Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR)
46 projects set to strengthen networks and capabilities
Thanks to funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund through the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative’s Small Network Grants, FRRR has awarded $1,285,219 to 46 not-for-profit organisations (NFPs) for projects that will strengthen community preparedness and resilience to manage the impacts of future droughts.
Nina O’Brien, FRRR’s Disaster Resilience and Recovery Lead, said that these grants will make a practical difference in some of the areas most sensitive to drought and help communities prepare for the inevitable dry times ahead and challenges that, in some cases, are already evident.
“The diversity of organisations that have applied, coupled with our discussions with local leaders, provide invaluable insights into the wide range of persistent and emerging needs that remote, rural and regional Australia is facing in relation to drought. Mental wellness and personal resilience continues to be a strong theme. We are confident these projects, many of which focus on strengthening personal skills and social connection at a grassroots community level, will really pay positive dividends in the next drought.
“Proactive initiatives include Holbrook Landcare’s series of events in south western NSW featuring The Resilience Guys, who will focus on positive mental health and informal support mechanisms. This is a great example of a project that makes a difference on the ground, particularly for people who may not access traditional mental health services. Other projects include Katherine Town Council (NT), who are organising facilitated workshops for women focussing on social resilience and online support sessions, as well GroWQ who are set to deliver mental and physical first aid training across Far West QLD. Both these projects respond to the challenges of remoteness in drought sensitive regions.
“Community groups are also finding alternative ways to support information sharing and connection to counter the closure of media outlets in some regional areas, which is leaving people feeling disconnected and unheard. The emerging importance of locally-based, community radio projects such as 2Dry FM in Broken Hill in New South Wales, are an example of how communities are adapting to local need, changing ways to stay informed about future climate, and to stay connected.
“These Small Network Grants are flexible and help extend the geographic reach of the overall program, which means they will help address a wide range of needs that local community organisations have identified in diverse locations.
“We look forward to seeing how these grants help communities be better connected, informed and resourced in the next drought,” Ms O’Brien said.
The full list of grant recipients and their projects are below.
Organisation | Project | Location | Grant | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Small Networks Grants Round 2 - June 2024 | ||||||
Stream 1 | ||||||
NEW SOUTH WALES | ||||||
Australian Inland Botanic Gardens Inc | Community Drinking Water Project Support community members from across the Wentworth Shire to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the installation of drinking fountains at the local botanic gardens, facilitating small-scale community infrastructure projects to improve connectedness, wellbeing and facilities. | Mourquong | $20,000 | |||
Country Womens Association of NSW - Trangie Branch | Confidence in Capabilities for Trangie & Surrounds Support the Trangie community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through upgrading part of the Trangie CWA Rooms, enabling community members to access support services in a private and comfortable space and engage in activities, which will facilitate small-scale community infrastructure projects to improve connectedness, wellbeing and facilities. | Trangie | $19,343 | |||
Foundation Broken Hill Ltd | Community Director – Engaging and Building our Local Community Support Broken Hill and surrounding communities to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of a series of volunteer skills development workshops, to improve skills and capacity in community risk management, planning and project delivery. | Broken Hill | $20,000 | |||
Holbrook Landcare Group | The Resilience Guys - Blind and Legless Support Holbrook and surrounding communities to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of The Resilience Project, facilitating field days, conferences, forums, summits and seminars that enhance professional, social and community connection to build understanding of drought and climate change associated risks. | Holbrook | $19,980 | |||
Inverell Community Radio Inc | Keep the News Local and Keep it Coming Support Inverell and surrounding communities to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through supporting the establishment of a local news journalist broadcasting service across the region that will facilitate initiatives to strengthen the capacity, capability and coordination of professional, social or community networks. | Inverell | $20,000 | |||
K2W Link Inc | Thrive Through Drought - Environmental Education Through Theatre and First Nations Knowledge Support the Crookwell and Boorowa communities to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of Environmental Theatre performances, information sessions and creative workshops with Wiradjuri artist Jodie Monday across three days to facilitate professional, social and community connection to build an understanding of drought and climate change associated risks. | Crookwell and Boorawa | $15,864 | |||
Narromine Business Collective | Rural Women in Business Luncheon Support the Narromine community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of a luncheon for local women with an interest in business that will facilitate initiatives to strengthen the capacity, capability and coordination of professional, social or community networks. | Narromine | $19,500 | |||
Watershed Landcare Group Inc | Conversations for Change – Creating Opportunities to Build Drought Resilience Through Regenerative Farming Practice Support Gulgong and surrounding communities to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of a series of community discussions around the changing climate and innovations in regenerative farming, facilitating field days, conferences, forums, summits and seminars that facilitate professional, social and community connection to build understanding of drought and climate change associated risks. | Gulgong | $18,500 | |||
West Hume Landcare Inc | Bush Bound: Walk, Ride and Move Through Burrumbuttock's Back Roads Support the Burrumbuttock community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of a field day event, sharing locally relevant drought impacts and preparedness information, promote local services and provide opportunity to connect with Country, facilitating the delivery of field days, conferences, forums, summits and seminars that facilitate professional, social and community connection to build understanding of drought and climate change associated risks. | Burrumbuttock | $20,000 | |||
Western Murray Land Improvement Group Inc | Murray Connect Hub Support Barham and surrounding communities to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of Murray Connect Hub, a community information and drought preparedness and services website, which will facilitate small-scale community infrastructure projects to improve connectedness, wellbeing and facilities. | Barham | $19,660 | |||
QUEENSLAND | ||||||
Dawson Catchment Coordinating Association Inc | Community Wellness: Strengthening Resilience Together Support the Injune and surrounding community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of a community wellness project, by facilitating field days, conferences, forums, summits and seminars that enhance professional, social and community connection to build an understanding of drought and climate change associated risks. | Injune | $20,000 | |||
GroWQ Association Inc | Rural First Aid Training Support Western QLD communities to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of remote first aid training throughout western QLD, facilitating initiatives to improve skills and capacity in community risk management, planning and project delivery. | Muttaburra, Barcaldine Longreach, Isisford, Jundah, Winton, Boulia, and Birdsville | $20,000 | |||
Lowood & District Memorial Bowls Club Inc | Audio Visual Upgrade Support the Lowood community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery and installation of updated audio-visual equipment at the Lowood Bowls Club, facilitating small-scale community infrastructure projects to improve connectedness, wellbeing and facilities. | Lowood | $19,999 | |||
Macintyre Ag Alliance Inc | Drought Ready, Together: Connection at the 2025 Agribusiness Summit Support Goondiwindi and surrounding communities to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of the 2025 Agribusiness Summit, which will deliver field days, conferences, forums, summits and seminars that facilitate professional, social and community connection to build understanding of drought and climate change associated risks. | Goondiwindi | $11,946 | |||
South Myall Catchment Landcare Group Inc | Developing Grazing Management Systems to Prepare for Drought Support the Toowoomba and surrounding communities to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of two workshops and two field days to promote grazing systems, facilitating field days, conferences, forums, summits, and seminars that facilitate professional, social and community connection to build understanding of drought and climate change associated risks. | Peranga | $10,170 | |||
