville	$4,550
Briagolong Community House Inc.	Easy Learning through Technology Internet connection to expand training and skill development opportunities.	Briagolong	$1,327
Fish Creek Memorial Hall Inc.	Fish Creek Memorial Hall Restoration Refurbish the Memorial Hall to create a safer environment for volunteers and an all abilities accessible venue.	Fish Creek	$5,000
Heyfield Wetlands Committee of Management Inc.	Trees for the pond 2016 Tree and shrub planting to increase education opportunities for local students and improve environmental outcomes.	Heyfield	$4,483
Hillview Bunyip Aged Care Inc.	The Walls are Alive Installing a vertical garden wall in the aged care dementia ward, leading to increased wellbeing of residents and greater community connectivity.	Bunyip	$1,100
Newmerella Primary School*	From Chicken Coop to Veggie Garden Raised garden beds and a chicken pen for primary school students to safely participate in hands-on learning in horticulture, animal husbandry and business management.	Newmerella	$3,500
Venus Bay Tarwin Lower and District Men’s Shed Inc.	Cutting grass for safety Ride on mower to improve OHS for volunteers and establish an additional income stream.	Venus Bay & Tarwin Lower	$2,200
Wonthaggi Neighbourhood Centre @ Mitchell House Inc.	L2P – Steering to Safety A contribution towards a new vehicle, enabling ongoing access to driving instruction for local youth, and increased opportunity to access employment, education and training.	Wonthaggi	$5,000
Yarram Toy Library*	Welcome to the 21st Century New catalogue system and increased range of toys available at Toy Library to grow the current service that provides socially inclusive early childhood educational opportunities.	Yarram	$5,000
NORTHERN DAIRY REGION – $37,418
Cohuna Neighbourhood House Inc.	Cool Men Split system air conditioner in the Men’s Shed to enhance participants’ well-being and capacity to contribute to the community.	Cohuna	$1,749
Dederang Primary School*	Outdoor Kitchen An outdoor kitchen to provide learning opportunities and an environment for the school and wider community to meet and strengthen community wellbeing.	Dederang	$6,000
Greta Valley Landcare Group	Connecting the cockies – a new website for the Greta Valley Development of interactive website and newsletter template, facilitating better communications with members and the wider community.	Wangaratta	$2,160
Heartkids Vic Inc.*	Outreach Family Support Program Strengthening the Shepparton Echuca region outreach program in best practice family support and basic fundraising, improving capacity to support 10 families in the region with children suffering from heart disease.	Echuca & Shepparton	$4,000
Leitchville Community Sporting Complex	Storage Wars Building a new equipment and storage shed, improving volunteer OHS and enabling multi-purpose use of the community facility.	Leitchville	$900
Lions Club of Tatura Inc.	Community BBQ Constructing a BBQ to enhance local amenities, promoting tourism and strengthening community connectivity.	Tatura	$4,000
Moyhu & District Pre School	Lighting up our future stars Improvements to building efficiency by installing lighting, ceiling fans and acoustic roof tiles to create better learning conditions and reduce energy costs.	Moyhu	$3,679
Nathalia District Hospital	First Aid for Us First aid resources will enable locally delivered first aid training for community groups, improving community health outcomes and strengthening the capacity of the community to respond to emergencies.	Nathalia	$3,000
Oxley Primary School Council	Eating Places and Learning Spaces – A new outdoor area for Oxley Installing a shade sail to improve OHS and encourage learning through outdoor play, supporting educational outcomes.	Oxley	$4,000
Rochester & Elmore District Health Service	It’s all about Respect Improve young people’s sexual health and wellbeing through delivery of a series of educational forums and a social media campaign relating to sexual behaviour including teen pregnancies and safe sex; sexting, cyber bullying and social media; and positive body image.	Rochester	$4,000
Tatong Recreation Reserve Committee of Management Inc.	Tatong needs water! Replacing the water tank and pump to ensure access to running water at community reserve used for disaster recovery.	Tatong	$3,930
SOUTH WESTERN DAIRY REGION – $39,922
Camperdown & District Historical Society Inc.	Dairy Tales – A history of the Dairy Industry in the Camperdown District A permanent historical display showcasing the dairying industry in and around Camperdown to create a sense of place and strengthening local identity and tourism.	Camperdown	$1,900
South West Healthcare**	Dairy Farmer Mental Health Outreach program delivered in conjunction with other local mental health initiatives and dairy organisations to support dairy farmers and their families to have the skills and knowledge to access support and services for good Mental Health.	Camperdown	$4,635
Cobden and District Kindergarten Inc.*	Swinging into the future Installing play equipment suitable for all abilities, improving gross motor skills and enabling all students to reach the full potential of their early childhood development.	Cobden	$5,062
Cobden Playgroup Inc.	Little Green Thumbs Installing a tank and vegetable garden in the play area to support sustainability education, early childhood development and promoting community inclusion.	Cobden	$2,003
Deans Marsh Community Cottage Inc.	Running for the Marsh Supporting the inaugural fun run to promote active healthy lifestyles, improve community health and connectedness, and raise funds for local initiatives.	Deans Marsh	$2,500
Friends of St Brigid’s Assoc.	Keeping Crossley Hall Cool & Comfortable Refurbishing the hall to improve the sustainability, OHS and usability of the well-used, community owned and operated venue.	Koroit	$5,000
Kirkstall Recreation Committee	Cooking up Community Constructing a public BBQ area to enhance local amenities at the recreation reserve, promote tourism and strengthen community connectivity.	Kirkstall	$4,000
Simpson & District Community Centre Inc.*	Community Garden Stage 2 A new community garden to improve disabled access and strengthen social connections, while also improving fruit and vegetable consumption, food accessibility and reducing obesity.	Simpson	$7,000
Simpson & District Kindergarten Inc.	Simpson Community Three Year Kinder Project – Before the Bell Enabling the kindergarten program for three year olds to continue through until the end of 2016.	Simpson	$4,000
The Scout Assoc of Australia Vic Branch – 1st Noorat Scout Group	A breath of fresh air for Noorat Installing heating and cooling to improve amenities in the community hall, and increase attractiveness of venue to user groups.	Noorat	$3,822

* Projects marked with one asterisk also received additional funds of $2,000 each from the Aussie Farmers Foundation.

** Project marked with two asterisks also received additional funds of $1,000 from the Flew Family Foundation.