Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR)
Grants awarded to 176 community groups for COVID recovery, climate-related impacts and Small & Vital projects
![IMAGE: Kinder aged child exploring a puddle. HEADING: Rural groups awarded a record-breaking $2.3 million](https://frrr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Bush-Kinder-photo-1_cropped.jpg)
FRRR has awarded $2,309,331 in grants to 176 community projects across remote, rural and regional Australia as part of the Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) program.
This is the largest SRC round on record in terms of both funding awarded and the number of projects being funded.
Collaboratively funded by a number of donors, this program gives small communities across rural Australia access to funds for a broad range of initiatives that directly and clearly benefit the local area and people. The program is split into three streams: Small & Vital (S&V), Prepare & Recover (P&R) and Rebuilding Regional Communities (RRC), which supports recovery from COVID-19.
Small & Vital stream
In total, $527,636 in grants have been awarded to 61 grassroots organisations and NFPs through the S&V stream. Grants of up to $10,000 will support initiatives that local leaders and community members feel are a priority when it comes to strengthening the community.
An example of an organisation being funded in this stream is the Cervantes Community Men’s Shed in WA. They will use their $10,000 grant to develop the group’s new shed site, which will support and service the community.
Prepare & Recover grants
The SRC program has long supported disaster recovery, most recently through the 2019/2020 Black Summer Bushfire Recovery stream. However, with disasters affecting more of the country, the program has been renamed the Prepare & Recover stream. It offers grants of up to $25,000 to support projects that prevent and prepare for future climate related impacts, or recover from existing disasters in the medium to long-term. In addition to ongoing recovery from Black Summer fires, this round supports recovery from flooding in 2021/22, as well as some other storms and flood events across the country.
A total of $883,940 will be shared among 62 initiatives through this stream. An example is the Victoria based Boort Resource & Information Centre’s initiative to support flood recovery and boost local connections by bringing the people together to share a free community meal.
Rebuilding Regional Communities – supporting COVID-19 recovery
Funded by the Australian Government, the RRC grants are divided into micro grants, which are up to $10,000 and larger grants, which are up to $50,000. In this round, 53 organisations have received $897,755 funding that will help remote, rural and regional communities recover from the impacts of the pandemic.
Among the recipients in this stream is the Regional Food Security Alliance, who will use a grant of $47,050 to develop resources that will support volunteer recruitment and retention at food relief agencies across regional Victoria, after demand for their services has been exacerbated by COVID-19.
Jill Karena, Place Portfolio Lead at FRRR, said that this record-breaking SRC round is a clear indication of the level of support that remote, rural and regional Australia needs.
“In the history of the SRC program and its predecessors dating back to 2000, we’ve never awarded this amount of money or this many small grants. That in itself speaks volumes about the need for resources and support in rural communities around the country.
“What we saw in the applications in this round, across each of the streams, was a strong emphasis on individual and community health and social wellbeing. This is a reflection of how the last few years have impacted remote, rural and regional areas. Back-to-back natural disasters, the pandemic and now the cost-of-living crisis have left people with limited resources when it comes to prioritising their wellbeing.
“We also saw a high number of applications for creative and wellbeing activities, like festivals and community events. These initiatives are wonderful to see because not only are they helping to bring people together and giving them a creative outlet, but they also often provide a boost to the local economy.
“Similarly, we continue to see a demand for support in maintaining or upgrading community spaces, halls and hubs. This kind of infrastructure is so important when it comes to keeping small communities connected, particularly during the ongoing recovery and resilience-building process that rural Australia is currently facing,” Ms Karena said.
Some more of the 176 projects funded include:
- Gainmara Birrilee Preschool Association Inc – NSW – Enhance the COVID-19 recovery of 117 Brewarrina Aboriginal families by providing practical assistance, building social connections and cultural identity, wellness activities and a community garden. $46,092 (Rebuilding Regional Communities stream)
- MacDonnell Regional Council – NT – Prepare youth for leadership roles through the expansion of the council’s youth app to include governance and project management information and functions. $9,702 (Small & Vital stream)
- FNQ Aviation Museum Ltd – QLD – Build young people’s job readiness for careers in engineering industries by constructing a new hanger at the aeronautical museum to run a program with students restoring vintage airplanes. $10,000 (Small & Vital stream)
- Bridge to Nowhere Arts Association Incorporated – SA – Enhance the process of recovery from the pandemic and encourage greater participation of seniors in activities by providing a comfortable environment at a local community arts facility through heating and cooling upgrades. $7,405 (Rebuilding Regional Communities stream)
- Surf Life Saving Tasmania – Central Coast Marine Rescue – TAS – Enhance community safety and boost volunteer capacity through expansion of training and lifesaving equipment. $9,383 (Small & Vital stream)
- Upper Murray Performing Arts Inc – VIC – Encourage community connection and generate economic growth by delivering a creative dance festival that will increase tourism in a township recovering from bushfires. $10,000 (Prepare & Recover stream)
- Shire of Carnamah – WA – Improve the community’s resilience for future emergency responses during cyclones by upgrading the medical centre’s electrical switchboard, enabling connection to back up generators during power outages. $10,000 (Prepare & Recover stream)
The SRC program is collaboratively supported by many generous donors, who are acknowledged on the FRRR website under each of the SRC grant streams:
- Small & Vital donors
- Prepare & Recover donors
- Rebuilding Regional Communities is supported by the Australian Government
This program always accepts applications. Local NFPs and community groups are encouraged to review the program guidelines and apply. More information about the SRC program is available at www.frrr.org.au/src.
To support grants like this through FRRR, make a tax-deductible donation at frrr.org.au/giving/.
The full list of grant recipients and their projects are below.
Organisation | Project | Location | Grant | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NEW SOUTH WALES | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Society - Narrabri North West District Inc | Lecturer Fee Contributions Sustain the capacity of the organisation to deliver accessible arts activities for the whole community by contributing to lecturer fees. | Narrabri | $5,000 | |||
Carcoar Community Association | River Yarn Fibre Festival Provide opportunities for social connection and cultural enrichment by supporting the inaugural River Yarn Fibre Festival. | Carcoar | $3,466 | |||
GRASP - Goulburn Regional Association of Sustainable Producers | Growing the GRASP Hub on the Open Food Network Support a community-owned online produce shop to provide access to healthy local produce and promote sustainable agricultural practices through purchasing equipment, recruiting / training volunteers and holding events. | Goulburn | $9,919 | |||
Henty Public School Parents and Citizens Association | Bush Tucker Precinct Enhance the thriving community garden by linking it to the Wiradjuri Bush Tucker and Yarning Circle cultural area to increase community knowledge of local Aboriginal traditions. | Henty | $10,000 | |||
Inverell Art Society Incorporated | Inverell Art Gallery - Supporting, Engaging and Developing Local Ceramic Artists Foster skill development for local and emerging ceramic artists in Inverell by purchasing a new kiln and reference books. | Inverell | $10,000 | |||
Lansdowne Public Hall Reserve Land Manager | Installation of Security Cameras and Solar Security Lights to the Outside of the Lansdowne Community Hall Enhance security for valuable historical works and items displayed at the Lansdowne Community Hall by installing solar powered external lighting and cameras. | Lansdowne | $8,950 | |||
Parkes Bowling and Sports Club Limited | Parkes Bowling and Sports Club Kitchen Oven Upgrade Enhance the Parkes Bowling and Sports Club kitchen by removing the current industrial gas oven and installing a new one to increase the safety and capacity for use by the many non-sporting community groups that use the facilities. | Parkes | $7,346 | |||
Peak Hill Preschool Kindergarten Inc | Peak Hill Preschool Expansion Improve day care access for disadvantaged families by contributing to the development of a community-run long day care facility and community room in Peak Hill. | Peak Hill | $10,000 | |||
Riding for the Disabled Assoc (NSW) - The Coonabarabran Centre | Facilities Maintenance Program - Stage One Enable programs to continue running by addressing safety issues at riding centre through repairs to the training hall. | Coonabarabran | $10,000 | |||
Warren Chamber Music Festival Incorporated | Better with Age! Provide opportunities for social connection and cultural enrichment by holding a "Better with Age" event for the elderly, featuring a shared meal, live musical performances and poetry readings. | Gilgandra | $8,079 | |||
Prepare & Recover | ||||||
Adavale Lane Community Centre Incorporated | Build Up the Grounds Around our Community Hall to Stop Flooding Contribute to recovery and disaster preparedness by raising the ground level around Adavale Lane Community Centre to stop the hall flooding, ensuring community events can continue and enhancing community connectedness. | Goonumbla | $24,250 | |||
Arts North West Inc | New England North West Creative Flood Response Project - 'A Letter to My Returning...' Engage artists from flood-affected communities to create artwork that responds to their flood experiences and interpretations for a public exhibition that will support community recovery. | Wee Waa | $24,752 | |||
Bay FM Community Radio Inc | Broadcast Equipment Replacement to Build Organisational and Community Resilience Build organisational capacity and bushfire resilience by upgrading the ageing broadcasting equipment, ensuring a reliable broadcast transmission service, particularly in the event of an emergency. | Byron Shire | $24,920 | |||
Bombala Preschool Inc | Bombala's Ngulla Garden Project Support recovery from the impacts of the Black Summer bushfires and unprecedented rain by establishing a food forest garden, restoring the community and Indigenous gardens, and engaging experts to educate preschool families and community about food sustainability. | Bombala | $25,000 | |||
Bowraville Arts Council Inc | Bowraville Theatre Equipment and Technology Upgrade Enhance Bowraville Theatre and contribute to bushfire recovery by investing in up-to-date equipment and technology, allowing a broader scope of events for the community, and encouraging new arts, performances and productions. | Bowraville | $10,000 | |||
