Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR)
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.
![Lots of people sitting in a circle around a campfire, with two buses and a sunset in the background.](https://frrr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/SRC_Rd17_Tailored_35752_Somerset-StoryFest_QLD_Web.png)
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.
![People sitting on the ground with a sign in front of them.](https://frrr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Rebuilding-Futures-Northern-Rivers-Community-Healing-Hub-Web.png)
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.
![](https://frrr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Nina-AIDR23-edited.jpg)
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.
![](https://frrr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/23-24Aug23_AIDR23_FRRR-at-NRMA-Resilience-Lane_3-1024x768.jpg)
![](https://frrr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/FRRR-team-with-Red-Earth-Community-Foundation_AIDR-2023-edited.jpg)
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.
![Flooded streets in Lismore, NSW](https://frrr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Lismore-flooded-streets.png)
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.
![A group of people walking together in the outdoors](https://frrr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/GRW-R15-Kinglake-Landcare-farm-visit-1-1024x768.jpg)
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
![Dress the Central West](https://frrr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/1687244299314-edited.png)
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.
Grants up to $20,000 available for recovery projects
Local community groups and not-for-profits in rural Victorian communities impacted by 2022-23 floods are encouraged to apply for grants up to $20,000 for projects that will support their community’s recovery.
![Jason Carroll standing next to three batteries installed at Mooloolah Valley Community Association Inc](https://frrr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Mooloolah-Valley-1024x768.jpg)
In partnership with Suncorp and AAMI, FRRR is offering $300,000 for initiatives that build resilience and support medium to long-term recovery of communities affected by the flooding and storms that occurred in specified LGA’s between 6 October 2022 and 13 January 2023.
Funded through the Rebuilding Futures program, these responsive grants are available for proactive initiatives that are community-led.
Nina O’Brien, FRRR’s Disaster Resilience & Recovery Lead, said that extreme weather events, like the flooding and storms experienced by rural Victorian regions late last year, affect every community member, especially those who are most vulnerable and rely on community organisations for support.
“Different groups within the community, such as those living with disability, homelessness or who speak English as a second language, will be impacted differently, and as such, will have their own needs in terms of building resilience and how they can prepare for future disaster events.
“We encourage community groups to be inclusive with their initiative ideas and consider how their project can support community members from all nationalities, socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.
“We also encourage community groups to think outside the box when it comes to infrastructure and equipment projects by considering resilient materials and harnessing clever use of design to decrease future impacts of natural disasters,” Ms O’Brien said.
Suncorp’s Group Executive People, Culture & Advocacy, Fiona Thompson, said that natural disasters, such as the Victorian floods, have devastating impacts that are complex, context-driven and long-lasting.
“This is the third disaster-affected region that we’ve supported through this program over the last couple of years, so we know the impacts in each place are different. One thing is always the same though; local people are best placed to know what the needs and priorities of their community, especially following a natural disaster event.
“Thanks to our partnership with FRRR, we’re pleased to be able to provide flexible funding that means communities can determine how best to address the medium to long-term recovery, resilience and preparedness needs and priorities for their region,” Ms Thompson said.
A Grantseeker Workshop, including a Q&A, on the Rebuilding Future’s grant program will be held online from 12 – 1pm AEST, Wednesday 7 June 2023. Register for the Grantseeker Workshop here.
Applications close 6 July 2023.
Previous projects funded through the Rebuilding Futures program include:
- During the floods in February 2022, Mooloolah Valley, QLD, experienced intermittent loss of power that impacted the community’s access to lighting, hot water and technology. To help the community prepare for future disaster events, the Mooloolah Valley Community Association Inc used a $25,000 grant to purchase and install three batteries that can be used to supply power to the region. The batteries are able to store energy from the Centre’s existing solar panels. The grant also funded fencing to ensure the new batteries are stored safely and securely. Thanks to the community’s resilience and preparedness, the batteries were able to keep the community’s power running during the two electricity outages that Mooloolah Valley has experienced since the batteries were installed.
- Following the NSW and QLD floods in 2021, Mission Australia and Mid Coast 4 Kids partnered to respond to child and youth wellbeing across the Mid Coast region. The partners used a $10,811 grant to deliver training to local community service, health and education professionals, volunteers and parents. Their aim was to ensure they were equipped with the skills to have quality conversations and build resilience to respond to the wellbeing needs of children, young people and their families.
For more information about which regions are eligible, the type of projects that can be funded, and to register for the Grantseeker Workshop, visit our Rebuilding Futures webpage.
FRRR and Bega Valley Shire Council recently announced that a new initiative was being rolled out in Bega Valley, thanks to funding from the $1.3 million Australian Government Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Program.
Building on the foundations laid by the Investing in Not-for-Profit Capacity in Regional NSW (INFPC) program that FRRR has run in the region over the last two years, the new program is called Investing in Rural Community Futures (IRCF) Bega Valley – Resilience Connection and Place Project.
Recently, FRRR kicked off the IRCF program in the Bega Valley with a roadmapping workshop, which was attended by 33 local community members and leaders. The purpose of the session was to identify the gaps that exist within the local community, to discuss the needs of locals and to begin building a plan for how local not-for-profit organisations (NFPs) can work together to better fulfill those needs.
Carolyn Ardler, FRRR’s IRCF Program Manager for the South Coast, said the workshop was a great way to bring the community together and identify common areas of need.
“The workshop was really well-attended and everyone who participated had a lot of valuable insights and knowledge to contribute. It was a great opportunity for the community to come together to discuss the needs of the community and identify some tangible projects that can be worked on moving forward.
“We worked on six projects using the Designing For Wiser Action process facilitated by Campfire Coop. These are projects that the community sees as a priority and will support the Council in the implementation of the next steps.
“We also introduced Bree and Leah- the new community facilitators, who are based at the Bega Valley Shire Council – to the group. Representatives from the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation were also there, explaining the Regenerate Leadership Program, which is a key part of the program. It will offer free leadership training to 24 community leaders,” Ms Ardler said.
To find out more about the IRCF program or to get involved, visit ircf.frrr.org.au/bega-valley-community-roadmap/ or contact FRRR Carolyn Ardler, IRCF Program Coordinator – South Coast on 1800 170 020.
![](https://frrr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/3hfOsu50.png)
Regenerate Bega Valley and Regenerate Shoalhaven – two leadership development programs designed in response to the 2019-20 bushfires – are currently open for applications.
Leaders of local not-for-profit organisations in the Bega Valley and Shoalhaven region are invited to apply for locally-delivered leadership development programs, designed to build their capacity to help with ongoing bushfire recovery and response.
![](https://frrr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/ARLF-Regenerate-web-banner-Joint-for-media-release-1024x536.jpg)
There are 24 scholarships offered in each location for local leaders who’ll get access to some of the best leadership thinking and practice available, plus practical tools and skills via experiential learning.
The Australian Government’s Black Summer Bushfire Recovery grants program is funding the programs, to be delivered by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) in partnership with the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR).
FRRR’s Acting CEO Sarah Matthee explains they’re part of FRRR’s Investing in Rural Community Futures program which aims to build confidence, ability, skills and longer-term sustainability of the region’s NFPs.
“We know local not-for-profits are often leaned on significantly, especially in the event of a natural disaster as was the case with the Black Summer bushfires,” she says.
“Pressure on programs, services and volunteers is leading to fatigue and a depletion of local resources. From our work over the last few years in both these communities, we’ve seen an overwhelming appetite for cross sector collaboration and planning within the community. The ARLF leadership programs will help boost their capacity and impact.”