Stanthorpe Agricultural Society | Stanthorpe Showgrounds Livestock Yard Water Infrastructure Improvement Project Support the Stanthorpe and surrounding communities to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of upgrades to the livestock water infrastructure at the Stanthorpe Showgrounds, facilitating small-scale community infrastructure projects to improve connectedness, wellbeing and facilities. | Stanthorpe | $20,000 | |||
Tara & District Family Support Committee Inc | Preparing SWAN Network for Future Drought Support the communities of Southwest QLD to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through an updated Regional Drought Network Plan for all Neighbourhood Houses across the region, facilitating initiatives to strengthen the capacity, capability and coordination of professional, social or community networks. | Chinchilla, | $12,279 | |||
SOUTH AUSTRALIA | ||||||
Coomandook Area School | Roots & Rise: Cultivating Resilience Support regional South Australian school children from the Murraylands and Riverland, and Eyre Peninsula regions to share their common experiences of drought through the delivery of the three-day Cleve Area Schools Inquiry Convention, facilitating initiatives to strengthen the capacity, capability and coordination of professional, social or community networks. | Cleve | $15,024 | |||
WoTL Ltd | Building the Capacity of Women to Thrive and Nurture Themselves, Family and Community During Times of Drought Support the Murray Mallee community of SA to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the support of women to participate in personal development focussing on skills, strengths and personal resilience, facilitating professional, personal and leadership-related development and learning to support drought preparation. | Jabuk | $17,350 | |||
Yaninee Public Hall Inc | Toward the Ton Support the Yaninee community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of a weekend community event celebrating 100 years of the Yaninee Hall, engaging participants in a range of activities that build cohesion, by facilitating small-scale community infrastructure projects to improve connectedness, wellbeing and facilities. | Yaninee | $13,105 | |||
TASMANIA | ||||||
The Derwent Catchment Project Inc | Resilient Pastures, People and Networks Support the Upper Derwent Catchment community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of three field tours focussed on mitigating drought impact and increasing climate resilience and a social networking event that will facilitate field days, conferences, forums, summits and seminars that facilitate professional, social and community connection to build understanding of drought and climate change associated risks. | Hamilton | $18,300 | |||
Big Hart Inc | Watershed ‘Just Feasts’ Program Support the Wynyard community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of six workshops and community feast events that develop knowledge of drought resilience food systems and food topics, facilitating field days, conferences, forums, summits, and seminars that facilitate professional, social and community connection to build understanding of drought and climate change associated risks. | Wynyard | $20,000 | |||
VICTORIA | ||||||
Maffra Men's Shed Inc | Amenities Block Refurbishment Support the Maffra community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of upgrades of the toilet block at the Maffra Men's and Women's Shed, facilitating small-scale community infrastructure projects to improve connectedness, wellbeing and facilities. | Maffra | $20,000 | |||
Warrnambool Coastcare Landcare Network Inc | Building Climate Resilience and Increasing Productivity and Biodiversity on Farms in Southwest Victoria Support the Warrnambool and surrounding communities to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of two workshops and two field days targeting multispecies pastures, revegetation and water management topics and will facilitate field days, conferences, forums, summits, and seminars that facilitate professional, social and community connection to build an understanding of drought and climate change associated risks | Warrnambool | $20,000 | |||
Yea Community Service Group Inc | Drought Resilient Gardening Project Support the Yea community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of enhancements to the Yea Community Centre Community Garden and deliver community workshops targeting gardening in a changing climate, facilitating small-scale community infrastructure projects to improve connectedness, wellbeing and facilities. | Yea | $18,227 | |||
WESTERN AUSTRALIA | ||||||
Goldfields Nullarbor Rangelands Biosecurity Association | A Pastoral Business Toolbox for the Southern Rangelands Pastoral Industry Support the Goldfields Nullarbor community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of two workshops focussing on pastoral drought resilience that will facilitate field days, conferences, forums, summits, and seminars that facilitate professional, social and community connection to build an understanding of drought and climate change associated risks. | Kookynie | $20,000 | |||
Shire of Bruce Rock | Cultivating Resilience: Establishing a Community Drought-Resistant Garden Support the Bruce Rock community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, drought impacts through the creation of a drought-resilient community garden and a community planting day that will facilitate small-scale community infrastructure projects to improve connectedness, wellbeing, and facilities. | Bruce Rock | $20,000 | |||
Shire of Westonia | Westonian's Working Together Towards Community Resilience Support the Westonia community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of two community events that will facilitate initiatives to strengthen the capacity, capability and coordination of professional, social or community networks. | Westonia | $20,000 | |||
The Country Womens Association of Western Australia Inc - Darkan Branch | Wellbeing for Women Support Darkan and surrounding communities to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought by delivering a one-day workshop that will provide physical and mental education, support and resources for women in the district, facilitating field days, conferences, forums, summits, and seminars that will facilitate professional, social and community connection to build an understanding of drought and climate change. | Darkan | $20,000 | |||
Stream 2 | ||||||
NSW Far West | ||||||
Baaka Cultural Centre Wilcannia Aboriginal Corporation | Artist in-Residence Drop-in Studio Support Wilcannia and surrounding communities to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of and the fit-out of an Artist-in-Residence studio for broad community use to facilitate small-scale community infrastructure projects to improve connectedness, wellbeing and facilities. | Wilcannia | $50,000 | |||
Broken Hill Community F M Association Inc | Drought Resilient Community Radio Transmission: Far West NSW Support Broken Hill, Menindee and surrounding communities to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of broadcasting infrastructure upgrades and dust proof cabinetry at 2Dry FM’s community radio stations that will facilitate small-scale community infrastructure projects to improve connectedness, wellbeing and facilities. | Broken Hill, Menindee | $42,893 | |||
Contact Inc | Empowering Remote Far-Western NSW: Uniting Communities for Drought Resilience Through Strengthened Connections and Networks Support communities across Far West NSW to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of eight community connection events focussed on connecting communities to services across the region and facilitating initiatives to strengthen the capacity, capability and coordination of professional, social or community networks. | Ivanhoe, Louth, Pooncarie, and Tibooburra | $49,969 | |||
Isolated Children's Parents Association of NSW Inc | Kick Start Decisions and Reboot Connections: Learn to Dance in the Dust Support the Far West NSW region to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought by delivering eight facilitated workshops focused on increasing social wellbeing and drought preparedness initiatives across the region that will facilitate initiatives to improve skills and capacity in community risk management, planning and project delivery. | Hatfield, Lightning Ridge, Pooncarie, and Tibooburra | $49,000 | |||
Milparinka Sporting Club Inc | New Amenities Support the Milparinka and unincorporated area of the Far West NSW community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of a new amenities facility at the Milparinka Sporting Ground that will facilitate increased community connection and networking in the area by increasing the usage of the grounds. | Milparinka | $50,000 | |||
NT Arid Lands | ||||||
Centralian Land Management Assn Inc | Stories of Resilience - Preparing for the Future by Learning from the Past Support communities in Central Australia to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the development of a series of podcasts and videos that build awareness of drought resilience through producer stories, to facilitate professional, social and community connections to build an understanding of drought and climate change associated risks. | Alice Springs, Central Desert Regional Council area, MacDonnell Regional Council Area | $50,000 | |||