Broke Residents Community Association Incorporated | Broke Wellbeing Program 2023 Support the recovery of Broke residents after flooding through an ongoing well-being program to improve the mental health and resilience of community members. | Broke | $24,800 | |||
Burringbar School of Arts | Replacement Roof for Burringbar Hall Disaster Distribution Centre Enhance the Burringbar School of Arts Heritage Hall by replacing the rusted roof, ensuring the hall can continue to be used by the community for events and as a distribution centre for those in need during natural disasters such as bushfires. | Burringbar | $25,000 | |||
Circartus Incorporated | Reaching for Solid Ground Increase organisational capacity by establishing a new position to support organisation sustainability and provide inclusive, healing, creative and fun circus skills opportunities for young people in the Manning Valley who are recovering from the impact of bushfires. | Wingham | $24,050 | |||
Connecting Communities Australia Ltd | Mogo - Aboriginal Lands Council Storage Shed Contribute to the recovery of Mogo after losing several buildings in the devastating Black Summer bushfires by constructing a storage shed for the Aboriginal Lands Council to store essential documents. | Mogo | $24,895 | |||
Deniliquin Business Chamber Incorporated | Do it in Deni Street Bazaar Strengthen community connections and boost tourism after the flood with 'The Deni Street Bazaar' a family-friendly event, celebrating the rural culture and lifestyle. | Deniliquin | $10,000 | |||
Drake Village Women's Shed Incorporated | Trailer Increase disaster resilience in the Drake community that was impacted and often isolated after the 2019/20 bushfires through purchasing and fitting out a trailer to provide residents and their livestock access to food and water in emergencies. | Drake | $15,825 | |||
Early Links Inclusion Support Service Incorporated | Physiotherapy Equipment Address increased demand for therapeutic support since the 2019/20 bushfires and increase social inclusion and support for people with disabilities and developmental delays through additional physiotherapy treatment and equipment. | Kurri Kurri | $10,000 | |||
Eden Community Access Centre Inc | Enabling Conversations That Matter: A Prepared Community Provide an online resource to enable ongoing community conversations that support disaster resilience in Eden and surrounding villages after the 2020 bushfires. | Eden | $5,400 | |||
Emerald Beach Fair Inc | Emerald Beach Fair Strengthen community connectedness and recovery from the bushfires, floods and COVID through restarting the Emerald Beach Fair. | Emerald Beach | $10,000 | |||
Granite Borders Landcare Committee Incorporated | Strengthening Rural Communities - Diverse Workshops that Educate, Engage and Improve Social Connectedness Build community resilience, social connectivity, and environmental improvements through a series of free, landscape regenerative workshops for bushfire-affected residents in remote communities around Tenterfield. | Tenterfield | $24,000 | |||
Kangaroo Valley Historical Society Incorporated | Preservation of Kangaroo Valley's History and Heritage through Quality Photographs Support community resilience by purchasing a camera and macro lens used to capture Kangaroo Valley's bushfire recovery for local historical records. | Kangaroo Valley | $1,650 | |||
Kempsey Showground Association Incorporated | Lighting Upgrade Upgrade to LED lighting in the hall to reduce operating costs and foster opportunities for people in West Kempsey to come together and support their bushfire recovery. | West Kempsey | $6,836 | |||
Marine Rescue NSW - Kioloa Unit Volunteer Marine Rescue NSW | Air Conditioner for Kioloa Unit Support bushfire recovery and build organisational capacity by replacing or adding air conditioners to ensure the comfort of volunteers all year round. | Kioloa | $6,150 | |||
Narooma Men's Shed | Metalworking Safety Initiative and Activity Enhancement Purchase appropriate lifting equipment and tools for the Narooma Men's Shed to reduce the risk of injury for members and enhance organisational capacity to support bushfire recovery projects for the community. | Narooma | $7,137 | |||
Narooma Surf Life Saving Club Inc | Provision of Storage for Emergency Search, Rescue and Disaster Response Equipment at Narooma Surf Life Saving Club Building preparedness in the event of a bushfire through the installation of mobile, modular storage cabinets enabling safe and organised storage of the club's 24/7 emergency response equipment, ensuring the club is rescue ready. | Narooma | $1,799 | |||
Northern Rivers Food Incorporated | 2023 Harvest Food Trail Enhance recovery of the flood-impacted Northern Rivers by supporting the Harvest Food Trail event, which brings the community together to socialise and enjoy local produce whilst supporting local businesses. | Tweed Heads | $10,000 | |||
Resilient Lismore Incorporated | Resilient Lismore Impact Measurement and Organisational Sustainability Enhance the recovery process in flood-impacted Lismore by periodically collecting community recovery data through surveys to measure the impact of Resilient Lismore's work and inform new projects and sustainability planning. | Lismore | $25,000 | |||
Resilient Murwillumbah | Murwillumbah Get Ready Support the flood-impacted Murwillumbah community to be more disaster ready by establishing a tools and equipment library for community-led disaster clean up and recovery. | Murwillumbah | $25,000 | |||
River of Art Incorporated | Munggara-dha / My Home Support community recovery and foster leadership and social connection after the devastating Black Summer bushfires by combining Aboriginal dance storytelling with contemporary art forms in a community driven process that will culminate in a live performance. | Mogo Village | $23,100 | |||
Southcoast Health and Sustainability Alliance | Brightening Batemans Bay Heritage Museum's Future Stage One Support bushfire preparedness and enhance the viability of the Heritage Museum by installing solar panels that will provide energy to stabilise environmental conditions for the preservation of museum collections, reduce operating costs and enable the museum's continued operation in a power outage. | Batemans Bay | $22,578 | |||
Twofold Aboriginal Corp | The Twofold / Jigamy Cultural Gardens & Syntropic Food Forestry Project (Stage Two & Three) Develop a series of intergenerational and cross-cultural initiatives through creation of climate-resilient cultural food gardens to foster collaboration in mitigating the impacts of the Black Summer bushfires and future climate changes. | Eden | $25,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Large | ||||||
Contact Inc Gainmara Birrilee Preschool Association Inc | Murra in Murra (Hand in Hand) Brewarrina - Planning for a Stronger Future Enhance the COVID-19 recovery of 117 Brewarrina Aboriginal families by providing practical assistance, building social connections and cultural identity, wellness activities and a community garden. | Brewarrina | $46,092 | |||
Contact Incorporated | Building Foundations for a Stronger Future Build organisational sustainability through a series of professional development workshops facilitated by a skilled expert to support Contact's work to reduce negative impacts of isolation during COVID-19 for children and families. | Cootamundra | $35,871 | |||
Gilgandra Community Garden Network Gilgandra Council | Gilgandra Cultural Precinct > Community Garden Support COVID-19 recovery by establishing a community garden to reduce social isolation, providing an inclusive, tranquil setting that supports active and passive recreation for local children, youth, seniors, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, people culturally and linguistically diverse, those living with disability, and LGBTQIA+ community members. | Gilgandra | $33,684 | |||
Turbans 4 Australia | Lismore Resilience Project Enhance the process of COVID-19 recovery of disadvantaged members of the Lismore regional community through delivering food and personal care hampers with a new mobile food trailer and pantry, which will support and expand the organisation's outreach services. | Lismore | $27,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Micro | ||||||
Blue Mountains Artists Company | Lithgow Lowdown - Reimagining and Reinvigorating Community Reduce social isolation and foster a stronger, more resilient community after COVID-19 by staging a live music and poetry slam / dance competition to bring together and reinvigorate youth and families through the arts. | Lithgow | $10,000 | |||
Carries Place Domestic Violence and Homelessness Services Incorporated | Strengthening Service Delivery through Secure and Innovative IT Solutions Sustain and enhance Carries Place's work with increased IT support over six months to improve internal capability and enable provision of reliable and secure remote services to vulnerable clients hesitant to engage face-to-face due to COVID-19 impacts. | Dungog | $4,620 | |||
Creative Gunning Inc | Crafting Connections Support Gunning's community and economic recovery from COVID-19 by delivering a series of art workshops and exhibitions to increase community connections, build volunteer skills, and increase visitation. | Gunning | $9,901 | |||
Kempsey Flying Club Ltd | Rural Community's Amenities Upgrade Support COVID-19 recovery and sustain the activities of a range of community groups that use the Kempsey Flying Club facility by upgrading the space and purchasing a fridge, commercial vacuum, BBQ and projector equipment. | Kempsey | $9,750 | |||
Manning & Great Lakes Early Intervention Inc | Early Connections Playgroup Re-establish a playgroup closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic to enhance the process of recovery for young children. | Taree | $9,087 | |||
Nimmitabel Show Society Inc | Urgently Needed Equipment Support community connection after COVID-19 by replacing damaged and ageing seating and purchase new equipment to sustain the work of the Show Society and enable the smooth running of the Nimmitabel Show and other community events into the future. | Nimmitabel | $9,929 | |||
Sanctuary Point Public School | Sing and Grow Singing Therapy Group Enhance social and developmental recovery from COVID-19 for Sanctuary Point children and their families through establishing a singing therapy group. | Sanctuary Point | $9,020 | |||
The Showground Workshop Incorporated | Taree Showground Mens' Shed COVID-19 Recovery Boost the Men's Shed membership after COVID-19 by developing a new website. | Taree | $2,000 | |||
Wentworth Area Landcare Incorporated | Trees for Pomona Enhance COVID-19 recovery of the Pomona community by bringing residents together for a native tree-planting event to increase their feeling of belonging and community pride. | Pomona | $10,000 | |||
NORTHERN TERRITORY | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
MacDonnell Regional Council | Empowering Indigenous Youth Leaders to be Tomorrow's Community Leaders Prepare youth for leadership roles through the expansion of the council's youth App to include governance and project management information and functions. | MacDonnell Regional Council's 12 communities | $9,702 | |||
NT Writers' Centre Inc | Remote Writers' Development Workshops Support new and established writers living in remote parts of the state by running satellite events and online workshops as part of the 2023 Northern Territory Writers' Festival. | Katherine | $9,456 | |||
Victoria Daly Regional Council | Noise Reduction at the Pine Creek Multi Resource Community Centre Enhance public participation at meetings in a remote and under-resourced community by improving the acoustics at the community centre with the installation of heavy echo-reducing curtains. | Pine Creek | $9,973 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Large | ||||||
