Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR)
Continued demand for small grants to support local initiatives
More than 150 not-for-profit organisations (NFPs) in rural regions across Australia are sharing $1,579,380 in grants for projects that will strengthen their communities.

Awarded through FRRR’s flagship Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) program, the grants will fund projects that address a range of diverse needs, including fostering community connectedness and wellbeing, as well as supporting ongoing COVID and disaster recovery and preparedness.
The 151 grants range from $750 for a lawn mower to help local volunteers prepare the community for future bushfires, to $25,000 for a “Get Started Emergency Preparedness” program to empower people with disabilities through tailored disaster readiness education and planning.
Jill Karena, FRRR’s Place Portfolio Lead, said that the Strengthening Rural Communities program has been a consistent support for local NFPs in rural places, helping to fill funding gaps needed to get projects off the ground or sometimes bring them to conclusion.
“FRRR’s small grants have supported rural Australia for the past 23 years. Within our Strengthening Rural Communities program alone, we have awarded nearly $18 million in small grants since 2019 and the program’s flexibility is one of the key reasons why it continues to be so popular.
“Flexible funding means that we can support projects that meet a wide range of needs, reflecting what the community sees as a priority. For some, this may be a new roof for the town hall, for others it may be an event to bring people together, and for others it could be mental health first aid training.
“Virtually every part of Australia is recovering from one or more disasters, from the pandemic to floods, bushfires or drought – and many have experienced successive or even overlapping events. The cumulative effect means that even within the same region, there are people working to respond and support recovery, while others are putting planning and training in place to build their resilience and prepare for the next, inevitable, event.
For example, in Shepparton, local groups are working to address different community needs and, collectively, help their community to recover, grow and thrive.
“Shepparton Foodshare is one of the NFPs supporting their community’s recovery. The organisation will use a $25,000 grant to purchase a refrigerated delivery truck, which will boost organisational capacity so that they can provide food relief to those impacted by the flooding that the region experienced in September 2022. Meanwhile, the Goulburn Valley Woodworkers will use their $10,000 grant to strengthen social connections that have been challenged by COVID lockdowns. The NFP wants to build the capacity of its volunteers by providing a safe gathering space with concrete flooring that has been sealed and finished. North Shepparton Community & Learning Centre is also helping to strengthen connections for diverse communities by using their $10,000 grant to deliver creative workshops and an exhibition.
“Grassroots organisations, which are often led by volunteers, play an important role in the vitality of rural Australia, because they drive the projects that maintain and sustain their communities. But to do this, they need funds. We’re honoured to play a small part in helping rural Australia thrive and we encourage others to join with us to support local initiatives that really do make a difference,” Ms Karena said.
Some of the projects funded in this round of SRC grants include:
The SRC program is collaboratively supported by donors, ranging from private individuals to larger foundations, who are acknowledged on the SRC webpage. This round there were a further 50 funding-ready projects, requesting more than $610,000, that FRRR could not support. We are urgently seeking new partners, so that we can fund more projects like these in the future.
FRRR always accepts applications to this program, which awards funds four times a year. Local NFPs and community groups are encouraged to review the program guidelines and apply. More information about the SRC program is available at www.frrr.org.au/src.
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 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SRC Round 18 - November 2023 | ||||||
NEW SOUTH WALES | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Age of Fishes Museum Incorporated | Playground Equipment for the Age of Fishes Museum Purchase 'Big Blue' engineering blocks as playground equipment for the museum to enhance hands-on STEM education for children and visitors. | Canowindra | $9,000 | |||
Arts-Upper Hunter | First Stories - First Nations Tales from the Hunter Document and present two local Indigenous connection to country stories through live performance and video shared on the Upper Hunter Arts & Cultural Trail website. | Dungog | $10,000 | |||
Boggabri Women's Shed | Sewing Room Build connections, skills and confidence for isolated local women by investing in sewing machines and equipment for group activities and skill building. | Boggabri | $1,900 | |||
Lansdowne Public Hall Reserve Land Manager | Air Conditioners for the Lansdowne Community Hall Boost organisational capacity to support arts and cultural events at the Lansdowne Hall by installing two air-conditioners to improve comfort for volunteers and hall users. | Lansdowne | $6,600 | |||
Leaderlife Limited | LeaderLife Cooking Outdoors: Let's Grow Purchase an outdoor BBQ and meat smoker to support healthy eating and cooking education for at-risk young people using local produce. | Dubbo | $10,000 | |||
Old Bar Soldiers' Memorial Hall Inc | History Preservation at Old Bar Soldiers Memorial Hall Preserve the history of the Taree region with cenotaph restoration, a new flagpole, time capsule repair, cabinetry for memorabilia, and creation of a red poppy garden with reflection benches. | Old Bar | $10,000 | |||
The Youth Impact Foundation Ltd on behalf of The Catalytic Impact Institute | Youth Accountability Project - Moree Stories Support engagement with young people by young people on the Young Accountability Project's Impact Board to define 'what good looks like' in their communities and how young people engage in community life. | Moree | $10,000 | |||
Valmar Support Services Limited | Be Bus Aware Modify the steps, handrails and interior of the community bus to improve the ability for aged care clients to access services. | Griffith | $10,000 | |||
Prepare and Recover - 2019/2020 Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Arts North West Inc | Walcha Creative Wayfinding Build a bushfire-impacted community’s sense of place and cultural tourism by enhancing the 'Open Air Gallery' with plaques to honour the artists and their local stories. | Walcha | $10,000 | |||
Bega District Volunteer Rescue Group Incorporated | Update Vertical Rescue Gear Enhance disaster preparedness and safety of rescue volunteers by purchasing equipment for vertical rescues. | Bega | $2,070 | |||
Country Womens Association of NSW on behalf of Eden Branch | CWA 70th Birthday Kitchen Upgrade | Eden | $10,000 | |||
Eden Tourism Incorporated | Lake Curalo Interpretative Bird Signage Enhance a locally significant environmental site and tourism icon impacted by the 2020 bushfires by installing interpretative signage. | Eden | $3,500 | |||
Edgy Art Incorporated | Beauty from the Ashes - Transformation Through Fire! Foster community cohesion and healing after the 2019/20 bushfires and revitalise the local creative sector through a series of community bronze casting workshops using fire to create lasting, beautiful objects. | Tanja | $23,700 | |||
Friends of Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden | Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden Wellness Walk Increase wellbeing in a bushfire-impacted community by enhancing connection with nature through creating a NatureFix trail with local cultural information in the botanic gardens and an app with guided audio wellbeing activities. | Batemans Bay | $14,950 | |||
Greater Hume Shire Council on behalf of Holbrook Community Gardens | Holbrook Community Gardens Contribute to bushfire recovery by hosting workshops, outings and events for the broader community to connect with gardening groups and local community gardens. | Holbrook | $9,760 | |||
Kandos Rylstone Men's Shed Inc | Test n Tagging Support bushfire recovery and organisational sustainability by training two Kandos Men's Shed members to test and tag electrical donated items for the community charity shop. | Kandos | $2,607 | |||
Mountains Youth Services Team Inc | Blue Mountains Water Tank Murals Empower young people to contribute to bushfire recovery and a culturally vibrant community through designing and painting two murals on Rural Fire Service water tanks, alongside local artists to celebrate the landscape and local Indigenous culture. | Mount Tomah | $22,150 | |||
Nambucca Valley Phoenix Limited | Café Upgrade - Creating a Safe and Inclusive Workplace Enhance bushfire recovery, economic strength and job opportunities for people with disabilities in Bowraville, by investing in equipment and infrastructure upgrades at the Phoenix Café to improve workplace safety and inclusivity. | Bowraville | $25,000 | |||
Narooma Men's Shed Inc | Furniture for Place of Last Resort Enhance organisational capacity to support bushfire recovery by purchasing stackable chairs to optimise functionality of the Narooma Men's Shed refuge facility. | Narooma | $7,102 | |||
Naughty Noodle Fun Haus Incorporated | CRM - Connecting Young People, Families, Facilitators, Volunteers and Donations Boost organisational capacity to meet the post-bushfire exponential growth of a development and social connections program for young people in and around Gosford and improve participant and volunteer experience and security by implementing a Customer Relationship Management program. | Gosford | $14,700 | |||
Taree Rural Fire Brigade | Thermal Imaging Camera for Taree Rural Fire Brigade Enhance firefighting preparedness, rescue operations and first responder’s safety with a thermal imaging camera for use during bushfires, structure fires, motor vehicle accidents and ground / land search. | Taree | $10,934 | |||
Tenterfield Autumn Festival Incorporated | Tenterfield Autumn Festival & Eat Street Create economic and social benefits in a bushfire-impacted community by supporting family focused events at the Tenterfield Autumn Festival. | Tenterfield | $25,000 | |||
The Men's Table Limited | Ripple Effect - Regional Communities of Connected and Contributing Men Strengthen men's capacity for mutual support and community service in a bushfire-affected area by co-designing a series of workshops with local Men's Tables. | Batemans Bay | $10,000 | |||
Upper Lachlan Landcare Incorporated | Moving Better Grazing Practices into the Spotlight Enhance the area’s bushfire resilience by creating opportunities for local farmers with expertise in resilient grazing practices to inspire other landholders to adopt best practice pasture management. | Crookwell | $9,780 | |||
Wards River Rural Fire Brigade | Improved Team Connectivity and Insight into Fire Behaviour Enhance responder safety, wellbeing and understanding of fire behaviour by purchasing a thermal imaging camera and fitting fire vehicles with Cel-Fi signal boosters. | Wards River | $9,615 | |||
Prepare & Recover - 2022 Floods | ||||||
Bundjalung Tribal Society Ltd | Connect Culture Through Art Rebuild the Lismore Aboriginal community post-floods through Aboriginal-led art and cultural workshops that have healing weaved through the programming. | Lismore | $24,055 | |||
Community Broadcasting Association of Australia Limited | Sustaining Community Radio Stations in Rural Australia Survey 350 rural community radio stations to assess needs, resilience and support required to increase their sustainability after the floods and for future disasters. | Balranald | $10,000 | |||
Federal Community Centre Incorporated | Emergency Radio Support System Boost emergency communication capabilities and enhance flood preparedness by purchasing and installing UHF radios and aerials and delivering radio communication equipment training to volunteers and community members of the Federal, Goonengerry and Eureka Community Resilience Team. | Federal | $10,000 | |||
Gundagai Neighbourhood Centre Inc | Car for a Cause Address the increased demand post-flood for transport services to enable vulnerable residents to access services by purchasing a vehicle. | Gundagai | $25,000 | |||
Isolated Children's Parents Association of NSW Incorporated on behalf of Isolated Children's Parents Association - Walgett Branch | Garden Day ICPA 2024 Enhance flood recovery and future disaster preparation through events and speakers at Isolated Children’s Parents Association Garden Day, enhancing climate-related knowledge and strengthening social connections and mental wellbeing. | Walgett | $20,000 | |||
Mingoola Hall Management Committee | Supply and Installation of a Solar Powered UHF CB Repeater Resourcing the Mingoola community to respond to and recover from natural disasters by purchasing a solar-powered UHF CB repeater to maintain communication during floods and other emergencies when internet and phone lines are down. | Dumaresq Valley | $25,000 | |||
Shedding Community Workshop Inc | Shedding Community Workshop Enhance organisational capacity to expand trauma-informed community counselling, services and facilities to meet the increasing and evolving community needs post 2022 floods. | Mullumbimby | $25,000 | |||
The Heartland Foundation Ltd | Self-watering Community Wicking Gardens Enhance organisational capacity to support flood recovery by constructing 50 wicking gardens to grow fresh vegetables for the Heartland Foundation's mobile community food pantries, benefiting 1,120 families weekly. | Freemans Waterhole | $10,000 | |||
Tweed Shire Council | Culture Dose for Kids Support flood recovery with an 8-week arts program for 9-12-year-olds with mild anxiety, while parents join parallel sessions to build social connections and boost self-confidence. | Murwillumbah | $10,000 | |||
Volunteer Marine Rescue NSW | Personal Locator Beacons Strengthen flood recovery and preparedness and enhance safety for Marine Rescue Iluka Yamba Rescue Vessel crew members by purchasing Personal Locator Beacons. | Yamba | $11,985 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
Bundarra P&A and Rodeo Society Inc | 2024 Bundarra Show Sustain the Bundarra Show Society and enable delivery of the Show 2024 post-pandemic by supporting core event costs. | Bundarra | $10,000 | |||
Bowning Public School and Citizens' Association | Celebration of 175 Years of Bowning Public School Boost post-COVID-19 tourism and community connection through the Back to Bowning Weekend, celebrating 175 years of the local public school. | Bowning | $10,000 | |||
Glenreagh Timber Festival Incorporated | Festival Coordinator Sustain a community-run festival and enhance community engagement post-COVID-19 through recruiting a festival coordinator. | Glenreagh | $10,000 | |||
Karuah Progress Association Inc | Karuah Community Website Enhance recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic by developing a town promotion and community information website. | Karuah | $9,500 | |||
Kyogle Together Incorporated | Kyogle Repair Cafe Enhance post-pandemic community connections through increasing space in the Repair Cafe for social interaction. | Kyogle | $10,000 | |||
Numeralla & District Activities Incorp | Air Conditioning at the Numeralla Hall Improve volunteer and hall users’ comfort post-COVID 19 by installing reverse-cycle air conditioning. | Numeralla | $9,673 | |||
River Tribe Inc | Wytaliba Rising - HeartBeat Restore the town's cultural life and tourism after COVID-19 by purchasing industry standard drum kits for live concerts. | Diehard | $10,000 | |||
The Returning Indigenous Corporation | Bundjalung Postpartum Care Program Enhance COVID-19 recovery for Indigenous families on Bundjalung Country through a culturally appropriate 6-week postpartum care program. | Lismore | $10,000 | |||
Towns With Heart Incorporated | Kurri Kurri Nostalgia Festival Enhance COVID-19 recovery and encourage social connection with an inclusive community Rock N Roll nostalgia festival. | Kurri Kurri | $10,000 | |||
Wiradjuri Condobolin Corporation Limited | Miima Warabinya - Skyfest 2024 Celebrate Wiradjuri cultural sky lore, reduce social isolation after COVID-19 through the Miima Warribinya Skyfest astronomy festival. | Condobolin | $9,922 | |||
NORTHERN TERRITORY | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Mataranka Primary School | Ninja Obstacle Course Playground Encourage students' learning and development with outdoor play equipment that stimulates and challenges older children. | Mataranka | $10,000 | |||
Prepare & Recover - 2022 Floods | ||||||
Victoria Daly Regional Council | Hoops4Health - Re-empowering Young People in Kalkarindji Build the flood-affected community’s ability to provide trauma-informed youth support through basketball activities for mental health and leadership growth. | Kalkarindji | $9,500 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
Camp Quality Limited | Cancer Education Program Regional Tour Sustain the work of the organisation post-pandemic to enhance the wellbeing of children affected by cancer by delivering educational puppet shows in remote schools. | Katherine | $10,000 | |||
QUEENSLAND | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Central Highlands Water Sports Club | Education and IT Training to Improve Volunteer Capabilities Improve the club’s ability to support and service the community through the purchase of a new computer. | Emerald | $4,874 | |||
Childcare Leadership Alliance Incorporated | Care to Lead Cultivate local leadership and retain skilled early childhood educators in the Isaac region with a place-based professional development program. | Moranbah | $10,000 | |||
Eacham Community Help Organization Inc | Generator for Emergency Use Boost the community's ability to respond to future disasters by purchasing a generator for publicly-accessible back-up power. | Malanda | $7,020 | |||
Mission Beach Historical Society Inc | Improving the Digital Capabilities and Social Capital of the Society Enhance organisational capacity and community awareness of Mission Beach's First Nations culture and colonial history by upgrading IT equipment and creating a virtual museum website. | Mission Beach | $5,882 | |||
Mornington Shire Council | Mornington Community Library Books Support community education and development by providing books for the newly built library. | Gununa, Mornington Island | $9,886 | |||
Proston Men’s Shed Inc | Air Conditioning for the Proston Men's Shed Expand the use of the shed by installing a split system to make the community meeting space more comfortable and welcoming. | Proston | $9,311 | |||
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services on behalf of State Emergency Service - Alexandra Bay Group | Construct Road Crash Rescue Training Pad Reduce need for frequent excessive travel by volunteers to regional training facilities by building a local training site for skills development and regular practice. | Diwan | $9,790 | |||
Queensland Police-Citizens Youth Welfare Association | Modelling Wellbeing via Basketball Support young people’s learning and development through play by training local referees and hosting the first tournament. | Aurukun | $10,000 | |||