Landcare NT Inc | Building Governance, Resilience and Operational Sustainability of Community Landcare across the NT Support 22 Landcare-based organisations in the Northern Territory to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought by strengthening and streamlining their administrative efficiency through the creation of a fixed-term coordinator role supporting the development of a shared ‘corporate administration’ model, and facilitate initiatives that strengthen the capacity, capability and coordination of professional, social or community networks. | Palmerston | $50,000 | |||
NT Tablelands | ||||||
Jawoyn Association Aboriginal Corporation | The Gawk Gawk (Clean Water) for Wellbeing Project Support the Barunga community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through a range of community activities that improve connectedness, wellbeing and access to shared knowledge of water awareness using culturally led approaches to facilitate development and learning initiatives to facilitate professional, personal and leadership-related development and learning to support drought preparation. | Barunga | $50,000 | |||
Katherine Town Council | Resilience and Wellbeing in Tough Times Support the Katherine community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of three facilitated workshops for women focussing on social resilience topics, resources and three months of extended online support sessions that facilitate field days, conferences, forums, summits and seminars that to facilitate professional, social and community connection to build an understanding of drought and climate change associated risks. | Katherine | $32,258 | |||
Northern Territory Farmers Association Inc | Mental Health First Aid / Accidental Counsellor Training Support communities in Northern Australia (NT and WA) to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through blended mental health first aid and accidental counsellor training for staff of four agricultural membership organisations, with face-to-face components delivered in Darwin, Broome and Kununurra, to support initiatives to improve skills and capacity in community risk management, planning and project delivery. | Katherine | $49,665 | |||
Mimal Land Management Aboriginal Corporation | Strong Women for Healthy Country Forum 2024 Support the Northern Territory community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through enabling 50 Indigenous women in land management to attend the 2024 Strong Women for Healthy Country Forum and will facilitate including field days, conferences, forums, summits, and seminars that facilitate professional, social and community connection to build understanding of drought and climate change associated risks | Crab Claw Island | $50,000 | |||
WA Great Southern | ||||||
Borden Pavilion Committee Inc | Through the Lens: Our Fragile Environment and Economy Through the Eyes of our Local Community Support the Borden community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through repairs and upgrades of flooring at the Borden Pavilion and the delivery of a photography workshop, enabling community members and students access to creative outlets to build drought awareness and facilitates professional, social and community connection to build an understanding of drought and climate change-associated risks. | Borden | $30,290 | |||
Gnowangerup Aboriginal Corporation | Carrying Insights of Cool Burning: Noongar Techniques and Fire Mitigation Strategies in a Drying Climate Support the Gnowangerup community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the provision of firefighting equipment and specialised training to enable sharing of local Noongar fire mitigation and cool burn techniques, and strengthen the capacity, capability and coordination of professional, social or community networks. | Gnowangerup | $49,350 | |||
Katanning's Piesse Park Community Inc | Shady Places & Food Security Support the Katanning community be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through creating shaded areas and installing a water-efficient community garden in Katanning’s Piesse Park, enabling the sharing of relevant knowledge in readiness for drought to facilitate professional, personal and leadership-related development and learning to support drought preparation. | Katanning | $13,829 | |||
Katanning Land Conservation District Committee | Bringing EcoWeek Back to Reconnect and Strengthen the Katanning Community Support the Katanning community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of an EcoWeek program with the theme ‘Stronger for the Dry’, that includes a range of events and workshops related to building drought awareness and resilience that facilitate professional, social and community connection to build understanding of drought and climate change associated risks. | Katanning | $39,510 | |||
Porongurup Community Association Inc | Porongurup Hall Kitchen Renovation Project Support the Porongurup community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the renovation of the Porongurup Hall kitchen to support capacity to host activities and facilitate the use of small-scale community infrastructure projects to improve connectedness, wellbeing, and facilities. | Porongurup | $50,000 | |||
Southern Dirt Inc | Cultivating Sustainable Futures: Building Long-term Drought Resilience Through Grower Group-led Educational Initiatives Support Kojonup and surrounds to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of soil health education sessions for local school children focussed on building long-term drought resilience and to build an understanding of drought and climate change associated risks. | Kojonup | $49,208 |
While the population of the South Australian Arid Lands is small, with just 24,000 people to a 525,000km2 area, there is a strong and proud community spirit. Many families and people volunteer in community and government-led organisations, on top of their personal responsibilities. In the face of severe drought conditions, it can be difficult to maintain this spirit of resilience. Between 2017 to 2020, the region experienced one of the worst droughts on record. Every landscape, community, business and family in the region continues to feel the impact of that drought to this day. Communities in this region must adapt and prepare for educating children in a very different way to their city counterparts, given the ever-changing impacts of seasonal weather, including drought.
Isolated Children’s Parents Association Marla-Oodnadatta (ICPA) is responsible for organising an annual state conference designed to enhance and enlighten agriculture-dependent communities and drive local action to assist in preparing for future challenges. This year’s ICPA conference was partially funded by a $5,000 FRRR grant awarded through the Community Impact Program, funded by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund as part of the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative.
By hosting the conference in Quorn, the ICPA made it easier for their members throughout SA to voice any concerns in relation to educating geographically isolated children. They reported that 35 separate organisations and 150 individuals participated.
They also organised a family-friendly, post-conference event to attract and engage the involvement of more men and families in the ICPA. Festivities included a town treasure hunt put together by Rural Aid, face painting, glitter tattoos, an auction, and a 20/20 cricket game between the ICPA men and Quorn cricket club.
By securing the grant, ICPA enabled their volunteer member base to attend the conference at no charge, strengthening connections and setting themselves up well to achieve great outcomes long into the future.
Kirsty Williams, the Marla-Oodnadatta Branch President said that it is great to have support for regional and remote groups like the ICPA. “Being volunteers, the support of FRRR makes our job that little bit easier.”
First round of Small Network Grants benefit 29 NFPs
FRRR has awarded $737,774 in Small Network Grants to 29 not-for-profit organisations (NFPs) working in remote, rural and regional Australia for projects that will strengthen the capacity and capability of their communities to prepare for, and be resilient to, the impacts of future droughts.
The Small Network Grants program is supported by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund through the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative.
Funded projects are diverse, including a Mental Health forum in Junee, NSW; a series of community connection and education events in Alice Springs, NT; a portable toilet to support small-scale community infrastructure projects in Boonah, QLD; a demonstration day for the new digital weather station and soil probe network in Kingscote, SA; Accidental Counsellor training for the Tasmanian community of Triabunna; a Field Day for local secondary students in Birchip, VIC; and a series of natural resources management and drought education sessions in the Great Southern WA region of Kendenup.
Nina O’Brien, FRRR’s Disaster Resilience and Recovery Lead, said strong interest in the program indicates that organisations and local leaders are actively seeking ways to inspire their communities to connect, communicate and strengthen social capital, so they can better withstand the impacts of future drought.
“Most of the applications we saw in this round of the Small Network Grants program were for projects designed to improve communication, social connection and collaboration within and between communities, as a way of strengthening and preparing for drought.
“Far North West Joint Organisation’s Drought Resilience Community Action Group is a great example of this type of initiative. With a $50,000 grant, the Action Group will help the communities of Bourke, Brewarrina, Walgett and Cobar to increase knowledge and resource sharing and promote collaboration, so that the NSW Far West region can be better prepared.