Brown's Mart Arts Limited | Connecting Communities at Brown's Mart Sustain Brown's Mart and their work through improved connections with the COVID-19 impacted community by upgrading communication technologies and increasing First Nation peoples' engagement and participation in the performing arts. | Darwin | $38,652 | |||
The YMCA of the Northern Territory Youth & Community Services Ltd | Community Hub Project Create a safe, welcoming community space at the Ltyentye Apurte (Santa Teresa) swimming pool for children, young people and families to re-connect after social isolation experienced during COVID-19, improving the community's physical and social health and fostering a stronger and more resilient community. | Santa Teresa | $20,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Micro | ||||||
Gupulul Marayuwu Aboriginal Corporation | Gupulul Community Homeland - Food Storage, Access and Security Project Address food security challenges exacerbated by COVID-19 and sustain the work of the corporation through the installation of a commercial cool room storage unit on the community homeland. | Gupulul Homeland | $10,000 | |||
QUEENSLAND | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Blackall Cultural Association Incorporated | Bushman's Gallery Electrical Upgrade Boost and strengthen the local economy by upgrading electrical wiring for better lighting at the Bushman's Art Gallery to increase engagement with, and acquisition of, local art. | Blackall | $10,000 | |||
Border District Eisteddfod | Border District Eisteddfod 2023 Cultivate young people's confidence, artistic endeavours and public performing capabilities by providing a local Eisteddfod. | Stanthorpe | $9,605 | |||
FNQ Aviation Museum Ltd | Multipurpose Aviation Museum Hangar - Celebrating 80 Years of Mareeba Airport Build young people's job readiness for careers in engineering industries by constructing a new hangar at the aeronautical museum to run a program with students restoring vintage airplanes. | Mareeba | $10,000 | |||
Gold City Country Music Club Inc | Bose Amplifier Tower Improve the club's ability to provide free community entertainment by upgrading sound equipment. | Charters Towers | $4,160 | |||
Gordonbrook Rural Fire Brigade | Gordonbrook Rural Fire Brigade Station (Stage Two) Improve comfort and amenity of the facility for emergency volunteers and community gatherings by installing floor coverings and painting internal walls. | Gordonbrook | $9,332 | |||
Hillview Memorial Hall and Recreation Grounds Inc | Lawn Mower Purchase Support volunteer ability to maintain a welcoming community space by purchasing a ride-on mower to care for the grounds. | Hillview | $7,730 | |||
Ingham Coast Guard - The Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association Incorporated | Improving Access Improve the Coast Guard's ability to support and service the community by building an accessible ramp and handrails. | Lucinda | $10,000 | |||
Julatten State School Parents and Citizens Association | Celebrating 100 Years Julatten / Bushy Creek / Euluma Creek State Schools Centenary 1923-2023 Encourage new community members and past students to come together to foster a sense of identity and community connection by jointly celebrating the schools' centenary anniversaries. | Julatten | $5,650 | |||
Low Isles Preservation Society Incorporated | Supporting Local Student Visitation to the Low Isles Education Centre Support students from disadvantaged outer regional schools to take part in a citizen science project and experience the Great Barrier Reef firsthand, integrating environmental awareness and STEM learning into the curriculum. | Port Douglas | $10,000 | |||
Mount Morgan Citizens Club Inc | Kitchen Compliance Improve functionality of club's workspace for social connection and community gatherings by modernising the kitchen by adding stainless-steel bench tops and energy efficient appliances. | Mount Morgan | $10,000 | |||
QCWA Branch Clifton | Installation of Air Conditioning to CWA Clifton Hall Expand the use of the CWA hall by installing a heating and cooling system to make the community meeting space more comfortable and welcoming. | Clifton | $3,990 | |||
Retreat Creek Campdraft Association Inc | Connecting Power to the Community Shed at Roy Day Park, Sapphire Help locals come together and connect by installing electricity at the park's community shed to provide the first 'powered' public meeting space in Sapphire. | Sapphire | $10,000 | |||
Returned & Services League of Australia (Queensland Branch) Emu Park Sub-Branch Inc | Emu Park RSL Mural Creating a commemorative mural to help residents and visitors better understand the impacts of past conflicts on returned service people. | Emu Park | $4,500 | |||
Roma Historical Precincts Inc | Roma Butter Factory - Workshop Building Upgrade Improve volunteer experience and safety by installing accessible roller doors that enable local artisans to demonstrate old time trades and skills more easily for an interactive visitor experience. | Roma | $10,000 | |||
U3A Cairns Incorporated | Health, Wellbeing and Social Interaction through Low Impact Sports Enhance older people's wellbeing through supporting physical activity and social connection by purchasing low impact activity equipment. | Mossman | $5,205 | |||
University of Southern Queensland | Allora and the Australian Silo Art Trail: Enhancing Community Wellbeing Boost tourism, amenity and community engagement in Allora through the co-design and installation of a mural representing important stories of the town. | Allora | $10,000 | |||
Prepare & Recover | ||||||
Mulgowie Public Hall Association Incorporated | Lets Get it Happening at Mulgowie! Strengthen the lifesaving capacity of a bushfire-impacted community by purchasing a defibrillator to enhance preparedness. | Mulgowie | $2,950 | |||
Withcott & District Progress Association Inc | Kitchen Renovation & Storage for the Community Hall Improve functionality of volunteers' catering and working spaces, and comfort of users with renovations to an 88-year-old hall in a community impacted by bushfires and floods. | Postmans Ridge | $21,150 | |||
Community Information and Resource Service Association Incorporated | CoolaFlix Build community resilience and foster social connectedness after flooding in Rainbow Beach through the purchase of cinema equipment and film licensing fees to facilitate a series of community fundraising movie nights. | Rainbow Beach | $17,510 | |||
Goomeri Pumpkin Festival Inc | Pumpkin to Power Economic Recovery in Gympie Region! Stimulate the community and economy post-flooding by hiring equipment to re-start the Goomeri Pumpkin Festival. | Goomeri | $15,000 | |||
Murgon Primary P&C Association | Murgon Community Fair Encourage people to come together and celebrate for mental wellbeing after the floods by establishing the Murgon Community Fair. | Murgon | $10,792 | |||
North East Downs Landcare Group Inc | Rehydrating to Regenerate the Landscape Build environmental resilience to flood through encouraging the restoration of landscape hydrology cycles by providing 'natural sequence' education workshops in the communities of Peranga, Brymaroo and Maclagan. | Peranga | $9,855 | |||
Tamrookum Memorial Hall Incorporated | Roof Repairs Enhance the recovery of the Tamrookum community by providing a safe and dry community space through repairing the hall's roof damaged during a flooding event. | Tamrookum | $24,420 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Large | ||||||
Boulia Camel Races Incorporated | Legacy - Boulia Enhance the process of COVID-19 recovery, reconnect residents, reignite tourism and stimulate the economy in Boulia through the establishment of a community cooperative. | Boulia | $50,000 | |||
Bundaberg Regional Council | Integrated Pathways at Kepnock (IP@K) Enhance the process of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic for disengaged youth in the Bundaberg area by facilitating work placement with the local agricultural industry and facilitating reengagement with educational activities and the broader community. | Bundaberg | $50,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Micro | ||||||
Cape York Institute | Mayi Market COVID-19 Resilience Project Sustain the work of the Mayi (food) Market by purchasing and installing freezers in four remote Cape York communities to boost food security in the event of future isolation such as that experienced during the pandemic. | Coen | $9,592 | |||
Innisfail Community Band Incorporated | Enhancing Performance Capability at Outdoor and Large Open Space Community Cultural Events Improve the band's capability to perform in a COVID-safe outdoor environment and sustain their work through the purchase of foldback speakers and the provision of appropriate sheet music. | Innisfail | $3,000 | |||
Mossman State School P&C Association | Community Navigator - Douglas Community Early Childhood Hub Reduce social isolation and foster a stronger, more resilient Mossman community after COVID-19 by engaging a 'Community Navigator' to support families to learn about and access early years services and learning pathways. | Mossman | $10,000 | |||
Rockhampton Women's Shed Inc | Tool Kits Reduce social isolation following COVID-19 and foster a stronger, more resilient community by providing basic start-up tool kits to establish the women's shed as a place of connection, and for developing skills and capabilities. | Rockhampton | $9,979 | |||
Tully Nursing Home Inc | Outdoor Area Improvements Encourage the COVID-safe reconnection of nursing home residents with family and friends through the purchase of outdoor furniture for visitation, reducing social isolation and fostering a stronger, more resilient community. | Tully | $4,960 | |||
SOUTH AUSTRALIA | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Orroroo Regional Tourism Group - District Council of Orroroo Carrieton | Chats Over Charcoal Enhance a men's support program and strengthen community wellbeing by providing a facilitated mental health and wellbeing workshop. | Orroroo | $5,585 | |||
The Beltana Progress Association Incorporated | Beltana 150 Years On - A Celebration of Our Township Boost local economy by increasing visitation to a remote location and support local cultural connections by engaging a bush band to perform at the Beltana 150-year milestone event. | Beltana | $6,725 | |||
Yorke and Northern Local Health Network Incorporated | Aboriginal 715 Health Check Incentive Shirts Improve health and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal people living in rural and remote regions by providing Aboriginal designed polo shirts to connect community members to a vital health check program. | Maitland | $10,000 | |||
Prepare & Recover | ||||||
American River Buick Orchard Reserve (ARBOR) - American River Progress Association Inc | American River Community Garden Support bushfire recovery on Kangaroo Island by enhancing a culturally significant orchard garden for broader community access. | American River | $10,000 | |||
Berri Barmera Landcare | The Environmental Connection Strengthen community connections and engagement to the local environment in a region severely impacted by recent floods, by holding six biodiversity education workshops. | Berri | $10,000 | |||
Friends of Port Moorowie Inc | Purchase of a Ride-on Mower Increase the capacity of volunteers to support bushfire preparedness and safeguard Port Moorowie by purchasing a ride-on mower. | Port Moorowie | $5,000 | |||
Hardwicke Bay & District Progress Association | Providing Cooking Facilities at Our Planned Beach Shelter / Lookout Support community to live well in a remote place and strengthen recovery post-bushfires by installing a barbeque at an outdoor recreation shelter. | Hardwicke Bay | $5,000 | |||
Marble Range Community & Sports Centre Inc | Marble Range Community and Sports Centre - Playground Develop a safe space for children's play and provide a health and wellbeing activity to enhance community recovery from bushfires, through the development of a playground. | Wangary | $10,000 | |||