ARLF Chief Executive Matt Linnegar says the Regenerate Shoalhaven and Bega Valley programs will help local leaders to collaborate, build networks and lead community initiatives.
“When future emergencies, or opportunities occur, this network will be invaluable. They won’t be just names and positions; they’ll know and trust each other and be able to work through the challenges in front of them, to build resilience.
“This leadership network will guide and empower communities to address bushfire recovery priorities aimed at rebuilding and growing their local economy.”
For Carina Severs, manager at Eden Community Access Centre and chair of the Eden Recovery and Resilience Alliance, resilience is about knowledge.
“I’d like people to know what’s available, to know the ‘capability and capacity’ of frontline emergency services, as well as the support services such as Red Cross, CWA have. Resilience is about learning skills and being able to look after yourself as best you can, but it is also about showing care for those around you – your neighbours, friends and others.”
Also welcoming the Regenerate programs, Kangaroo Valley community champion Nat Harker reflects: “No lives were lost, but our community has changed. Some people have since left, most are still carrying trauma but we are working closely together to build resilience for the future – to strive, survive and then thrive.”
Applications for the Regenerate Bega Valley and Regenerate Shoalhaven leadership programs are now open. Each program is open to volunteers or employees in the not-for-profit sector. There will be two four-day residential sessions starting in August. For more details and to apply, visit rural-leaders.org.au (regional programs). Applications close on 18 June.
Grants awarded to 176 community groups for COVID recovery, climate-related impacts and Small & Vital projects
![IMAGE: Kinder aged child exploring a puddle. HEADING: Rural groups awarded a record-breaking $2.3 million](https://frrr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Bush-Kinder-photo-1_cropped.jpg)
FRRR has awarded $2,309,331 in grants to 176 community projects across remote, rural and regional Australia as part of the Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) program.
This is the largest SRC round on record in terms of both funding awarded and the number of projects being funded.
Collaboratively funded by a number of donors, this program gives small communities across rural Australia access to funds for a broad range of initiatives that directly and clearly benefit the local area and people. The program is split into three streams: Small & Vital (S&V), Prepare & Recover (P&R) and Rebuilding Regional Communities (RRC), which supports recovery from COVID-19.
Small & Vital stream
In total, $527,636 in grants have been awarded to 61 grassroots organisations and NFPs through the S&V stream. Grants of up to $10,000 will support initiatives that local leaders and community members feel are a priority when it comes to strengthening the community.
An example of an organisation being funded in this stream is the Cervantes Community Men’s Shed in WA. They will use their $10,000 grant to develop the group’s new shed site, which will support and service the community.
Prepare & Recover grants
The SRC program has long supported disaster recovery, most recently through the 2019/2020 Black Summer Bushfire Recovery stream. However, with disasters affecting more of the country, the program has been renamed the Prepare & Recover stream. It offers grants of up to $25,000 to support projects that prevent and prepare for future climate related impacts, or recover from existing disasters in the medium to long-term. In addition to ongoing recovery from Black Summer fires, this round supports recovery from flooding in 2021/22, as well as some other storms and flood events across the country.
A total of $883,940 will be shared among 62 initiatives through this stream. An example is the Victoria based Boort Resource & Information Centre’s initiative to support flood recovery and boost local connections by bringing the people together to share a free community meal.
Rebuilding Regional Communities – supporting COVID-19 recovery
Funded by the Australian Government, the RRC grants are divided into micro grants, which are up to $10,000 and larger grants, which are up to $50,000. In this round, 53 organisations have received $897,755 funding that will help remote, rural and regional communities recover from the impacts of the pandemic.
Among the recipients in this stream is the Regional Food Security Alliance, who will use a grant of $47,050 to develop resources that will support volunteer recruitment and retention at food relief agencies across regional Victoria, after demand for their services has been exacerbated by COVID-19.
Jill Karena, Place Portfolio Lead at FRRR, said that this record-breaking SRC round is a clear indication of the level of support that remote, rural and regional Australia needs.
“In the history of the SRC program and its predecessors dating back to 2000, we’ve never awarded this amount of money or this many small grants. That in itself speaks volumes about the need for resources and support in rural communities around the country.
“What we saw in the applications in this round, across each of the streams, was a strong emphasis on individual and community health and social wellbeing. This is a reflection of how the last few years have impacted remote, rural and regional areas. Back-to-back natural disasters, the pandemic and now the cost-of-living crisis have left people with limited resources when it comes to prioritising their wellbeing.
“We also saw a high number of applications for creative and wellbeing activities, like festivals and community events. These initiatives are wonderful to see because not only are they helping to bring people together and giving them a creative outlet, but they also often provide a boost to the local economy.
“Similarly, we continue to see a demand for support in maintaining or upgrading community spaces, halls and hubs. This kind of infrastructure is so important when it comes to keeping small communities connected, particularly during the ongoing recovery and resilience-building process that rural Australia is currently facing,” Ms Karena said.
Some more of the 176 projects funded include:
- Gainmara Birrilee Preschool Association Inc – NSW – Enhance the COVID-19 recovery of 117 Brewarrina Aboriginal families by providing practical assistance, building social connections and cultural identity, wellness activities and a community garden. $46,092 (Rebuilding Regional Communities stream)
- MacDonnell Regional Council – NT – Prepare youth for leadership roles through the expansion of the council’s youth app to include governance and project management information and functions. $9,702 (Small & Vital stream)
- FNQ Aviation Museum Ltd – QLD – Build young people’s job readiness for careers in engineering industries by constructing a new hanger at the aeronautical museum to run a program with students restoring vintage airplanes. $10,000 (Small & Vital stream)
- Bridge to Nowhere Arts Association Incorporated – SA – Enhance the process of recovery from the pandemic and encourage greater participation of seniors in activities by providing a comfortable environment at a local community arts facility through heating and cooling upgrades. $7,405 (Rebuilding Regional Communities stream)
- Surf Life Saving Tasmania – Central Coast Marine Rescue – TAS – Enhance community safety and boost volunteer capacity through expansion of training and lifesaving equipment. $9,383 (Small & Vital stream)
- Upper Murray Performing Arts Inc – VIC – Encourage community connection and generate economic growth by delivering a creative dance festival that will increase tourism in a township recovering from bushfires. $10,000 (Prepare & Recover stream)
- Shire of Carnamah – WA – Improve the community’s resilience for future emergency responses during cyclones by upgrading the medical centre’s electrical switchboard, enabling connection to back up generators during power outages. $10,000 (Prepare & Recover stream)
The SRC program is collaboratively supported by many generous donors, who are acknowledged on the FRRR website under each of the SRC grant streams:
- Small & Vital donors
- Prepare & Recover donors
- Rebuilding Regional Communities is supported by the Australian Government
This program always accepts applications. 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 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NEW SOUTH WALES | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Society - Narrabri North West District Inc | Lecturer Fee Contributions Sustain the capacity of the organisation to deliver accessible arts activities for the whole community by contributing to lecturer fees. | Narrabri | $5,000 | |||
