Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR)
In rural and remote communities, where medical help is often hours away, first aid skills can be lifesaving. Recognising the increased risk of on-farm accidents during drought, the GroWQ Association delivered a training program for 188 participants across Central West Queensland in 2024. Sessions in Longreach, Aramac, Barcaldine, Tambo, Winton, Yaraka, Boulia and Jundah provided scenario-based training tailored to rural emergencies.
The program was supported by a $20,000 Small Network Grant, funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund under the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative. Beyond essential first aid skills, it strengthened communication, social connections and collaboration. In smaller towns like Yaraka, the sold-out workshop also became a rare chance for residents to gather, share experiences and strengthen their sense of community. One participant noted, “It was great to meet others who live nearby and face the same challenges. It felt like we’re all in this together.”
The training also sparked ongoing community engagement in emergency planning, with attendees staying in touch to discuss preparedness strategies, mental health and extending first aid knowledge within their families and groups.
The program’s impact was undeniable. Just nine days after completing the course, a participant used his training to save a critically injured farm worker who suffered serious injuries following a quad bike accident. GroWQ Project Coordinator, Pru Button, said, “Knowing that even one life was saved makes the entire project worthwhile. We are immensely proud to have empowered members of our community with critical skills that not only enhance their confidence in managing emergencies but also contribute to the resilience and safety of rural and remote areas.”
Community connections and collaboration are essential for resilience during droughts. By fostering stronger, more prepared communities, GroWQ’s first aid training program has improved the region’s ability to navigate future challenges and respond effectively to emergencies, ensuring better safety for all.
Please note: Images are of mock scenarios only.
Not For Profit HQ Limited received a $50,000 grant via FRRR through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative – Community Impact Program.
The aim of the project was to strengthen the capacity of community organisations in the Fitzroy Capricornia region, which comprises six local government areas. In collaboration with the Dawson Catchment Coordinating Association, the project conducted assessments for local not-for-profits (NFPs), delivering each organisation a tailored report with recommendations to increase their capacity.
Driving local action to help communities adapt and prepare for drought was a core aim of the initiative. The project sought to enhance resilience through upskilling NFPs in targeted areas like Clarks Creek, Banana Shire and the Central Highlands.
Organisational assessments, referred to as health checks, were conducted for local NFPs. A transparent report card was then provided to organisations, based on 32 benchmarks used in the assessment. These reports enabled organisations to accurately evaluate their strengths, in addition to identifying areas requiring improvement. Each group included in the process received an improvement plan tailored to the specific needs of the organisation. These plans provide a pathway to leadership training, enhanced operational plans and skills development.
Additionally, the project helps map out regional community organisations, providing a foundation for identifying areas lacking the presence of essential community groups. The initiative has seen new relationships fostered with local governments, contributing to a greater likelihood of ongoing communication and support, with a focus on long-term drought resilience strategies.
Leadership and mentor training will be offered in partnership with ARLF as well as existing mentoring systems, reinforcing local networks and organisational capacities. With stronger leadership capabilities in NFPs, community members doing crucial work will be able to expand their network reach and develop targeted training programs.
A better understanding of existing skillsets, combined with opportunities to engage in professional development, will enable crucial community groups to operate more effectively. This initiative will significantly enhance drought preparedness at a grassroots level, building stronger, more vital community networks, during and after times of drought.
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 | #colspan# | #colspan# | #colspan# | |||
| Stream 1 | #colspan# | #colspan# | #colspan# | |||
| NEW SOUTH WALES | #colspan# | #colspan# | #colspan# | |||
| 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 | #colspan# | #colspan# | #colspan# | |||
| 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 | #colspan# | #colspan# | #colspan# | |||
| 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 | #colspan# | #colspan# | #colspan# | |||
| 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 | #colspan# | #colspan# | #colspan# | |||
| 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 | #colspan# | #colspan# | #colspan# | |||
| 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 | #colspan# | #colspan# | #colspan# | |||
| NSW Far West | #colspan# | #colspan# | #colspan# | |||
| 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 | #colspan# | #colspan# | #colspan# | |||
| 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 | #colspan# | #colspan# | #colspan# | |||
| 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 | #colspan# | #colspan# | #colspan# | |||
| 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 | |||
It has been over 20 years since the rural town of Marama has had an active committee. In past generations of the committee, Marama Community Incorporated has been extremely social, connected and dedicated to keeping the town together. The main purpose of the committee was to bring people and community together with sport, dances, weddings, social events and church services. All of these events were usually held at the community-owned hall.