Rotary Club of Onkaparinga Inc | Onkaparinga Rotary Fencing Project Boost volunteer capacity to support community recovery post-bushfires through purchasing equipment to rebuild damaged fencing. | Lobethal | $24,317 | |||
The Pine Village Land & Services Management Association Incorporated | Improve Access to Life Saving Equipment: Installation of a Defibrillator at Pine Village Provide emergency first aid equipment to strengthen community recovery and support health outcomes for the Murray River flood-affected region by installing an external automatic defibrillator system. | Murbko | $3,704 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Large | ||||||
District Council of Tumby Bay | Youth Empowerment and Skate Activation Program (YESAP) Reduce social isolation and build young people's resilience in a remote community impacted by COVID-19 by establishing a sustainable skate program designed to empower and connect young people. | Tumby Bay | $39,820 | |||
Pine Point Progress Association Incorporated | Construction and Establishment of a Community Shed to be Primarily Used for Storing Equipment and Undertaking the Sorting of Recyclable Deposit Containers and Modifying an Existing Shed for Cooking of BBQ's Reduce social isolation and foster a more resilient regional community post-pandemic through establishing a community shed for community gatherings and storage of community assets. | Pine Point | $17,321 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Micro | ||||||
BMW Football Club Inc | Building Successful and Resilient Leaders in the Upper North Community through a Champions Academy Sustain the work of community organisations across the region and reinvigorate volunteering after COVID-19 through community-wide volunteer engagement and skill-building workshops. | Melrose | $7,000 | |||
Bridge to Nowhere Arts Association Incorporation | BTNArts Community Infrastructure Project: Enhancing Creative Space Usability Year Round Enhance the process of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic by providing a comfortable environment for seniors and encourage greater participation in activities at a local community arts facility through heating and cooling upgrades. | Warnertown | $7,405 | |||
Community Care and Transport Incorporated | Melrose Office Upgrade Sustain the work of the organisation post COVID-19 and improve amenity and comfort for volunteers through the purchase of new fit-for-purpose office furniture. | Blinman | $2,670 | |||
Orroroo Recreation Group - Orroroo Football Club Incorporated | Roasting in the Roo - Camp Oven Cook Off 2023 Enhance the social and economic recovery of the Orroroo community from the COVID-19 pandemic by staging a two-day family-friendly festival. | Orroroo | $10,000 | |||
Southern Yorke Peninsula Agricultural Society Incorporated | SYP Show Pavilion Salt Damp Project Sustain the organisation and its work following the pandemic through building repairs to a local heritage building to provide a safe, fit-for-use community meeting place. | Minlaton | $10,000 | |||
The Booleroo and Districts Men's Shed Incorporated | Installation of Reverse Cycle Air-Conditioning to Meeting Area of Facility Sustain the Men's Shed and its work after COVID-19 by improving conditions in the facility through the purchase and installation of air conditioners. | Booleroo Centre | $10,000 | |||
TASMANIA | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Central Coast Marine Rescue and Training - Surf Life Saving in Tasmania Inc | Aquatic Emergency Preparedness for Volunteers at Central Coast Volunteer Marine Rescue Enhance community safety and boost volunteer capacity through expansion of training and lifesaving equipment. | Ulverstone | $9,383 | |||
St Helens Online Inc | Safety and Training for Volunteers at St Helens Online Access Centre Support and boost volunteer participation through the delivery of appropriate IT training and security upgrades to provide a safe work environment. | St Helens | $1,459 | |||
Turrakana Tasman Arts Inc | Lightwave Festival 2023 Boost community social wellbeing and foster increased visitation to Nubeena by supporting community workshops and musical performances at a mid-winter creative arts festival. | Nubeena | $10,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Large | ||||||
Launceston City Mission Inc | The Ark - Youth and Community Hub Outdoor Area Reduce isolation and foster a more resilient community post-pandemic through developing of a community youth hub for disadvantaged young people. | St Leonards | $45,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Micro | ||||||
Motherland Ltd | Motherland Village - Reducing Crippling Social Isolation & Connecting Rural Mums Reduce social isolation after the pandemic for new mothers and foster stronger, more resilient regional communities through the creation of an innovative online rural mother's group. | Dunorlan | $10,000 | |||
Mount Roland Land Care Inc | Reconnecting with Community and the Mount Roland Environment - Part Two Reduce social isolation in Mount Roland by facilitating a public tree planting festival, creating new connections to foster a stronger, more resilient community after COVID-19. | Sheffield | $3,489 | |||
VICTORIA | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Bendigo Science and Technology Museum Inc | The New Bendigo Planetarium Enable rural and regional school students to access a science education program that will feature Djaara First Nations astronomy knowledge, through the development of a new planetarium. | Bendigo | $10,000 | |||
Cowwarr Recreation Reserve Committee of Management Incorporated | Cowwarr People's Shed Boost social engagement activities and support capacity of volunteers to maintain a community space through the purchase of a storage shed. | Cowwarr | $9,624 | |||
Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre Inc | Community Co-Working Spaces Expand organisational capacity of a Neighbourhood House to support community members working remotely, through the establishment of a co-working office space. | Daylesford | $10,000 | |||
Donald 2000 Inc | Donald Social Housing Strategic Plan Engage with community and stakeholders to develop a social housing strategic plan for social and affordable housing solutions for disadvantaged people in the community of Donald. | Donald | $10,000 | |||
Fairfax Youth Initiative Swan Hill Rural City Council | The Marruk Project Support youth and First Nations people's engagement in the creative arts and promote wider community connection to local culture through the development of a theatre program. | Swan Hill | $10,000 | |||
Fishy Stories Fabelo Incorporated | Fishy Stories: The Fish Creek Children's Festival of Stories Engage young people in a creative writing and skill development program and improve literacy outcomes through the delivery of a children's storytelling festival. | Fish Creek | $10,000 | |||
Golden and Paradise Beach Ratepayers and Residents Association Incorporated | Golden Paradise Beach Community Tourist Park (Facilities Toilet Block) Increase visitation to a community precinct and improve access and inclusion for all-abilities through an upgrade of toilets to meet disability standards. | Golden Beach | $8,336 | |||
Grampians Health | Essential Aids and Equipment Loan Service Empower older people in the West Wimmera district to live safely and independently at home through access to a disability equipment loan program. | Edenhope | $9,975 | |||
Loch & District Bowling Club Inc | All Welcome @ Loch Improve access to social activities for all abilities by upgrading a bathroom to current disability standards at a key community venue. | Loch | $9,683 | |||
Macedon Ranges Further Education Centre Inc | Community Social Space Provide a comfortable environment for older people participating in wellbeing activities by providing accessible furniture and a smart TV to engage in online group sessions. | Gisborne | $8,759 | |||
Minyip Progress Association Inc | West Wall Repairs to Emma's Building Foster connection to place and opportunities for social engagement by repairing a salt-damaged wall in an iconic community-owned building. | Minyip | $10,000 | |||
Morwell Historical Society Inc | Improvements to Upgrade a 70-year-old Kitchen - Stage Two Provide a fit-for-purpose venue for older participants and volunteers by upgrading the 70-year-old kitchen. | Morwell | $10,000 | |||
Next Gen Theatrical Inc | Next Gen Presents... Provide a social wellbeing program to support marginalised communities in Gippsland and enhance the creativity of a theatre company through the provision of performance venue hire. | Traralgon | $10,000 | |||
Numurkah Toy Library | Numurkah Toy Library Building Capacity Project Support children's early education and development by providing a safe and efficient storage area for toys and equipment. | Numurkah | $9,612 | |||
Pomonal Men's Shed Incorporated | Better Access and Storage Support men's health and wellbeing activities by constructing a slip-resistant pathway and storage area to enhance the maintenance workshop. | Pomonal | $8,659 | |||
Pomonal Progress Association Incorporated | Communicating, Our way Forward Strengthen capacity of the Pomonal community to collectively support each other, particularly during community emergencies, by engaging a consultant to facilitate a community resilience workshop. | Pomonal | $1,290 | |||
Stanhope & District Development Committee Inc | RSL Seating and Montevideo Mural All Weather Shelters Encourage visitation and community engagement by installing shelters at two outdoor gathering spaces in Stanhope. | Stanhope | $10,000 | |||
Tarrangower Village Inc | Village Living Improve access to affordable housing for older people by engaging a consultant to develop a financially sustainable masterplan for a community-owned and managed retirement village. | Maldon | $10,000 | |||
The Patch Community Garden The Trustee for The Salvation Army (Victoria) Property Trust | Enhancing our Community Space Encourage participant engagement and promote greater nutritional health outcomes for disadvantaged community members, by providing a rotunda to shelter volunteers from weather extremes at a community garden. | Horsham | $10,000 | |||
Wodonga Senior Secondary College | Community Pathways Connections Foster lifelong learning and promote community connections through the establishment of an arts and vocational skills project to support disengaged school students. | Tatura | $10,000 | |||
Yea Community Service Group Inc | The Community Sufficiency Project Educate community members in self-sufficiency skills and build resilience to climate challenges through the facilitation of 12 workshops. | Yea | $7,183 | |||
Prepare & Recover | ||||||
Alpine Multi Skill Group | Upskill Community Workshops Support recovery from bushfires and develop networks between community groups through the provision of craft and skills workshops. | Bright | $8,430 | |||
Ardoch Limited | Supporting the Wellbeing of Children in Regional Victoria through the Arts Support the mental health and wellbeing of children impacted by bushfires through the development of a creative arts program. | Wangaratta | $10,000 | |||
Arts Council of Mansfield | Mansfield Arts Collective Studios (MACS) Future Proofing Upgrade Support recovery from the impacts of the 2019/20 bushfires through upgrades to a community facility to provide a fit-for-purpose and comfortable arts activity centre. | Mansfield | $9,859 | |||
Boort Resource and Information Centre | Boort Meet and Eat Support flood recovery and boost local connections by bringing the people of Boort together at a free shared community meal event. | Boort | $9,090 | |||
Committee for Echuca Moama Incorporated | Let's Get Connected Build group connections and support social and economic recovery of flood-impacted communities by providing a business networking event for women. | Echuca | $10,000 | |||