“More than half of the applications we received have never been funded by FRRR. This means we are reaching grassroots organisations and responding to the increased priority around drought preparedness in many remote, rural and regional communities, many of which are still recovering from other climate-related disasters like cyclone and flooding.
“We look forward to seeing how these projects help community groups be better connected, informed and resourced in the next drought,” Ms O’Brien said.
Applications for Round 2 of Small Network Grants are open now and close 26 March 2024, with recipients announced in June 2024.
Potential applicants are encouraged to watch this recorded webinar to learn more about the program and the eligibility requirements: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DHpeNQqPeI.
For more information, including the list of eligible LGAs, and to apply, visit: https://frrr.org.au/small-networks-grants.
The full list of grant recipients and their projects are below.
Organisation | Project | Location | Grant | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Small Networks Grants Round 1 - March 2024 | ||||||
Stream 1 | ||||||
NEW SOUTH WALES | ||||||
Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Fund Ltd | Community Capacity Building Drought-Ready Workshop Support the Batlow community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of a two-day workshop focused on skills development and increasing awareness of drought and drought preparedness activities for up to 20 emerging leaders across the community. This will enable the development and learning initiatives to facilitate professional, personal and leadership-related development and learning to support drought preparation. | Batlow | $16,169 | |||
Far South Coast Dairy Development Group Inc | Autumn Break: Supporting Community in Tough Times Improved communication, social connection, and collaboration within and between communities to support drought preparedness and improved implementation of place-based practices by communities to build and enhance resilience to drought. | Bega | $20,000 | |||
Junee Community Centre Inc | Drought Resilience - Junee Mental Health Forum Support the Junee community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of a Mental Health forum, that will facilitate professional, social and community connection to build an understanding of drought and climate change associated risks. | Junee | $15,600 | |||
Karuah & Great Lakes Landcare Inc | Preparing for Drought Support the Stroud community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of two one-day workshops providing education and demonstration in drought preparation for mitigating the impacts of dry spells, facilitating professional, social and community connection to build an understanding of drought and climate change associated risks. | Stoud | $20,000 | |||
Murdi Paaki Regional Rugby League Council Inc | CCC Community Wellbeing Project Condobolin Support the Condobolin community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of a Mentally Fit Classroom Initiative and community engagement dinner, enabling the facilitation of professional, social and community connection to build understanding of drought and climate change associated risks. | Condobolin | $15,695 | |||
Southern New England Landcare Ltd | Community Connection for Outlying Areas Support the Walcha and Billy Creek / Hernani communities to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of six community events to bring people together, meet neighbours, strengthen networks and increase knowledge and capacity around drought preparedness. | Walcha and Billy Creek | $19,984 | |||
Western Rural Connect Inc on behalf of Narromine Small Business Network | Rural Women in Business Luncheon Support the Narromine community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of a luncheon for local women with an interest in business that will facilitate professional, social and community connection to build understanding of drought and climate change associated risks. | Narromine | $20,000 | |||
QUEENSLAND | ||||||
Boonah & District Landcare Association Inc | Portable Toilet Project Support the Boonah community to be more prepared for and resilient to the impacts of drought through the purchase of a portable toilet to use at events enabling small-scale community infrastructure projects to improve connectedness, wellbeing and facilities. | Boonah | $6,008 | |||
Mitchell & District Landcare Assoc Inc | An Honest Look at Drought - A Hard Day's Work Support the Tooloombilla, Mitchell and Dunkeld communities to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of three, guided workshops in three communities which will include wellbeing and support professionals and government agencies to strengthen the capacity, capability and coordination of professional, social, or community networks. | Tooloombilla, Mitchell and Dunkeld | $6,285 | |||
SOUTH AUSTRALIA | ||||||
54 31 Collective Inc | The 5431 Connect, Create, Celebrate Project Support the Orroroo community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of a series of resilience-building workshops and a Rural Women’s celebration event to strengthen the capacity, capability and coordination of professional, social or community networks. | Orroroo | $17,630 | |||
Agriculture Kangaroo Island Inc | On Farm Decision Making Resources & Demonstration Day Support the Kangaroo Island community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the development of training resources and the delivery of a demonstration day for a new digital weather station and soil probe network, to improve skills and capacity in community risk management, planning and project delivery. | Kingscote | $13,830 | |||
Coonalpyn Golf Club Inc | The Club in the Scrub Support the Coorong community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the installation of a new roof on the Coonalpyn Golf Clubhouse, a small-scale community infrastructure project to improve connectedness and wellbeing. | Coonalpyn | $9,800 | |||
District Council of Orroroo Carrieton | Orroroo Community Church Hall Upgrades for Family Day Care Support the Orroroo community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through minor infrastructure works to the Community Church Hall so that it can be used as a family daycare and family-friendly community venue enabling small-scale community infrastructure projects to improve connectedness, wellbeing and facilities. | Orroroo | $20,000 | |||
TASMANIA | ||||||
Rural Alive & Well Inc | Drought Resilience and Suicide Prevention for Rural Communities Support the communities of Smithton and Wynyard in the North / Northwest Tasmania region to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of early intervention mental health training enabling initiatives to strengthen the capacity, capability and coordination of professional, social or community networks. | Smithton and Wynyard | $18,000 | |||
Spring Bay Suicide Prevention Network | ACT - Accidental Counsellors Together Support the Triabunna community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through Accidental Counsellor training and other activities that improve skills and capacity in risk management and overall community wellbeing. | Triabunna | $7,425 | |||
VICTORIA | ||||||
Birchip Cropping Group Inc | BCG Main Field Day Secondary Student Stream Support the Birchip community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the participation of secondary students from the North Central Local Learning and Employment Network (NCLLEN) cluster along with farmers, agronomists, and industry representatives at the Main Field Day in Birchip to help strengthen the capacity, capability and coordination of professional, social or community networks. | Birchip | $19,130 | |||
Common Ground Project | Community Drought Preparedness Network Support the Freshwater Creek community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the development of a local Community Drought Preparedness Network, expanding into outer regional communities across the farming district to strengthen the capacity, capability and coordination of professional, social or community networks. | Freshwater Creek | $20,000 | |||
Rural Business and Community Ltd | Shared Shops Trail Support the Donald, Hopetoun, Boort and Quambatook communities to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the establishment of a Shared Shops Trail for up to six Shared Shops to strengthen the coordination of professional, social or community networks. | Donald, Hopetoun, Boort and Quambatook | $20,000 | |||
WESTERN AUSTRALIA | ||||||
Facey Group | Regional Resilience Support communities of the Wheatbelt South region to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of a community event that facilitates professional, social and community connection to build an understanding of drought and climate change-associated risks. | Wickepin | $20,000 | |||
Stream 2 | ||||||
NSW Far West | ||||||
Far North West Joint Organisation | Drought Resilience Community Action Group Support the Bourke, Brewarrina, Walgett and Cobar communities to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the creation of a Drought Resilience Community Action Group subcommittee that aims to strengthen coordination of local organisations and services, increase knowledge and resource sharing and promote collaboration to be better prepared for future drought in Far West NSW. | Bourke, Brewarrina, Walgett and Cobar | $50,000 | |||