Carcoar Community Association | River Yarn Fibre Festival Provide opportunities for social connection and cultural enrichment by supporting the inaugural River Yarn Fibre Festival. | Carcoar | $3,466 | |||
GRASP - Goulburn Regional Association of Sustainable Producers | Growing the GRASP Hub on the Open Food Network Support a community-owned online produce shop to provide access to healthy local produce and promote sustainable agricultural practices through purchasing equipment, recruiting / training volunteers and holding events. | Goulburn | $9,919 | |||
Henty Public School Parents and Citizens Association | Bush Tucker Precinct Enhance the thriving community garden by linking it to the Wiradjuri Bush Tucker and Yarning Circle cultural area to increase community knowledge of local Aboriginal traditions. | Henty | $10,000 | |||
Inverell Art Society Incorporated | Inverell Art Gallery - Supporting, Engaging and Developing Local Ceramic Artists Foster skill development for local and emerging ceramic artists in Inverell by purchasing a new kiln and reference books. | Inverell | $10,000 | |||
Lansdowne Public Hall Reserve Land Manager | Installation of Security Cameras and Solar Security Lights to the Outside of the Lansdowne Community Hall Enhance security for valuable historical works and items displayed at the Lansdowne Community Hall by installing solar powered external lighting and cameras. | Lansdowne | $8,950 | |||
Parkes Bowling and Sports Club Limited | Parkes Bowling and Sports Club Kitchen Oven Upgrade Enhance the Parkes Bowling and Sports Club kitchen by removing the current industrial gas oven and installing a new one to increase the safety and capacity for use by the many non-sporting community groups that use the facilities. | Parkes | $7,346 | |||
Peak Hill Preschool Kindergarten Inc | Peak Hill Preschool Expansion Improve day care access for disadvantaged families by contributing to the development of a community-run long day care facility and community room in Peak Hill. | Peak Hill | $10,000 | |||
Riding for the Disabled Assoc (NSW) - The Coonabarabran Centre | Facilities Maintenance Program - Stage One Enable programs to continue running by addressing safety issues at riding centre through repairs to the training hall. | Coonabarabran | $10,000 | |||
Warren Chamber Music Festival Incorporated | Better with Age! Provide opportunities for social connection and cultural enrichment by holding a "Better with Age" event for the elderly, featuring a shared meal, live musical performances and poetry readings. | Gilgandra | $8,079 | |||
Prepare & Recover | ||||||
Adavale Lane Community Centre Incorporated | Build Up the Grounds Around our Community Hall to Stop Flooding Contribute to recovery and disaster preparedness by raising the ground level around Adavale Lane Community Centre to stop the hall flooding, ensuring community events can continue and enhancing community connectedness. | Goonumbla | $24,250 | |||
Arts North West Inc | New England North West Creative Flood Response Project - 'A Letter to My Returning...' Engage artists from flood-affected communities to create artwork that responds to their flood experiences and interpretations for a public exhibition that will support community recovery. | Wee Waa | $24,752 | |||
Bay FM Community Radio Inc | Broadcast Equipment Replacement to Build Organisational and Community Resilience Build organisational capacity and bushfire resilience by upgrading the ageing broadcasting equipment, ensuring a reliable broadcast transmission service, particularly in the event of an emergency. | Byron Shire | $24,920 | |||
Bombala Preschool Inc | Bombala's Ngulla Garden Project Support recovery from the impacts of the Black Summer bushfires and unprecedented rain by establishing a food forest garden, restoring the community and Indigenous gardens, and engaging experts to educate preschool families and community about food sustainability. | Bombala | $25,000 | |||
Bowraville Arts Council Inc | Bowraville Theatre Equipment and Technology Upgrade Enhance Bowraville Theatre and contribute to bushfire recovery by investing in up-to-date equipment and technology, allowing a broader scope of events for the community, and encouraging new arts, performances and productions. | Bowraville | $10,000 | |||
Broke Residents Community Association Incorporated | Broke Wellbeing Program 2023 Support the recovery of Broke residents after flooding through an ongoing well-being program to improve the mental health and resilience of community members. | Broke | $24,800 | |||
Burringbar School of Arts | Replacement Roof for Burringbar Hall Disaster Distribution Centre Enhance the Burringbar School of Arts Heritage Hall by replacing the rusted roof, ensuring the hall can continue to be used by the community for events and as a distribution centre for those in need during natural disasters such as bushfires. | Burringbar | $25,000 | |||
Circartus Incorporated | Reaching for Solid Ground Increase organisational capacity by establishing a new position to support organisation sustainability and provide inclusive, healing, creative and fun circus skills opportunities for young people in the Manning Valley who are recovering from the impact of bushfires. | Wingham | $24,050 | |||
Connecting Communities Australia Ltd | Mogo - Aboriginal Lands Council Storage Shed Contribute to the recovery of Mogo after losing several buildings in the devastating Black Summer bushfires by constructing a storage shed for the Aboriginal Lands Council to store essential documents. | Mogo | $24,895 | |||
Deniliquin Business Chamber Incorporated | Do it in Deni Street Bazaar Strengthen community connections and boost tourism after the flood with 'The Deni Street Bazaar' a family-friendly event, celebrating the rural culture and lifestyle. | Deniliquin | $10,000 | |||
Drake Village Women's Shed Incorporated | Trailer Increase disaster resilience in the Drake community that was impacted and often isolated after the 2019/20 bushfires through purchasing and fitting out a trailer to provide residents and their livestock access to food and water in emergencies. | Drake | $15,825 | |||
Early Links Inclusion Support Service Incorporated | Physiotherapy Equipment Address increased demand for therapeutic support since the 2019/20 bushfires and increase social inclusion and support for people with disabilities and developmental delays through additional physiotherapy treatment and equipment. | Kurri Kurri | $10,000 | |||
Eden Community Access Centre Inc | Enabling Conversations That Matter: A Prepared Community Provide an online resource to enable ongoing community conversations that support disaster resilience in Eden and surrounding villages after the 2020 bushfires. | Eden | $5,400 | |||
Emerald Beach Fair Inc | Emerald Beach Fair Strengthen community connectedness and recovery from the bushfires, floods and COVID through restarting the Emerald Beach Fair. | Emerald Beach | $10,000 | |||
Granite Borders Landcare Committee Incorporated | Strengthening Rural Communities - Diverse Workshops that Educate, Engage and Improve Social Connectedness Build community resilience, social connectivity, and environmental improvements through a series of free, landscape regenerative workshops for bushfire-affected residents in remote communities around Tenterfield. | Tenterfield | $24,000 | |||
Kangaroo Valley Historical Society Incorporated | Preservation of Kangaroo Valley's History and Heritage through Quality Photographs Support community resilience by purchasing a camera and macro lens used to capture Kangaroo Valley's bushfire recovery for local historical records. | Kangaroo Valley | $1,650 | |||
Kempsey Showground Association Incorporated | Lighting Upgrade Upgrade to LED lighting in the hall to reduce operating costs and foster opportunities for people in West Kempsey to come together and support their bushfire recovery. | West Kempsey | $6,836 | |||
Marine Rescue NSW - Kioloa Unit Volunteer Marine Rescue NSW | Air Conditioner for Kioloa Unit Support bushfire recovery and build organisational capacity by replacing or adding air conditioners to ensure the comfort of volunteers all year round. | Kioloa | $6,150 | |||
Narooma Men's Shed | Metalworking Safety Initiative and Activity Enhancement Purchase appropriate lifting equipment and tools for the Narooma Men's Shed to reduce the risk of injury for members and enhance organisational capacity to support bushfire recovery projects for the community. | Narooma | $7,137 | |||