Coonooer Bridge Fire Brigade Country Fire Authority | Coonooer Bridge Fire Brigade Wildfire Thermal Imaging Camera Project Enhance volunteer capacity and community safety by providing volunteer fire fighters with vital safety equipment to detect fire hotspots. | Coonooer Bridge | $3,614 | |||
East Gippsland Festivals Ltd | On Foot in the High Country Support the social and economic recovery of bushfire-impacted communities by providing three curated walks in the Omeo region, as part of the East Gippsland Winter Festival. | Swifts Creek | $7,100 | |||
Goulburn Valley Sports Assembly Inc | On the Front Foot Enhance the recovery of flood-impacted communities and improve wellbeing outcomes by providing a mental health referral and support program. | Seymour | $10,000 | |||
Indigo Valley Landcare Group Inc | Connecting on Country: Building a Relationship Between Landcare and Traditional Custodians through Exploration of the Cultural Landscape Build First Nations recognition and boost bushfire recovery by filming Duduroa Dhargal workshops to share cultural geography knowledge with Landcare groups and the wider community. | Yackandandah | $9,970 | |||
Koondrook Development Committee Incorporated | Celebrating the Paddleboat Heritage of Koondrook Enhance regional recovery and promote community resilience by supporting a paddleboat centenary-heritage project and community festival to bring people together. | Koondrook | $24,500 | |||
Life! Central Services Incoporated | Rural and Remote Digital Suicide Safety Initiative Enable a suicide safety organisation to expand their reach and support communities recovering from bushfires by providing workshops and an online interactive program. | Corryong | $25,000 | |||
Mansfield Historical Society Inc | Mansfield Heritage Museum - Mansfield Historical Society - Mansfield Courier Restoration Project Enhance community connection and celebrate local identity in a bushfire-impacted region by restoring and safeguarding local historical artefacts. | Mansfield | $10,000 | |||
Meredith Community Centre Inc | Intergenerational Community Lunch Provide activities that support bushfire recovery and encourage community engagement by running a series of community lunches to bring different age groups together. | Meredith | $6,000 | |||
Myrtleford Chamber of Commerce & Industry Inc | Alpine Outreach Mobile Facility Provide a mobile health and wellbeing service to support community recovery from bushfires in Victoria's Alpine region through the purchase of a vehicle. | Myrtleford | $25,000 | |||
Raymond Island Community Association Inc - East Gippsland Shire Council | Disabled Amenity Upgrade as Part of Raymond Island Hall Extension and Renewal Provide an inclusive venue for all abilities and enhance bushfire preparedness by improving disability access at a community gathering space. | Raymond Island | $25,000 | |||
Rochester & District Horse and Pony Club Inc | Rebuilding our Community Kitchen Boost community wellbeing outcomes and enhance the process of recovery from a flood event by replacing water-damaged kitchen equipment and walls in a key community facility used by a number of organisations. | Rochester | $9,037 | |||
South West Alternative Medium Project Inc | Two Rivers Gallery and Artspace Upgrade Project Strengthen First Nations Gunditjmara culture and expand opportunities for bushfire-affected community members to participate in art and craft activities to assist their recovery through the repair of a gallery roof. | Tyrendarra | $10,000 | |||
Startup Shakeup Ltd | Town Teams for Innovation Support recovery from the impacts of the 2019/20 bushfires and strengthen community connections by providing an IT training initiative. | Bright | $25,000 | |||
Up2Us Landcare Alliance | New Volunteering Models to Help Transform Volunteering in Mansfield Boost Landcare memberships and provide younger participants with training and leadership skills to support bushfire recovery by delivering a two-day leadership and mentoring workshop. | Mansfield | $9,500 | |||
Upper Murray Performing Arts Inc | Snowy Mountain Tango Festival 2023 Encourage community connection and generate economic growth by delivering a creative dance festival that will increase tourism in a township recovering from bushfires. | Corryong | $10,000 | |||
Warracknabeal Action Group | Easter In the Beal Encourage visitation and support community recovery after devastating floods by expanding the Easter festival to provide additional entertainment and activities. | Warracknabeal | $10,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Large | ||||||
Regional Community Vet Clinic | Build Our Not-for-Profit Community Vet Clinic Reduce social isolation, provide volunteer opportunities, and foster resilience post-pandemic through supporting the establishment of a low-cost vet clinic for the companion animals of disadvantaged community members. | Castlemaine | $50,000 | |||
Regional Food Security Alliance Inc | Growing and Strengthening Volunteerism in the Food Relief Sector in Country Victoria Sustain the work of the Regional Food Security Alliance (RFSA) by developing resources to support volunteer recruitment and retention at food relief agencies across regional Victoria, with demand for services exacerbated by COVID-19. | Mildura | $47,050 | |||
Tonimbuk East Hall | Reconnecting, Rebuilding and Reimagining our Community Enhance the process of community recovery from the pandemic by upgrading the outdoor space of a local hall to encourage community re-engagement. | Tonimbuk | $50,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Micro | ||||||
Budgeree Hall Reserve Committee Inc- Budgeree Hall Reserve | Budgeree Hall Shed Encourage greater usage of a community hall to reduce social isolation after COVID-19 through the purchase of a shipping container for the safe storage of equipment. | Budgeree | $4,500 | |||
Destination Phillip Island Inc | Hire an Operations Coordinator to Grow the Island Whale Festival Revitalise tourism after COVID-19 and inform visitors about sustainable conservation by hiring a coordinator to run a three-day festival during Phillip Island's winter whale migration. | Cowes | $10,000 | |||
Destination Rupanyup Incorporated | S.A.T Fest Rupanyup (Silo Art Trail Festival) Collaborate and connect people, community and business to enhance the process of COVID-19 recovery by staging a community festival. | Rupanyup | $10,000 | |||
Dimboola Town Committee - Hindmarsh Shire Council | Wimmera Steampunk Festival 2023 Strengthen and enhance the economic and cultural recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic by staging a community festival. | Dimboola | $10,000 | |||
Jumbunna Public Hall Incorporated | Fix Jumbunna Hall Structural Problems Ensure the continued use of the community hall following the pandemic through essential structural subfloor repairs. | Jumbunna | $10,000 | |||
Laharum Public Hall | Small Halls Festival Celebrate community, reduce social isolation and foster a stronger, more resilient Laharum after COVID-19 through hosting a Festival of Small Halls event. | Laharum | $3,500 | |||
Merton Recreation and Memorial Hall Reserves Incorporated | Refurbishment, Repair and Renewal of Merton Recreation Reserve Pavilion Encourage increased community use of the Reserve building through vital upgrades and repairs, to enhance the process of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. | Merton | $10,000 | |||
Ouyen Festivals Committee Incorporated | Mallee Root Festival Enhance the process of recovery of regional communities from the COVID-19 pandemic by encouraging reconnection through staging a community festival. | Ouyen | $10,000 | |||
Poowong Public Hall Inc | Replace and Purchase New Chairs for Seating at the Poowong Hall Enhance the process of recovery of the community from the pandemic by increasing the amenity and capacity of the hall through the purchase of new seating. | Poowong | $3,875 | |||
Stanley Athenaeum & Public Room Indigo Shire Council | Revitalise and Reinvigorate Increase capacity and amenity to sustain the work of the Stanley Athenaeum volunteers after COVID-19 through the construction and installation of new work benches and storage. | Stanley | $4,862 | |||
WESTERN AUSTRALIA | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Cervantes Community Men's Shed Inc | Clearing and Fencing, Step One in Building Our Men's Shed Improve the Men's Shed's ability to support and service the community through the development of the group's new shed site. | Cervantes | $10,000 | |||
Great Southern Employment Development Committee | Wheels for Work Great Southern Strengthen employability of disadvantaged job seekers with expansion of a successful driver licensing program into additional outer regional communities and the translations of resources into different languages. | Albany | $10,000 | |||
Kununurra Agricultural Society | Clowning Around with Science Cultivate young people's wellbeing and education through play by running a series of free science and circus skills workshops at the 2023 Kununurra Agricultural Show. | Kununurra | $10,000 | |||
Moore Clothes Inc | Verandah Curtains / Blinds Encourage people to come together and connect by creating a space for community gatherings and volunteer events with the addition of outdoor blinds to enclose a verandah. | Gabbadah | $9,300 | |||
Shire of Mt Marshall | Mt Marshall Community Gardens Encourage a healthy lifestyle and promote inclusion for a small remote community struggling with mental health issues through the development of two community gardens. | Bencubbin | $10,000 | |||
Prepare & Recover | ||||||
Shire of Carnamah | Continued Connectivity Improve the community's resilience for future emergency responses during cyclones by upgrading the medical centre's electrical switchboard, enabling connection to back up generators during power outages. | Carnamah | $10,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Large | ||||||
Autism Camp Australia | Helping Hand WA Strengthen the skills and abilities of financially disadvantaged and remotely located autistic children and their families, as a vulnerable cohort impacted by COVID-19, to reduce social isolation and foster resilience by attending a strength-based capacity building camp. | Bicton | $50,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Micro | ||||||
Harvey Community Resource Centre Inc | Harvey CRC Outdoor Cooking Adventure Encourage community groups to have safe outdoor gatherings and enable fundraising activities to sustain the organisation's work following the pandemic through the purchase of an outdoor kitchen that will be available for hire. | Harvey | $7,272 | |||
Newman Neighbourhood Centre Inc | 2023 Newman Pride Festival Reduce social isolation experienced by LGBTQIA+ people following COVID-19 and foster a stronger more resilient and inclusive community through holding a Pride Festival. | Newman | $9,350 | |||
Teach Learn Grow Inc | Rural Program Enhance the process of recovery for remote primary students experiencing educational disadvantage exacerbated by the pandemic through providing free one-on-one tutoring and mentoring support. | Kondinin | $10,000 | |||
Wyalkatchem Community Resource Centre Inc | 2023 Wylie Arts Expo Reconnect residents after the pandemic through an inclusive arts expo with a focus on First Nations culture, reducing social isolation and fostering a stronger, more resilient community. | Wyalkatchem | $7,004 | |||
Yongernow - Ongerup Community Resource Centre Inc | Don't Lose your Head Reduce social isolation and foster community resilience after COVID-19 by providing a free program of mental health and wellbeing activities for adults, children and youth. | Ongerup | $4,500 |
Earlier this year, one of FRRR’s long-term supporters, the Pratt Foundation, made a generous $250,000 donation to FRRR’s Flood Recovery Appeal to support Victorian areas affected by the flood.