Prepare and Recover - 2019/2020 Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Baptist Church Warwick | Interior Painting of Community Hall Revitalise a bushfire-impacted community meeting space by re-painting the 112-year-old hall. | Warwick | $7,980 | |||
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services on behalf of State Emergency Service - Crows Nest Group | Working Safely at Heights Develop volunteers’ ability to support the community in emergencies by purchasing a training mannequin and a stand area light for night activities. | Crows Nest | $2,371 | |||
Prepare & Recover - 2022 Floods | ||||||
Macintyre Ag Alliance Inc | Uniting Goondiwindi Region for Social and Mental Wellbeing Enhance the flood-affected region’s wellbeing by integrating specialists within the local agribusiness conference. | Goondiwindi | $5,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
Cape York Health Pty Ltd | Wellbeing and Resilience: Safeguarding Vulnerable Communities Support the organisation's efforts post-pandemic to improve student immunisation access and health equity by procuring mobile refrigeration units for vaccine transport to remote communities. | Coen | $9,449 | |||
Charleville & District Cultural Association Inc | Stitching Together the Threads of Time Encourage post-COVID-19 community connection through creative activities by purchasing a quilting machine. | Charleville | $10,000 | |||
Goondiwindi Pastoral and Agricultural Society | Wired for Success Sustain the work of showground volunteers post-pandemic by installing permanent underground power for safety and to lighten volunteer workload. | Goondiwindi | $5,084 | |||
Injune Arts Inc on behalf of Remapping Mitchell Arts Collective | Remapping Mitchell Arts Collective Project Enhance post pandemic-recovery and access to the arts by creating an interdisciplinary collaboration of regional artists, exhibited both virtually and across the community. | Injune | $9,953 | |||
Pomona and District Kindergarten Association Incorporated | New Playground Encourage children’s learning and development through play following COVID-19 by upgrading the local kindergarten’s playground equipment. | Pomona | $10,000 | |||
Wallumbilla Agricultural & Pastoral Association Inc | Catering for Connection in Wallumbilla Enhance post-pandemic community connections by upgrading showground kitchen equipment. | Wallumbilla | $10,000 | |||
Wonga Beach Primary P&C Association | Wonga Beach Community Hub Promote post-pandemic social connection by equipping the school as a community hub with a defibrillator and outdoor entertaining equipment. | Wonga Beach | $9,658 | |||
SOUTH AUSTRALIA | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
The Trustee for The Salvation Army (SA) Property Trust on behalf of Port Augusta Corps | Clean Hands and Hygiene in The Salvos Hub Improve participant safety and enhance organisational capacity at a community drop-in centre by upgrading the kitchenette facilities. | Port Augusta | $8,085 | |||
Prepare and Recover - 2019/2020 Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Australian Ocean Laboratory Limited | Technology and Ecology: Student and Community-led Oyster Reef Restoration Enhance connection to the environment and deepen understanding of biodiversity by implementing a student-led citizen marine science program. | Kingscote | $10,000 | |||
Brukunga Community Association Incorporated | Preserving Heritage and Enhancing Community Spaces: Transforming Brukunga Enhance opportunities for community connection and recovery in a bushfire-impacted region by upgrading a community hall and garden. | Brukunga | $24,487 | |||
Mount Torrens Soldiers Memorial Hall Incorporated | Community Hall Comfort for Connectedness and Recovery Increase opportunities for community connection and enhance the process of recovery after bushfires by installing heating and cooling at a community hub. | Mount Torrens | $22,380 | |||
Prepare & Recover - 2022 Floods | ||||||
Berri Regional Secondary College | Reconciliation Cultural Garden Support community recovery and foster connection to First Nations culture in a flood-impacted region by constructing a community cultural garden at a regional school. | Berri | $24,746 | |||
Lower Murray Vintage Engine & Machinery Club Inc | 2024 Lower Murray Heritage Rally & Tractor Pull Foster community connection and economic recovery in a flood-affected region by improving facilities for a historic tractor festival attracting statewide visitors. | Murray Bridge | $14,364 | |||
Mannum Progress Association | Restoration of Lighting in Mary Ann Reserve - Mannum Enhance opportunities for recovery and social connection in a flood-impacted town through installing solar lighting at a community reserve. | Mannum | $22,500 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
Blyth Community Hall Incorporated | Lights for Kitchen & Supper: Remove Obsolete Heaters and Fans Enhance safety and functionality of a community gathering place to support recovery from the pandemic by upgrading lighting, and heating and cooling. | Blyth | $800 | |||
Franklin Harbour Community Development Group Inc | Cowell Silo Art Viewing Area Reinvigorate tourism and boost the local economy following the pandemic through installing paths and signage at the silo mural viewing area. | Cowell | $8,381 | |||
Goyder Plains Carriage Driving Association Incorporated on behalf of Peterborough Rodeo Club | The 2024 National Carriage Driving Championships Boost economic recovery after the pandemic by upgrading the amenities block for the National Carriage Driving Championship and other community events. | Peterborough | $8,500 | |||
Open Space Contemporary Arts Inc | Kingston Weaving Promote social connection and support creative recovery after the pandemic by holding weaving workshops led by local First Nations artists and creating a public artwork. | Kingston | $10,000 | |||
Orroroo Swimming Club Incorporated | Solar Heating for Community Wading Pool Foster opportunities for community connection post-pandemic and enhance water safety by installing solar heating at a community pool. | Orroroo | $6,110 | |||
Port Vincent Progress Association Inc | Replacement of Curtains at Institute Hall Revitalise a community gathering place to enhance COVID-19 recovery by installing stage curtains and block out curtains at a local hall. | Port Vincent | $4,280 | |||
Quorn Men's Shed | Thicknesser-Planer for the Quorn Men's Shed Strengthen volunteer capacity and expand opportunities for social connection post-pandemic by acquiring equipment to bolster activities at a remote men’s shed. | Quorn | $4,852 | |||
The National Trust of South Australia on behalf of Kingston SE Branch | Telling the Whole Story Enhance cultural connections post-pandemic through installing seating and display lighting at an historic site. | Kingston | $8,971 | |||
The Laura Fair Inc | Acquisition of Outdoor Seating Support community connection after the pandemic by purchasing outdoor seating for local events and activities. | Laura | $4,590 | |||
The Port Germein Village Project Association Inc | Port Germein Village Project Revamp - Landscaping Stage 1 Support community connection post-pandemic by installing fencing and landscaping at a community gathering space. | Port Germein | $9,750 | |||
West Coast Youth and Community Support Incorporated | Stride Together Eyre Peninsula - Community Wellbeing Baton Relay Foster social connection and promote mental health and wellbeing post-pandemic by holding a community baton relay event. | Port Lincoln | $10,000 | |||
Yankalilla Youth Arts Incorporated | Mini Mag - Kid's Magazine Develop skills and support the creative recovery of young people from the pandemic by providing writing workshops and publishing magazines. | Yankalilla | $10,000 | |||
TASMANIA | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Clarendon Vale Neighbourhood Centre Inc | The Hub Enhance young people's mental health and wellbeing by providing equipment for indoor and outdoor activities at a new youth hub. | Clarendon Vale | $6,027 | |||
Cygnet Community Children’s Centre Inc | Old Schoolhouse Upgrades Support early learning, out-of-school programs and create a comfortable community space by replacing worn weatherboards, and installing blinds and an air conditioner. | Cygnet | $8,262 | |||
Mt Black Men Shed Incorporated | Safety First @ Mount Black Men Shed Boost volunteer membership and provide a safe workshop for participants by upgrading the shed’s electrical system. | Rosebery | $9,614 | |||
Prepare & Recover - 2022 Floods | ||||||
Mole Creek Swimming Centre Assoc Inc | Amenity Block Upgrade Enhance opportunities for community connection and recovery in a flood-impacted region through upgrading facilities at a community pool. | Mole Creek | $4,872 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
Cygnet Living History Museum Inc | Museum Refresh Celebrate and enhance connection to local history through purchasing archival safe cabinets for the display of cultural artefacts. | Cygnet | $10,000 | |||
Tasmanian Mountain Cattlemen's Association Inc | Get Back Together and Back on Track Rebuild community connections and boost the local economy post-pandemic by hosting a community festival. | Westbury | $10,000 | |||
VICTORIA | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Boolarra and District Historical Society Inc | Restoration of Cupboards - Boolarra Old School Museum Boost visitation and expand opportunities for learning and connection to local history by restoring damaged storage units at a community museum. | Boolarra | $3,465 | |||
Boort Resource and Information Centre | Gym Equipment Upgrade Enhance an exercise program for older people to boost health and social wellbeing by updating a worn gym station with new fit-for-purpose equipment. | Boort | $10,000 | |||
Castlemaine State Festival Ltd | Working Towards a More Reconciled Future: Castlemaine State Festival's RAP Journey Promote community understanding and engagement with the local First Nations culture through a Dja Dja Wurrung artist residency and the creation of public artwork. | Castlemaine | $9,800 | |||
Committee 4 Rochester Inc | Mural Park Enhancement Boost the local economy and enhance community pride by installing two mural stands as part of Rochester’s Mural Festival. | Rochester | $7,996 | |||
Country Fire Authority on behalf of Warrenbayne CFA (Country Fire Authority) | Warrenbayne Spring Boost Enhance volunteer capacity and community safety by providing phone and IT equipment at a community hub to improve communications in a black spot area. | Warrenbayne | $5,381 | |||
Energy Innovation Co-operative Ltd | Energy Solutions for the Elderly - Korumburra Improve the wellbeing and resilience of an underserved community by providing an energy efficiency education program designed for elderly residents. | Korumburra | $9,900 | |||
Hamilton Community House Inc | Stepping Stones to Leaps and Bounds! Promote community connections and development of life skills through the delivery of a financial literacy program in Hamilton. | Hamilton | $10,000 | |||
Inglewood & Districts Health Service | New Gym Equipment Promote physical and mental wellbeing in an underserved community by purchasing gym equipment for an allied health program. | Inglewood | $9,966 | |||
Kilmore District Men's Shed Inc | New Tools Enhance the capacity of volunteers and boost mental health of older men by purchasing equipment for a men’s shed program. | Kilmore | $1,482 | |||
Lake Bolac Bush Nursing Centre Inc | Community Engagement Program Boost wellbeing and foster social connection by delivering an intergenerational program that brings together older community members and kindergarten students. | Lake Bolac | $10,000 | |||
Neighbourhood House Murchison (VIC) Incorporated | Establishing a Second Program Room for the Community Expand access to programs and services through the renovation of an unused space within a neighbourhood house to create a second program room. | Murchison | $10,000 | |||
Newborough Men's Shed | Dust Extraction for New Premises Support social wellbeing and provide a healthy environment for older people by installing safety equipment in a workshop. | Yallourn | $3,038 | |||
North Shepparton Community & Learning Centre Inc | Beyond Identity in Shepparton Expand opportunities for social connection for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) community members by providing creative workshops and an exhibition. | Shepparton | $10,000 | |||
Raillery Hub Inc | Raillery Hub Art Gallery Information Technology Network Upgrade Strengthen organisational capacity and volunteer skills by upgrading IT equipment for a community gallery and meeting space. | St Arnaud | $5,000 | |||
Talbot Arts and Historical Museum Inc | Preserving and Increasing Safe Access to Our Heritage Promote tourism in an underserved region and enhance access to an historic precinct by installing signage and an all-abilities ramp and paths. | Talbot | $10,000 | |||
Treble F Singers Incorporated | Purchase Portable Electric Piano: Bag, Stand and Stool Enhance community connection and social wellbeing for older people by providing musical equipment for a community choir. | Leongatha | $998 | |||
Uniting (Victoria and Tasmania) Limited | East Bairnsdale Community Hub Food Pantry Enhance skills and address food insecurity in an underserved region by providing emergency food relief and supplying ingredients for cooking classes. | Bairnsdale | $10,000 | |||
Prepare and Recover - 2019/2020 Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Albury Wodonga Regional Foodshare | Strengthening Preparedness through Community Connection Enhance organisation capacity and support bushfire recovery through website upgrades to improve information and resource sharing. | Wodonga | $25,000 | |||
Bendoc Progress Association Inc | Community Meeting Place Upgrade Enhance opportunities for connection and recovery in a remote bushfire-impacted region through upgrading furniture at a neighbourhood house. | Bendoc | $5,000 | |||
Bright Food Co-op Ltd | Manage and Grow the Bright Food Co-op Enhance organisational and volunteer capacity to provide affordable healthy food in a bushfire impacted region by installing an integrated and automated online ordering software platform. | Bright | $5,379 | |||
Country Fire Authority on behalf of Crowlands Fire Brigade | TV Connectivity Project Enhance volunteer capability and community bushfire preparedness by providing IT equipment for training and educational activities. | Crowlands | $2,570 | |||
Country Fire Authority on behalf of Landsborough Fire Brigade | Landsborough Fire Brigade Lawn Mower Project Strengthen bushfire preparedness and support volunteer capacity by purchasing a mower to maintain station grounds. | Landsborough | $750 | |||
Country Fire Authority on behalf of Mossi-Tambo Fire Brigade | Mossi-Tambo Fire Brigade Educational Garden Enhance a community hub and develop an educational resource in a fire-affected region by establishing a garden featuring fire-resistant plants at the Mossiface fire station. | Mossiface | $5,000 | |||
Goongerah Landcare Group | Safety Equipment and Tools for Goongerah Landcare Foster volunteer capacity and support environmental recovery post-bushfires through purchasing new tools and equipment for a weed eradication project along the Brodribb River. | Goongerah | $4,525 | |||
Indigo North Health Inc on behalf of Chiltern Neighbourhood House | Re-surfacing of Communal Area Enhance safety, access and recovery in a bushfire-affected area by constructing an all-ability path at a neighbourhood house and men’s shed. | Chiltern | $8,923 | |||
Merton Recreation and Memorial Hall Reserves Incorporated | Merton Community Skate Park Cultivate opportunities for social connection and wellbeing for young people in a region recovering from bushfire by constructing a skate park. | Merton | $10,000 | |||
Swifts Creek Bush Nursing Centre Inc | Restore, Repair and Paint Walls in Treatment Rooms Provide a safe and comfortable facility for delivering community health services in a bushfire-impacted region by upgrading treatment rooms. | Swifts Creek | $10,000 | |||
Tallangatta Agricultural and Pastoral Society Incorporated | Upgrade of the Old Ablutions Block Provide a safe community gathering place and prepare for future emergency bushfire events by upgrading bathroom facilities at the Tallangatta showgrounds. | Tallangatta | $25,000 | |||
Prepare & Recover - 2022 Floods | ||||||
Bendigo and District Aboriginal Co-Operative Ltd on behalf of Aunty Gals - Aboriginal Women's Group | Aunty Gals - Aboriginal Women's Group Support recovery of First Nations women and children impacted by floods through skills and wellbeing activities. | Echuca | $25,000 | |||
Gannawarra Shire Council | The Fire Garden Theatre Production - Gannawarra Enhance community recovery and cultural connection in a flood-impacted region through a First Nations theatre production. | Kerang | $25,000 | |||
Get Started Disability Support Australia Ltd | Get Started Emergency Preparedness: Empowering People with Disabilities Foster community empowerment and inclusive disaster resilience in a flood-impacted region by delivering disaster preparedness educational programs, training and peer support for disabled people. | Broadford | $25,000 | |||
Kerang and District Agricultural Society Incorporated | Replacing of Pavilion No 2 Roof Enhance opportunities for community connection and recovery from flood impacts by replacing the pavilion roof at the Kerang Showgrounds. | Kerang | $25,000 | |||
Kyabram Community & Learning Centre Inc | KCLC Community Kitchen Appliance Upgrade Foster volunteer capacity and expand food relief in a flood-impacted region by upgrading kitchen appliances at a neighbourhood house. | Kyabram | $10,000 | |||
Murrabit Advancement Association Inc | Creating a Family Hub at Murrabit Strengthen social connections and provide a safe gathering space following flood events by upgrading a community-owned building. | Murrabit | $25,000 | |||
Shepparton Foodshare Incorporated | Shepparton Foodshare Food Rescue Truck Boost organisational capacity to provide food relief in a flood-impacted region through the purchase of a refrigerated delivery truck. | Shepparton | $25,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
Beechworth Biennale Incorporated | Beechworth Biennale Boost economic and cultural recovery after COVID-19 by holding a festival showcasing public art installations at 15 key locations throughout Beechworth. | Beechworth | $10,000 | |||
Buninyong Community Facility Management Committee Inc | Chair Replacement Revitalise opportunities for social connection post-pandemic by providing new seating at a community hub. | Buninyong | $9,600 | |||
Edenhope Men's Shed | A New Wood Lathe for Edenhope Men's Shed Build social connections and increase opportunities for engagement after COVID-19 by purchasing equipment for a community men’s shed. | Edenhope | $8,013 | |||
Gippy Rocks Incorporated | Gippy Rocks Festival Support community reconnection and economic recovery post-pandemic by holding a community festival. | Sale | $6,000 | |||
Goulburn Valley Woodworkers Incorporated | Clubroom Recovery Renovations Strengthen social connection and volunteer capacity after the pandemic through upgrading flooring at a community shed. | Shepparton | $10,000 | |||
