Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR)
Nearly half of the funding to go towards COVID-19 recovery
Thanks to FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) program, 130 projects across remote, rural and regional Australia will share in $1,663,531 in grants.
![HEADING: Rural communities given a $1.7 million boost. IMAGE: Group of people smile and wave at camera with birdfeeders.](https://frrr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Glenrac-project-32834-image-2-1024x746.jpg)
These projects are all community-led initiatives that will have a direct benefit to the people living in the local area.
For the first time, the SRC grant recipients have been divided into three streams: the Small & Vital stream, 2019/20 Black Summer bushfire recovery and a new Rebuilding Regional Communities stream, which focuses on recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic in remote, rural and regional Australia.
Funding to support COVID-19 recovery
In this round, 50 of the projects receiving funding are helping to support their community’s ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the RRC stream, these projects will share in $834,892. This includes initiatives like the Texas Country Music Festival, which will receive funding that will help to bring community members together again and improve social connectedness after extended periods of isolation.
Black Summer grants
This round will also see 25 projects receive funding to support the ongoing recovery from the 2019/20 Black Summer bushfires. These projects will share $410,519, with organisations like Kingscote Men’s Shed using the grant for a project focused on empowering the men of the bushfire impacted region, as well as a coastal habitat rehabilitation.
Small & Vital stream
Through the Small & Vital stream, 55 initiatives will share $418,120 in grants. This stream funds projects that locals prioritise to take advantage of opportunities, address gaps in services or generally enhance the vitality of remote, rural and regional communities. For example, the Akurra Walking Trail will get bilingual signage, which will expand opportunities to learn about First Nation’s history, language and connection to the environment.
Jill Karena, Place Portfolio Lead at FRRR, said that this round of applications really highlighted the need for initiatives to tackle the negative impacts of the pandemic.
“This is the first SRC round where we’ve received applications for COVID recovery support through the RRC stream and there were some obvious trends. A large majority of the applications we received were related to mental health issues and social dislocation, which is a strong indicator of how remote, rural and regional Australia is faring in the wake of the pandemic and successive disaster events including fires, floods and drought. This is often exacerbated by the housing crisis and increased costs of living.
“We also clearly saw the impacts of COVID on the sustainability of these backbone organisations, with 30 percent of applications seeking support to ensure they can continue their day-to-day work, providing critical services and support, often to the most vulnerable members of the community.
“When it came to the Bushfire Recovery stream this round, a lot of the applications were focused on reducing the burden on volunteer, whereas in previous rounds we’ve seen more of a focus on infrastructure. This aligns with the findings of our Heartbeat of Rural Australia survey, which showed that volunteers in rural Australia are feeling more fatigued than ever. There was also a strong trend toward greater community connection, with projects to help bring the community together to share their experiences and support one another in their ongoing recovery.
“Meanwhile, in the Small & Vital stream, we continued to see a focus on projects that address food security, although many now also incorporate multiple community-building aspects, such as a community garden also acting as the base for training horticulture students, boosting vocational skills and employment readiness.
“The fact that we’re seeing such distinct and varied trends in each stream of the SRC program really speaks to how important it is that rural communities have access to more flexible funding that can be used as local groups see fit,” Ms Karena said.
Some more of the 130 projects funded include:
- ShoreTrack Ltd – Nambucca Heads, NSW – ShoreTrack Recovery – Improve employability and civic participation levels of disengaged youth through work experience with the SES and RFS, including gaining essential qualifications. $25,000 (Bushfire Recovery)
- Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association Alice Springs Branch – Alice Springs, NT – First Aid Training for Home Tutors – Upskill home tutors and station workers in remote communities with first aid training. $5,000 (Small & Vital)
- Steaming on the Downs Inc. – Oakey, QLD – Community Skills Workshop / Mechanical Skills Demonstrations – Gazebos and Banners – Expand organisational capacity by purchasing a trailer and three teardrop banners, enabling wider social engagement and broader mechanical skill development. $4,110 (Small & Vital)
- Copley & Districts Progress Association Inc – Copley, SA – Copley Bicycle Repairs Program – Boost physical health and community engagement, and foster new skills in young people through the delivery of a bicycle repair program in a very remote region. $7,886 (Small & Vital)
- Squid Theatre Incorporated – Wynyard, TAS – Saturday Radio Theatre 2023 Season – Sustain the creative activities of a community theatre company by supporting a weekly radio drama, providing a vital point of connection for isolated community members. $2,842 (Rebuilding Regional Communities)
- Culgoa Development Group Inc – Culgoa, VIC – “Reconnecting Culgoa” – Reduce social isolation and foster a more resilient Culgoa through establishing a landscaped outdoor space for community gatherings and events. $50,000 (Rebuilding Regional Communities)
- The Nintirri Centre Incorporated – Tom Price, WA – Midwife Services – Sustain antenatal and postnatal care and support for very isolated remote communities in the Pilbara. $10,000 (Rebuilding Regional Communities)
A full list of grant recipients can be found below.