![IMAGE: Community Hall with boxes of food lining the space. HEADING: Vital funding already supporting flood-affected Victorian communities](https://frrr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Feature-Image-Resize-2023-03-27T123759.869-1024x768.png)
Over the last two months, FRRR has leveraged its networks to make ‘quick response’ grants to 23 community groups and not-for-profit (NFP) organisations in flood-affected areas of Victoria. The grants are helping to meet short-term recovery needs and help communities as they begin to get up and running again following the flooding events of this past summer.
Anthony Pratt, Chairman of the Pratt Foundation, said the work of the flood-affected not-for-profit groups is admirable and critical to recovery.
“The organisations that have benefitted from these grants are key to the recovery of these communities following the floods. We are very happy to be able to assist their efforts to provide support to the most vulnerable in the community, by providing the resources they need to start building back,” Mr Pratt said.
Sarah Matthee, FRRR’s Acting CEO, said the projects receiving funding will be crucial to the recovery process in the coming months.
“The Pratt Foundation’s generous support has enabled FRRR to work closely with communities across flood-impacted areas of Victoria to identify organisations who are playing key roles in recovery, by responding to local priorities.
“These grants are supporting a range of projects, including many neighbourhood and community houses, who are acting as key hubs to support community members, particularly vulnerable people. The funding will also help communities to build capacity, through activities such as mental health first aid training, so that they are better able to navigate disaster response and recovery challenges that they are likely to face in the coming months. Other grants focus on the repair of critical infrastructure, such as local community radio facilities, and providing immediate aid, such as distributing insect repellent to reduce the risks of mosquito borne diseases.
“This funding will not only help to address short-term challenges these flood-impacted communities are facing, but will also contribute to the long-term social and economic recovery of these areas,” Ms Matthee said.
Three of the 23 projects funded are listed below:
- Rochester Community House Inc – Rochester, VIC – Rochester Community Flood Recovery – Boost ability of a community house to provide emergency assistance through additional staffing hours. $10,000.
- International Association for Psychiatric Nurses – Shepparton, VIC – Mental Health First Aid Training – Support community recovery from flood events with mental health first aid training to build awareness, healing and recovery skills. $10,000.
- Gnarly Neighbours – Seymour, VIC – Supporting Youth Programs – Boost organisational capacity and support young people impacted by flood events to access youth programs. $10,000.
The full list of projects funded can be accessed on the FRRR website.
The Prepare & Recover stream of the SRC program is accepting applications to support disaster-impacted communities. More information is available at https://frrr.org.au/src-prepare-recover/.
The full list of grant recipients and their projects are below.
Organisation | Project | Location | Grant | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VICTORIA | ||||||
Bonnie Doon Football Club Inc | Drainage at the Reserve | Bonnie Doon | $8,072 | |||
Bridgewater Recreation and Public Reserve Committee Incorporated | Cleaning after Blaze Aid Boost volunteer capacity and community recovery through purchasing new equipment and cleaning a BlazeAid staging ground. | Bridgewater | $2,157 | |||
Cohuna Neighbourhood House Incorporated | Future Printing Project Enhance Cohuna Neighbourhood House’s provision of information and support to flood-impacted community members by purchasing a multi-functional printer / photocopier. | Cohuna | $10,000 | |||
Echuca Historical Society Incorporated | Two Men in a Boat Exhibition and Riverlife & Romance: a Tribute to "All The Rivers Run" Film Foster social reconnection and recovery in a flood-impacted region through free community events at the Echuca Museum. | Echuca | $2,250 | |||
Echuca Neighbourhood House Inc | ENH Flood Recovery Program Strengthen a Neighbourhood House's capacity to deliver emergency response and support community recovery from floods through the provision of material aid. | Echuca | $10,000 | |||
Gnarly Neighbours | A Roof for Gnarly Neighbours Boost organisational capacity and support young people impacted by flood events to access youth programs by covering rental costs to temporarily house equipment and provide a space resume regular programs and workshops. | Seymour | $10,000 | |||
Greater Shepparton Foundation Limited | Mosquito Borne Disease Education and Intervention Project Supporting flood recovery and health promotion in multicultural communities through developing educational material and distributing insect repellent to reduce the risks of mosquito borne diseases. | Shepparton | $10,000 | |||
Heathcote Community House Incorporated | Heathcote Community Flood Recovery & Support Boost Heathcote Community House’s capacity to deliver targeted support and programs for flood-impacted community members by funding community mental health programs (particularly for vulnerable and elderly residents) and extended hours to meet community need. | Heathcote | $10,000 | |||
Indigo Shire Council | FLOOD RECOVERY EXPO "Are You Bogged Mate!" Strengthen recovery and wellbeing by holding an information and mental health expo for the agricultural sector in the Indigo Shire. | Rutherglen | $7,560 | |||
International Association for Psychiatric Nurses | Mental Health First Aid Training Support community recovery from flood events with mental health first aid training to build awareness, healing and recovery skills. | Shepparton | $10,000 | |||
Lockington Recreation Reserve Incorporated | Lockington and Surrounding Districts: Flood Recovery Assistance Sustain volunteer capacity and support community recovery through cleaning and covering utility costs at a BlazeAid staging ground. | Rochester | $3,000 | |||
Mooroopna Education and Activity Centre Inc | Strengthening Mooroopna Education and Activity (MEAC) Strengthen community resilience and recovery by extending the delivery of community hub activities and programs for flood-impacted community members. | Mooroopna | $10,000 | |||
Nathalia & District Community Assoc Inc | Safe Streetscape Strengthen Nathalia Community House’s support for flood-impacted community members through upgrades to food relief storage, paths and seating areas. | Nathalia | $7,377 | |||
Neighbourhood House Murchison (VIC) Inc | Murchison Flood Recovery Programs and Activities Foster community connectedness and recovery in flood-impacted Murchison through supporting Murchison Neighbourhood House activities and programs. | Murchison | $10,000 | |||
Nexus Primary Health | Seymour Food Relief Collaborative Improve health and wellbeing outcomes for flood-impacted community members by supporting local food relief. | Seymour | $10,000 | |||
Raywood Recreation Reserve Committee of Management | Replacement Mower for our Six Acre Recreation Reserve Increase the capacity and capability of volunteers to support preparedness and recovery from natural disasters through replacing a flood damaged mower. | Raywood | $10,000 | |||
RDA Seymour Riding for the Disabled Association of Victoria Inc | Feed the RDA Horses Boost the capacity of a disability organisation impacted by severe flooding by subsidising operational costs for the upkeep of horses for a riding for the disabled program. | Seymour | $10,000 | |||
Rochester Agricultural and Pastoral Association Inc | 2023 Rochester Show Enhance regional recovery and promote community resilience by providing entertainment at the annual agricultural show to bring people together post-disaster. | Rochester | $10,000 | |||
Rochester Community House Inc | Rochester Community Flood Recovery Boost ability of a community house to provide emergency assistance through additional staffing hours to support flood recovery. | Rochester | $10,000 | |||
Rochester Secondary College | Anglesea or Bust! Foster social connection and enhance young people's recovery from flooding events by subsidising a school camp. | Rochester | $10,000 | |||
Seymour Agricultural and Pastoral Society Incorporated | Flood Recovery Strengthen volunteer capacity to run upcoming annual events and support community recovery from a natural disaster by purchasing furniture and equipment. | Seymour | $9,584 | |||
Seymour Performers' Workshop Inc | Seymour Performers Workshop Flood Recovery Supporting local arts events and community recovery through repairing and replacing flood-damaged sets and equipment at a local performance group. | Seymour | $10,000 | |||
Seymour Puckapunyal Community Radio Incorporated | Flood Rebuild Strengthening volunteer capacity and community connection and information sharing through replacing flood-damaged community radio broadcasting equipment. | Seymour | $10,000 |
FRRR has announced the appointment of William Myer to its Board. William is the representative of the Sidney Myer Fund, one of the founding partners of FRRR, alongside the Australian Government.
![](https://frrr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Will-Myer-1-1024x683.jpg)
Replacing Patrick Myer, William brings 10 years of experience in the financial services, family office and fintech industries. He is currently the Head of Analytics & Client Services for Australia and New Zealand with Bloomberg Australia.
FRRR Chairman, Tim Fairfax AC, said that the Myer family has played an important role in shaping the identity of FRRR as an organisation.
“The Sidney Myer Fund helped to establish FRRR and we continue to have a representative helping to guide our activities. William brings a valuable skillset to the board and his background in financial management and client services will help to ensure we continue to serve remote, rural and regional Australia in the most effective and practical ways possible.
“I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Patrick Myer, William’s predecessor, for his long service on the FRRR board and his commitment to enhancing the lives of those living outside urban areas. Paddy took a particular interest in programs supporting youth and I know that his legacy in that area will continue,” said Mr Fairfax AC.
On being appointed to the board, William said, “I have a deep respect for FRRR and the way they have been able to bring so many philanthropic and corporate partners together to support remote, rural and regional Australia. FRRR’s unique approach in supporting community-led conversations and processes genuinely help to build long-term viability and recovery from the ground up,” said Mr Myer.
In addition to Tim Fairfax AC and William Myer, the other members of FRRR’s board include:
- Anne Grindrod, Deputy Chair
- Georgie Somerset AM
- Annabel F. White
- Bruce Scott OAM
- Sue Middleton
- Andrew McKenzie JP
- Hon. Simon Crean
- Hon. John Sharp AM
- James Flintoft
- David Mackay (Australian Government representative)
FRRR is delighted to share that CEO Natalie Egleton has secured a place in the Social Impact Leadership Australia (SILA) program. As part of this program, Natalie will be taking a three-month sabbatical from 22 December 2022, returning 12 April 2023
![](https://frrr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/028_Sarah-Matthee_20201217.jpg)
Sarah Matthee has been appointed Acting CEO for this period.
In sharing news of her sabbatical, Natalie said she is grateful for the opportunity to participate in this leadership development program.
“This is a great time for me to take a break to recharge, reset and think big following eight years as CEO of FRRR, during which we have experienced significant growth and delivered much impact in remote, rural, and regional communities across Australia.