Narooma Surf Life Saving Club Inc | Provision of Storage for Emergency Search, Rescue and Disaster Response Equipment at Narooma Surf Life Saving Club Building preparedness in the event of a bushfire through the installation of mobile, modular storage cabinets enabling safe and organised storage of the club's 24/7 emergency response equipment, ensuring the club is rescue ready. | Narooma | $1,799 | |||
Northern Rivers Food Incorporated | 2023 Harvest Food Trail Enhance recovery of the flood-impacted Northern Rivers by supporting the Harvest Food Trail event, which brings the community together to socialise and enjoy local produce whilst supporting local businesses. | Tweed Heads | $10,000 | |||
Resilient Lismore Incorporated | Resilient Lismore Impact Measurement and Organisational Sustainability Enhance the recovery process in flood-impacted Lismore by periodically collecting community recovery data through surveys to measure the impact of Resilient Lismore's work and inform new projects and sustainability planning. | Lismore | $25,000 | |||
Resilient Murwillumbah | Murwillumbah Get Ready Support the flood-impacted Murwillumbah community to be more disaster ready by establishing a tools and equipment library for community-led disaster clean up and recovery. | Murwillumbah | $25,000 | |||
River of Art Incorporated | Munggara-dha / My Home Support community recovery and foster leadership and social connection after the devastating Black Summer bushfires by combining Aboriginal dance storytelling with contemporary art forms in a community driven process that will culminate in a live performance. | Mogo Village | $23,100 | |||
Southcoast Health and Sustainability Alliance | Brightening Batemans Bay Heritage Museum's Future Stage One Support bushfire preparedness and enhance the viability of the Heritage Museum by installing solar panels that will provide energy to stabilise environmental conditions for the preservation of museum collections, reduce operating costs and enable the museum's continued operation in a power outage. | Batemans Bay | $22,578 | |||
Twofold Aboriginal Corp | The Twofold / Jigamy Cultural Gardens & Syntropic Food Forestry Project (Stage Two & Three) Develop a series of intergenerational and cross-cultural initiatives through creation of climate-resilient cultural food gardens to foster collaboration in mitigating the impacts of the Black Summer bushfires and future climate changes. | Eden | $25,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Large | ||||||
Contact Inc Gainmara Birrilee Preschool Association Inc | Murra in Murra (Hand in Hand) Brewarrina - Planning for a Stronger Future Enhance the COVID-19 recovery of 117 Brewarrina Aboriginal families by providing practical assistance, building social connections and cultural identity, wellness activities and a community garden. | Brewarrina | $46,092 | |||
Contact Incorporated | Building Foundations for a Stronger Future Build organisational sustainability through a series of professional development workshops facilitated by a skilled expert to support Contact's work to reduce negative impacts of isolation during COVID-19 for children and families. | Cootamundra | $35,871 | |||
Gilgandra Community Garden Network Gilgandra Council | Gilgandra Cultural Precinct > Community Garden Support COVID-19 recovery by establishing a community garden to reduce social isolation, providing an inclusive, tranquil setting that supports active and passive recreation for local children, youth, seniors, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, people culturally and linguistically diverse, those living with disability, and LGBTQIA+ community members. | Gilgandra | $33,684 | |||
Turbans 4 Australia | Lismore Resilience Project Enhance the process of COVID-19 recovery of disadvantaged members of the Lismore regional community through delivering food and personal care hampers with a new mobile food trailer and pantry, which will support and expand the organisation's outreach services. | Lismore | $27,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Micro | ||||||
Blue Mountains Artists Company | Lithgow Lowdown - Reimagining and Reinvigorating Community Reduce social isolation and foster a stronger, more resilient community after COVID-19 by staging a live music and poetry slam / dance competition to bring together and reinvigorate youth and families through the arts. | Lithgow | $10,000 | |||
Carries Place Domestic Violence and Homelessness Services Incorporated | Strengthening Service Delivery through Secure and Innovative IT Solutions Sustain and enhance Carries Place's work with increased IT support over six months to improve internal capability and enable provision of reliable and secure remote services to vulnerable clients hesitant to engage face-to-face due to COVID-19 impacts. | Dungog | $4,620 | |||
Creative Gunning Inc | Crafting Connections Support Gunning's community and economic recovery from COVID-19 by delivering a series of art workshops and exhibitions to increase community connections, build volunteer skills, and increase visitation. | Gunning | $9,901 | |||
Kempsey Flying Club Ltd | Rural Community's Amenities Upgrade Support COVID-19 recovery and sustain the activities of a range of community groups that use the Kempsey Flying Club facility by upgrading the space and purchasing a fridge, commercial vacuum, BBQ and projector equipment. | Kempsey | $9,750 | |||
Manning & Great Lakes Early Intervention Inc | Early Connections Playgroup Re-establish a playgroup closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic to enhance the process of recovery for young children. | Taree | $9,087 | |||
Nimmitabel Show Society Inc | Urgently Needed Equipment Support community connection after COVID-19 by replacing damaged and ageing seating and purchase new equipment to sustain the work of the Show Society and enable the smooth running of the Nimmitabel Show and other community events into the future. | Nimmitabel | $9,929 | |||
Sanctuary Point Public School | Sing and Grow Singing Therapy Group Enhance social and developmental recovery from COVID-19 for Sanctuary Point children and their families through establishing a singing therapy group. | Sanctuary Point | $9,020 | |||
The Showground Workshop Incorporated | Taree Showground Mens' Shed COVID-19 Recovery Boost the Men's Shed membership after COVID-19 by developing a new website. | Taree | $2,000 | |||
Wentworth Area Landcare Incorporated | Trees for Pomona Enhance COVID-19 recovery of the Pomona community by bringing residents together for a native tree-planting event to increase their feeling of belonging and community pride. | Pomona | $10,000 | |||
NORTHERN TERRITORY | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
MacDonnell Regional Council | Empowering Indigenous Youth Leaders to be Tomorrow's Community Leaders Prepare youth for leadership roles through the expansion of the council's youth App to include governance and project management information and functions. | MacDonnell Regional Council's 12 communities | $9,702 | |||
NT Writers' Centre Inc | Remote Writers' Development Workshops Support new and established writers living in remote parts of the state by running satellite events and online workshops as part of the 2023 Northern Territory Writers' Festival. | Katherine | $9,456 | |||
Victoria Daly Regional Council | Noise Reduction at the Pine Creek Multi Resource Community Centre Enhance public participation at meetings in a remote and under-resourced community by improving the acoustics at the community centre with the installation of heavy echo-reducing curtains. | Pine Creek | $9,973 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Large | ||||||
Brown's Mart Arts Limited | Connecting Communities at Brown's Mart Sustain Brown's Mart and their work through improved connections with the COVID-19 impacted community by upgrading communication technologies and increasing First Nation peoples' engagement and participation in the performing arts. | Darwin | $38,652 | |||
The YMCA of the Northern Territory Youth & Community Services Ltd | Community Hub Project Create a safe, welcoming community space at the Ltyentye Apurte (Santa Teresa) swimming pool for children, young people and families to re-connect after social isolation experienced during COVID-19, improving the community's physical and social health and fostering a stronger and more resilient community. | Santa Teresa | $20,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Micro | ||||||