Mallee Sustainable Farming Inc | Crossroads: Developing Leadership Skills for Rural Women in Isolated Areas of Far-Western NSW Support the Wentworth and Pooncarie communities to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of a tailored leadership initiative for women strengthening the capacity, capability and coordination of community networks. | Wentworth and Pooncarie | $50,000 | |||
NT Arid Lands | ||||||
Kulgera Gymkhana Club Inc | Custom Made Cool Room Support the Kulgera community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the purchase of a portable cool room with trailer to improve connectedness, wellbeing and usage of local facilities. | Kulgera | $27,159 | |||
Landcare NT Inc | The Arid Lands Agricultural Community Connections Project Support the community of the Arid Lands region to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of a series of four, day-long community events that facilitate professional, social and community connection to build understanding of drought and climate change associated risks. | Alice Springs | $50,000 | |||
The Arid Lands Environment Centre | Project Manager for the Arid Lands Environment Centre and Alice Spring Community Gardens Network Support the Alice Springs community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the engagement of a Project Manager, enabling initiatives to strengthen the capacity, capability and coordination of two community gardens. | Alice Springs | $50,000 | |||
NT Tablelands | ||||||
Charles Darwin University | Building Social Drought Resilience Among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Groups in Katherine Support communities of the Katherine region to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of three drought resilience focussed workshops and support resources that facilitate professional, social and community connection to build an understanding of drought and climate change associated risks. | Katherine | $44,300 | |||
Northern Territory Farmers Association Inc | Northern Australia Food Futures Regional Roadshow - Preparing For The Future Support the Mataranka community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of a two-day roadshow with approximately 60 attendees that promotes drought preparedness using targeted engagement with agricultural stakeholders and the broader community to facilitate professional, social and community connection to build an understanding of drought and climate change associated risks. | Mataranka | $47,232 | |||
WA Great Southern | ||||||
Oyster Harbour Catchment Group Inc | Mega Community Toolbox: Improving the Community's Capacity to Connect Support the communities of the Great Southern region to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of natural resource management and drought-themed learning sessions enabling initiatives that strengthen the capacity, capability and coordination of professional, social and community networks. | Kendenup | $48,620 | |||
Stirlings to Coast Farmers Inc | Fit for Farming - Building Social, Mental, Physical and Financial Fitness Support the Great Southern region to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through participation in physical health and wellbeing activities / events to strengthen the capacity, capability and coordination of professional, social and community networks. | Mt Barker | $31,525 | |||
Wellstead Community Resource Centre | Choosing Wellness in Wellstead Support the Great Southern region to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of a range of learning and wellbeing focussed community activities to strengthen the capacity, capability and coordination of professional, social or community networks. | Wellstead | $33,382 |
$20,000 and $50,000 grants to strengthen networks and capabilities
FRRR is encouraging community organisations in agriculture-dependent parts of Australia to apply for the latest round of Small Network Grants for initiatives that build community preparedness and resilience to future drought.
The Small Network Grants program is supported by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund through the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative.
Grants are available through two Streams of funding for simple, one-off, or seed-type initiatives designed to strengthen local networks and capabilities of remote, rural or regional communities. Stream 1 offers grants up to $20,000 to all agriculture-dependent remote, rural or regional areas (except Stream 2 locations). Stream 1 has an indicative funding pool of $1,175,900[i]. Stream 2 grants of up to $50,000 are available for groups in the NSW Far West, NT Tablelands, NT Arid Lands, Northern Queensland Dry Tropics and WA Great Southern. An indicative funding pool of $1,296,350 is available for Stream 2[ii].
Nina O’Brien, FRRR’s Disaster Resilience and Recovery Lead, said preparing for the inevitable dry times ahead is critical, particularly for Australia’s agriculture-dependent regions.
“Our Small Network Grants program empowers local organisations to strengthen the social fabric of their town or locality by identifying and acting on their region’s drought preparedness priorities, at a grassroots level, in ways that best suit their communities.
“We look forward to seeing projects that will help community groups be better connected, informed, and resourced in the next drought,” Ms O’Brien said.
The Small Network Grants program can fund projects that fit into one of these five categories:
- Networks: Initiatives to strengthen the capacity, capability, and coordination of professional, social or community networks
- Community Events: Field days, conferences, forums, summits, and seminars that facilitate professional, social and community connection to build understanding of drought and climate change associated risks.
- Training: Initiatives to improve skills and capacity in community risk management, planning and project delivery in relation to drought.
- Community Infrastructure: Small scale community infrastructure projects to improve connectedness, wellbeing, and facilities.
- Development and Learning: Initiatives to facilitate professional, personal and leadership related development and learning to support drought preparation.
Applications are open now and close 26 March 2024, with recipients announced in June 2024.
Potential applicants are invited to watch this recorded webinar to learn more about the program and the eligibility requirements:
For more information, including the list of priority LGAs, and to apply, visit: https://frrr.org.au/small-networks-grants.
[i] Stream 1 – All LGA’s in an agriculture-dependent regional, rural or remote location (except Stream 2 locations). Priority will be given to locations where previous Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative activity has not been undertaken. An indicative funding pool of $1,175,954 is available for Stream 1. Applications up to $20,000 will be accepted.
[ii] Stream 2 – All LGAs from NSW Far West, NT Tablelands, NT Arid Lands, Northern QLD Dry Tropics and WA Great Southern regions only. An indicative funding pool of $1,296,352 is available for Stream 2. Applications up to $50,000 will be accepted.
The townships of Loxton and Waikerie are the main service centres in the Riverland of South Australia, around 200 kms north‐east of Adelaide. In 2021, the Riverland was drought declared, with population, economic and environmental challenges evident.
Little Town Productions saw an opportunity to leverage the annual Loxton Lights Up Festival to bring new people to town to boost the local economy, as well as connect and engage locals, while also building skills, especially among the young people in the region, and having some fun.
The District Council of Loxton and Waikerie received a $55,859 Tackling Tough Times Together (TTTT) grant on behalf of Little Town Productions, enabling them to bring their ideas to fruition.
Coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the Lights Up Festival, Little Town Productions created and coordinated a spectacular and innovative illuminated production featuring a unique animated projection mapped to the façade of the historic St Peter’s church. The first of its kind in Loxton and the Riverland region, SHINE ran for eight days in the lead up to Christmas and drew thousands of visitors from Adelaide, regional South Australia and interstate.
The management team was very focussed on utilising and developing local talent, with a view to building skills and training that lead to career and employment pathways for young and unemployed people. The project provided the opportunity for these people to work alongside a key partner – world renowned illumination creative artists Illuminart, who advised on creative design, direction and animation services, immersive and interactive concepts. They also mentored young people and others in the community on technical and creative installation, and conducted training workshops to help build skills to seek employment in animation, theatre, leadership, music, digital sound and technology and production management.
The creative team was set up and led by a local 19-year-old and included other local artists, musicians and representatives from Loxton High School. Several year 11 and 12 students, and their teachers, played a key role in creating the animations, projections and filming of the event. Five of the seven artists who created the background illustrations for the animation were from the Riverland, and three of these were from Loxton. With input from the creative team, two 2020 Loxton High School graduates undertook the storybooking of the animation, working closely with and being mentored by Illuminart animators and illustrators. They were both subsequently offered contracts with Illuminart to work on similar projects while at university.