Highlands Community Hall Committee Inc | Main Hall Acoustic Panel & Insulation Encourage more community events to boost social connection post-pandemic by improving acoustics and ambience at a community hub. | Highlands | $10,000 | |||
Horses For Hope Limited | Helping Horses for Hope Reach the Communities in Need Sustain an organisation’s capacity to provide mental health support post-COVID-19 by enhancing a horse float to operate as a mobile counselling space. | Mooroopna | $10,000 | |||
Jamieson Community Group and Associated Bodies Incorporated | Jamieson Community Hub Landscape Design Plan – Community Garden and Arts Precinct Build community resilience and support opportunities for social connection after COVID-19 by developing plans for a community garden and arts precinct. | Jamieson | $8,060 | |||
Kaniva Agricultural and Pastoral Society Incorporated | Art and Photography Enhance volunteer capacity and promote connection to culture post-COVID-19 by purchasing display boards for art and photography. | Kaniva | $7,500 | |||
Lake Goldsmith Hall Committee | Back to Lake Goldsmith and Stockyard Hill - Celebrating 160 Years Rebuild social connections post-COVID-19 with whole-of-community events celebrating the district’s 160th anniversary. | Lake Goldsmith | $8,450 | |||
Lockington Bowls Club Incorporated | Club Room Upgrades for Energy Efficiency Foster opportunities for social connection and support the work of volunteers after COVID-19 through upgrades to heating and cooling at a vital community hub and meeting space. | Lockington | $9,091 | |||
Maldon Neighbourhood Centre Inc | Children's Playground Equipment Boost social connection and wellbeing of young children and their families post-COVID-19 by purchasing playground equipment for a neighbourhood centre. | Maldon | $3,000 | |||
Mount Wallace Hall and Reserve Incorporated | Mt Wallace Community Hall Improvement Project Strengthen opportunities for community connection after the pandemic through roof and ceiling repairs and installing a shade structure at a community hall. | Mount Wallace | $7,290 | |||
Natimuk Agricultural and Pastoral Society Inc | Natimuk Showground Community Recreation Reserve Master Plan Build organisational capacity and resilience post-COVID-19 by engaging a consultant to prepare a site master plan to address future needs of the facility for community events and activities. | Natimuk | $10,000 | |||
Newstead 2021 Inc on behalf of Newstead Community Garden | Garden Rehabilitation and Reinvigoration Sustain volunteer capacity and safety post-pandemic by upgrading garden equipment and pathways. | Newstead | $9,503 | |||
Purnim Recreation Reserve | Upgrade Pavilion / Kitchen Items Strengthen social connection and sustain the work of volunteers after the pandemic through upgrading equipment and kitchen whitegoods at a community reserve. | Purnim | $4,000 | |||
Red Gum Festival Development Group Incorporated | Workshops Marquee Reduce social isolation and foster a stronger, more resilient community post-COVID-19 through the facilitation of community workshops and purchase of equipment for a biennial festival. | Cavendish | $10,000 | |||
Regional Victorians of Colour Inc | Rebuilding Strength and Community Through Shared Tables Foster opportunities for cross-cultural connection and capacity building post-pandemic through multicultural community meal events and workshops in three towns. | Kyabram | $10,000 | |||
WESTERN AUSTRALIA | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Enterprise Partnerships WA Limited | Piriwa Placemaking Project Part 4 Enhance the Piriwa Hub's community support capabilities by adding an extra shipping container for improved storage and service capacity. | Balgo | $10,000 | |||
Nungarin Heritage Machinery & Army Museum Inc | Magic of Mosaic Improve volunteer management of historic collections by digitising materials onto an online platform. | Nungarin | $3,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
Beacon Progress Association | Beacon Barracks are GO! Improve access to social and creative activities post-pandemic by removing asbestos from a repurposed community arts space. | Beacon | $10,000 | |||
John's Vision Inc | Mobile Eyecare Service Support COVID-19 recovery and resilience with a mobile optometry service offering affordable eyewear to vulnerable and homeless people. | Bunbury | $10,000 | |||
Mullewa Community Resource Centre Inc | Melodies, Mates & Mental Health 2024 Boost reconnection of the community after COVID-19 through monthly concerts that also connect people with mental health services. | Mullewa | $5,870 | |||
Share & Care Community Services Group Incorporated | Mobile Financial Counselling Service Help vulnerable residents reduce post-pandemic debt by expanding intensive financial counselling to additional Wheatbelt communities. | Dalwallinu | $10,000 | |||
Tom Price Community Garden Inc | User-Friendly Garden Beds Enhance post-pandemic recovery and all-abilities social connection through community gardening by raising garden bed heights. | Tom Price | $4,998 |
In March 2021, the Hawkesbury-Nepean region on the NSW Central Coast was hit with major flooding, affecting low-lying areas along the river. The flood caused major disruption and many of the lower lying areas were home to some of the most socially vulnerable members of the community. The situation was exacerbated by the fact the floods followed the 2019/20 bushfires, February 2020 flood and COVID. This meant the community had little resilience to respond when the March 21 flood came along.
While there were many issues that emerged, four smaller, more remote communities experienced particular challenges, as they had limited, if any, mobile or internet coverage and are located away from centralised services. This impacted the communities in accessing supports to assist in their recovery journeys, using internet and online platforms.
The Hawkesbury City Council plays a pivotal role in recovery and preparedness in the region and identified this as an issue.
They received a $14,836 grant through FRRR’s Rebuilding Futures program, funded by Suncorp Group, to have accessible technology established in community hubs across these four remote areas – Bilpin, Colo, St Albans and Wilberforce.

The Council used the grant to purchase IT infrastructure such as laptops, tablets, projectors, screens, cameras and associated software. They also improved the internet connection into these four hubs using satellite hardware, installed via co-contributed Council funds. The Council used their existing relationships with community leaders, organisations, citizens groups and emergency services to make sure that the grant resources went to the people who needed them most.
The overall result was improved community access to technology, allowing community members to connect with each other; access online appointments and government portals; and connect with recovery and community support services.
An additional benefit is that users can also access ‘tech-savvy’ Council staff who work in these community hubs four days per week. These staff members share their knowledge and ability with technology through training and support to lesser-abled community members. Further development has seen the evolving partnership with the library team, Department of Primary Industries and the Digital Literacy Foundation providing further training on topics such as online safety, flood recovery agronomy, and digital literacy topics, respectively.
The ’silver lining’ of implementing the project during challenging times, as noted by Council staff member Liz Murphy, is that this grant has enabled them to contribute positively towards ongoing, sustainable change in the community. The effects of this grant will continue to be felt long after this grant has been expended and has attracted additional support for the community.
The Fremantle Foundation was established in 2010, and seeks to create a thriving community through local giving and to address critical community needs by providing inspiring ways for people to give. They partnered with FRRR in 2020 through a Community Foundation Account, allowing them to support a wider range of community organisations conducting charitable activities in rural and regional WA, particularly those without their own DGR status – which is the majority of community organisations in regional and remote areas.
In FY23, for the second year in a row, the Foundation distributed grants exceeding $1 million across 62 grants, creating impact in the local Fremantle community, the broader metropolitan area, regional and remote WA, as well as in other parts of Australia.
While most of their donors focus on metropolitan areas, the FRRR Community Foundation Account specifically allows the Fremantle Foundation to support more projects in regional communities.
For example, the Northhampton community, located around five hours north of Fremantle, was badly affected by Cyclone Seroja in April 2021. A group of ex and current AFL footballers, all from around Northampton, set up a fund with Fremantle Foundation to support rebuilding in the township and the surrounding region.
Two projects that have been completed to date include the refurbishment of the Olgilvie Hall and construction of a remembrance garden at St Mary’s School. The garden includes new paving, bench seating and a selection of plants, including the much-loved rose garden. In addition, signage has been installed for visitors to gather and learn about the parish and impact of Cyclone Seroja.



The Fremantle Foundation is also using their FRRR Community Foundation Account to ensure donated funds support the launch of the Peel Community Fund.The Fund was established in 2019 by members of the Peel community, with the aim of creating their own Community Foundation in the region. Thanks to their FRRR Account, Fremantle Foundation was able to award them a grant to support the development of critical infrastructure, including a website, communication and marketing plan, marketing materials, operational structure, committee governance and membership / giving structures.
In another example of their ability to inspire local giving, The Esperance Ag Fund was established in 2021 by the local agricultural sector in partnership with Fremantle Foundation, with the sole purpose of making a difference within the Esperance community. Collectively, the farming community, which is about 700 km from Fremantle, provides support to the wider Esperance region by funding projects that make a positive impact. They’ve recently awarded a grant to the Recherche Aged Welfare Committee for the installation of a reticulation system at the Alchera Aged Care Housing property.
Pauline Eves from Fremantle Foundation said they are most grateful for the assistance provided by FRRR to enable grants like these to happen.
18 community groups to receive funding
In partnership with Suncorp and AAMI, FRRR has awarded $300,781 to 18 remote, rural and regional not-for-profits (NFPs) in Victorian communities impacted by the flooding events that took place between October 2022 and January 2023.

Suncorp Group pledged $1 million to FRRR in 2021 for a dedicated Rebuilding Futures program – to support Australian communities impacted by significant natural disasters.
This is the third round of the Program and with these grants will have distributed over $1 million.
The grants awarded range from $4,040 to $20,000 and will be used for a range of projects from building community infrastructure and improving emergency facilities, to youth activity programs and community workshops – all high-priority projects for their local community.
Suncorp Group CEO Steve Johnston said the grants would help support community-led recovery in the impacted areas.
“Australia is no stranger to natural disasters and unfortunately I’ve seen all too often the devastation and emotional toll they have on our communities,” Mr Johnston said.
“That’s why we are supporting affected Victorian communities through the Rebuilding Futures program – to not just build back but to build back better than before, making them even more resilient,” he said.
“These communities have been through a lot, and we know that recovery from severe weather events can sometimes take years. We also know that each community’s priorities during that recovery is different.
“We’re pleased to provide support to a range of different community groups and local not-for-profits that are run by people who know and understand what it is their community needs in order to rebuild.”
Nina O’Brien, Disaster Resilience and Recovery Lead at FRRR, said this round of grants is further confirmation of the long-term impacts of natural disasters.
“In this round of grants, we’re seeing projects that are about building community amenities and improving infrastructure but there’s also an emphasis on initiatives that are about building community resilience and promoting social wellbeing. It’s nearly a year since the floods first started and so this just goes to show that the impacts of floods are long-lasting and go far beyond the physical damage that’s caused.
“The floods have had a huge emotional toll on the people in these communities, yet they’re still determined to build back and become even more resilient than before, which really is inspiring to see. Thanks to the generous support of Suncorp and AAMI, we can help them to do just that,” said Ms O’Brien.
Among the 18 projects funded this round are:
- Alpine Multi Skill Group in Bright – Construction of a dedicated cabin workspace for volunteers, members, and the local community, which will support Alpine Multi Skill’s community development work and collaboration with the Men’s Shed – $19,750
- Echuca Moama Broadcast Service Inc in Echuca – Upskill the community radio volunteers, enhancing their ability to broadcast during and outside times of emergency disasters to support community safety and wellbeing – $4,040
- Kerang and District Community Centre Inc in Kerang – Build resilience in Kerang through an inclusive arts program aimed at connecting people through positive creative activities – $10,000
The full list of grant recipients and their projects is below.
Organisation | Project | Location | Grant | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VICTORIA | ||||||
Alpine Multi Skill Group | Construction of a Dedicated Cabin Workspace for Volunteers, Members and the Local Community Expand the opportunities for community skills and preparedness activities through constructing a cabin to support Alpine Multi Skill's community development work collaborating with the Men's Shed. | Bright | $19,750 | |||
Boys to the Bush Ltd | Boys to the Bush Building up Rochester Boys Support youth recovery and resilience through extra curricular programs developing life skills, experience of rural employment opportunities, community engagement and mentoring. | Rochester | $20,000 | |||
Campaspe Park Raceway Committee of Management Incorporation | Disabled Access from Car Park to Clubhouse Improve access and community facility infrastructure with a concrete path from the carpark to clubhouse of the Campaspe Park and Raceway Recreation Reserve. | Echuca | $7,600 | |||
East Loddon Food Share Program Incorporated | Relief Food and Fridge / Freezer Storage Build capacity of local food relief organisation with whitegoods, a generator and food supplies to support a 12 month program of food security. | Dingee | $15,699 | |||
Echuca Moama Broadcast Service Inc | Upskill Broadcasting Team Build skills and capability for community radio volunteers to broadcast during and outside times of emergency disasters to support community safety and wellbeing. | Echuca | $4,040 | |||
Eildon Events Inc | Construction of a Permanent Waterproof Cantilever Shade Structure Build capacity of the Eildon community with a cantilevered shade cover for a stage to increase usage and expand local activity. | Eildon | $20,000 | |||
Greater Shepparton Foundation Limited | Giving Power Greater Shepparton Support community adaptation for long-term social and economic recovery through a collaborative scoping project to develop an accessible solar program for flood-impacted households in Greater Shepparton. | Shepparton | $20,000 | |||
Kerang and District Community Centre Inc | Let's Connect via Art Build resilience in Kerang through an inclusive arts program aimed at connecting people in positive creative activities. | Kerang | $10,000 | |||
Mount Alexander Shire Council | Creative Resilience Lab Build community resilience and preparedness through a future thinking workshop with a broad range of Mount Alexander community stakeholders. | Castlemaine | $20,000 | |||
Myrtleford Recreation Reserve Committee of Management | Myrtleford Recreation Reserve Stormwater Management and Drainage Design Improve local recreation reserve through design of a stormwater management system to mitigate future flood risk, supporting community facility use for local events and organisations' activity. | Myrtleford | $20,000 | |||
Navarre Public Hall | Revitalising the Navarre Public Hall Rebuild community infrastructure with contributions for rewiring and improved vent systems in the Navarre Hall restoration following significant flood disruption to the community. | Navarre | $20,000 | |||
Open Door Neighbourhood House Inc | Connecting Community - Social Prescribing Build community resilience through implementing a 'social prescribing' program of connection for vulnerable members of the flood-impacted community of Wangaratta. | Wangaratta | $20,000 | |||
Parklands Albury Wodonga Limited | Creating Nature Play Trails to Grow Resilience Build community resilience with enhanced community nature space and programs for intergenerational connection. | Wodonga | $20,000 | |||
Pyramid Hill Neighbourhood House Inc | Communications Kit Build community resilience and capability through upgrading online and offline media communications to support the Pyramid Hill community during and outside of disasters. | Pyramid Hill | $13,900 | |||
Rochester Community House Inc | Bringing the Roar to Rochy (Shire Hall) Upgrade community facilities with a new sound system at the Rochester Community Hall. | Rochester | $19,949 | |||
Variety - The Children's Charity of Victoria | Replacement and Upgrade of Safe / Secure and Inclusive Play Environment for Echuca Twin Rivers Specialist School Upgrade the playground of the Echuca Specialist School to ensure a safe and flood proof surface for all abilities children from surrounding impacted flood communities. | Echuca | $18,668 | |||
Yarrawonga Neighbourhood House Inc | YMCLC Community Connection and Resilience Program Boost community resilience with a Social Prescribing program for engaging and supporting vulnerable people in local activities and information to address mental and physical health issues. | Yarrawonga | $20,000 | |||
Yea Community Service Group Inc | Hands on Skills for Community Build community resilience with a program of workshops teaching 'sufficiency' skills, including preserving foods, composting and dehydrating, with community connection a key outcome. | Yea | $11,175 |
Funds support communities to prepare, recover, rebuild and thrive
FRRR has awarded a record $2,728,993 in grants to support and strengthen more than 200 remote, rural and regional communities across Australia through this quarter round of its flagship Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) program. This is the most funding awarded in any one round in the 25 years of FRRR’s small grants programs, and demand for support continues to rise.