Gupulul Marayuwu Aboriginal Corporation | Gupulul Community Homeland - Food Storage, Access and Security Project Address food security challenges exacerbated by COVID-19 and sustain the work of the corporation through the installation of a commercial cool room storage unit on the community homeland. | Gupulul Homeland | $10,000 | |||
QUEENSLAND | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Blackall Cultural Association Incorporated | Bushman's Gallery Electrical Upgrade Boost and strengthen the local economy by upgrading electrical wiring for better lighting at the Bushman's Art Gallery to increase engagement with, and acquisition of, local art. | Blackall | $10,000 | |||
Border District Eisteddfod | Border District Eisteddfod 2023 Cultivate young people's confidence, artistic endeavours and public performing capabilities by providing a local Eisteddfod. | Stanthorpe | $9,605 | |||
FNQ Aviation Museum Ltd | Multipurpose Aviation Museum Hangar - Celebrating 80 Years of Mareeba Airport Build young people's job readiness for careers in engineering industries by constructing a new hangar at the aeronautical museum to run a program with students restoring vintage airplanes. | Mareeba | $10,000 | |||
Gold City Country Music Club Inc | Bose Amplifier Tower Improve the club's ability to provide free community entertainment by upgrading sound equipment. | Charters Towers | $4,160 | |||
Gordonbrook Rural Fire Brigade | Gordonbrook Rural Fire Brigade Station (Stage Two) Improve comfort and amenity of the facility for emergency volunteers and community gatherings by installing floor coverings and painting internal walls. | Gordonbrook | $9,332 | |||
Hillview Memorial Hall and Recreation Grounds Inc | Lawn Mower Purchase Support volunteer ability to maintain a welcoming community space by purchasing a ride-on mower to care for the grounds. | Hillview | $7,730 | |||
Ingham Coast Guard - The Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association Incorporated | Improving Access Improve the Coast Guard's ability to support and service the community by building an accessible ramp and handrails. | Lucinda | $10,000 | |||
Julatten State School Parents and Citizens Association | Celebrating 100 Years Julatten / Bushy Creek / Euluma Creek State Schools Centenary 1923-2023 Encourage new community members and past students to come together to foster a sense of identity and community connection by jointly celebrating the schools' centenary anniversaries. | Julatten | $5,650 | |||
Low Isles Preservation Society Incorporated | Supporting Local Student Visitation to the Low Isles Education Centre Support students from disadvantaged outer regional schools to take part in a citizen science project and experience the Great Barrier Reef firsthand, integrating environmental awareness and STEM learning into the curriculum. | Port Douglas | $10,000 | |||
Mount Morgan Citizens Club Inc | Kitchen Compliance Improve functionality of club's workspace for social connection and community gatherings by modernising the kitchen by adding stainless-steel bench tops and energy efficient appliances. | Mount Morgan | $10,000 | |||
QCWA Branch Clifton | Installation of Air Conditioning to CWA Clifton Hall Expand the use of the CWA hall by installing a heating and cooling system to make the community meeting space more comfortable and welcoming. | Clifton | $3,990 | |||
Retreat Creek Campdraft Association Inc | Connecting Power to the Community Shed at Roy Day Park, Sapphire Help locals come together and connect by installing electricity at the park's community shed to provide the first 'powered' public meeting space in Sapphire. | Sapphire | $10,000 | |||
Returned & Services League of Australia (Queensland Branch) Emu Park Sub-Branch Inc | Emu Park RSL Mural Creating a commemorative mural to help residents and visitors better understand the impacts of past conflicts on returned service people. | Emu Park | $4,500 | |||
Roma Historical Precincts Inc | Roma Butter Factory - Workshop Building Upgrade Improve volunteer experience and safety by installing accessible roller doors that enable local artisans to demonstrate old time trades and skills more easily for an interactive visitor experience. | Roma | $10,000 | |||
U3A Cairns Incorporated | Health, Wellbeing and Social Interaction through Low Impact Sports Enhance older people's wellbeing through supporting physical activity and social connection by purchasing low impact activity equipment. | Mossman | $5,205 | |||
University of Southern Queensland | Allora and the Australian Silo Art Trail: Enhancing Community Wellbeing Boost tourism, amenity and community engagement in Allora through the co-design and installation of a mural representing important stories of the town. | Allora | $10,000 | |||
Prepare & Recover | ||||||
Mulgowie Public Hall Association Incorporated | Lets Get it Happening at Mulgowie! Strengthen the lifesaving capacity of a bushfire-impacted community by purchasing a defibrillator to enhance preparedness. | Mulgowie | $2,950 | |||
Withcott & District Progress Association Inc | Kitchen Renovation & Storage for the Community Hall Improve functionality of volunteers' catering and working spaces, and comfort of users with renovations to an 88-year-old hall in a community impacted by bushfires and floods. | Postmans Ridge | $21,150 | |||
Community Information and Resource Service Association Incorporated | CoolaFlix Build community resilience and foster social connectedness after flooding in Rainbow Beach through the purchase of cinema equipment and film licensing fees to facilitate a series of community fundraising movie nights. | Rainbow Beach | $17,510 | |||
Goomeri Pumpkin Festival Inc | Pumpkin to Power Economic Recovery in Gympie Region! Stimulate the community and economy post-flooding by hiring equipment to re-start the Goomeri Pumpkin Festival. | Goomeri | $15,000 | |||
Murgon Primary P&C Association | Murgon Community Fair Encourage people to come together and celebrate for mental wellbeing after the floods by establishing the Murgon Community Fair. | Murgon | $10,792 | |||
North East Downs Landcare Group Inc | Rehydrating to Regenerate the Landscape Build environmental resilience to flood through encouraging the restoration of landscape hydrology cycles by providing 'natural sequence' education workshops in the communities of Peranga, Brymaroo and Maclagan. | Peranga | $9,855 | |||
Tamrookum Memorial Hall Incorporated | Roof Repairs Enhance the recovery of the Tamrookum community by providing a safe and dry community space through repairing the hall's roof damaged during a flooding event. | Tamrookum | $24,420 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Large | ||||||
Boulia Camel Races Incorporated | Legacy - Boulia Enhance the process of COVID-19 recovery, reconnect residents, reignite tourism and stimulate the economy in Boulia through the establishment of a community cooperative. | Boulia | $50,000 | |||
Bundaberg Regional Council | Integrated Pathways at Kepnock (IP@K) Enhance the process of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic for disengaged youth in the Bundaberg area by facilitating work placement with the local agricultural industry and facilitating reengagement with educational activities and the broader community. | Bundaberg | $50,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Micro | ||||||
Cape York Institute | Mayi Market COVID-19 Resilience Project Sustain the work of the Mayi (food) Market by purchasing and installing freezers in four remote Cape York communities to boost food security in the event of future isolation such as that experienced during the pandemic. | Coen | $9,592 | |||
Innisfail Community Band Incorporated | Enhancing Performance Capability at Outdoor and Large Open Space Community Cultural Events Improve the band's capability to perform in a COVID-safe outdoor environment and sustain their work through the purchase of foldback speakers and the provision of appropriate sheet music. | Innisfail | $3,000 | |||
Mossman State School P&C Association | Community Navigator - Douglas Community Early Childhood Hub Reduce social isolation and foster a stronger, more resilient Mossman community after COVID-19 by engaging a 'Community Navigator' to support families to learn about and access early years services and learning pathways. | Mossman | $10,000 | |||
Rockhampton Women's Shed Inc | Tool Kits Reduce social isolation following COVID-19 and foster a stronger, more resilient community by providing basic start-up tool kits to establish the women's shed as a place of connection, and for developing skills and capabilities. | Rockhampton | $9,979 | |||
Tully Nursing Home Inc | Outdoor Area Improvements Encourage the COVID-safe reconnection of nursing home residents with family and friends through the purchase of outdoor furniture for visitation, reducing social isolation and fostering a stronger, more resilient community. | Tully | $4,960 | |||
