Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR)

Rural communities set to benefit from multi-year partnership

FRRR and Colonial Foundation today announced a three-year partnership that will see $3 million invested in supporting remote, rural and regional communities to strengthen their digital skills and resources.

Colonial Foundation’s investment will support organisations like Engawala Art Centre Aboriginal Corporation, in NT, which used an SRC grant to purchase software and equipment as part of the Centre’s startup phase.

The funding will go a significant way to addressing the shortfall in funding requests that FRRR has seen from community groups in remote, rural and regional communities for its most in-demand and flagship program, Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC).

Natalie Egleton, FRRR’s CEO, said that small grants are critical to remote, rural and regional communities and one of the areas in highest demand for grants is around digital connectivity.

“Through FRRR’s SRC program, we provide support to some of the smallest, most remote communities in Australia. These places experience the greatest digital inequity, which is why offering flexible funding to strengthen the digital skills, confidence and safety of these places is critical.

“These funds will enable more locals to get online, build social connections and access services, information, education and employment through training. Additionally, it will assist in enhancing digital connectivity by funding infrastructure when needed.

“We are also grateful that Colonial’s support will enable FRRR’s team to spend more time on the ground, in community coaching, listening, learning and connecting groups across the country facing similar challenges,” Ms Egleton said.

Andre Carstens, CEO of Colonial Foundation, said that the Foundation is committed to advancing regional and rural Australia and shares FRRR’s commitment to empowering remote, rural and regional communities to be vibrant, resilient and sustainable.

“The digital divide between remote, rural and regional communities and their metro counterparts has a significant impact on the prosperity and wellbeing of people in these places.

“We are thrilled to be able to partner with FRRR to offer targeted yet flexible funding to help reduce this gap in digital literacy, services and skills and enhance connectedness, capability and resilience.

“Rural people deserve the opportunity to build technical skills and knowledge so they can improve their quality of life and the way they engage both locally, and with the broader world. This tangible support of local not-for-profit groups will help provide better access to services, information, education and employment,” Mr Carstens said.

Applications for the next round of the SRC program, which will include these additional funds, will open at the end of March, with funds awarded in late August 2025. FRRR welcomes additional contributions to its collaboratively funded SRC program. For more information, contact FRRR’s Partnerships team on 03 5430 2399 or email [email protected].