The SRC program is collaboratively supported by many generous donors, which are acknowledged on FRRR’s website.
This program always accepts applications. Local NFPs and community groups are encouraged to review the expanded 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/.
Organisation | Project | Location | Grant | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NEW SOUTH WALES | ||||||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Large | ||||||
Happy Boxes Project Ltd | Nyami Gawbarri (Women Gathering) Enhance the process of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic for Gumbaynnggirr women by supporting the expansion of services aimed at reconnection to culture at the Nyami Gawbarri community hub. | Toormina | $50,000 | |||
Human Nature Adventure Therapy Ltd | Wellbeing Sessions with a Therapeutic Mentor Reduce isolation and foster resilience through supporting therapeutic mentor sessions for Northern Rivers youth to enhance their recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. | Ballina | $21,000 | |||
Regional Community Care Ltd | Strengthening Regional SA and NSW Communities through Suicide Prevention Training and Support Sustain the work of Lifeline Broken Hill by supporting them to run suicide prevention training sessions across seven locations in Far West NSW and SA, providing the community with a suicide prevention safety net. | Broken Hill | $49,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Micro | ||||||
The Scout Association of Australia NSW Branch | Community Cuppa and Chat - Reinvigorating and Reconnecting our Community Reduce social isolation and build community resilience in Ulladulla by providing equipment and supplies for the local Scouts Association to host a weekly community morning tea. | Ulladulla | $2,550 | |||
Clarence Valley Conservatorium Inc | Forget Me Nots - A Community Singing Group Reduce social isolation and assist older residents of Grafton living with memory impairment and loneliness to recover through participation in the Forget Me Nots singing group. | Grafton | $6,000 | |||
Coomealla Health Aboriginal Corporation | Purchasing of Infrastructure Sustain the work of the Coomealla Health Aboriginal Corporation through the purchase of a handheld ultrasound device to reduce travel times for patients and help assess illnesses, including COVID-19, in the remote community of Dareton. | Dareton | $7,140 | |||
Country Womens Association of NSW | Spring Lunch Entertainment Reduce social isolation in Weemelah by supporting the return of the annual spring lunch through provision of hall hire, food, and entertainment by the Moree Ukulele Band. | Weemelah | $1,500 | |||
Hay Mardi Gras | Rainbow on the Plains Next Step, Step it Up Reduce social isolation for the LBGTQIA+ community and build resilience both locally and nationally for this vulnerable cohort through support for Rainbow on the Plains. | Hay | $10,000 | |||
Kendall Community Boatshed | Installation Of Vermin Proof Ceilings In Four Rooms Of Kendall Community Boatshed Enhance the recovery of the Kendall community by providing a safe and hygienic community space through repairs to the ceiling of the Kendall Boatshed. | Kendall | $8,050 | |||
Kentucky Memorial Hall and Literary Institute Inc | Purchase of Projector and Associated Equipment Reduce social isolation and foster social connectedness in Kentucky through the purchase of a projector and film licensing fees to facilitate a series of community movie nights. | Kentucky | $10,000 | |||
The Big Scrub Orchestra | Building Resilience for Young People in Regional NSW Impacted by the Black Summer Bushfires, Covid-19, and 2022 Floods through Modern Band Program Reduce social isolation and foster stronger, more resilient youth in northern NSW through participation in the Big Scrub Orchestra's modern band program. | Coraki | $10,000 | |||
2019/2020 Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Ashby Rural Fire Brigade | Replacement of Roller Doors For Ashby RFS Rejuvenate Ashby Rural Fire Brigade’s shed by replacing roller doors, which will enhance functionality and efficiency for volunteers in responding to bushfires and emergencies. | Ashby | $4,650 | |||
Association of Bell Clarence Dargan Inc | ABCD Inc Community Coordinator Ensure the continued delivery of community bushfire recovery activities for the communities of Bell, Clarence, and Dargan by employing a local 'start-up' Community Coordinator. | Clarence | $25,000 | |||