The local input extended to the music, with all the music in the production composed and recorded by Loxton’s Karyn Skewes. Others involved included the Loxton Community Choir and the Lead Principal of Opera SA. Many of Loxton’s service clubs, community groups and residents were involved and contributed in various ways, including an enthusiastic group of older ladies who created a floral display inside the church, one of the key venues. Artworks related to the project, as well as other art produced by members of the local community, were displayed in Peace Hall on all the nights of SHINE, showcasing the amazing talents of the community.
All this work was captured by Six Foot Productions, who worked with and mentored the town’s young people to create a mini-documentary of the project from start to finish, with behind-the scenes footage capturing the passion and enthusiasm of all involved. The file was posted online a week after the event, reaching 30,000 people, with 12,700 views on Facebook, 264 likes and was shared 89 times.
The TTTT grant, which was funded by the Australian Government, contributed to engaging local companies to provide event equipment – audio, filming, lighting, security, event hire, container and marquee hire and contributed towards creative design by Illuminart.
Andrew Waters from DCLW said that there was no doubt that SHINE was an outstanding success, both for the local community and for the people it drew to the town to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Loxton Lights Up. While COVID presented challenges with restrictions, capacity limits and check-ins, it wasn’t a huge factor, given the event was held outside. A plus to come from it was that the organisers were able to obtain a relatively accurate count, with the registration app indicating that more than 6,000 people were present within the church grounds during the eight days of SHINE!
Andrew said, “On the final two nights we reached a near COVID-capacity of 1,000 people at any one given time. Total numbers on these nights would have been greater, as people came and went throughout the night. The project provided new opportunities to showcase the talents of local artists, musicians, actors and dancers and provided greater opportunity for the community to access the arts… a visual and auditory masterpiece.”
Beyond this, the project addressed the economic decline and disadvantage brought about by extended drought conditions across the Riverland Region. It was a celebration of creative and cultural experiences that are the lifeblood of the region, and was a key driver in re-activating the Riverland arts and entertainment industry. The project directly benefitted the region’s businesses that had been economically impacted by drought, injecting an estimated $1.8M into the local economy and creating new jobs in hospitality, retail and the arts.
19 projects funded thanks to the Future Drought Fund
FRRR today announced the final projects funded through the Community Impact Program, which is part of the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative funded by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.
In this final tranche of funding, delivered in partnership with ARLF, grants of nearly $1 million have been awarded to support 15 organisations in delivering 19 projects across the Central West region of NSW, the Eyre Peninsula region of SA and the Loddon Campaspe region of VIC. The grants are designed to enhance drought preparedness through strengthening, enabling and building social capital.
FRRR’s Disaster Resilience and Recovery Lead, Nina O’Brien, says that there are a range of projects being funded in each area, which reflect local priorities.
“All these projects have come about thanks to a robust, locally-led co-design process. In Central NSW, for example, we saw more than 20 organisations, including First Nations groups, actively engage in helping to prioritise what would make a difference in their region.
“The Central West of NSW has been impacted by flooding, as well as bushfires on top of the Black Summer bushfires. These events, combined with prolonged drought conditions have left the community fatigued and in continuous recovery.
“This funding, which will be coordinated by Regional Development Australia – Orana, will support projects including strengthening local leadership and networks through a series of events; a seminar for rural women, which will create a safe space for sharing and creating connections; and educational activities. Other projects in this region will include a pilot program to increase access to better mental health support; a series of networking and social support activities targeting young women; and workshops providing culturally sensitive information in different languages targeting the diverse multicultural community living in the region.
“It’s a similar story in South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, where the program activity will be coordinated by Agricultural Innovation and Research Eyre Peninsula. The co-design process saw 37 participants from the not-for-profit sector, government, small business and general community invited to have input. Four projects have been supported, again with a series of events and activities focusing on different groups, including rural women, young farmers (through peer-to-peer learning) and the broader community, with a focus on building understanding of drought and drought preparedness at a farm, environment and whole of community level.
“In the Loddon / Campaspe region, in Victoria, there is a history of drought, although in late 2022, the region experienced significant flood damage. Several communities remain displaced with the recovery and rebuilding process hampered by a variety of factors, including volunteer fatigue. Despite this, there was strong engagement in the co-design process, including the local traditional owners, the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation. Coordinated by LEAD Loddon Murray Inc, there are four projects that will be supported in this region, including redevelopment of the Bridgewater Community Hub to build a community garden and sensory garden, backed up by eight community workshops to share knowledge. There will also be an education program – ‘Let’s Talk About the Weather’ – involving local community mapping of the network and focused capacity building support. The Dja Dja Wurrung Clans will lead a project that will employ a local coordinator who will work with Council, Landcare, community organisations and private landholders to heal Country, building understanding of traditional land management practices and ways to restore the land. The final project will focus on building and strengthening networks and building capacity of individual leaders in climate resilience,” Ms O’Brien explained.
In addition to the projects that are being supported, each region will also engage in a leadership development activity. ARLF Chief Executive, Matt Linnegar, says those activities include either a community leadership program, leadership action initiative, group coaching or change-maker workshops.
“The activities will be tailored to each area and we’re already working with the local community partner lead organisation to work out the best timing for the various activities. Leadership development is a critical part of building the social capital required to strengthen drought resilience. It helps to create and build local networks, as well as develop the skills and knowledge to take action and address challenges and make the most of opportunities.”
Participants also gain access to the wider alumni network of the ARLF. “It’s these connections that prove invaluable to people. When they’re stuck, there’s someone to ask for advice,” Mr Linnegar said.
FRRR is currently inviting applications for small grants to support activity in parts of the country where there was no Community Impact Program grant awarded. Full details are available at www.frrr.org.au/small-networks-grants.
Other elements of the Future Drought Fund’s Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative are also underway, including a Mentoring program and an online network connecting community members involved in projects in each of the regions, both led by ARLF. FRRR has also launched a portal providing access to experts to support delivery of their projects, if local expertise isn’t available.
Community Impact Program grantees have commenced delivering project activity, increasing connection across regions and supporting locally identified and driven drought preparedness activities. Some activities delivered so far are young farmer network events, women’s events and local field day type activities in several regions, with strong local participation and attendance. From FRRR’s perspective, it is exciting to see the momentum being created by passionate locals keen to see their regions remain connected, and vibrant as dry times increase across many communities nationally.
Learn more about the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative at www.frrr.org.au/drought-preparedness.
The full list of grant recipients and their projects are below.