SOUTH AUSTRALIA | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Orroroo Regional Tourism Group - District Council of Orroroo Carrieton | Chats Over Charcoal Enhance a men's support program and strengthen community wellbeing by providing a facilitated mental health and wellbeing workshop. | Orroroo | $5,585 | |||
The Beltana Progress Association Incorporated | Beltana 150 Years On - A Celebration of Our Township Boost local economy by increasing visitation to a remote location and support local cultural connections by engaging a bush band to perform at the Beltana 150-year milestone event. | Beltana | $6,725 | |||
Yorke and Northern Local Health Network Incorporated | Aboriginal 715 Health Check Incentive Shirts Improve health and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal people living in rural and remote regions by providing Aboriginal designed polo shirts to connect community members to a vital health check program. | Maitland | $10,000 | |||
Prepare & Recover | ||||||
American River Buick Orchard Reserve (ARBOR) - American River Progress Association Inc | American River Community Garden Support bushfire recovery on Kangaroo Island by enhancing a culturally significant orchard garden for broader community access. | American River | $10,000 | |||
Berri Barmera Landcare | The Environmental Connection Strengthen community connections and engagement to the local environment in a region severely impacted by recent floods, by holding six biodiversity education workshops. | Berri | $10,000 | |||
Friends of Port Moorowie Inc | Purchase of a Ride-on Mower Increase the capacity of volunteers to support bushfire preparedness and safeguard Port Moorowie by purchasing a ride-on mower. | Port Moorowie | $5,000 | |||
Hardwicke Bay & District Progress Association | Providing Cooking Facilities at Our Planned Beach Shelter / Lookout Support community to live well in a remote place and strengthen recovery post-bushfires by installing a barbeque at an outdoor recreation shelter. | Hardwicke Bay | $5,000 | |||
Marble Range Community & Sports Centre Inc | Marble Range Community and Sports Centre - Playground Develop a safe space for children's play and provide a health and wellbeing activity to enhance community recovery from bushfires, through the development of a playground. | Wangary | $10,000 | |||
Rotary Club of Onkaparinga Inc | Onkaparinga Rotary Fencing Project Boost volunteer capacity to support community recovery post-bushfires through purchasing equipment to rebuild damaged fencing. | Lobethal | $24,317 | |||
The Pine Village Land & Services Management Association Incorporated | Improve Access to Life Saving Equipment: Installation of a Defibrillator at Pine Village Provide emergency first aid equipment to strengthen community recovery and support health outcomes for the Murray River flood-affected region by installing an external automatic defibrillator system. | Murbko | $3,704 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Large | ||||||
District Council of Tumby Bay | Youth Empowerment and Skate Activation Program (YESAP) Reduce social isolation and build young people's resilience in a remote community impacted by COVID-19 by establishing a sustainable skate program designed to empower and connect young people. | Tumby Bay | $39,820 | |||
Pine Point Progress Association Incorporated | Construction and Establishment of a Community Shed to be Primarily Used for Storing Equipment and Undertaking the Sorting of Recyclable Deposit Containers and Modifying an Existing Shed for Cooking of BBQ's Reduce social isolation and foster a more resilient regional community post-pandemic through establishing a community shed for community gatherings and storage of community assets. | Pine Point | $17,321 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Micro | ||||||
BMW Football Club Inc | Building Successful and Resilient Leaders in the Upper North Community through a Champions Academy Sustain the work of community organisations across the region and reinvigorate volunteering after COVID-19 through community-wide volunteer engagement and skill-building workshops. | Melrose | $7,000 | |||
Bridge to Nowhere Arts Association Incorporation | BTNArts Community Infrastructure Project: Enhancing Creative Space Usability Year Round Enhance the process of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic by providing a comfortable environment for seniors and encourage greater participation in activities at a local community arts facility through heating and cooling upgrades. | Warnertown | $7,405 | |||
Community Care and Transport Incorporated | Melrose Office Upgrade Sustain the work of the organisation post COVID-19 and improve amenity and comfort for volunteers through the purchase of new fit-for-purpose office furniture. | Blinman | $2,670 | |||
Orroroo Recreation Group - Orroroo Football Club Incorporated | Roasting in the Roo - Camp Oven Cook Off 2023 Enhance the social and economic recovery of the Orroroo community from the COVID-19 pandemic by staging a two-day family-friendly festival. | Orroroo | $10,000 | |||
Southern Yorke Peninsula Agricultural Society Incorporated | SYP Show Pavilion Salt Damp Project Sustain the organisation and its work following the pandemic through building repairs to a local heritage building to provide a safe, fit-for-use community meeting place. | Minlaton | $10,000 | |||
The Booleroo and Districts Men's Shed Incorporated | Installation of Reverse Cycle Air-Conditioning to Meeting Area of Facility Sustain the Men's Shed and its work after COVID-19 by improving conditions in the facility through the purchase and installation of air conditioners. | Booleroo Centre | $10,000 | |||
TASMANIA | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Central Coast Marine Rescue and Training - Surf Life Saving in Tasmania Inc | Aquatic Emergency Preparedness for Volunteers at Central Coast Volunteer Marine Rescue Enhance community safety and boost volunteer capacity through expansion of training and lifesaving equipment. | Ulverstone | $9,383 | |||
St Helens Online Inc | Safety and Training for Volunteers at St Helens Online Access Centre Support and boost volunteer participation through the delivery of appropriate IT training and security upgrades to provide a safe work environment. | St Helens | $1,459 | |||
Turrakana Tasman Arts Inc | Lightwave Festival 2023 Boost community social wellbeing and foster increased visitation to Nubeena by supporting community workshops and musical performances at a mid-winter creative arts festival. | Nubeena | $10,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Large | ||||||
Launceston City Mission Inc | The Ark - Youth and Community Hub Outdoor Area Reduce isolation and foster a more resilient community post-pandemic through developing of a community youth hub for disadvantaged young people. | St Leonards | $45,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Micro | ||||||
Motherland Ltd | Motherland Village - Reducing Crippling Social Isolation & Connecting Rural Mums Reduce social isolation after the pandemic for new mothers and foster stronger, more resilient regional communities through the creation of an innovative online rural mother's group. | Dunorlan | $10,000 | |||
Mount Roland Land Care Inc | Reconnecting with Community and the Mount Roland Environment - Part Two Reduce social isolation in Mount Roland by facilitating a public tree planting festival, creating new connections to foster a stronger, more resilient community after COVID-19. | Sheffield | $3,489 | |||
VICTORIA | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Bendigo Science and Technology Museum Inc | The New Bendigo Planetarium Enable rural and regional school students to access a science education program that will feature Djaara First Nations astronomy knowledge, through the development of a new planetarium. | Bendigo | $10,000 | |||
Cowwarr Recreation Reserve Committee of Management Incorporated | Cowwarr People's Shed Boost social engagement activities and support capacity of volunteers to maintain a community space through the purchase of a storage shed. | Cowwarr | $9,624 | |||
Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre Inc | Community Co-Working Spaces Expand organisational capacity of a Neighbourhood House to support community members working remotely, through the establishment of a co-working office space. | Daylesford | $10,000 | |||
Donald 2000 Inc | Donald Social Housing Strategic Plan Engage with community and stakeholders to develop a social housing strategic plan for social and affordable housing solutions for disadvantaged people in the community of Donald. | Donald | $10,000 | |||