Thanks to donations from many generous supporters, 213 grassroots not-for-profit organisations (NFPs) across rural Australia will receive grants ranging from $465 to $50,000.
The projects will address diverse needs, including ongoing COVID and disaster recovery, strengthening community resilience and preparedness, and address small, yet vital, needs of remote, rural and regional communities.
Jill Karena, FRRR’s Place Portfolio Lead, said that wonderful volunteers in local groups continue to find meaningful ways to support their communities.
“One of the best parts of my job is seeing the way people in remote, rural and regional areas come together to support one another. We see it time and again in the projects that are put forward, usually led by volunteers, all of whom want to make things better for their community. So I want to acknowledge all those people and thank them for all they do.
“I know it’s tough, as the diverse impacts of successive shocks – COVID and various disaster events – continue to ripple through remote, rural and regional communities. The mental health implications of this sustained stress are clear but so too is the commitment to improving things, especially by combatting social isolation.
“Finding ways to connect with others and with their community is an important part of the healing and growing process and there are some creative solutions. In the southern Arnhem Land community of Ngukurr, in the Northern Territory, Wanta Aboriginal Corporation’s Ngukurr Bagai Barista Social Enterprise Cafe project is an inspiring example of the community working to reduce social isolation and foster resilience. The Corporation will use a $47,075 grant to create a community gathering space by fitting-out a café to be used as a vocational teaching site.
“We are also noticing an increase in creative recovery projects, as communities shift from responding to the immediate impacts of the pandemic or other disasters and begin to look at the longer-term recovery and resilience needs of their region.
“Mapleton State School in Queensland will use a $6,588 grant will support a therapeutic drumming program. The program is a creative way for the learning community to improve social connectedness, reduce levels of anxiety and enhance the process of recovery for young people from the pandemic. Similarly, the people of Gingin, Western Australia, will use their $10,000 grant to include wellbeing activities in the Flavours of Gingin Festival to help the community connect and build resilience.
“Our research has confirmed these kinds of arts projects have a unique ability to build long-lasting community resilience and wellbeing, and local capacity for disaster preparedness, response and recovery.[1]
“Not all the projects we’re supporting relate to disasters. There are also a range of initiatives that capitalise on opportunities or help to bridge service gaps, while other projects like a mural in Smithton will honour local Aboriginal heritage, culture and identity and help attract more visitors to the town.
“Since 2000, FRRR has delivered more than $155 million to nearly 13,000 projects, most of which are funded by small grants through programs like Strengthening Rural Communities. And we see the amazing impact that these small grants can have on a rural community.
“So it’s great to be awarding record funding this round and we look forward to seeing the difference it will make in the future,” Ms Karena said.
Record demand for grants
The reality is, FRRR would have liked to support far more projects, as there were many great initiatives seeking funding, with the impacts of inflation adding pressure to already small budgets and the capacity of locals to contribute to projects. However, FRRR simply didn’t have the funds to do so.
Ms Karena explains that projects like those that this program supports are often catalytic, so FRRR is actively seeking additional partnerships to enable more of these initiatives to get the support they need.
“Remote, rural and regional areas make up nearly a third of Australia’s population and generate approximately two-thirds of its net exports,[2][3][4] so ensuring the vitality of these communities is not only critical to the wellbeing of those who live in these places, but it’s also vital for a sustainable Australian economy.
“Grant programs, like SRC, are one way that we can work with government, business and philanthropy to ensure those communities remain attractive places to live and work. Flexible programs like SRC mean that communities can access funding to develop and lead projects that meet locally identified needs and priorities – which are often about bridging gaps in services that many in the cities take for granted, like public transport or being able to access health services, without travelling hundreds of kilometres. So we’d love to hear from anyone who might like to join with us to fund more of these initiatives.”
The SRC program is collaboratively supported by donors, ranging from private individuals to larger foundations, who are acknowledged on the FRRR website.
FRRR always accepts applications to this program, which awards funds roughly four times a year. Local NFPs and community groups are encouraged to review the program guidelines and apply. More information about the SRC program is available at www.frrr.org.au/src.
To support grants like this through FRRR, make a tax-deductible donation at frrr.org.au/giving/.
[1] https://frrr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Impact-of-Creative-Recovery-Research-compressed-2.pdf
[2] https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/rural-remote-australians/rural-and-remote-health
[3] https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/regional-australia
[4] https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House/Former_Committees/Regional_Development_and_Decentralisation/RDD/Final_Report/section?id=committees%2Freportrep%2F024136%2F25543
The full list of grant recipients and their projects are below.
Organisation | Project | Location | Grant | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SRC Round 17 - September 2023 | ||||||
NEW SOUTH WALES | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Circartus Incorporated | Systems Set Up Enhance organisational capacity to support the arts in Wingham by investing in office equipment and programs enabling efficient administration, communication and processing systems. | Wingham | $10,000 | |||
Coolamon Community Incorporated | Coolamon Crib - Northern Rivers Casino Lismore Remote Expansion Aid 64 Indigenous mothers and infants in Northern Rivers with Coolamon Cribs and midwife services via Aboriginal Health Services, alleviating financial and emotional strain. | Lismore | $10,000 | |||
Eurobodalla Shire Council | Be Well Eat Well - Building Connections Through Food Enhance community capacity and connection with weekly hands-on food education coaching sessions for six groups of 10 participants targeting seniors, parents and people living alone, led by a food educator and facilitator promoting health, nutrition and wellbeing. | Moruya | $9,840 | |||
Give Them a Chance | Give Them a Chance to Be Their Best Create a youth life skills program connecting foster care youth (ages 10-19) with local retirees, fostering skill development, training, job prospects, and reducing social isolation while promoting wellbeing for both participant groups. | Lynwood | $10,000 | |||
Glenreagh Public School | Aboriginal Art Mural Installation & Dance Lessons Promote cultural growth and connection, and celebrate Gumbanggirr culture for the underserved communities at Glenreagh Public School by commissioning an Indigenous mural by a local Elder and holding Aboriginal dance classes. | Glenreagh | $10,000 | |||
Griffith Post School Options Limited | Griffith Post School Options Program Workshop Upgrade Support inclusive work and gardening programs for people with disabilities by upgrading the Griffith Post School workshop and building an accessible pathway. | Griffith | $9,500 | |||
Hunter Fighter Collection Incorporated | Historic Bellman Conservation Hangar Mural Enhance tourism, foster community pride and promote awareness of Australia's cultural heritage and military history by painting a large mural at the Hunter Warbirds Restoration Facility in Scone. | Scone | $10,000 | |||
Lennox Community Garden | Lennox Community Gardens Signage Enhance visitation and knowledge by developing a self-guided educational journey through Lennox Community Gardens' rare fruit tree orchards, featuring welcome info and informative botanical signage. | Lennox Head | $4,382 | |||
Mudyala Aboriginal Corporation | Yugaamgan Festival - Raising Awareness of our Coastal Emu Host a full-day festival with local paid presenters sharing cultural stories, with a focus on education to raise awareness about coastal emus and address disadvantage in the community. | Wooloweyah | $10,000 | |||
Parkinson's NSW Limited | Parkinson's Education and Support - Narrabri Improve the wellbeing of people with Parkinson's Disease in Narrabri through a community education seminar with allied health and Parkinson’s Disease specialists sharing information on managing symptoms and slowing progression. | Narrabri | $3,575 | |||
Rotary Club Of Tocumwal Incorporated | WAAAF Creek Walk Picnic Tables Installation and Car Park Refurbishment Enhance tourism and engagement in natural and cultural history through refurbishing amenities at the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force Creek Walk, an outdoor museum and WAAAF interpretive trail. | Tocumwal | $10,000 | |||
Tomaree Neighbourhood Centre Inc | Indigenous Adult Art & Cultural Canvas Workshop, Plus Exhibition Build economic and cultural sustainability of the Woorimi Indigenous community and address disadvantage in the broader community through a culturally safe two-day canvas workshop by a local artist, including story, art and cultural education, culminating in a public art exhibition. | Tanilba Bay | $6,407 | |||
Uralla Pre School Kindergarten | Eco-space: An Outdoor Classroom Convert an unused structure into an outdoor classroom space for sustainable, environmental and ecological education, promoting discovery and experimentation for the preschool children and their families. | Uralla | $10,000 | |||
Warren Chamber Music Festival Incorporated | SING Warren-2-Sydney Enhance choir's technical skills and membership via workshops, performances and community sharing, cultivating an inclusive, all-ages singing environment to promote wellbeing and positive ageing. | Warren | $10,000 | |||
Winmalee Neighbourhood Centre Inc | Lithgow Community Lunch Strengthen social engagement and connection by purchasing a freezer and kitchen equipment to prepare and offer free nutritious meals to community members, helping to alleviate poverty and disadvantage. | Winmalee | $6,000 | |||
Wiradjuri Wellington Aboriginal Town Common (Aboriginal Corporation) | Social Inclusion Create a secure on-country space in Wellington for cultural programs, offering training in Aboriginal practices and art to drive community's social, cultural and economic aspirations. | Wellington | $7,999 | |||
Prepare and Recover - 2019/2020 Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Araluen Progress Association Incorporated | Strengthening Community Fundraising Capacity by Developing an Outdoor Venue to Complement the Newly Restored Araluen Federal Hall Support bushfire recovery and hall running costs by installing a pergola and water tank in the rear garden of the Araluen Federal hall, creating an outdoor venue for hire and community functions. | Araluen | $7,572 | |||
Bangalow Men’s Shed Incorporated | Connecting Generations and Communities Boost bushfire recovery with two inclusive community lunches and weekend gatherings four times a year to connect residents of all generations in a fun and relaxed setting. | Bangalow | $4,050 | |||
Bega AP & H Society Incorporated | 2024 Bega Show Talent Festival Boost the local economy and support bushfire recovery by holding the Bega Talent Festival to showcase local artists, musicians and performers, fostering diversity and connectedness while increasing visitation. | Bega | $25,000 | |||
Bellingen Community Arts Council Incorporated | Bellingen Shire Arts Trail Weekend Boost arts and culture in the bushfire-affected Bellingen Shire, promote tourism and honour creative workers with an Arts Trail weekend, featuring music, poetry, open studios, galleries and workshops. | Bellingen | $2,700 | |||
Blicks Community Incorporated | Community Connection Improve community information sharing in Clarence Valley and Bellingen by creating an emergency plan, Facebook page and communication strategy for isolated areas to ensure reliable communication during bushfires. | Hernani | $10,000 | |||
Caldera Farmers Market Murwillumbah Inc | Vibrant Community Hub and Farmers Market for a Healthier Future Boost visitation and the local economy in a bushfire impacted area by creating a dining, meeting and entertainment community hub within the farmers market. | Murwillumbah | $10,000 | |||
Community Power Agency Co-Operative Limited | Guide to Biodiversity & Solar Contribute to bushfire recovery by producing a printed guide for residents and landowners on reducing land-use conflict and enhancing biodiversity and wildlife habitat on solar farm sites. | Armidale | $19,030 | |||
CWA of NSW Toukley Country Womens Association of NSW | Toukley Hall Refurbishment Support bushfire recovery by refurbishing the decaying windows and doors at the Toukley Hall, ensuring its continued availability for community events and gatherings. | Toukley | $21,000 | |||
Darkwood Disaster Resilience Group (DDRG) Neighbourhood Care Network Incorporated | The Safer Valley Project Enhance bushfire preparedness with a community-led Community Disaster Plan (CDP) and cultivate community connectedness by launching the draft CDP at a fun community gathering for feedback and discussion. | Darkwood | $9,980 | |||
Diamond Women Ltd | Mum2Mum Community and Connection Perinatal Program Improve support for young and vulnerable women in bushfire impacted Tumbarumba with the monthly Mum2Mum community-based mental health support and wellbeing program. | Tumbarumba | $10,000 | |||
Disability Club Connections Plus Australia Incorporated | Disability Club Create and promote a mobile app and upgrade the Disability Club web version to enhance the accessibility of the disability platform, fostering social wellbeing, inclusivity and connections in the bushfire-affected community. | Bega | $25,000 | |||
Eden Services & Social Club Inc | Stafford McGovern Historic Brickworks Site Rehabilitation Restore a historic site damaged in the 2019/20 bushfires by restoring the 1890’s mobile brickworks site through removing debris, recovering relics and installing an informative plaque and table with seating for walkers and cyclists. | Eden | $6,475 | |||
Edith Recreation Reserve Land Manager | Edith Recreational Kitchen and Heater Enhance disaster preparedness by installing a community kitchen in Edith Hall to serve as a catering facility, marshalling and logistics area and rest space for emergency services. | Edith | $9,934 | |||
Federal, Goonengerry and Eureka Community Resilience Team Federal Community Centre Incorporated | Federal, Goonengerry and Eureka Hinterland Community Resilience Teams Emergency Communication System Enhance local disaster readiness and empower the community to manage communication disruptions caused by bushfires and other disasters by purchasing a portable UHF communication system. | Federal | $23,230 | |||
Forster Neighbourhood Centre Inc | Return of Child and Family Support to Vulnerable Families in Outlying Communities Enhance organisational capacity by purchasing a vehicle to provide support to isolated families and in-home assistance for vulnerable families, facilitating reconnection and rebuilding in bushfire-affected communities. | Forster | $25,000 | |||
Global Care Australia | Increase our Chilled and Frozen Food Capacity Strengthen organisational capacity to store and distribute chilled, frozen and other perishable food to support disadvantaged people in the bushfire-affected community of South Grafton. | South Grafton | $24,987 | |||
Iluka Community Organisation Planning for Emergencies (ICOPE) Inc | Balanced Connections: An Exercise and Social Connections Program for Older Adults Enhance wellbeing in fire-affected Clarence Valley through a seven week exercise program for residents aged over 55, boosting mental and physical health, strength and balance. | Iluka | $8,411 | |||
Killabakh Public Hall Land Manger | Upgrade of Kitchen Stove Support bushfire recovery and fundraising efforts by upgrading the gas stove at the Killabakh Hall, improving facilities for volunteers to cater for community events. | Killabakh | $5,835 | |||
Lanitza / Kungala Community Hall Committee Incorporated | Boredom Relief Create a vibrant youth centre in bushfire-affected Lanitza, providing essential resources for children to study, unwind, socialise and foster positive mental health and relationships. | Lanitza | $6,699 | |||
Lions Club of Tea Gardens Inc | Service Community Safe Storage Project Support bushfire recovery by replacing and upgrading the damaged storage container used by volunteers to ensure safe and secure storage of equipment for community events. | Tea Gardens | $23,882 | |||
Mongarlowe Volunteer Bushfire Brigade | Completing the Mongarlowe Fire Shed Kitchen Enhance bushfire preparedness through the completion of the Mongarlowe Fire Shed kitchen extension to expand capacity for disaster response. | Mongarlowe | $12,627 | |||