Now with a newly elected committee, the current generation was keen to foster a sense of belonging by renewing and improving the hall and providing a central place for activities to be held once again, however the space had fallen into disrepair after years of no use.
During the time the new committee was being elected, the district was also experiencing severe drought. A lot of the local farming community were feeling the effects on their mental health from prolonged drought. This added another layer of importance to the renewal of the hall; the community needed somewhere to come together and support one another.
With a $150,000 grant from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund’s Networks to Build Drought Resilience the committee was able to fund the underpinning, roof replacement, ceiling replacement, stone work, paint the interior, electrical work (including air-conditioning), and new toilet facilities.
The project relied on a big commitment from the community to get involved through volunteer work, local contractors and working bees to get the job done. But there was never any doubt they wouldn’t pull through!
Since completing the renovations on the hall the community has seen a dramatic shift in the attitudes of residents. Not only did the project give them a reason to meet throughout construction, but they now have a shared space to use that they can be proud of.
“Overall, the finished project is something we as a community are very proud of, and it has helped bring us together to work as a team to achieve a better, more user-friendly outcome.”
The hall has been host to a number of important community events since its completion and is booked in to host future events held by key industry groups that will benefit the community by improving abilities to adapt, reorganise or transform in response to a changing climate, increasing variability and scarcity of rainfall and changed seasonality of rainfall.
Local not-for-profits (NFPs) across the Central West NSW and WA Great Southern region are being encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to partner with the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) and the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) to lead the Future Drought Fund’s Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative’s Community Impact Program in their region.
The Initiative seeks to help agriculture-dependent communities in regions across remote, rural, and regional Australia that are vulnerable to the impacts of drought become more prepared for and resilient to these impacts.
It is part of the Australian Government’s $29.6 million investment in drought resilience initiatives over three years and builds on the Future Drought Fund’s previous Networks to Build Drought Resilience program (led by FRRR) and the Drought Resilience Leaders program (led by ARLF).
There are two main components to the program:
- Community Impact Grants: Grants between $200,000 and $500,000 for projects that strengthen community networks, capabilities and facilities that support drought preparedness; and
- Community Leadership Activities: AARLF will offer a range of funded leadership development activities to support community members to develop their leadership skills and equip them with the networks to respond to drought preparedness in their community.
Nina O’Brien, FRRR’s Disaster Resilience and Climate Solutions Portfolio Lead, said that this a great opportunity for community groups in Central West NSW and the Great Southern region of WA to proactively strengthen drought resilience across their regions.
“Rural communities are better able to withstand the impacts of events like drought when they are strong and well connected. The overall aim of this program is to ensure communities are better prepared for future.
“But we know that looks different in each community, which is why we are looking for a local lead partner. They can then work with other community members and organisations to identify what local action will be most appropriate. FRRR staff will be there to support the process and we’ll also fund a facilitator to work with the community to get the best outcome possible.
“The grants can fund projects, events, initiatives, training, capability building and small-scale community infrastructure projects and we’re really keen to make sure that First Nations communities and younger people are also engaged in drought resilience planning and action.
“We have already funded some impressive projects in other ag-dependent communities, including training and awareness-building activities to develop skills and knowledge to face the unique challenges caused by drought, preparedness upskilling and capacity building for local NFPs, and youth-focused activities such as field training and skills development programs,” Ms O’Brien explained.
As part of the program, ARLF will offer several complementary Leadership Development Activities at no cost to the successful applicants. These are designed to strengthen the leadership capabilities of communities to build individual and community drought resilience.
ARLF’s Chief Executive Officer Matt Linnegar said that because every lead organisation and region will be at a different point in their resilience journey, ARLF has a number of options that communities can tap into.
“We have five leadership development activities, ranging from intensive residential leadership programs to a series of deep-dives into particular leadership topics to group coaching. Each is underpinned by the concepts of adaptive leadership, resilience and network leadership.
“Applicants will need to include their preference for leadership development activities when they lodge their express of interest for the Community Impact Program, and we will work closely with applicants to refine their preferences as we move through the collaborative project design phase,” Mr Linnegar explained.
Expressions of Interest close 9 June, with shortlisted groups commencing co-design in their communities in August and funding confirmed in November 2023. Groups will have until June 2025 to implement the projects.
Interested groups can learn more about the program and lodge their EOI here.
The Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) and the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) are looking for a local NFP partner to work with them across the Loddon Campaspe region as part of the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative Community Impact Program.