Fairfax Youth Initiative Swan Hill Rural City Council | The Marruk Project Support youth and First Nations people's engagement in the creative arts and promote wider community connection to local culture through the development of a theatre program. | Swan Hill | $10,000 | |||
Fishy Stories Fabelo Incorporated | Fishy Stories: The Fish Creek Children's Festival of Stories Engage young people in a creative writing and skill development program and improve literacy outcomes through the delivery of a children's storytelling festival. | Fish Creek | $10,000 | |||
Golden and Paradise Beach Ratepayers and Residents Association Incorporated | Golden Paradise Beach Community Tourist Park (Facilities Toilet Block) Increase visitation to a community precinct and improve access and inclusion for all-abilities through an upgrade of toilets to meet disability standards. | Golden Beach | $8,336 | |||
Grampians Health | Essential Aids and Equipment Loan Service Empower older people in the West Wimmera district to live safely and independently at home through access to a disability equipment loan program. | Edenhope | $9,975 | |||
Loch & District Bowling Club Inc | All Welcome @ Loch Improve access to social activities for all abilities by upgrading a bathroom to current disability standards at a key community venue. | Loch | $9,683 | |||
Macedon Ranges Further Education Centre Inc | Community Social Space Provide a comfortable environment for older people participating in wellbeing activities by providing accessible furniture and a smart TV to engage in online group sessions. | Gisborne | $8,759 | |||
Minyip Progress Association Inc | West Wall Repairs to Emma's Building Foster connection to place and opportunities for social engagement by repairing a salt-damaged wall in an iconic community-owned building. | Minyip | $10,000 | |||
Morwell Historical Society Inc | Improvements to Upgrade a 70-year-old Kitchen - Stage Two Provide a fit-for-purpose venue for older participants and volunteers by upgrading the 70-year-old kitchen. | Morwell | $10,000 | |||
Next Gen Theatrical Inc | Next Gen Presents... Provide a social wellbeing program to support marginalised communities in Gippsland and enhance the creativity of a theatre company through the provision of performance venue hire. | Traralgon | $10,000 | |||
Numurkah Toy Library | Numurkah Toy Library Building Capacity Project Support children's early education and development by providing a safe and efficient storage area for toys and equipment. | Numurkah | $9,612 | |||
Pomonal Men's Shed Incorporated | Better Access and Storage Support men's health and wellbeing activities by constructing a slip-resistant pathway and storage area to enhance the maintenance workshop. | Pomonal | $8,659 | |||
Pomonal Progress Association Incorporated | Communicating, Our way Forward Strengthen capacity of the Pomonal community to collectively support each other, particularly during community emergencies, by engaging a consultant to facilitate a community resilience workshop. | Pomonal | $1,290 | |||
Stanhope & District Development Committee Inc | RSL Seating and Montevideo Mural All Weather Shelters Encourage visitation and community engagement by installing shelters at two outdoor gathering spaces in Stanhope. | Stanhope | $10,000 | |||
Tarrangower Village Inc | Village Living Improve access to affordable housing for older people by engaging a consultant to develop a financially sustainable masterplan for a community-owned and managed retirement village. | Maldon | $10,000 | |||
The Patch Community Garden The Trustee for The Salvation Army (Victoria) Property Trust | Enhancing our Community Space Encourage participant engagement and promote greater nutritional health outcomes for disadvantaged community members, by providing a rotunda to shelter volunteers from weather extremes at a community garden. | Horsham | $10,000 | |||
Wodonga Senior Secondary College | Community Pathways Connections Foster lifelong learning and promote community connections through the establishment of an arts and vocational skills project to support disengaged school students. | Tatura | $10,000 | |||
Yea Community Service Group Inc | The Community Sufficiency Project Educate community members in self-sufficiency skills and build resilience to climate challenges through the facilitation of 12 workshops. | Yea | $7,183 | |||
Prepare & Recover | ||||||
Alpine Multi Skill Group | Upskill Community Workshops Support recovery from bushfires and develop networks between community groups through the provision of craft and skills workshops. | Bright | $8,430 | |||
Ardoch Limited | Supporting the Wellbeing of Children in Regional Victoria through the Arts Support the mental health and wellbeing of children impacted by bushfires through the development of a creative arts program. | Wangaratta | $10,000 | |||
Arts Council of Mansfield | Mansfield Arts Collective Studios (MACS) Future Proofing Upgrade Support recovery from the impacts of the 2019/20 bushfires through upgrades to a community facility to provide a fit-for-purpose and comfortable arts activity centre. | Mansfield | $9,859 | |||
Boort Resource and Information Centre | Boort Meet and Eat Support flood recovery and boost local connections by bringing the people of Boort together at a free shared community meal event. | Boort | $9,090 | |||
Committee for Echuca Moama Incorporated | Let's Get Connected Build group connections and support social and economic recovery of flood-impacted communities by providing a business networking event for women. | Echuca | $10,000 | |||
Coonooer Bridge Fire Brigade Country Fire Authority | Coonooer Bridge Fire Brigade Wildfire Thermal Imaging Camera Project Enhance volunteer capacity and community safety by providing volunteer fire fighters with vital safety equipment to detect fire hotspots. | Coonooer Bridge | $3,614 | |||
East Gippsland Festivals Ltd | On Foot in the High Country Support the social and economic recovery of bushfire-impacted communities by providing three curated walks in the Omeo region, as part of the East Gippsland Winter Festival. | Swifts Creek | $7,100 | |||
Goulburn Valley Sports Assembly Inc | On the Front Foot Enhance the recovery of flood-impacted communities and improve wellbeing outcomes by providing a mental health referral and support program. | Seymour | $10,000 | |||
Indigo Valley Landcare Group Inc | Connecting on Country: Building a Relationship Between Landcare and Traditional Custodians through Exploration of the Cultural Landscape Build First Nations recognition and boost bushfire recovery by filming Duduroa Dhargal workshops to share cultural geography knowledge with Landcare groups and the wider community. | Yackandandah | $9,970 | |||
Koondrook Development Committee Incorporated | Celebrating the Paddleboat Heritage of Koondrook Enhance regional recovery and promote community resilience by supporting a paddleboat centenary-heritage project and community festival to bring people together. | Koondrook | $24,500 | |||
Life! Central Services Incoporated | Rural and Remote Digital Suicide Safety Initiative Enable a suicide safety organisation to expand their reach and support communities recovering from bushfires by providing workshops and an online interactive program. | Corryong | $25,000 | |||
Mansfield Historical Society Inc | Mansfield Heritage Museum - Mansfield Historical Society - Mansfield Courier Restoration Project Enhance community connection and celebrate local identity in a bushfire-impacted region by restoring and safeguarding local historical artefacts. | Mansfield | $10,000 | |||
Meredith Community Centre Inc | Intergenerational Community Lunch Provide activities that support bushfire recovery and encourage community engagement by running a series of community lunches to bring different age groups together. | Meredith | $6,000 | |||
Myrtleford Chamber of Commerce & Industry Inc | Alpine Outreach Mobile Facility Provide a mobile health and wellbeing service to support community recovery from bushfires in Victoria's Alpine region through the purchase of a vehicle. | Myrtleford | $25,000 | |||
Raymond Island Community Association Inc - East Gippsland Shire Council | Disabled Amenity Upgrade as Part of Raymond Island Hall Extension and Renewal Provide an inclusive venue for all abilities and enhance bushfire preparedness by improving disability access at a community gathering space. | Raymond Island | $25,000 | |||
Rochester & District Horse and Pony Club Inc | Rebuilding our Community Kitchen Boost community wellbeing outcomes and enhance the process of recovery from a flood event by replacing water-damaged kitchen equipment and walls in a key community facility used by a number of organisations. | Rochester | $9,037 | |||