“I’m pleased to be able to leave FRRR in the very capable hands of Sarah, who has played a critical part in FRRR’s success in her five-years at FRRR. Sarah has previously filled in as Acting CEO and is well-known and highly regarded by our wonderful partners, staff, and Board. I’m sure you will join me in congratulating her and will enjoy working with her in her capacity as Acting CEO.”
Any inquiries can be directed to FRRR on 1800 170 020.
Final round of funding announced
Applications are now open for The Yulgilbar Foundation Fund grant program, which is run by the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR). Community groups and local not-for-profit organisations (NFPs) in and around Clarence Valley can apply for grants of up to $50,000 to fund projects that strengthen their capacity and resilience in response to the 2019/20 bushfires, flooding and continued challenges across the region.
![](https://frrr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022-tunes-in-the-trees-21-1024x683.jpg)
This is the final round of funding from this program, offering $2 million across the region through a mix of multi-year and one-off grants depending on the needs of local groups.
The Fund focuses on supporting projects that leverage artistic endeavours, boost educational participation, support locally-led environmental sustainability initiatives or build capacity for communities to respond to bushfires, drought, floods or other events like COVID.
Natalie Egleton, FRRR’s CEO, said that The Yulgilbar Foundation shares FRRR’s passion for community-led recovery and resilience.
“The people in this region have dealt with a lot the last few years between drought, then the 2019-20 bushfires, COVID restrictions and most recently, flooding. At FRRR, we know that local organisations are led by community members who are best placed to know and really understand what the community needs to recover and also to thrive into the future.
“The Yulgilbar Foundation takes the same approach, which is why this grant program was created in the first place. We have a strong history of partnering and it’s been great to work alongside them on this program strengthening the communities of the Clarence Valley and surrounding regions,” said Ms Egleton.
Community groups and NFPs can apply for the grants before 5pm AEDT, 21 February 2023.
More details, including the program guidelines and EOI form, are available on FRRR’s website – https://frrr.org.au/funding/the-yulgilbar-foundation-fund/.
FRRR, a one-of-a-kind Australian charity, has granted a record amount of $19.8 million to remote, rural and regional Australia during a year when rural communities have dealt with the ongoing impacts of COVID, the legacy of bushfires and drought and some of the worst flood events on record.
![FRRR reports record-breaking year, granting nearly $20 million to rural Australia_Little Pocket Community Group](https://frrr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Little-Pocket-1.png)
Having operated for 22 years, FRRR is the only national foundation specifically focused on ensuring social and economic strength in rural Australia. Their aim is to ensure that community groups and local not-for-profit organisations in these areas have the resources and tools they need to create sustainable, vibrant remote, rural and regional communities.
As reported in their recently released 2021/22 annual review, last financial year, FRRR awarded 991 grants to projects in 526 unique locations across Australia. Of the total $19.8 million granted, more than $12.3 million went to communities that were either recovering from or preparing for natural disasters like flooding, cyclones, drought and bushfires.
Another notable statistic is that for every $1 donated by FRRR, an additional $1.54 was generated in-kind or in cash, meaning that the total value of projects supported was more than $50 million.
FRRR CEO Natalie Egleton said that it was inspiring to be able to support so many community groups serving their communities during such a tough year.
“The last financial year brought a lot of disruption and hardship for remote, rural and regional communities across the country. From pandemic restrictions and floods to cyclones and the devastating fallout from bushfires, each community grappled with its own unique set of challenges, yet we saw common themes in each and every community we worked alongside during the last year. Generosity, agility and strength.
“To see locals and community leaders rallying together and continually stepping up to the plate to serve their communities truly is inspiring – particularly after the last couple of years,” said Ms Egleton.
Ms Egleton also spoke about the generous support of FRRR’s donor partners and supporters who helped to make their work possible this year.
“At FRRR, we work with an incredible network of organisations and philanthropic leaders who share our vision for a more vibrant, resilient and revitalised remote, rural and regional Australia and we are honoured that these organisations and philanthropic leaders continue to put their trust in FRRR. The past 12 months have been difficult for businesses and organisations of all shapes and sizes, yet the way our corporate and philanthropic partners continue to show up and show their support for rural Australia speaks volumes about the spirit of generosity and charity that’s embedded in our culture.
“This year saw the introduction of some new partnerships as well as the renewal of some long-standing partnerships. In particular, this year marked the 20-year anniversary of our partnerships with ANZ and Gardiner Dairy Foundation, both of which were major milestones,” Ms Egleton concluded.
You will find FRRR’s FY2020/21 Annual Review at www.frrr.org.au/AR22
On Arrernte Country
You’ve heard of the connecting and positive power of dance, right? Well, GUTS Dance Central Australia knows all about it – and knows it works. They saw an opportunity to use dance as a way to celebrate local diverse cultures in Alice Springs and, as the only contemporary dance organisation within a 1,500 km radius, this was squarely in their domain!
‘Alice’ as it’s known colloquially, is home to 25,000 residents, however there are no other towns or cities closer than 400 km away. Social cohesion can be difficult here, with divisions in the community “primarily based on race and historical disadvantage fuelled by a lack of understanding and exchange”. GUTS believed that they could address this and break down negative misconceptions through better visibility of minority populations through the art of dance.
“We see dance as a universal language that crosses cultural boundaries. People who are part of these dance groups are often newly arrived to Australia and they find cultural connection within the dance groups, or are First Nations Australian’s on whose land we live, and whose culture needs to be seen, respected and learned about.”
For much of the year in Alice, it’s too hot to have outdoor activities during the day, and there was only one significant event – Harmony Day – that brought together cultures in Alice.
They thought it was about time for another offering and started planning. As part of SPRING.LOADED.DANCE, GUTS’ inaugural contemporary dance festival, they would deliver a Community Dance Day (CDD), during which social and cultural dance groups could showcase their dancing, and audiences could join in!
Using a $9,800 Strengthening Rural Communities grant funded by FRRR, the festival team identified local groups to be involved, liaised with participants, undertook the planning for setup and packdown of the site and marketed the event. The CDD event took place on the Council Chamber Lawns in the CBD of Mparntwe/Alice Springs. It included Tinkerbee Arrernte Dancers, who got to showcase their incredibly important dances and gain experience in performing for audiences. The GUTS 50+ dance group ‘Chance to Dance’ had their first public performance – ”a wonderful stepping stone for building their confidence to perhaps continue to work towards more small performances in the future.“ There were Balinese and Nepalese dancers, kids dance offerings, Afo Afro Dance Group and Alice Swing.
The GUTS Brave Bodies group also performed a short piece by emerging Arrernte / Yankunytjatjara dance maker Toni Lord, created out of her grandmother’s stories. Most of the young women in the group have First Nations heritage, however for many this was their first time performing a contemporary Aboriginal dance piece.
Each dance group was paid for their time, showing that the organisers truly understand the value of each distinct offering and practice.
With performances from 50 dancers, and attendance by 230 community members over 2.5 hours, GUTS is confident that a broad cross section of the community was able to watch and participate, and benefit from exposure to the wonderful world of cultural dance.
Co-artistic Director, Madeleine Krenek, said they will endeavour to run CDD every year, regardless of whether the SPRING.LOADED.DANCE event continues.
“While there were many different offerings throughout the broader festival, CDD was perhaps the most celebratory, inclusive and fun event we put together.
“There was a wonderful amount of participation from the audience and the general energy was proud and supportive.
“Through GUTS’ work with young people in the community, we know that when dance is employed as a vehicle for empowerment and engagement, it is celebrated by a diverse and numerous portion of our population.
“Often, we find that people have never been exposed to dance before and once they are, it speaks to them in a way they were unaware it could. It is a form that defies the conventions and barriers of language and speaks to our commonality as humans through the bodies each of us possess. In this way, it is a tool with which we can understand one another and build relationships across many boundaries.“
Madeleine Krenek, Co-Artistic Director
For more inspiring stories like this, head to our FY 2021/22 Annual Review.
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Having worked at a community level for 5 years now, most recently as a Program Coordinator and Community Development Officer for Blackall Tambo Regional Council, Jaimee-Lee Prow has experienced first-hand the generosity and good intentions that relief agencies have when it comes to drought in remote, rural, and regional communities. However, these good intentions often don’t translate into practical and accessible support at a grassroots level. Here she shares her story.
To paint a picture of what I mean, I’ll explain a bit about what our experience has been with relief agencies within the central western Queensland drought space. Off the top of my head, I can name at least 20 organisations that offer much the same kind of assistance. This overlapping service provision is driving a state of competitiveness among these organisations and, from a community perspective, has led to a matrix of issues that prevent community groups from taking them up on their offers of assistance. This, on top of a disconnect at a community level, has meant that these relief organisations are actually hindering themselves from reaching the goals that they set out to achieve.
We rural people are a stoic breed. This over-supply of relief support has led to a lot of miscommunication, confusion, and apprehension, resulting in people abstaining from seeking assistance. Or else people become overwhelmingly confused about how to navigate the many systems with most deeming it as an added stress that they simply don’t need. Another familiar scenario is that of individuals, community groups and local-not-for-profits who don’t apply for assistance through one organisation because they’ve already applied for similar assistance through another organisation, and they fear that it will be seen as ‘double dipping’.
Beyond the confusion and burdensome processes, rural communities often feel that these relief agencies fail to properly consider the demographic that they’re dealing with. A large portion of our graziers, primary producers, small business owners and community members are over the age of 65 years with many of them either being extremely hesitant about social media or else completely oblivious to it. Yet, many of these relief organisations use social media as their main tool for promotion and one of their primary platforms for getting information out there. It’s also common that applications for grants will exist predominantly online and even requests for assistance are virtual. As a result, a large portion of our drought impacted population are missing out on the valuable financial assistance offered by the relief agencies. So, a word of advice – this generation still rely on good old-fashioned word of mouth, and mainly prefer to trust “the local bloke”.
Charities, not for profits and non-government organisations can take action to shift from their traditional roles as relief agencies and move towards becoming partners who walk in lockstep with resilient and prepared communities. These relief agencies are, of course, well-meaning but most, if not all of them, are based outside of our region. Some of them even have a strictly virtual presence. Which is why, despite the obvious devastation of drought that surrounds us, they often walk away scratching their heads at the low levels of relief uptake after briefly popping up in our communities. The lack of local coordination and sharing of information on the ground is, ultimately, failing our rural communities.