The region encompasses the Campaspe, Central Goldfields, Greater Bendigo, Loddon, Macedon Ranges and Mount Alexander Shires.
The Initiative is funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and designed to help agriculture-dependent communities across remote, rural and regional Australia enhance their preparedness for drought.
The $29.6 million investment over three years builds on the Future Drought Fund’s previous Networks to Build Drought Resilience program (led by FRRR) and the Drought Resilience Leaders program (led by ARLF).
The place-based Community Impact Program is designed to support community members and not-for-profit organisations to drive local action that helps prepare for drought. There are two main components to the program:
- Community Impact Grants: This between $200,000 and $500,000 available and FRRR will work with the lead community organisations to develop, co-design and deliver projects that strengthen community networks, capabilities and facilities that support drought preparedness; and
- Community Leadership Activities: ARLF will offer a range of funded leadership development activities to support community members to develop their leadership skills, and equip them with the networks to respond to drought preparedness in their community.
FRRR’s Disaster Resilience and Recovery Lead, Nina O’Brien, said that this a great opportunity for the communities in Loddon Campaspe to proactively strengthen drought resilience.
“While there has been a lot of flooding in recent months, it’s highly likely that it won’t be too long before drought is on our radar. Rural communities are better able to withstand the impacts of events like drought – and indeed other disasters – when they are strong and well connected. The overall aim of this program is to facilitate increased social connection, strengthen network opportunities and link capacity building opportunities to ensure widespread local benefit, so that communities are better prepared for the future.
“But we know that looks different in each community, which is why we are looking for a local lead partner. They will work with other community members and organisations to identify what local action is most appropriate. FRRR staff will be there to support the process and we’ll also fund a facilitator to work with the community to get the best outcome possible.
“The grants can fund projects, events, initiatives, training, capability building and small-scale community infrastructure projects and we’re really keen to make sure that First Nations communities and younger people are also engaged in drought resilience planning and action,” Ms O’Brien explained.
As part of the program, ARLF will offer a number of optional and complementary Leadership Development Activities at no cost to the successful applicants. These are designed to strengthen the leadership capabilities of communities to build individual and community drought resilience.
ARLF’s Chief Executive Officer Matt Linnegar said that because every lead organisation and region will be at a different point in their resilience journey, ARLF has a number of options that communities can tap into.
“We have five leadership development activities, ranging from intensive residential leadership programs to a series of deep-dives into particular leadership topics to group coaching. Each is underpinned by the concepts of adaptive leadership, resilience and network leadership.
“Applicants will need to include their preference for leadership development activities when they lodge their express of interest for the Community Impact Program, and we will work closely with applicants to refine their preferences as we move through the collaborative project design phase,” Mr Linnegar explained.
Initial expressions of interest close 22 March 2023, with shortlisted groups commencing co-design in their communities in May and funding confirmed in August 2023. Groups will have until June 2025 to implement the projects.
Interested groups can learn more about the program and lodge their EOI by visiting www.frrr.org.au/impact-program.
The Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) and the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) are looking for a local NFP partner to work with them across the Far West NSW, Northwest QLD and Great Southern WA regions, as part of the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative Community Impact Program.
The Initiative is funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and is designed to help agriculture-dependent communities across remote, rural and regional Australia enhance their preparedness for drought.
The $29.6 million investment over three years builds on the Future Drought Fund’s previous Networks to Build Drought Resilience program (led by FRRR) and the Drought Resilience Leaders program (led by ARLF).
The place-based Community Impact Program is designed to support community members and not-for-profit organisations to drive local action that helps prepare for drought. There are two main components to the program:
- Community Impact Grants: There are grants between $200,000 and $500,000 available and FRRR will work with the lead community organisations to develop, co-design and deliver projects that strengthen community networks, capabilities and facilities that support drought preparedness; and
- Community Leadership Activities: ARLF will offer a range of funded leadership development activities to support community members to develop their leadership skills, and equip them with the networks to respond to drought preparedness in their community.
FRRR’s Disaster Resilience and Climate Solutions Portfolio Lead Nina O’Brien said that this is a great opportunity for community groups in Far West NSW, Northwest QLD and Great Southern in WA to proactively strengthen drought resilience.
“Rural communities are better able to withstand the impacts of events like drought when they are strong and well connected. The overall aim of this program is to facilitate increased social connection, strengthen network opportunities and link capacity building opportunities to ensure widespread local benefit, so that communities are better prepared for the future.