South West Alternative Medium Project Inc | Two Rivers Gallery and Artspace Upgrade Project Strengthen First Nations Gunditjmara culture and expand opportunities for bushfire-affected community members to participate in art and craft activities to assist their recovery through the repair of a gallery roof. | Tyrendarra | $10,000 | |||
Startup Shakeup Ltd | Town Teams for Innovation Support recovery from the impacts of the 2019/20 bushfires and strengthen community connections by providing an IT training initiative. | Bright | $25,000 | |||
Up2Us Landcare Alliance | New Volunteering Models to Help Transform Volunteering in Mansfield Boost Landcare memberships and provide younger participants with training and leadership skills to support bushfire recovery by delivering a two-day leadership and mentoring workshop. | Mansfield | $9,500 | |||
Upper Murray Performing Arts Inc | Snowy Mountain Tango Festival 2023 Encourage community connection and generate economic growth by delivering a creative dance festival that will increase tourism in a township recovering from bushfires. | Corryong | $10,000 | |||
Warracknabeal Action Group | Easter In the Beal Encourage visitation and support community recovery after devastating floods by expanding the Easter festival to provide additional entertainment and activities. | Warracknabeal | $10,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Large | ||||||
Regional Community Vet Clinic | Build Our Not-for-Profit Community Vet Clinic Reduce social isolation, provide volunteer opportunities, and foster resilience post-pandemic through supporting the establishment of a low-cost vet clinic for the companion animals of disadvantaged community members. | Castlemaine | $50,000 | |||
Regional Food Security Alliance Inc | Growing and Strengthening Volunteerism in the Food Relief Sector in Country Victoria Sustain the work of the Regional Food Security Alliance (RFSA) by developing resources to support volunteer recruitment and retention at food relief agencies across regional Victoria, with demand for services exacerbated by COVID-19. | Mildura | $47,050 | |||
Tonimbuk East Hall | Reconnecting, Rebuilding and Reimagining our Community Enhance the process of community recovery from the pandemic by upgrading the outdoor space of a local hall to encourage community re-engagement. | Tonimbuk | $50,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Micro | ||||||
Budgeree Hall Reserve Committee Inc- Budgeree Hall Reserve | Budgeree Hall Shed Encourage greater usage of a community hall to reduce social isolation after COVID-19 through the purchase of a shipping container for the safe storage of equipment. | Budgeree | $4,500 | |||
Destination Phillip Island Inc | Hire an Operations Coordinator to Grow the Island Whale Festival Revitalise tourism after COVID-19 and inform visitors about sustainable conservation by hiring a coordinator to run a three-day festival during Phillip Island's winter whale migration. | Cowes | $10,000 | |||
Destination Rupanyup Incorporated | S.A.T Fest Rupanyup (Silo Art Trail Festival) Collaborate and connect people, community and business to enhance the process of COVID-19 recovery by staging a community festival. | Rupanyup | $10,000 | |||
Dimboola Town Committee - Hindmarsh Shire Council | Wimmera Steampunk Festival 2023 Strengthen and enhance the economic and cultural recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic by staging a community festival. | Dimboola | $10,000 | |||
Jumbunna Public Hall Incorporated | Fix Jumbunna Hall Structural Problems Ensure the continued use of the community hall following the pandemic through essential structural subfloor repairs. | Jumbunna | $10,000 | |||
Laharum Public Hall | Small Halls Festival Celebrate community, reduce social isolation and foster a stronger, more resilient Laharum after COVID-19 through hosting a Festival of Small Halls event. | Laharum | $3,500 | |||
Merton Recreation and Memorial Hall Reserves Incorporated | Refurbishment, Repair and Renewal of Merton Recreation Reserve Pavilion Encourage increased community use of the Reserve building through vital upgrades and repairs, to enhance the process of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. | Merton | $10,000 | |||
Ouyen Festivals Committee Incorporated | Mallee Root Festival Enhance the process of recovery of regional communities from the COVID-19 pandemic by encouraging reconnection through staging a community festival. | Ouyen | $10,000 | |||
Poowong Public Hall Inc | Replace and Purchase New Chairs for Seating at the Poowong Hall Enhance the process of recovery of the community from the pandemic by increasing the amenity and capacity of the hall through the purchase of new seating. | Poowong | $3,875 | |||
Stanley Athenaeum & Public Room Indigo Shire Council | Revitalise and Reinvigorate Increase capacity and amenity to sustain the work of the Stanley Athenaeum volunteers after COVID-19 through the construction and installation of new work benches and storage. | Stanley | $4,862 | |||
WESTERN AUSTRALIA | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Cervantes Community Men's Shed Inc | Clearing and Fencing, Step One in Building Our Men's Shed Improve the Men's Shed's ability to support and service the community through the development of the group's new shed site. | Cervantes | $10,000 | |||
Great Southern Employment Development Committee | Wheels for Work Great Southern Strengthen employability of disadvantaged job seekers with expansion of a successful driver licensing program into additional outer regional communities and the translations of resources into different languages. | Albany | $10,000 | |||
Kununurra Agricultural Society | Clowning Around with Science Cultivate young people's wellbeing and education through play by running a series of free science and circus skills workshops at the 2023 Kununurra Agricultural Show. | Kununurra | $10,000 | |||
Moore Clothes Inc | Verandah Curtains / Blinds Encourage people to come together and connect by creating a space for community gatherings and volunteer events with the addition of outdoor blinds to enclose a verandah. | Gabbadah | $9,300 | |||
Shire of Mt Marshall | Mt Marshall Community Gardens Encourage a healthy lifestyle and promote inclusion for a small remote community struggling with mental health issues through the development of two community gardens. | Bencubbin | $10,000 | |||
Prepare & Recover | ||||||
Shire of Carnamah | Continued Connectivity Improve the community's resilience for future emergency responses during cyclones by upgrading the medical centre's electrical switchboard, enabling connection to back up generators during power outages. | Carnamah | $10,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Large | ||||||
Autism Camp Australia | Helping Hand WA Strengthen the skills and abilities of financially disadvantaged and remotely located autistic children and their families, as a vulnerable cohort impacted by COVID-19, to reduce social isolation and foster resilience by attending a strength-based capacity building camp. | Bicton | $50,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Micro | ||||||
Harvey Community Resource Centre Inc | Harvey CRC Outdoor Cooking Adventure Encourage community groups to have safe outdoor gatherings and enable fundraising activities to sustain the organisation's work following the pandemic through the purchase of an outdoor kitchen that will be available for hire. | Harvey | $7,272 | |||
Newman Neighbourhood Centre Inc | 2023 Newman Pride Festival Reduce social isolation experienced by LGBTQIA+ people following COVID-19 and foster a stronger more resilient and inclusive community through holding a Pride Festival. | Newman | $9,350 | |||
Teach Learn Grow Inc | Rural Program Enhance the process of recovery for remote primary students experiencing educational disadvantage exacerbated by the pandemic through providing free one-on-one tutoring and mentoring support. | Kondinin | $10,000 | |||
Wyalkatchem Community Resource Centre Inc | 2023 Wylie Arts Expo Reconnect residents after the pandemic through an inclusive arts expo with a focus on First Nations culture, reducing social isolation and fostering a stronger, more resilient community. | Wyalkatchem | $7,004 | |||
Yongernow - Ongerup Community Resource Centre Inc | Don't Lose your Head Reduce social isolation and foster community resilience after COVID-19 by providing a free program of mental health and wellbeing activities for adults, children and youth. | Ongerup | $4,500 |