![](https://frrr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Feature-Story_Jamiee-Lee_564-x295.png)
So, how do we fix the problem?
The solutions aren’t necessarily innovative or complex. In fact, they’re quite simple. Below is a list of steps that relief agencies can take to provide effective support to our drought effected communities:
Step one: listen to the locals
As mentioned in the Red Cross Drought Resilience discussion paper, projects and program delivery from organisations need to be locally focused to meet the needs of the region they are working with. When it comes to providing assistance for our communities, blanket approaches simply don’t work and a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution doesn’t exist.
Step two: we need more than just a plan for the future
We are really at a critical point within the community drought recovery process where we need to keep the momentum going and continue to create or maintain partnerships. Within my local community. I have recognised a shift away from the initial panic and knee jerk reactions to the disaster. Local individuals, groups, businesses, and farms are now ready to accept and explore actions they can take to prepare for future drought- something that wasn’t possible in the initial stages of drought response.
Our initial response was to flood funds upon our drought impacted communities. And this was evident in the amount of overlapping we saw in service provision from our relief agencies. Don’t get me wrong, to a degree we certainly needed it. But what we are starting to see or recognise now is that drought funding is starting to dry up, and services are beginning to wind back in our rural communities. This imbalance between community readiness and resources, and the funding now available is a major concern moving forward. In the disaster recovery and planning phase, we need the resources now more than ever to be ready for next time.
Step three: simple applications and greater flexibility
We need to ensure application processes are simplified and easy to access. This will benefit all sections of the community but is crucial if organisations want their programs to be accessible to applicants aged 65+. Secondly, because each region is different, the criteria grants need to be made more flexible so that projects can be locally defined by the communities themselves and can be used to support a cross section of activities such as infrastructure, events, training, capacity building and network development.
Step four: recognition of the role that local organisations play
Local organisations are the backbone of remote, rural, and regional communities. Therefore, programs need to be modelled around their goals and needs. In order for partnerships to be successful and meaningful to our communities, agencies must be personable within the community, and the program itself must be driven by the community that the agency is working with.
During my time working at Blackall Tambo Regional Council, I have worked closely with FRRR on a number of drought resilience initiatives. FRRR have championed solutions that have been led by our community and that are driven by the needs and abilities of those living in our region. I believe that this approach to disaster recovery is the way of the future.
Step five: events and projects should be led by trusted locals
This is the valuable way to connect, respond, recover and plan ahead. While some are of the belief that the community barbecue or the local arts and cultural workshop are a band-aid solution to relieving the impacts of drought, those from rural communities would actually beg to differ. We come from significantly isolated areas. These types of community events, particularly during drought, are a necessity for creating touchpoints, social check ins, networking opportunities, and they keep our communities connected.
Some of the most brilliant ideas for future proofing and planning are sprouted through general chitchat amongst like-minded people at these types of events. We are already seeing some relief organisations which have come into our region, begin to recognise these events and spaces as the perfect platform for informal networking and building a rapport with our community members. As a result, partnerships have become stronger, and we find that these organisations who take these extra steps have a better understanding of our community’s needs which results in a greater uptake of their services.
Step six: continued government and philanthropic support
As I’ve already mentioned, it’s crucial that relief agencies don’t simply pull the plug and let funding dry up. Our rural communities are now more than ready than ever to prepare and build resilient regions through planning and projects. We just need the continued commitment to fund and provide resources.
Step seven: build local champions
As an NFP, charity and non-government organisation you should be an active collaborator, but you should essentially be led by locals. Start building your local champions in the communities you were working with. They will be your best investment.
Finally, I’ll finish with something I heard once that I believe perfectly sums up the attitude we must approach the future with if we’re going to continue to build prepared and resilient communities: “You don’t need to be strong to survive a bad situation. You just need a plan.”
Ngangganawili Aboriginal Health Services (NAHS) is an Aboriginal community controlled organisation that plays an integral role in health service provision for the highly mobile population in the Central Desert Region. It delivers more than 10,000 episodes of health care per annum to up to 4,000 Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal clients on Martu country in remote Western Australia. NAHS is a critical first point of contact between the community and the WA health care system, operating since 1993 over an area of some 184,000 square kilometres.
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The Community Paramedics operate under a model unique to Western Australia: they not only provide traditional emergency ambulance care, but they provide in-home extended care services, so that patients are able to receive high quality health care in the home without needing to go to hospital. This also facilitates the ongoing review of patients’ conditions that would normally need to be managed in an in-patient setting or via multiple trips to a clinic.
Through the support of FRRR and its donor partner the Kapikarnpi Community Fund, NAHS was able to upgrade the response bags in both of the NAHS emergency ambulances. The bags in use were ageing and inconsistent with a mismatch of brands and styles, and they feared this could lead to confusion in an emergency when working in the different ambulances. They were also problematic to clean, cumbersome and not designed with ergonomics in mind, increasing the risk of injury to paramedics through manual handling incidents.
The $4,333 grant enabled the purchase of modern, fit for purpose ambulance kit bags. The new ergonomic bags have an internal layout which allows equipment to be laid out in a logical manner that protects the contents and allows easier access. Most importantly they are designed in accordance with AS4146-1994 Australian Standards for Laundry Practice, which allow for the cleaning of pathogens such as HIV, hepatitis and vegetative organisms. This new equipment assists in the provision of safer services for the community of Wiluna.
Community Paramedic Wade Bloffwitch said that, “Grants such as this are vital to the operation of community-controlled, not-for-profit health services across the country and NAHS thanks FRRR and its donors for their commitment to the community”.
Support needed now more than ever for communities hit by multiple disasters
Port Macquarie, on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, is just one of many towns reeling from the effects of cumulative disasters. In their case, it began in July 2019 with devastating bushfires that affected many communities across the region. The fires burned until January 2020. Homes, livelihoods and, sadly, lives were lost.
Then in March 2020, COVID-19 hit, decimating visitor numbers and the vital income they bring with them, and restrictions hampered bushfire recovery activities. These cumulative impacts meant many retailers, cafes, pubs, restaurants, tourism and accommodation providers were forced to let staff go or, for some, to close.
In March 2021 – with COVID-19 and bushfire recovery still ongoing – the region was inundated by a one in 100 year flood. Thousands of people were evacuated, and five months later, many have still not been able to return to their homes. Today, pockets of the community are still without electricity.
![Port Macquarie](https://frrr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/SRCR7-MAD-PMQ-Pic-5-Credit-Alex-McNaught.jpg)
Fewer resources, but more to do
The struggle for small organisations trying to support their community is very real, even in normal times. So, when events like the bushfires, floods and COVID-19 place greater demands on their services, their capacity is challenged. But they fight on!
Make a Difference Port Macquarie (MAD PMQ) is a local support agency helping their community to respond to these events. Over the last year, they’ve had to work through how to do more, with fewer people. When COVID-19 hit, MAD lost their volunteer base almost overnight because most of their volunteers are elderly or retired and are very vulnerable. The pandemic also had a huge impact on the organisation’s fundraising. Like many small community organisations, MAD PMQ relies heavily on events to raise the funds required to deliver their services.
Volunteer Erin Denham said they generally run four or five fundraising events a year but were only able to run one in the last year, and that’s had a massive impact on revenue. MAD PMQ was supported by an FRRR grant that funded the stage for that event and the fit out of their mobile coffee van.
“When we got the FRRR grant, it took so much pressure off us as a charity – we hadn’t been able to run a fundraising event in nine months, and we couldn’t see a way out of COVID-19. The grant allowed us to continue our plan for our projects and support our community.”
As successive disasters have hit the community, MAD PMQ has adapted and expanded its role.
“Our focus has shifted dramatically since our inception,” Erin said. “It was originally homelessness. Now we’ve moved to supporting a wider range of disadvantaged people, so our work shifts and adapts based on the needs of the community and what’s happening around us, like fires or floods. The homeless population is transient, but there are just as many people in the community who need our help that go beyond that demographic.”
When the floods hit in March, their greatest priority was helping to address the immediate needs of those affected by the floods, particularly getting people back in their own homes by supplying white goods such as fridges, washing machines and ovens.
“It’s been a massive effort,” Erin explained. “We’ve raised approximately $50,000 so far, which we’ve since redistributed in white goods and other requests. But it feels like the funding is starting to dry up, and the demand is greater now than it was immediately after the floods.”
![Post flood clean up in Port Macquarie](https://frrr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/SRCR7-MAD-PMQ-Pic-3-Credit-Alex-McNaught.jpg)
Emerging impacts
In fact, demand for MAD’s services is the highest they’ve ever seen, and Erin says she thinks it will continue to increase as the full impact of the “triple-whammy” of disasters takes effect.
Erin said that while there was lots of help immediately following the fires and floods from external organisations and agencies, the responsibility is now falling on the small organisations within the community to pick up the load and continue to meet the ongoing needs of a community impacted by natural disasters.
“Most of the people provided with emergency accommodation until the end of June or early July are starting to have to move on, and demand for assistance to MAD PMQ is increasing.
“Everyone’s gone back to business as usual, you can’t tell by driving through town that anything happened,” Erin said.
“Just last week we came across a gentleman who is still living in his flood-affected caravan, with no power or running water. His caravan was written off, but he’s got nowhere else to go. We provided him with a generator, so he at least has some power.
“And I’m aware of a 65 year old man who was living in a tent in his back yard, while his wife was in emergency accommodation. They were separated for months after the floods happened. The housing crisis and gentrification are big problems, with people relocating from Sydney, and many people being pushed out of the rental market. And while they might be eligible for grants, often they can’t meet all of the requirements that’s needed and therefore they miss out on funding.”
Erin said that support through FRRR, such as the new Suncorp Rebuilding Futures program, allows community organisations to be responsive in the aftermath of the situation. By offering funding support for charities like MAD, the program will allow them to help residents get back into their homes faster.
![MAD PMQ](https://frrr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/SRC-R7-MAD-PMQ-Volunteers_Scaled.jpg)
Images: Alex McNaught