Moruya Antique Tractor and Machinery Association Incorporated | Mogo Artisans Project Rebuild the Mogo museum and workshop destroyed by the 2019 bushfires, replenish lost equipment and incorporate a food bank and pantry, creating a community and visitor space. | Mogo | $25,000 | |||
Mullumbimby Sustainability Education and Enterprise Development Incorporated | Seasonal Gatherings Celebrating Our Community Resilience and Diversity Enhance resilience, social inclusion, and diversity post-bushfire through quarterly workshops, events and activities celebrating Indigenous culture, diverse communities and environmental education. | Mullumbimby | $10,000 | |||
Music Theatre Projects Limited | Fire - Reclaiming Another Forgotten Play by Playwright and Farmer, Millicent Armstrong Contribute to bushfire recovery by hosting a first reading of Millicent Armstrong's award-winning yet forgotten play "Fire" as part of the Gunning Arts Festival, fostering socialisation and community engagement with the arts. | Gunning | $4,800 | |||
Neighbourhood Care Network Incorporated | Plan, Connect, Protect - Community Disaster Preparedness Across the Bellingen Shire Enhance local risk awareness, including bushfires and weather events, and bolster household and neighbourhood disaster preparedness through organising readiness events. | Urunga | $24,920 | |||
New England Garden Festival Incorporated | New England Garden Festival Enhance tourism, community connection and bushfire recovery through educational talks, youth activities, cultural performances and hands-on workshops at the New England Garden Festival celebrating cool climate and high-country gardens. | Armidale | $10,000 | |||
Nimbin Neighbourhood and Information Centre Incorporated | Nimbin Disaster Resilience - Energy Security Project Enhance bushfire preparedness at the Nimbin Neighbourhood House and Information Centre by upgrading the solar system to ensure uninterrupted delivery of essential services with backup power during emergencies. | Nimbin | $25,000 | |||
Pambula Beach Surf Life Saving Club Inc | Expansion of Emergency and Bushfire Response Capabilities Strengthen emergency and bushfire response capacities at Pambula Beach Surf Life Saving Club by purchasing a 4WD vehicle for lifesaver patrols, search and rescue, and to assist residents and tourists during disasters. | Pambula Beach | $25,000 | |||
Port of Yamba Historical Society Inc | Strengthening and Consolidating Our Connection with the Local Yaegl Community Support Yamba's bushfire recovery and foster a stronger relationship with Yaegl Elders through collaborating to expand the museum timeline with oral history / storytelling and cultural artefact donations. | Yamba | $17,000 | |||
Rocky Hall Community Association Incorporated | Rocky Hall Kitchen Upgrade Contribute to bushfire recovery by upgrading the Rocky Hall's kitchen, encouraging increased use, fostering community spirit and facilitating gatherings and activities for residents. | Rocky Hall | $9,191 | |||
Scone Neighbourhood Resource Centre Incorporated | Art Trail in Our Garden Promote community inclusion and creative bushfire recovery with a local workshop on starting a street art business and collaborating on a neighbourhood centre native animal mural. | Scone | $6,985 | |||
South East Arts (NSW) Inc | Giiyong Festival 2023 Aid bushfire recovery by assisting local First Nations people to join the Gilyong Festival production team, acquiring event management and production skills while delivering a multi-arts Aboriginal cultural event in Eden. | Eden | $25,000 | |||
Southcoast Health and Sustainability Alliance | Heatwave and Bushfire Haven Priority 1 Anglican Campus Batemans Bay Contribute to emergency preparedness following the 2019/20 bushfires by establishing a heatwave and bushfire haven community space offering a safe refuge with a focus on helping the most disadvantaged individuals. | Batemans Bay | $24,657 | |||
Towamba Rural Fire Brigade | Essential Improvements for an Internal Office and a Base Station Communication Room Enhance bushfire preparedness and organisational capacity at the Towamba Rural Fire Brigade by acquiring and outfitting a stand-alone flat cuby to serve as an office and base station communication room, creating additional space for vehicle parking. | Towamba | $16,800 | |||
Upper Lansdowne Memorial Hall Committee Incorporated | Hardening the Hall Against Bushfires Enhance bushfire preparedness and protection for the Upper Lansdowne community by upgrading the Hall to transform it into a neighbourhood emergency shelter. | Upper Lansdowne | $10,944 | |||
Prepare and Recover - 2021 & 2022 Floods | ||||||
Armidale Family Support Service Inc | Be Well Tools 4 Us Strengthen isolated New England towns’ resilience post flooding with after-hours and weekend social BBQs that also offer information about support networks and coping methods to enhance social wellbeing. | Armidale | $17,250 | |||
Barkers Vale, Lillian Rock, Wadeville & Cawongla-Community-led Resilience Teams Wadeville (R91046) Reserve Land Manager | 'Bounce Back' Community Communications Network Enhance flood preparedness with two permanent disaster management hubs for local emergency information sharing, distribution of 60 UHF handsets in high-risk areas, and UHF radio training in Kyogle. | Barkers Vale | $24,290 | |||
Bugaldie War Memorial Site Land Manager | Let's Light Up the Future Improve the safety and use of the Bugaldie Hall as an emergency and community gathering place through electrical and lighting upgrades. | Bugaldie | $9,345 | |||
Cawongla Playhouse Inc | Cawongla Community Centre - Where the 3 Roads Meet - Equipping Our Centre Upgrade the Cawongla Community Centre’s furnishings and equipment to ensure it continues to be a key community point, aiding post-flood recovery. | Cawongla | $8,176 | |||
Crabbes Creek Community Hall Inc Crabbes Creek Hall Committee Inc | Crabbes Creek Community Communications (CCCC) Enhance flood recovery and preparedness by installing an emergency CB repeater covering Crabbes Creek, Wooyung and Yelgun, ensuring isolated community members can communicate during emergencies. | Crabbes creek | $23,500 | |||
Eugowra Community Children's Centre Incorporated | Supporting Superheros to Learn and Grow Support flood recovery by purchasing equipment for the Eugowra Community Children's Centre, fostering children's learning, wellbeing, social development and resilience-building. | Eugowra | $25,000 | |||
Eugowra Promotion and Progress Association Incorporated | Shipping Containers for Storage Support flood recovery by purchasing three shipping containers to store community assets from local organisations that have lost storage space due to water-damaged buildings. | Eugowra | $12,540 | |||
Murwillumbah CORE Hub 2484 Murwillumbah Core Incorporated | M|CORE Connecting Community Grill Foster recovery and social connectedness post-flood with a purpose-built BBQ / kitchen and trailer to offer meals to vulnerable residents. | Murwillumbah | $10,000 | |||
Parkes Community Arts Inc | Who Is Parkes? Aid flood recovery via tourism and community engagement with a shire-wide photography project displaying resident portraits and stories in a gallery and on large buildings, showcasing community diversity at Parkes' 150-year naming anniversary. | Parkes | $9,845 | |||
Raise the Heart Ltd | Here for heART - A Free Mental Health Education and Wellbeing Project for the Northern Rivers Connect wellbeing providers and community agencies to host a depression-comedy theatre show and wellbeing forum to support flood recovery and provide mental health education on suicide prevention. | Mullumbimby | $17,000 | |||
Richmond Landcare Incorporated | Garden Habitat Heroes: Restoring Hope, Wildlife and Community Resilience Support Lismore's flood recovery with workshops for self-healing, garden restoration, wildlife-friendly habitats and biodiversity to reconnect communities and bring back joy to gardeners. | Lismore | $24,450 | |||
Save Nambucca River OZ Green-Global Rivers Environmental Education Network (Australia) Incorporated | Nambucca Riverwatch - Citizen Science Water Testing Boost flood recovery and preparedness with a Nambucca River Riverwatch project, conducting monthly water monitoring and sharing change-driven data with the community through two workshops. | Nambucca Heads | $22,942 | |||
The Bridge Art Project Inc | Activation of 17ha of Bridge Art Project Rrecinct - Developing a Community Resource Enhance community involvement and gallery fundraising by clearing flood debris and vegetation from a designated bush block for the upcoming art gallery. | Moama | $10,000 | |||
Wardell Community Organised Resilience Effort Inc | Help Them Home - Wardell Recovery Boost community resilience by equipping locals with skills, resources, networks and project management to restore their flood-damaged homes. | Wardell | $10,000 | |||
Whian Whian Memorial Hall Incorporated | More Solar, Better Prepared for Future Disasters and Making us More Power Efficient Enhance flood recovery and preparedness, and organisational sustainability by reducing operational costs through installing additional solar panels, battery system and solar hot water in the Whian Whian Memorial Hall. | Whian Whian | $24,275 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
Bathurst Information and Neighbourhood Centre Incorporated | Rebuilding Oberon Community's Volunteer Base Sustain Oberon organisations post-pandemic by reinstating a volunteer program with a dedicated support worker recruiting, training and matching volunteers with community roles. | Oberon | $7,000 | |||
Bellinger Valley Historical Society Bellingen Shire Council | Improving Ventilation in the Urunga Museum Sustain the historic Urunga Museum and their work post-pandemic and improve safety and amenity by replacing old windows. | Urunga | $9,096 | |||
Carries Place Domestic Violence and Homelessness Services Incorporated | Therapeutic and Wellbeing Group-work Sessions Facilitate healing and recovery from domestic and family violence exacerbated by the pandemic, reduce social isolation and foster resilience through therapeutic wellbeing sessions for women. | Cessnock | $9,860 | |||
Coonamble Neighbourhood Centre | Coonamble Womens Paint, Play and Bend - Women's Wellness Event to Reengage after COVID Rebuild connections, reduce social isolation and foster a stronger, more resilient Coonamble region after COVID-19 through women's yoga, music and mental wellbeing events. | Coonamble | $10,000 | |||
Hay Mardi Gras | LGBTQIA+ Flag Interactive Exhibition Reduce social isolation and foster a stronger, more resilient community by encouraging acceptance, diversity and inclusion through an LGBTQIA+ Interactive Flag Exhibition as an extension of the Hay Rainbow on the Plains Festival. | Hay | $10,000 | |||
Murravale Retirement Home Ltd | Reconnecting Murravale with the Community Foster reconnection, boost volunteerism and decrease post-pandemic social isolation via networking events uniting local interest groups to enhance community resilience and organisational capacity. | Murrurundi | $9,800 | |||
NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS) | Multilingual Info Co-Op (MICO) Enhance emergency response, public safety and social connectedness post-COVID-19 by engaging bi-cultural volunteers to offer in-language information and resources to CALD refugees, asylum seekers and migrants. | Coffs Harbour | $8,195 | |||
Queer Family Inc | The Sign Project Encourage connection, reduce social isolation and increase inclusion post-pandemic through a series of art workshops to create emblematic signage for a new LGBTQIA+ community space. | Mullumbimby | $9,843 | |||
St Vincent De Paul Society NSW | Vinnies Wagga Wagga - Connect and Play Playgroup Enhance the recovery of socially isolated refugees, asylum seekers and disadvantaged residents post-pandemic by enabling an inclusive playgroup to provide weekly sessions with free transport for participants. | Wagga Wagga | $10,000 | |||
Tantrum Youth Arts Co-op Ltd | Outpost Singleton Increase equity of access and reduce social isolation post-pandemic by facilitating a series of free weekly creative arts workshops aimed at disadvantaged young people. | Singleton | $10,000 | |||
The Black Stump Craft Shop | Coolah Craft Shop Proposed Alternations - Kitchen and Bathroom Areas Rebuild connections, reduce social isolation and foster a stronger community post-COVID-19 with kitchen and bathroom upgrades at a community hub. | Coolah | $9,963 | |||
The Mend & Make Do Crew Inc | Thriving Together: Building Capacity for Sustainable Communities Ameliorate effects of COVID-19 on a community arts hub and sustain their work through training and support to build organisational and volunteer capacity, skills and governance. | Grafton | $8,662 | |||
Tullamore Inc | New Vinyl - Fresh Look - Safe Environment Increase safety, amenity and hygiene and sustain the work of the Tullamore Preschool post-pandemic by installing new vinyl floorcoverings. | Tullamore | $10,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Large | ||||||
Broken Hill Community FM Association Inc | Upgrading Broken Hill's Community Radio Studio Expand the capacity of 2DRY FM to continue providing an inclusive community media platform and sustain the work of volunteers post-pandemic through accessible studio upgrades. | Broken Hill | $30,000 | |||
Northern Gomeroi Aboriginal Corporation | Facilities for Boggabilla Men's Shed Support mental health and wellbeing, reduce social isolation in a regional border community post-pandemic, and provide an inclusive, safe place for men to gather and learn new skills by connecting utilities to a Men's Shed site. | Boggabilla | $50,000 | |||
The Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation Limited | The Early Language and Literacy (EL&L) Far West Project Address educational disparity and aid post-COVID-19 recovery of children in a remote region with an innovative adult upskilling program, empowering them to boost early language and literacy skills. | Wilcannia | $50,000 | |||
NORTHERN TERRITORY | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Mataranka Primary School | Mataranka School - Outdoor Learning and Cultural Engagement Space Increase the community’s involvement in their children’s education by developing an outdoor classroom for cultural activities and intergenerational transfer of knowledge. | Mataranka | $7,873 | |||
Remote and Isolated Support in Education Ltd | Accessible Early Education Experiences for Rural & Remote Families - Pilot Project Help families living remotely to engage with their peers while accessing early childhood educational resources and specialists by creating an interactive website and online playgroup. | Jervois Homestead, Anatye | $10,000 | |||
Tangentyere Council Aboriginal Corporation | Heart of Akngwertnarre Support residents to connect and encourage children's learning and development through play by revitalising the Town Camp’s playground. | Alice Springs | $10,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
Dundee Beach School Council | Enhance Community Playgroup - Early Learning Equipment Enhance the process of recovery of an isolated community post-pandemic by purchasing age-appropriate play-based resources and equipment for a community playgroup to ameliorate educational and social disadvantages. | Dundee Beach | $10,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Large | ||||||
Jilamara Arts and Crafts Association | Legally Strong Tiwi Artists and Art Centres Enhance the process of recovery for Tiwi Island communities post-COVID-19 and strengthen the local economy by boosting the ability and skills of three local art centres to provide high quality legal advice. | Milikapiti, Melville Island | $20,000 | |||
Wanta Aboriginal Corporation | Ngukurr Bagai Barista Social Enterprise Cafe Create a community gathering space to reduce social isolation and foster resilience in the southern Arnhem Land community of Ngukurr post-pandemic through the fit-out of a café to be used as a vocational teaching site. | Ngukurr | $47,075 | |||
QUEENSLAND | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Blackbutt & Benarkin Aged Care Assoc Inc | Feasibility of Building Independent Living Units for Aged Care Residents Strengthen social connection for aged residents by exploring opportunities to develop custom-built housing within the community. | Blackbutt | $10,000 | |||
Burke Shire Council | Stage 1 - Community Garden for Burketown Residents Help the community reconnect following significant flooding and enhance food security during the wet season by establishing a community garden. | Burketown | $25,000 | |||
Butchers Creek Hall Association Incorporated | Replace Incorrect Old Signage Celebrate and build community spirit by replacing inaccurate hall establishment signage for the centenary event. | Butchers Creek | $973 | |||
Cairns Region Toy Library Inc | Digitisation of Services and New Toys Build volunteer capacity by digitising the toy catalogue and borrowing process to increase children's access to high quality toys and learning aids. | Atherton | $10,000 | |||
Canungra Men's Shed | Shipping Container for Safety Improve the experience of shed members by improving the working and storage areas through installing a shipping container. | Canungra | $4,000 | |||
Disability Matters Inc | Soundplay Expansion Enable all community members to participate in creative and musical activities by building a wheelchair accessible performance space. | Atherton | $9,751 | |||
Kumbia Neighbourhood Watch - Rural Association Incorporated | Multi-Purpose Facility Upgrade Expand the use of Kumbia Memorial Hall through purchasing new chairs and tables to make the community’s meeting space more functional. | Kumbia | $9,420 | |||