Organisation | Project | Location | Grant | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
New South Wales: Region 03 Central West | ||||||
Regional Development Australia - Orana | Community Partner Lead Organisation (CPLO): Region 03 Strengthen drought preparedness and drive local action in the Central West region through the coordination of Community Impact Program activities and evaluation administration. | Central West NSW Region | $49,608 | |||
Coonamble Chamber of Commerce Incorporated | Wellbeing Changemaker Assistance Program Support members of the Coonamble Chamber of Commerce (80+ members) and their families to face drought and other stresses through the provision of access to mental health support services as community workshops and the provision of space locally for mental health support services in Coonamble. | Coonamble Shire | $85,465 | |||
Hovells Creek Landcare Group Incorporated | Building Community Networks, Community Support and Resilience to Drought Through Social and Learning Activities Increase awareness of and change attitudes to drought preparedness through the delivery of two community workshops focused on holistic property management during drought. | Cowra, Weddin, Hilltops, Hovells Creek, Wyangala | $14,700 | |||
Oriscon Incorporated | Creating Connections Project Stimulate a change in awareness of and change attitudes towards drought preparedness at the community level through the development of a multilingual knowledge and information sharing website, two community workshops and a networking event supporting migrant community members in connecting, accessing, and understanding localised climate adaptation and drought preparedness activities and information across Central Western NSW. | Dubbo, Warren, Gilgandra, Wellington, Nyngan, Narromine, Wellington, Stuart Town | $10,000 | |||
Tradies IN Sight | NSW Real Reconnections Tour Build local networks and social support mechanisms required to better prepare for drought through the provision of eight informal mental health events focused on connecting regional men. | Dubbo, Narromine, Gilgandra, Coonabarabran, Warren, Nyngan, Cobar, Tattenham, Parkes, Bourke, Brewarrina, Walgett | $18,417 | |||
Voices of Women Incorporated | EMBRACE: Voices of Women Dubbo Build a shared experience that can be drawn upon for support during drought through local networks and social support for young women aged 18-35 through the delivery of an intensive creative workshop focused on building relationships and confidence of young women. | Dubbo | $9,550 | |||
Watershed Landcare Group Incorporated | Empowering Watershed Women Stimulate a change in awareness of and attitudes towards drought preparedness through the delivery of a seminar for rural women focused on providing a safe space for communication, support, mentoring, professional development and empowerment. | Mudgee, Cudgegong | $10,000 | |||
Watershed Landcare Group Incorporated | Holistically Strengthening the Capabilities and Resilience of our Rural Community Enable the community to build their local leadership, networks and social support mechanisms at a community level through the delivery of three connection and networking events and Holistic Management training focused on a comprehensive drought and disaster resilience approach to agricultural practices and decision-making. | Mudgee, Gulgong, Rylstone, Kandos | $40,700 | |||
Western Rural Connect Inc. | Western Rural Connect Networking and Development Events Build local leadership, networks and social support to build drought and other disaster resilience through the delivery of three Women in Agriculture events over two years. | Narromine | $18,000 | |||
South Australia: Region 23 Eyre Peninsula | ||||||
Agricultural Innovation & Research Eyre Peninsula Incorporated | Community Partner Lead Organisation (CPLO): Region 23 Strengthen drought preparedness and drive local action in the Eyre Peninsula region through the coordination of Community Impact Program activities and evaluation administration. | Eyre Peninsula SA Region | $30,760 | |||
Agricultural Innovation & Research Eyre Peninsula Incorporated | Young Farmer – Facilitated Peer to Peer Learning Share innovative ways to build drought resilience and build local leadership, networks and social support in Ceduna and Cleve locations. AIR EP will offer four field events for young farmers focusing on young people aged 18-35 years. | Ceduna and Cleve | $60,000 | |||
District Council Of Cleve | Future Farmers Focus Future Farmers support a change in awareness of and attitudes to drought preparedness at the community level through the delivery of learning workshops for two target audiences: 1. high school students; 2. families, industry and broader community. | Cleve | $47,000 | |||
WoTL Ltd | Better Connected Communities Engage 12-15 young women in remote and highly drought sensitive communities to participate in a series of workshops covering a range of topics with overt social drought preparedness themes and outcomes. | Cleve, Franklin Harbour | $77,456 | |||
WoTL Ltd | Regenerate Rural Women Learn and share innovative ways to build drought resilience by engaging approximately 15 local women in a comprehensive program covering topics to build personal resilience, refine decision making skills, clarify priorities and goals, and enhance personal, family and community wellbeing in Ceduna and Lower Eyre Peninsula. | Lower Eyre Peninsula, Ceduna | $68,400 | |||
Victoria: Region 28 Loddon Campaspe | ||||||
Lead Loddon Murray Inc | Community Partner Lead Organisation (CPLO): Region 28 Strengthen drought preparedness and drive local action in the Loddon Campaspe region through the coordination of Community Impact Program activities and evaluation administration. | Loddon Campaspe VIC region | $80,000 | |||
Lead Loddon Murray Inc | 2024 Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program - Climate Resilience Enable an increase in the reach and activities of community leaders, mentors, networks and organisations driving action on drought resilience through the delivery of LMCLP Climate Resilience program. | Loddon Campaspe VIC Region | $80,000 | |||
Kooyoora Women's Network Inc | Bridgewater Railway Station Redevelopment Build depth of social connection and increase skills, knowledge and understanding of the risks posed by drought and climate change while offering a place for community connection through the further development of the Bridgewater Community Hub. | Bridgewater, Loddon Shire | $75,000 | |||
Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation | Healing Country across Djandak Stimulate a change in awareness of and attitudes to drought preparedness while increasing engagement with and participation of First Nations community members through the delivery of the Djaara Forest Gardening Engagement Coordinator pilot program, “Healing Country on Djandak”. | Campaspe, Loddon, Central Goldfield, Bendigo | $100,000 | |||
Jumpleads NFP Limited | Let's Talk About the Weather | Drought Resilience Enable communities to identify and adopt innovative ways to build drought preparedness at the community level through the delivery of a Let’s Talk About the Weather program across Campaspe, Loddon and Central Goldfields local government areas. | Campaspe, Loddon, Central Goldfields | $120,000 |
Funding to strengthen community networks and capabilities
FRRR is inviting applications from community organisations in remote, rural and regional communities for projects designed to enhance local drought preparedness.
Supported by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund through the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative, the Small Network Grants program can fund simple, one-off or seed-type initiatives to strengthen community networks and capabilities in 35 agriculture-dependent regions.
Nina O’Brien, FRRR’s Disaster Resilience and Recovery Lead, said that there are a wide range of one-off projects that promote community networks, which the program can fund.
“Through this program, we are enabling agriculture-dependent communities to identify and act on their drought preparedness and resilience priorities at a grassroots level in the ways that best suit their communities.
“From previous programs, we know that social networks are critical to drought resilience because they promote a sense of belonging by providing opportunities for a diverse range of community members to connect and participate.
“Events, such as field days or practical workshops, are effective tools for improving mental health and wellbeing, because they give participants the opportunity to connect with their neighbours and learn skills to address the local risk factors associated with a changing climate. So we look forward to seeing the projects that come forward,” Ms O’Brien said.
FRRR wants to hear from groups with projects that fit into one of these five categories:
- Networks: Initiatives to strengthen the capacity, capability, and coordination of professional, social or community networks
- Community Events: Field days, conferences, forums, summits, and seminars that facilitate professional, social and community connection to build understanding of drought and climate change associated risks.
- Training: Initiatives to improve skills and capacity in community risk management, planning and project delivery in relation to drought.
- Community Infrastructure: Small scale community infrastructure projects to improve connectedness, wellbeing, and facilities.
- Development and Learning: Initiatives to facilitate professional, personal and leadership related development and learning to support drought preparation.
There are two streams of funding – one offering up to $20,000 in agriculture dependent LGAs in priority remote, rural and regional locations, and the second stream offering up to $50,000 in eligible LGAs in the NSW Far West, NT Tablelands, NT Arid Lands and WA Great Southern regions, where there is no active Community Impact program. Details of the LGA’s in each stream are on FRRR’s website.
Applications are open now and close 14 November 2023, with successful applicants announced in March 2024. There will be a second round of the program, which is expected to open in February 2024, with funds announced in June 2024.