“But we know that looks different in each community, which is why we are looking for a local lead partner. They can then work with other community members and organisations to identify what local action will be most appropriate. FRRR staff will be there to support the process and we’ll also fund a facilitator to work with the community to get the best outcome possible.
“The grants can fund projects, events, initiatives, training, capability building and small-scale community infrastructure projects and we’re really keen to make sure that First Nations communities and younger people are also engaged in drought resilience planning and action,” Ms O’Brien explained.
As part of the program, ARLF will offer a number of optional and complementary Leadership Development Activities at no cost to the successful applicants. These are designed to strengthen the leadership capabilities of communities to build individual and community drought resilience.
ARLF’s Chief Executive Officer Matt Linnegar said that because every lead organisation and region will be at a different point in their resilience journey, ARLF has a number of options that communities can tap into.
“We have five leadership development activities, ranging from intensive residential leadership programs to a series of deep-dives into particular leadership topics to group coaching. Each is underpinned by the concepts of adaptive leadership, resilience and network leadership.
“Applicants will need to include their preference for leadership development activities when they lodge their express of interest for the Community Impact Program, and we will work closely with applicants to refine their preferences as we move through the collaborative project design phase,” Mr Linnegar explained.
Initial expressions of interest close 8 March 2023, with shortlisted groups commencing co-design in their communities in April and funding confirmed in July 2023. Groups will have until June 2025 to implement the projects.
Interested groups can learn more about the program and lodge their EOI by visiting www.frrr.org.au/impact-program.
Local NFP groups sought as lead partners in 35 regions across remote, rural and regional areas
Following the announcement by Senator The Hon. Murray Watt, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) and the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) are pleased to announce the opening of the first program in the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative.
The Initiative is funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and designed to help agriculture-dependent communities across remote, rural and regional Australia enhance their preparedness for drought.
The $29.6 million investment over three years builds on the Future Drought Fund’s previous Networks to Build Drought Resilience program (led by FRRR) and the Drought Resilience Leaders program (led by ARLF).
There are five elements to the Initiative, the first of which is the Community Impact Program. This is a place-based program designed to support community members and not-for-profit organisations in 35 regions across remote, rural and regional Australia to drive local action that helps prepare for drought. An integrated package of support for community networks, there are two main components:
FRRR’s Disaster Resilience and Climate Solutions Portfolio Lead Nina O’Brien said that the program takes a place-based approach, recognising the need for a bespoke approach in different communities.
“Rural communities are better able to withstand the impacts of events like drought when they are strong and well connected. The overall aim of this program is to facilitate increased social connection, strengthen network opportunities and link capacity building opportunities to ensure widespread local benefit, so that communities are better prepared for the future.
“That will look different in each community, which is why we’ll be working alongside community members and organisations to drive local action that best helps each community prepare for drought.
“We’ve clustered LGA’s into 35 regions and we’re seeking a locally-based not-for-profit to act as the lead applicant and work collaboratively with other local organisations to plan and undertake activities that increase drought preparedness over a multi-year period.
“The program has an emphasis on engaging First Nations communities and younger people in leading drought resilience planning and action.
“The Community Impact Grants can fund projects, events, initiatives, training, capability building and small-scale community infrastructure projects.
“This will be a very collaborative program, with FRRR and ARLF working closely on the ground with the successful communities to define priorities, scope and delivery of the project. In addition, there will be access to expertise and networking opportunities,” Ms O’Brien explained.
As part of the program, ARLF will offer a number of optional and complementary Leadership Development Activities at no cost to the successful applicants. These are designed to strengthen the leadership capabilities of communities to build individual and community drought resilience.
ARLF’s Chief Executive Officer Matt Linnegar said that because every lead organisation and region will be at a different point in their resilience journey, ARLF has a number of options that communities can tap into.
“We have five leadership development activities, ranging from intensive residential leadership programs to a series of deep-dives into particular leadership topics to group coaching. Each is underpinned by the concepts of adaptive leadership, resilience and network leadership.
“Applicants will need to include their preference for leadership development activities when they lodge their express of interest for the Community Impact Program, and we will work closely with applicants to refine their preferences as we move through the collaborative project design phase,” Mr Linnegar explained.
The locations and projects in each of the 35 regions will be chosen based on potential drought impact, community readiness and complementarity with other government and philanthropic investments.
Learn more about the program by visiting www.frrr.org.au/impact-program.
Interested groups can also join an online Information Session on 1 September at 12pm AEST. Register here: https://rural-leaders-au.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIocOmsqzIvH9Re35odkOG0yqt99F7BPEga