Maryborough and District Animal Refuge Society Inc | Waterproof Shade Cloth for Volunteer Area Support volunteers by providing an undercover space to use during rest breaks. | Maryborough | $2,592 | |||
Mundubbera Show Society Inc | Supporting our Country and Community Improve the organisation’s ability to hold community events by purchasing IT, kitchen and storage equipment to support volunteer roles. | Mundubbera | $9,500 | |||
Napranum Aboriginal Shire Council | Napranum Early Childhood Centre - Edible Garden Enhance First Nations children’s health and wellbeing outcomes and build cultural connections with community Elders through establishing an edible garden. | Napranum | $6,020 | |||
Returned & Services League of Australia (Queensland Branch) Esk Sub Branch Inc | Esk RSL Sub Branch Refrigerator Provide a safer environment for social connection by replacing the old fridge to improve food safety. | Esk | $3,354 | |||
Returned & Services League of Australia (Queensland Branch) Tiaro Sub Branch Inc | Tiaro RSL Sub Branch New Front Stairs Rejuvenate the 1930’s building by replacing the front stairs to make the community meeting space safer and more welcoming. | Tiaro | $10,000 | |||
Roadvale School of Arts Inc | Purchase of Two Fridges to Support Community Activity at the Roadvale Hall Enhance community hall use by upgrading fridges to improve food safety. | Roadvale | $9,996 | |||
Stanthorpe International Club | Installation of Solar Panels Improve the Club's financial capacity to support the community with power cost savings created by installing a solar system. | Stanthorpe | $10,000 | |||
The Townsville Toy Library Association Inc | Townsville Toy Library Solar Installation Enhance the library’s ability to support the flood-impacted community by installing a solar system to reduce operational costs. | Townsville | $10,000 | |||
Westmar State School P&C Association | Enhance Inquiry-Based Learning at Westmar State School with STEM Resources Foster students’ curiosity and lifelong learning by purchasing a STEM activity cart and engaging critical thinking and problem-solving skills. | Westmar | $10,000 | |||
Prepare and Recover - 2019/2020 Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
A-Choired Taste | Scenic Rim Sings 2023 Boost spirits and help recovery of bushfire-impacted community by hosting a public singing workshop. | Beaudesert | $3,715 | |||
Canungra Sports and Recreation Reserve Grounds Inc | Upgrade Driveway to our Creek Camping Area and Holding Yards Improve emergency services access and livestock evacuation during disasters by sealing the driveway at a Black Summer Bushfires staging area. | Canungra | $22,731 | |||
Tarome Rural Fire Brigade Queensland Fire and Rescue Authority | Fire Fighting Accessories & Upgrades for Buggy Strengthen the community’s fire-fighting ability with the purchase and fit out of an all terrain buggy and buggy trailer for transporting equipment. | Tarome | $17,935 | |||
The Yoga Partnership Ltd | Yoga for Granite Belt Support Services Strengthen mental and physical health of the bushfire-impacted community with fortnightly yoga and mindfulness classes for all ages and all abilities. | Stanthorpe | $3,000 | |||
Prepare and Recover - 2022 Floods | ||||||
Burdekin Singers & Theatre Company Inc | Replacing 'The Lighthouse' Roof Create a safe environment for the community to come together for social and creative activities post flooding by repairing the aged theatre roof. | Ayr | $25,000 | |||
Forest Hill School of Arts | Forest Hill Floor Treatment and Repairs Ensure the continued use of the hall for community gatherings and as an evacuation centre by re-sealing the floor, which was damaged during the last flooding event. | Forest Hill | $7,500 | |||
Greenup Events Group Inglewood Lions Club Inc | Showcase at Greenup Nurture recovery and social wellbeing for a flood-impacted community by offering creative workshops at the local arts festival. | Inglewood | $3,000 | |||
Heart of Gold International Short Film Festival Inc | Boredom Relief Enhance young people's wellbeing and career opportunities in a flood-impacted community by sharing their creative works at a local film festival. | Gympie | $22,300 | |||
Lanescape Goondiwindi Inc | Illuminate the Flow Provide an opportunity for the flood-impacted community to reconnect, strengthen their resilience and boost tourism through creating a mural illustrating the community’s ability to overcome adversity. | Goondiwindi | $25,000 | |||
Mulgowie Public Hall Association Incorporated | Repairs to Grounds Revitalise the hall’s flood-damaged outdoor space by replacing playground softfall and concreting below seating. | Mulgowie | $10,000 | |||
Mungindi Community Preschool Inc | Celebrating 50 Years of the Mungindi Community Preschool Reconnect residents and provide a sense of identity and belonging post floods by holding a community fair. | Mungindi | $5,893 | |||
Neighbourhood Centre Maryborough Inc | Out & About Help young people impacted by flooding learn about and connect to support services by holding an informal youth day in the ‘skate’ park event. | Maryborough | $10,000 | |||
Theebine Memorial Recreational Centre Incorporated | Community Safety and Wellbeing Boost the community's ability to respond to future floods by purchasing a generator and installing communication and security equipment at the hall, which is used as a recovery centre. | Theebine | $9,427 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
Biloela State High School | Easy Access Support young people and enhance recovery post-pandemic by creating a labyrinth as a safe space for students to engage with others and to conduct psychosocial support activities. | Biloela | $10,000 | |||
Kuranda Amphitheatre Society Inc | Amphitheatre Enquiry-by-Design Re-energise the community venue post-pandemic by facilitating an inclusive, community-based design process for an updated facility master plan and maintenance schedule. | Kuranda | $10,000 | |||
Mapleton State School P&C Association | Rhythm to Recovery: Building Resilience and Social Connectedness Through African Drumming Improve social connectedness, reduce levels of anxiety and enhance the process of recovery for young people from the pandemic by establishing a therapeutic drumming program. | Mapleton | $6,588 | |||
North Burnett Community Service Inc | Born To Play Support a new regional playgroup and sustain their work to encourage social connection and improve educational outcomes after COVID-19 through purchasing activity resources and play equipment. | Mundubbera | $9,920 | |||
Steaming on the Downs Inc | Community Lost Trade Skills Workshop & Demonstrations - Container for Transport Boost pandemic recovery and social connectedness through procuring a shipping container to transport metalworking equipment by rail to use in skill building workshops with young people. | Oakey | $4,180 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Large | ||||||
Binthi Land Holding Group Aboriginal Corporation | Mt Baird Station Homestead Water Infrastructure Enhance post-pandemic recovery and improved economic opportunities, health conditions and morale of a remote First Nations community by providing a potable water supply. | Hopevale | $35,008 | |||
Ingham Meals On Wheels Inc | Making Meals and Making Connections Sustain the work of volunteers post-pandemic to provide meals and essential social connections to vulnerable residents through the purchase of a commercial dishwasher. | Ingham | $22,403 | |||
Kalbar School of Arts & Memorial Hall Inc | Upgrading the Kalbar School of Arts Memorial Hall to Promote a Vibrant Rural Community Enhance the process of recovery for the Kalbar community post-pandemic and provide a safe and inclusive community hub by undertaking essential hall repairs and preserving its all-ability access. | Kalbar | $37,570 | |||
SOUTH AUSTRALIA | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Cradock Heritage Group The Flinders Ranges Council | Re-print of the Cradock Heritage Trail Booklet Boost visitation to a historic township and enhance community pride by updating a walking trail guide that celebrates local heritage. | Cradock | $2,430 | |||
Glendambo District Sports Club Incorporated | Secretary's/ R FDS Shed and Kids' Play Container Enhance wellbeing outcomes and sustain organisational capacity by installing a shipping container to provide storage and a space for pop up RFDS health clinics at community events. | Glendambo | $10,000 | |||
Quorn Mercury Association Incorporated | New Computers for the Quorn Mercury Build connections and keep the community informed by updating IT equipment for the publication of a monthly community newsletter. | Quorn | $5,337 | |||
Prepare and Recover - 2019/2020 Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Art Museum of Kangaroo Island Establishment Association Incorporated | Equipment and Storage for Planning Stage of AMKI Project Increase volunteer and organisational capacity and support community recovery after bushfires by providing storage and digital equipment for an art gallery. | Penneshaw | $1,444 | |||
Edithburgh Museum Inc | Edithburgh Jetty 150th Anniversary Celebration Support recovery from bushfires and boost community connections by commemorating local history through a photographic exhibition and book publication. | Edithburgh | $10,000 | |||
Palmer Collier Park Community Association | Davenport Rest Stop & Historical Landmarks Trail Enhance connection to place and boost visitation in a bushfire-impacted region through installing signage for a historic trail. | Palmer | $7,633 | |||
Stansbury Sports and Community Club Inc | Internal Salt Damp Repairs Provide a safe and comfortable facility for senior citizens and enhance social connections to support bushfire recovery by repairing salt damaged walls at a community hub. | Stansbury | $10,000 | |||
The Warooka Progress Asscn | Moving Murals: Augmented Reality Strengthen cultural connection and encourage tourism in a bushfire-impacted region through the installation of an innovative mural trail. | Warooka | $25,000 | |||
TULKA Progress Association | Security for New Infrastructure and Increase Water Harvesting Capacity Strengthen bushfire preparedness and organisational capacity at a community hub by upgrading facilities and water storage for firefighting. | Tulka | $10,585 | |||
Unity College Inc | Playground Shade Structure Rejuvenate a place to gather and support bushfire recovery of young people in a disadvantaged community by installing a shade structure in a play area. | Murray Bridge | $10,000 | |||
Prepare and Recover - 2022 Floods | ||||||
Mid Murray Support Service Incorporated | Welcome to The HUB Strengthen community recovery in a flood-impacted region and sustain organisational capacity by upgrading the reception area at a support service to create a welcoming and inclusive space for community members. | Mannum | $22,695 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
Bay Town Group Association Incorporated | Chris Blowes - Motivational Speaker Strengthen social connections and foster resilience in young people following the pandemic by holding an event with a motivational speaker. | Port MacDonnell | $1,600 | |||
Lipson Progress Association | Preserving the Past, Preserving the Future Encourage social connection at a key community hub following the pandemic by repainting the interior spaces of the historic Lipson Big and Small Halls. | Lipson | $8,300 | |||
Sandalwood Recreation Association Incorporated | Ease of Access for All Enhance community connection after COVID-19 by installing a ramp and new doors to improve access for all abilities at a community hall. | Sandalwood | $9,618 | |||
West Coast Youth and Community Support Incorporated | Secure, Safe and Vibrant Youth Hub Improve safety and amenity and boost opportunities for social connection after COVID-19 by upgrading facilities and furniture at a youth hub. | Port Lincoln | $10,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Large | ||||||
Kyancutta Community Club Incorporated | New Outdoor Area for the Kyancutta Community Club Reduce social isolation and foster resilience post-pandemic in a very remote community through developing a family-friendly outdoor play space at a community hub. | Kyancutta | $30,000 | |||
TASMANIA | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Great Lake Community Centre Inc | Great Lake Community Centre Extension Project Expand skills to provide locally grown food for people living in a remote, high-altitude township by purchasing a trailer and building materials for a community greenhouse garden. | Miena | $10,000 | |||
Queenstown Community Men's Shed West Coast Council | Queenstown Community Permaculture Garden Build social connections and skills to 'grow your own food' through the establishment of a community garden in an isolated and under-served region. | Queenstown | $10,000 | |||
The Circular Head Aboriginal Corporation | Community Mural Project Celebrate First Nations history by creating a storytelling mural depicting Aboriginal heritage, culture and identity significant to the Circular Head district. | Smithton | $10,000 | |||
Youth Family and Community Connections Incorporated | ARVOs Program - Activity Costs Reduce social isolation and strengthen connections between young people by supporting an out of school activity program to deliver workshops and excursions. | Burnie | $10,000 | |||
Prepare and Recover - 2019/2020 Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Seymour Community Action Group Inc | Seymour Community - Wetlands Restoration Project Strengthen community bushfire recovery activities to restore natural habitat and enhance community connection to the environment through a weed eradication project. | Seymour | $10,000 | |||
Prepare and Recover - 2022 Floods | ||||||
Meander Valley Connect Inc | Meander Valley Connecting Up Foster social connection and skill development by delivering digital training and outreach for seniors and under-served community members in a flood-impacted region. | Deloraine | $24,917 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
Rural Alive & Well Inc | Country Outreach - King Island Connection Strengthen mental health and wellbeing after the pandemic in a remote island community by delivering in-person mental health and suicide prevention outreach services. | Pegarah | $10,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Large | ||||||
Rural Health Tasmania Inc | Embracing Community Rebuild social connections and enhance wellbeing following the impacts of COVID-19 by delivering a facilitated social inclusion program and activities in partnership with a community house. | Smithton | $44,600 | |||
VICTORIA | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Alexandra Primary School | Alexandra Primary School Sensory and Nature Play Garden Expand educational enrichment opportunities and create a space for school children to connect with the natural environment by installing a sensory and nature play garden. | Alexandra | $10,000 | |||
Arapiles Historical Society Inc No A0037695M | Community and Infrastructure Protection Sustain the work of older volunteers to collect, preserve and celebrate local history by repairing a damaged roof of an historic building. | Natimuk | $10,000 | |||
BCYF – Bethany Limited | Ageless Connections Support relationship building and provide a social outlet for older people through the delivery of an intergenerational activity program at a local kindergarten. | Colac | $9,901 | |||
Callignee and Traralgon South Emergency Committee | Raising Awareness Program 2023 Augment community knowledge and strengthen disaster response by distributing a free emergency services brochure to residents living in a bushfire prone district. | Callignee | $465 | |||
Foster Primary School | Reinvigorating our Kitchen Garden Program Equipment Boost health outcomes and student knowledge in growing and cooking nutritious food from the school's garden by upgrading kitchen equipment. | Foster | $4,850 | |||
Grants Only Group Inc | Digital Solutions Sustain community groups in South Gippsland and strengthen volunteer capacity to seek grants through upgrading IT equipment. | Venus Bay | $2,423 | |||
Leongatha Childrens Centre Inc | Shade Umbrellas Encourage play-based learning by providing sun protection at a new community-run childcare and kindergarten centre. | Leongatha | $6,497 | |||
Murray Valley Aboriginal Co-operative Limited | MVAC Bush Kinder Enhance access to First Nations cultural practices and nature-based play by installing a dual toilet / wash basin facility for a new bush kinder program. | Robinvale | $10,000 | |||
Noojee Parks & Reserve Committee of Management | Meet & Move for Health Enhance older people’s health and social wellbeing by delivering a weekly exercise class at Noojee Hall. | Noojee | $6,568 | |||
Rupanyup Primary School | Shade Protection for our Outdoor Inclusive Learning, Sensory & Play Space Improve health, safety and comfort of school children by providing protection from UV exposure through installing shade sails. | Rupanyup | $10,000 | |||
St Arnaud Community Resource Centre Inc | FoodShare and Volunteer Kitchen Completion Enhance food security and wellbeing outcomes for under-served community members and sustain the work of volunteers by upgrading a kitchen to meet health regulations. | St Arnaud | $5,000 | |||
Surf Lifesaving Lakes Entrance Inc | Upgrade of First Aid Facilities Improve volunteer safety and emergency response capability by upgrading training and medical equipment at a surf lifesaving club. | Lakes Entrance | $5,522 | |||
Tarwin Lower Primary School | Playground Revival Create a safe environment and foster greater school engagement by replacing an aged and unsafe playground with new play equipment for the school, playgroup and wider community use. | Tarwin Lower | $10,000 | |||