For more information, and to apply, visit the program page.
Karridale, in the Blackwood region of southwest Western Australia, is home to a rich agricultural community. Established in 1991, the Lower Blackwood Land Conservation District Committee (LBLCDC) draws its membership from local landholders who have an interest in sustainable agricultural and land management practices that will protect and conserve their special environment.
There is growing interest and awareness among local farmers of regenerative agriculture principles as a way to sustainably manage their land and productivity and strengthen their drought resilience. However, the LBLCDC identified a need for greater understanding of these principles, as well as how to implement them.
They noted a lack of access to resources and expertise to support farmers in creating resilient and responsive landscapes. They also saw the need for more peer-to-peer support and believed that conversations could combat isolation and foster a sense of community among local farmers.
In 2022, the LBLCDC decided to develop an online community forum and information hub that could bring the community together to connect and learn. Supported by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, FRRR provided $49,850 through the Networks to Build Drought Resilience program to assist the LBLCDC with the design and delivery of their digital platform.
Driven by a content manager, the establishment of their online community (known as Talkin’ After Hours) allowed for the development of significant new drought resilience content. Although hampered by short timelines, the platform produced and delivered six webinars and five podcasts, with a further podcast, six written pieces and six short videos also developed and ready for release over the coming months. Each piece of content focused on one farm landscape management component that assists land managers to prepare for drought.
Feedback from platform users has been incredibly positive, with one user noting that they got more useful information from one 90-minute Talkin’ After Hours webinar “than in a whole year’s worth of ag school”.
“The easy access and on-demand format of the content allows landholders to access learning opportunities and information at a time and place that is convenient for them. It also offers the ability to share ideas, discuss and compare notes on issues, actions and solutions with other community members in a safe and convenient space, and promotes a more adaptable and resourceful community.”
The LBLCDC has been excited by the level of engagement with the platform, based on webinar registrations and content download figures. Across the six webinars delivered, there were 525 registrations and 11,175 YouTube views. In addition to this, there were 1,482 downloads of the podcasts. There was an even split of male and female participants involved, with a broad range of community members engaging with the project. While 70% of participants were between 45-64 years of age, it’s anticipated that given the online delivery format of the project, engagement will continue to grow, particularly with younger community members as they access podcasts and webinars recordings.
This new network is expected to expand as new community members become aware of the project. Going forward, they intend to continue expanding the platform to reach more community members as they release their developed content, and also intend to engage with their local Indigenous group, the Undalup Association Inc, for their input and ideas on content.
Talkin’ After Hours has increased the social connection of Lower Blackwood farmers and landholders. The interactive and engaging platform has helped build their resilience to future drought and fostered community and connection by developing a cohesive, relevant and applicable resource base for individual and community learning.
“The ability to be able to share ideas, discuss and compare notes on issues, actions and solutions with other community members in a safe and convenient space has and will promote a more adaptable and resourceful community.”
Upper North Farming Systems’ (UNSF’s) mission is to facilitate capacity building and empowerment of the agricultural community across the upper north region of South Australia. The group focuses on adapting and connecting farmers so they can learn from each other and from their shared experiences, and not farm in isolation. They do this by bringing farmers together in what they call Hubs. It’s a large and diverse geographical area, encompassing Booleroo Centre, Crystal Brook, Hallet, Jamestown, Laura, Peterborough, Nelshaby, Orroroo, Quorn and Wilmington. It’s a harsh climate, and when times are tough, they are very tough. The region has experienced significant declines in population and services over the past 30 years and the social fabric of communities in many areas has become frayed.
With the majority of communities in the region still reliant on agriculture, the social toll of the latest drought – the longest dry on record in 2020/21 – was evident, with symptoms of volunteer burn-out, self-isolation and mental health related issues.
Farmers know technology is essential, and farming systems have evolved significantly since the previous major drought, with stubble retention, improved efficiency of water use and a better understanding of livestock nutrition.
These communities are adaptable, open to innovation and aided through programs that promote not only professional connection, but also social and community connections, especially as these areas are typically not well-serviced by government research bodies and private consultants.
There are currently 11 Hubs under UNFS – eight geographical Hubs: Booleroo / Appila, Morchard / Orroroo / Pekina / Black Rock, Melrose, Gladstone / Laura, Jamestown, Nelshaby, Quorn and Wilmington and three non-geographic Hubs: Ladies on the Land, New Farmers and the Ag Tech Hub. The establishment of the Hubs in 2019 recognised the need to retain networks within the group and foster the tackling of issues on a smaller scale, as well as the importance of coming together on a social level.
A $20,000 Networks to Build Drought Resilience grant enabled UNFS to deliver the ‘Tools, Tech and Transformation’ workshop for farmers and agribusinesses. The key event was followed by a series of nine Hub events to provide the opportunity for networking, info-sharing, and learning about new farming systems and techniques to improve drought resilience. A ‘farmer-to-farmer’ learning model was recognised as a valuable and efficient mechanism to improve the productivity, profitability and sustainability of the agricultural industry in low rainfall zones.
“Through the Tools, Technology and Transformation event series, farmers and landholders have been provided with an abundance of information that can be adapted and changed on farm. Therefore, these tools that have been taken from the events can help farmers change their way of thinking and help their preparedness for drought or any other climate challenges they may face.”
The project reached 205 participants across 10 events that spanned six sector networks (Farm Business, Research Institute, NFP’s / Community Organisations, Consultants, Off Farm Business, Government Agency). Targeting farmers and agri-business directly, attendees learnt about tools aimed at improving efficiencies, sustainability and outcomes of operations like automatic feeding, as well as technology evolutions and business systems like satellite imagery on the farm scale, and succession and transition planning. Importantly, the solutions offered were all commercially available to be adopted on-farm, and farmers were able to speak directly with professionals in the fields, with discussions encouraged. They left with up-to-date knowledge to help them build more resilient farming systems.
The Hub events ensured accessibility for farmers who couldn’t afford too much time away from their land. They were able to talk with neighbours and researchers about the outcomes of the 2021 season and what they might be able to do better next time. Questions like when and how to de-stock, how to ensure you’re looking after genetics and bloodlines, and considerations around agisting, planting times, and upgrading tech vs repairing machinery were raised. Each Hub session included a training session in a tool, tech or system (identified from the key event by their elected Hub Representative), as well as a planning session identifying how to implement the new skills and knowledge on-farm, and where they require additional support.
Through the project, participants built knowledge and understanding of the risks posed by drought and climate change and learnt new concepts on a range of topics that can be adapted for drought and climate preparedness.
Communities had the opportunity to connect, train, converse (something many would not normally do in their usual day-to-day business) and lean on systems and each other so they are more prepared for future challenges.
In this quarter’s update for FRRR’s partners and supporters, we’re looking at how fundraising accounts, community foundations and small grants can enable grassroots groups to tackle local priorities, like Mparntwe Alice Springs Community Foundation – a new group whose first project was to bring back a printed weekly newspaper for the community! Also in this edition:
- read about the high value and high demand for our Small Grants programs
- learn about Engawala Art Centre’s journey to developing a physical space for painters
- Insights from FRRR’s team as network, travel and deliver programs
- Our Progress – Q4 FY 2022/23
- Partnering opportunities to activate great projects