Venus Bay and District Community Emergency Response Team Inc | Advanced Medical Manikins Training Equipment Build capability of emergency first aid volunteers and strengthen community health and safety outcomes by purchasing CPR training equipment. | Venus Bay | $9,751 | |||
Yea & District Historical Society Inc | Printer / Scanner for Yea Historical Society Enhance volunteer capacity to preserve and catalogue historic data and contribute to local cultural celebrations by purchasing compatible digital equipment. | Yea | $498 | |||
Zoe Support Australia | Upgrading our Centre for Learning Encourage young mothers and their children to participate in programs and access support services by installing a shade sail to improve safety and comfort. | Mildura | $10,000 | |||
Prepare and Recover - 2019/2020 Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Bairnsdale Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc | Bairnsdale Laneway 3875 Festivals Encourage people to come together and enhance economic recovery of a community impacted by bushfires, by hiring entertainment for four seasonal festival events. | Bairnsdale | $10,000 | |||
Bemm River Mens Shed Bemm River Progress and Improvement Association Incorporated | Smart TV for Educational and Instructional U-tube and for Relaxation Increase volunteer skills and reduce social isolation in a community impacted by Black Summer bushfires through purchasing IT equipment for training and community activities. | Bemm River | $3,222 | |||
Branjee Fire Brigade Country Fire Authority | Thermal Imaging Camera Boost volunteer emergency services capacity and increase community safety in a bushfire-impacted region through purchasing a thermal imaging camera to detect fire threats. | Pranjip | $3,722 | |||
Buchan Mechanics Institute and Free Library Reserve | Improve Community Wellbeing and Social Development Through Improving Infrastructure Enhance a community gathering place and strengthen disaster preparedness in a bushfire-impacted region by upgrading the Buchan Hall kitchen. | Buchan | $9,310 | |||
Dartmouth Community Progress Association | Lighting Dartmouth in Dark Times Provide a safe environment and enhance bushfire preparedness by installing a generator at a public hall for power back-up during outages. | Dartmouth | $10,000 | |||
Euroa Community Action Group | Mosaic Display Support health and wellbeing of a community impacted by bushfires through the development of a recovery arts program to beautify a community garden. | Euroa | $2,568 | |||
Leneva Fire Brigade Country Fire Authority | Leneva Fire Station Improvements Improve safety and access for volunteers and community members at the Leneva Fire Station by installing fencing and paths to rejuvenate the outdoor space. | Leneva | $11,264 | |||
Line Wangaratta Inc | Strong Communities: LGBTQIA+ in the North-East Enhance resilience and recovery of LGBTQIA+ people in bushfire-impacted regions through the delivery of programs, events and activities to build connections, confidence and emotional wellbeing. | Wangaratta | $25,000 | |||
Mallacoota and District Historical Society Inc | Mallacoota Bunker Museum Bush Food Walk (Stage 2) Strengthen economic recovery and boost connection to nature in a bushfire impacted region by developing a self-guided bushfood walk at the Mallacoota Bunker Museum. | Mallacoota | $25,000 | |||
Myrrhee Soldiers Memorial Hall Committee of Management King Valley Arts Inc | Voyage Musical Stimulate recovery and wellbeing for a Black Summer bushfire-impacted community by delivering a creative arts performance. | Myrrhee | $3,000 | |||
Myrtleford Toy Library Inc | Little Learners Foster social connections and early childhood learning in a bushfire-affected community by purchasing educational play resources for a playgroup. | Myrtleford | $5,773 | |||
Newlands Arm Landcare Coastcare Group | Walk the Wonderous Waterway Expand opportunities for community recovery, connection to place and First Nation’s culture in a bushfire impacted-region through the installation of signage along the Dinni Birraark Walk. | Newlands Arm | $3,904 | |||
Omeo and District Agricultural & Pastoral Society Inc | Omeo & District Show 2023 Family Entertainment, Skills and Training Boost social connection and skills in a region impacted by the Black Summer bushfires and floods by providing children’s activities and delivering training opportunities for local show judges and volunteers. | Omeo | $10,315 | |||
Swan Reach Recreation Reserve Inc | Storage Shed Strengthen organisational capacity of community groups in a bushfire-fire impacted town through purchasing a storage shed for community assets. | Swan Reach | $10,000 | |||
The Wangaratta Kennel and Obedience Dog Club Inc | Extension and Refurbishment of Kitchen Strengthen community resources to support bushfire relief and recovery through upgrading a community kitchen at the Wangaratta Showgrounds. | Wangaratta | $25,000 | |||
Prepare and Recover - 2022 Floods | ||||||
Cosgrove and Pine Lodge Fire Brigade Country Fire Authority | Hose Drying Facilities Increase the safety and capacity of volunteers to respond to flood and disaster events by installing hose drying facilities at the fire station. | Cosgrove | $8,279 | |||
Echuca Neighbourhood House Inc | ENH Flood Recovery Expansion Project Strengthen a neighbourhood house's capacity to support ongoing community recovery by extending the delivery of activities and programs for flood-impacted community members. | Echuca | $25,000 | |||
Rochester & Elmore District Health Service | Disability Accessible Commuter Bus to Support Community Transport Expand access to health care access and reduce social isolation in a significantly flood-impacted community by purchasing a vehicle to transport vulnerable community members. | Rochester | $25,000 | |||
Victorian SES - Castlemaine Unit Victoria State Emergency Service Authority | The Emergency Essentials Guide (Mt Alexander Shire) Elevate community knowledge and disaster readiness in a flood-affected shire through disseminating a free emergency information handbook. | Castlemaine | $13,056 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
Arapiles Community Theatre Inc | Circus Jam Bolster wellbeing and reduce social isolation after the effects of COVID-19 through a series of whole-of-community circus arts workshops. | Natimuk | $8,162 | |||
Barwon Downs Community Group | Outdoor Seating & Kitchen Upgrade Strengthen social connection and volunteer capacity after the pandemic through upgrading outdoor seating and kitchen facilities at a community hall. | Barwon Downs | $7,090 | |||
Bellarine Historical Society Incorporated (INC. NO. A 0015326L) | Creating Stories Through Visual Displays Sustain the work of a historical society and enhance community engagement post-COVID-19 through the purchase of portable display cases. | Drysdale | $3,440 | |||
Beulah Historic Learning and Progress Association Inc | Hoof & Harvest Festival Enhance the process of recovery of Beulah and surrounding regional communities from effects of the COVID-19 pandemic by encouraging reconnection through staging an inclusive community festival. | Beulah | $10,000 | |||
Camperdown and District Community House | Growing Community: Public Art and Spaces Bringing People Together Increase community connection and enhance recovery post-COVID-19 through art workshops to create art pavers capturing individual’s stories for display at the local community garden. | Camperdown | $8,100 | |||
Christmas Hills Mechanics' Institute Hall Committee of Management Inc | Emergency Power Connector Foster opportunities for social connection after COVID-19 through electrical upgrades at a local hall. | Christmas Hills | $2,450 | |||
EACH | Rural Rainbows Strengthen social connection and leadership of LGBTQIA+ young people after the pandemic by establishing a peer-led social support group. | Healesville | $10,000 | |||
Heyfield & District Vintage Machinery Group Inc | Multi Purpose Shed - Concrete Floor Sustain the work of volunteers and enhance opportunities for social connection following the pandemic by upgrading flooring at a multipurpose community hub. | Heyfield | $10,000 | |||
Lockington & District Living Heritage Complex Inc | Energy Efficient Heating and Cooling Increase opportunities for community connection and enhance the process of recovery after COVID-19 by installing air conditioning to improve the comfort and amenity of a community venue. | Lockington | $9,500 | |||
Mount Korong Eco Watch | Community Connection at the Fiery Flat Bushland Reserve Sustain the work of volunteers and commence restoration of a community reserve through fencing a gathering site for community connection and recovery from the effects of COVID-19. | Fiery Flat | $10,000 | |||
Ouyen Community Gym Inc | Ouyen Community Gym Project Sustain organisational capacity and enhance wellbeing post-COVID-19 by improving access for all abilities through building an accessible path at a community gym. | Ouyen | $4,224 | |||
Regional Arts Victoria | RAV in Residence - Connecting Places Sustain the work of community arts organisations post-pandemic through facilitated networking events to develop skills, connections and mitigate volunteer burnout. | Tallarook | $10,000 | |||
Wimmera Women Connect Inc | Wimmera Women Connect: Consolidating the Way Forward Build organisational capacity by undertaking strategic planning and purchasing resources and equipment to sustain the work of volunteers post-pandemic. | Horsham | $7,374 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Large | ||||||
Baw Baw Food Hub Inc | Community Cafe and Workshop Space for Baw Baw Food Hub Support COVID-19 recovery and sustain a food and sustainability hub by upgrading the space and purchasing furniture and café appliances to create a welcoming space for community engagement and workshops. | Warragul | $34,527 | |||
The Trustee for The Salvation Army (Victoria) Property Trust | Salvo Connect Centre Boost confidence and enhance recovery from COVID-19 by creating a safe drop-in space where vulnerable people can access support and resources to help them reconnect with their community. | Portland | $38,800 | |||
The Warrnambool Theatre Company Inc | Rebuilding Regional Theatre With Sustainable Sound Cultivate opportunities for cultural enrichment and sustain the work of community theatre groups following COVID-19 by investing in professional audio equipment. | Warrnambool | $30,136 | |||
WESTERN AUSTRALIA | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Badgingarra Community Centre Association | Community Centre Heating and Cooling Project Expand the use of the centre by installing a split system to make the community’s meeting space more comfortable and welcoming. | Badgingarra | $10,000 | |||
Cranbrook Primary School Parents & Citizens Association Inc | Colour Our School Provide students with low socio-educational scores access to altenative educational opportunities by painting interactive games around the school grounds. | Cranbrook | $10,000 | |||
Karri Country Good Food Incorporated | Repair Floors Make the community-owned grocery store more hygienic, comfortable and welcoming by resealing the concrete floor. | Northcliffe | $10,000 | |||
Kyloring Housing Co-operative Limited | Governance Training for Over 55’s in Housing Co-operative Strengthen social cohesion for low-income disabled residents living in community-managed housing by providing training in communication and decision making. | Witchcliffe | $10,000 | |||
Suka & Duka - Home Island Craft Inc | Islands Cultural Exchange Reduce social isolation for seniors living remotely by supporting a delegation to travel between islands and share their culture with the broader community and tourists during Territory week. | Christmas Island | $10,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
Borden Pavilion Committee Incorporated | Borden Touring Arts and Culture Program Reduce social isolation and foster a stronger, more resilient and connected community after the pandemic through the delivery of an inclusive arts and cultural program. | Borden | $10,000 | |||
Lake Grace CWA | Refurbishment of CWA Lake Grace Part 2 Sustain the Lake Grace CWA and their work post-pandemic by refurbishing and modernising the community hall's kitchen. | Lake Grace | $10,000 | |||
Manjimup Family Centre Inc | Upgrade of Meeting Rooms at Manjimup Family Centre Enhance recovery from the pandemic and increase meeting room use by other community groups by upgrading furniture and equipment. | Manjimup | $8,957 | |||
Meckering Action Group | Meckering Murals Revitalise the town centre and boost tourism after COVID-19 by creating two murals portraying historically significant local events. | Meckering | $9,806 | |||
Northcliffe Pioneer Museum | Northcliffe Townsite Heritage Walk Strengthen community pride and sense of place while enhancing recovery post-COVID-19 by purchasing and installing 23 interpretive signage plaques along a heritage walkway. | Northcliffe | $9,212 | |||
Porongurup Community Association Inc | Porongurup Hall Electrical Upgrade Undertake electrical upgrades to the local hall to provide a safe, welcoming and functional space for community reconnection after COVID-19. | Porongurup | $10,000 | |||
Shire of Gingin | Connecting post-COVID: Flavours of Gingin Festival Support the rebuilding of community resilience after the pandemic by expanding the festival to include wellbeing activities. | Gingin | $10,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Large | ||||||
Mindful Margaret River Inc | Creating Change – Supporting Local Agency Through Community Resilience Building Activities Reduce social isolation and foster a stronger more resilient community post-COVID-19 by employing a project coordinator to deliver a series of wellbeing and resilience activities. | Margaret River | $50,000 |
Yarning and other culturally-informed models of health can support people in the community to explore factors that impinge on social-emotional wellbeing (SEWB) and co-create solutions for individual and family wellbeing, including young people.
(Murrup-Stewart et al, 2021)
The Northern River Community Healing Hub is a network of local Indigenous and non-Indigenous volunteers who practice a range of culturally informed trauma-integrated healing modalities including weaving circles, art therapy and bodywork (massage). The hub was established following the catastrophic 2022 flood event in the Northern Rivers.

They received a grant for $24,570 through the Rebuilding Futures program, funded by the Suncorp Group to support the hub practitioners to grow and develop their work through increased service delivery moving from an entirely volunteer model to a hybrid paid / volunteer operation. NRCHH is available to all people, regardless of cultural background with a focus on their target population: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, children and young people, families, including older people. The project also included Mobile Hub operations to enable better access to the service within communities themselves – where they need them most, and in consultation with community.
The healing practice activity funded by the project has directly benefitted 639 people across the community at outreach to the pod villages of Coraki and Lismore, and tents at the Nimbin Aquarius Festival and Murwillumbah Kinship Festival, and workshops for a Queer Flood Recovery Event and an event for school children. In addition there have been weekly sessions at the Healing Hub including: 15 bodywork sessions per week free to the community; free flowing drop in weaving / yarning circle on Wednesdays; and clay art therapy once a week.
The NRCHH has evolved through the project. The paid / volunteer mixed model has been successful and they are now seeking input and collaboration that will deepen partnerships and relationships with the organisations that they currently work with to continue.
Project Manager Ruth Rosenhek said, “At the Healing Hub, we provide a de-clinicalised, informal soft-texture gentle space to support healing for our community that focuses on the whole person including a phenomenally successful bodywork program that runs alongside cultural activities such as weaving and yarning circles, creative arts and community connection. We have found that 18 months past the 2022 flood events, people continue to be managing high levels of stress and trauma. These cultural activities that involve sitting on country, slowing down the pace, connection and belonging are all powerful healing agents.”
By Nina O’Brien, Disaster Resilience and Recovery Lead
The call to action at this year’s Australian Disaster Resilience Conference is deeply apparent and has been reflected in most of the presentations, including my own – we must expand our understanding, balance investment, and elevate the voice of community, particularly First Nations people, to reduce the risks and impacts of a changing climate, and build collective resilience towards the increasing severity and frequency of disasters.

At FRRR, we are addressing this call to action by working deeply with local groups that are on the ground, working to enhance the preparedness and resilience of their remote, rural and regional communities. Programs like Disaster Resilient: Future Ready, as well as the thousands of grassroots, community-based projects we support through small grants like SRC Prepare and Recover , and others such as Rebuilding Futures, allow us to learn from local leaders about the needs and priorities of their communities, and how we can best support them to build local resilience and disaster recovery.
My presentation spoke of the importance of balanced investment in people and processes, not just products and ‘things’ across the entire disaster cycle, with a specific focus on preparedness. Social, cultural, political, and human capital are equally as vital as built, financial and natural capital in bolstering resilience. This approach takes a holistic view that acknowledges the interconnectedness of all these facets of community life.
This is why I advocate that we must shift our focus from (often) the disproportionate investing in products and things (hard infrastructure, as we often refer to it) to prioritising people and processes (or the soft infrastructure).
Ultimately, it is the people and processes that really make communities tick and make a difference in effective disaster response, recovery, and preparedness.
This is reinforced by the findings of ongoing research that FRRR has commissioned alongside our learning partner, University of Sydney.
“Working in a community led way to build local resilience means that local community members act as equal decision makers with a range of other stakeholders (local government, emergency services, service providers, business) to address issues which are priorities for that community. Rather than a top-down approach, where decisions are made outside a community or are made by government or other formal authorities, community led resilience building starts and continues with listening and collaborating on the priorities of community members. Genuine ownership by the local community requires their active involvement in all aspects of resilience building, not merely consultation.”
Howard, A., Rawsthorne, M. and Joseph, P. (2022) Critical Dimensions in Community Disaster Resilience [FactSheet], University of Sydney for the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal
The formal study has reinforced our anecdotal observations that when communities take the lead in driving resilience-building efforts, remarkable things happen. Whether tackling natural disasters like cyclones, bushfires, floods, or adapting to community shocks such as the loss of major services or industries, community-led initiatives tend to persist longer and have ongoing positive impacts. They foster local strengths that can adapt to a wide range of challenges over time.
This work provides an important formal evidence base for supporting grassroots not-for-profit organisations that are critical to nurturing the vitality of regional communities.
It also validates FRRR’s preferred approach of working alongside communities, mapping their assets and systems of interconnectivity, understanding their particular strengths and nuances, and viewing community life through resilience dimensions that help to identify and craft locally driven resilience initiatives.
Through diverse funding mechanisms that prioritise people and processes, we’ve seen tangible dividends in increased resilience. These include support for locally conceived projects and initiatives; building volunteer capacity and strengthening networks; resilience coaching, mentoring and support; strengthening internal organisational capacity; and fostering long-term project delivery capability through sustainable local partnerships.


And as a side note from ADRC23; the feedback from communities is clear. They want flexible funding criteria, longer timelines, negotiated measures of success, simpler forms and reporting – and patience from funders. As a mechanism to deliver support to approximately 1000 small projects per year; with around half of those related to disaster impacts; FRRR is working hard to meet these requests with flexible guidelines, negotiated timelines where possible, agile timing, and a streamlined approach to applying and reporting.
Without deliberate, balanced investment in social, cultural, political and human capital, alongside traditional capital, the impacts and harm from disasters will continue to escalate in our communities. We need a systems-based lens that prioritises people and processes to meet future community needs and challenges effectively.
The long-term benefits of this shift are significant; capable local individuals, agile community-based networks, strong not-for-profit organisations and ultimately resilient remote, rural and regional communities become the norm. This paves the way for a future where communities can thrive, adapt and face the uncertainties of a changing climate, with resilience and hope.
“The NRCF Board and staff certainly value the long-term relationship with FRRR, which is so important to us as a rural and regional Foundation. The support for NRCF’s community impact and grants team has been essential to achieve impact in the community.” Sam Henderson, CEO, NRCF
Northern Rivers Community Foundation (NRCF) was established in 2004 to connect people who care with local causes that matter, to improve community wellbeing for the Northern Rivers region of NSW. They have one of the largest footprints of any community foundation in Australia, covering from Tweed to Grafton, from the ocean all the way up past Kyogle, Woodenbong and Casino. NRCF is dedicated to improving the lives of those less fortunate in their community, either from economic circumstances, mental illness, disability, learning difficulties or drug / alcohol addiction. More recently their focus has been to support their community to navigate their disaster recovery journey following bushfires and then widespread flooding events across the region in early 2022.

NRCF has held a Fundraising Account partnership with FRRR since 2017 to attract tax-deductible donations, enabling them to help community organisations meet increasing demands on their services and work together to build resilience across the community.
Initially they raised funds through a general Community Fund, and in 2020 established the Resilience & Regeneration Fund to raise funds specifically to support disaster recovery and preparedness in their region. The Fund responds to the increasingly frequent natural disasters affecting the region and the global pandemic. Recognising that these are not isolated events, and that resilience and regeneration are integral to a sustainable and prosperous region, they wanted to attract as much money as possible.
As at 30 June 2023, NRCF has raised $1,171,600 via these two Funds. In 2022, they announced a record distribution of $327,177 to 49 recipients across the seven LGA’s of the Northern Rivers. This was supported by distributions totalling more than $162,000 from their FRRR Fundraising Account in FY22. Projects span across disadvantage, housing and homelessness, recovery and resilience, and the environment.
NRCF will also be looking to use the funds raised through the Resilience & Regeneration Fund to respond in a meaningful and impactful way to the devastation brought about by the two 2022 flooding events that occurred in quick succession through their Annual Community Grants program. Informing their response is their ongoing research project to understand the issues and conditions impacting community recovery with a view to better support local not-for-profits and their activities into the future. In May 2023 they released their second flood impact report ‘Research, Respond, Recover: A year on from disaster’ which offers valuable insights across a range of indicators about how the community is recovering. It highlights gaps in funding for medium to longer term recovery, and ongoing key issues of concern around health and wellbeing, housing and homelessness.
With this increase in support comes a need for increased resourcing. Fortunately, NRCF has also received donations via their Fundraising Account specifically to support their operational and staffing costs through their General Fund. As a result, the role of Grants and Community Impact Manager has been introduced, which will boost their capacity, enabling them to expand their community grant programs and supporting them to broaden their reach.
Sam Henderson, NRCF’s CEO, said ‘The NRCF Board and staff certainly value the long-term relationship with FRRR, which is so important to them as a rural and regional Foundation. The support for NRCF’s community impact and grants team has been essential to achieve impact in the community.’ The need to respond to disasters has now increased so much that they’ve also recruited a part-time Grants Administration Officer to support the Community Impact Manager.
Grants round out 14 years of dedicated bushfire recovery funding
FRRR has awarded $207,812 in grants to community groups across the Kinglake Ranges region, for 13 projects that will strengthen the social connectedness and continued recovery of Victorian communities impacted by the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires.

These grants mark the final round of FRRR’s Grants for Resilience & Wellness (GR&W) Kinglake Ranges program and closes out the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund (VBAF). In total, VBAF has funded 492 community-led projects, with an investment of $7,436,642, thanks to funds raised by the general public following the bushfires.
In this final round of GR&W Kinglake Ranges grants, locals continue to seek to strengthen community identity and a shared sense of place. Funded projects will create opportunities for people to come together and connect, such as The Foggy Mountain Music and Arts Festival 2023 bush dance, or through improvements made to the accessibility and function of shared spaces like Kinglake Ranges Neighbourhood House’s Community Garden or the Toolangi District Community House’s C J Dennis Hall. Other places, like Flowerdale Community House, are preparing for future disasters by building community capacity through planning and education.
Nina O’Brien, Disaster Resilience & Recovery Lead at FRRR, said the Foundation is humbled to play a small, yet consistent, role in the Kinglake Ranges’ recovery journey.
“For the past 14 years, FRRR’s Grants for Resilience & Wellness program has been dedicated to supporting the recovery of Victorian communities impacted by the historic bushfires. And it’s thanks to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund, and the generosity of everyday people, that we have been able to fund local recovery initiatives, for the long-term.
“Grant programs, like GR&W Kinglake Ranges, demonstrate the complexity of disaster recovery and the need for long-term funding to support affected communities, especially those in remote, rural and regional areas.
“In Kinglake Central, Kinglake West, Pheasant Creek, Toolangi and Flowerdale, we have seen how priorities and needs have shifted and evolved throughout the recovery process. From the initial planning of pathways to further local investment, to training and education to build resilience and foster wellbeing, to small infrastructure projects that provide a safe space for locals to connect and prepare for future disasters.
“We know that the Kinglake Ranges region will continue the process of recovery, and for each community, that will look different. While this is the final round of GR&W, FRRR will continue to support the communities of Kinglake Ranges through our Strengthening Rural Communities grant program.
“It’s important that the people in these communities know that they are supported now, and into the future,” Ms O’Brien explained.
The full list of grant recipients and funded projects are below.
Organisation | Project | Location | Grant |
---|---|---|---|
Flowerdale Community House Inc | Flowerdale Community House into the Future Strengthen a community house’s capacity to deliver emergency response and support community disaster recovery through engaging a facilitator for disaster preparedness planning. | Flowerdale | $25,810 |
The Flowerdale Sports Club | Connecting the Community Through Physical Wellbeing Rejuvenate a local community hub to strengthen connectedness and support disaster preparedness by improving accessibility and equipment. | Flowerdale | $24,000 |
Foggy Mountain Inc | Foggy Mountain Music and Arts Festival 2023 Cultivate sense of place and connectedness through holding a community bush dance as part of the 2023 Foggy Mountain Music and Arts Festival. | Kinglake | $3,000 |
Kinglake Creative Inc | Kinglake Creative Marketing Campaign and Customer Experience Improvements Enhance community connection and economic recovery through a marketing campaign and furnishings to enhance the operations of a creative space. | Kinglake | $8,800 |
Kinglake Football Netball Club | Nourishing Community Connection in the Ranges Foster community connection and enhance volunteer capacity by upgrading commercial kitchen appliances and equipment at the Kinglake Memorial Reserve. | Kinglake | $19,985 |
Kinglake Landcare Group (auspiced by Kinglake Ranges Neighbourhood House) | Caring for Your Patch in the Kinglake Ranges - Updating the 2023 Kinglake Landcare Booklet Encourage connection to place and preparedness for future disasters by updating local sustainability and land management resources for Kinglake Ranges residents. | Kinglake | $9,543 |
Kinglake Ranges Neighbourhood House | Reinvigorating our Community Garden Enhance community connection and opportunities for skill development through accessibility upgrades at a community garden. | Kinglake | $10,736 |
Kinglake Ranges Neighbourhood House | Supporting Children and Families: Playgroup Building Upgrade Enhance a space for children and parents to participate in playgroup and education activities through minor facility upgrades. | Kinglake | $11,355 |
Kinglake Ranges Neighbourhood House | Rural Skills for Resilience Boost skills in preparedness and resilience through rural land management and disaster readiness training courses and workshops. | Kinglake | $14,140 |
Kinglake Trust Reserve Incorporated | Internal Audio-Visual Upgrade Inside the Ellimatta Centre at the Kinglake Trust Reserve Build capacity to host community activities and strengthen community connection through upgrading audio-visual equipment. | Kinglake | $25,000 |
Murrindindi Youth Foundation (auspiced by The Trustee for the Community Enterprise Charitable Fund) | Delivery of Blue Light Victoria’s School Programs for Students Living in Kinglake Ranges Build social connections, resilience and improve mental health outcomes in young people through school-based leadership and wellbeing programs. | Kinglake | $40,000 |
Toolangi-Castella Trails Action Group (auspiced by Toolangi District Community House Inc) | Castella Central Park to Tall Trees Trail Toolangi Link Foster community connection and health and wellbeing by engaging a consultant to support planning for an all-weather trail connecting Toolangi and Castella. | Toolangi | $6,864 |
Toolangi District Community House Inc | Upgrade of CJ Dennis Hall Kitchen and Blinds Foster community connection by enhancing places where people gather through installing a commercial oven at the CJ Dennis Hall and block out blinds at the Toolangi Opportunity Shop. | Toolangi | $8,579 |
By Nina O’Brien, Disaster Resilience and Recovery Lead

In 2022, as multiple disaster events were occurring nationally, there was a collective focus on recovery and preparedness practices.
Curious to better understand how to strengthen support for communities, particularly at a local level, the Creative Recovery Network (CRN) and the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) partnered to investigate the valuable role that creative projects, initiatives, collaborations and processes play when communities are recovering from disaster or other significant climate impacts. This had led to the Impacts of Creative Recovery report.
With a shared focus on strengthening social capital, both CRN and FRRR have long understood the importance of creative-led recovery practices. The Creative Recovery Network is the lead agency building recovery capability by linking the creative sector with communities and disaster management to grow and connect through the disaster experience. FRRR is the only national foundation specifically focused on ensuring the social and economic strength of remote, rural and regional communities.
While recovery practices are typically varied and nuanced, creative recovery is a particular approach to supporting both individuals and communities after a disaster event. It involves using creative activities as tools for communities to reduce emotional impacts, build resilience, foster connection, and support wellbeing.
Purpose and approach to the study
The research commissioned by FRRR and CRN was designed to document the broader benefits of creative-led recovery and explore whether creative recovery provides valuable, cost-effective and approaches to support individual and community wellbeing within a disaster response. We also wanted to understand if, and how, it contributes to enhanced recovery outcomes and community resilience over the longer-term. A further aim, assuming the research did indeed confirm other anecdotal and lived experience, was to strengthen support for appropriate resourcing, activation and embedding of these practices in processes and planning.
The study reviewed and analysed five community recovery projects that were funded by FRRR. These projects involved diverse creative recovery approaches and were undertaken in very different locations and disaster environments across Australia between 2015 and 2020. Looking back at these historic projects allowed analysis of the long-term outcomes and impacts of this range of work.
There were four broad themes through which the impact of creative recovery was explored:
- Social Capital and Connection;
- Revitalisation and Placemaking;
- Acceptance and Growth; and
- Identity and Belonging.
Findings confirm lasting impacts of creative recovery projects
Collaborative and community led creative recovery activities and projects build on existing local strengths, networks and resources, and can help to lessen impacts and the sense of isolation and disempowerment resulting from disaster events. Significantly, where creative recovery projects are inclusive and participatory by design they leave a lasting legacy, which has far reaching benefits for communities.
Additionally, the retrospective review showed creative recovery projects also built knowledge and understanding of mental health, wellbeing practices and resources. By collaborating and contributing to these creative recovery projects at a local level, community members built positive experiences and perspectives. Projects studied had a significant impact on individuals’ sense of self-worth and confidence, while also enhancing the sense of place and establishing lasting connections to place, culture and traditions.
So, the study has done what we hoped it would: highlight that creative recovery has the unique ability to build long-lasting community resilience, wellbeing and enhanced local capacity for disaster preparedness, response and recovery.
Key ingredients for leaving a lasting legacy
The study identified a number of common factors in projects that had a lasting impact and legacy in their communities. This included:
- Program design being based on community-led processes
- Building upon local strengths, networks and resources
- Planning and delivery are expertly coordinated
- The project was inclusive, participatory and collaborative
- Ensuring the initiative provides mentorship and education opportunities;
- Leaving a lasting, tangible cultural output;
- Having ongoing funding support; and, critically
- Being led by passionate, dedicated and well-connected local leaders.
Similarly it identified some common challenges, including funding and the retention of either paid staff, expert facilitators and volunteers, especially for large-scale projects.
New approaches recommended
This report adds weight to the growing evidence of the value of embedding creative recovery approaches in future disaster management planning and processes.
Drawing on clear evidence in each project across each of the evaluation dimensions, the report recommends:
- Funding bodies provide ongoing financial support for creative recovery programs;
- Government and disaster management agencies embed Creative Recovery processes in to policy that is integrated into wider disaster management arrangements; and
- Local communities value and invest in their creative economy to provide ongoing participation and employment in the arts.
As we turn our attention to improving disaster preparedness, response and recovery efforts, this report illuminates ways that creative recovery approaches to disaster management can provide opportunities to foster community collaboration and more specifically enhance individual and community resilience and wellbeing.
We encourage all those working in this space to explore the report.