Bega Local Aboriginal Land Council | Bega Aboriginal Community Connections Project Support social connection for isolated Aboriginal elders, while also ensuring they are informed and supported in the case of future disasters, by supporting fortnightly lunches and activity sessions. | Bega | $22,627 | |||
Big Hart Inc | From the Ground Improving health and social wellbeing of bushfire impacted youth through creative arts and digital storytelling workshops and showcase events. | Nowra | $20,000 | |||
Braidwood Life Centre | Creative Spaces for Trust and Healing in Community Foster community health and wellbeing through a part time counselling service to support bushfire recovery. | Braidwood | $17,000 | |||
Community Defib Project | Community Defib Project - Lowanna Ulong Community Strengthen resources in bushfire impacted communities with lifesaving equipment, by purchasing three Automatic External Defibrillators to enhance preparedness in townships of Lowanna, Ulong & Brooklana. | Lowanna | $10,000 | |||
Goulburn Agricultural Pastoral & Horticultural Society Inc | Retaining Water for Future Use on the Showground Support bushfire preparedness at the Goulburn Showgrounds through installing rainwater tank. | Goulburn | $25,000 | |||
Gwymac Inc | Providing Support to Communities to Increase Wildlife Habitat Back into Bushfire Affected Landscapes Promote community bushfire awareness and preparedness and encourage the return of wildlife into bushfire-affected habitat by presenting educational nesting box construction workshops facilitated by a conservation expert. | Nullamanna | $25,000 | |||
Killabakh Public Hall Land Manager | Improve Killabakh Hall's Protection Against Fire through Better Water Catchment and Retention Increase capacity of the Killabakh Hall for bushfire preparedness and resources for water catchment by installing gutters, leaf guards, downpipes and works to connect rainfall to existing tanks. | Killabakh | $7,608 | |||
Rally for Recovery | Lightening the Load Support volunteer safety and build organisational capacity and efficiency through the purchase of pallet jacks and pallets to assist the removal and storage of heavy furniture items donated to people in need after the Black Summer bushfires. | Tomakin | $7,664 | |||
ShoreTrack Ltd | ShoreTrack Recovery Improve employability and civic participation levels of disengaged youth through work experience with the SES and RFS, including gaining essential qualifications. | Nambucca Heads | $25,000 | |||
Welfare Rights Centre Ltd | Social Security Training Program in the Northern Rivers Region, NSW Empower community organisations to support vulnerable residents in the Northern Rivers region, providing targeted communications and training workshops on navigating the social security system. | Lismore | $25,000 | |||
Woodenbong Progress Association | Woodenbong Community Resilience Strengthen community resources and bushfire preparedness for Woodenbong Hall as an evacuation place. Purchase of operational equipment including radios, laptop, lighting, medical supplies, toiletries, a shipping container for storage, communication tools, internal fittings, household items and supplies. | Woodenbong | $24,634 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Dundaloo Foundation Ltd | Dundaloo Enterprises – Community Awareness, Accessibility and Branding Create employment opportunities for people with disabilities by creating a website for microbusiness e-sales and providing work safety clothing for job readiness. | Taree | $10,000 | |||
Dunoon Pre-school Inc | Enhance the Structure of Our Roof Create a structurally safe and sound environment for children to play and learn by repairing the damaged roof at Dunoon Pre-School. | Dunoon | $10,000 | |||
Hargraves & District Progress Association Inc | Purchase of Digital Printer and Laminator Build connections and keep the community informed of local issues and events by purchasing a printer and laminator for the production of the 'Nugget News' local newsletter. | Hargraves | $891 | |||
Indigenous Futures Foundation Ltd | First Nation Food Security Project Reduce food insecurity by supporting a flood-impacted community with a purpose-built shipping container to store frozen meals for distribution. | Lismore | $10,000 | |||
Neville Equine Performance Inc | Multi-Purpose Horse Arena with Holding Yards Providing a Safe Environment for a Wide Range of Equine Events Build connections and provide protection from the elements for community events by purchasing a marquee. | Neville | $1,500 | |||
Northern Rivers Women and Children's Services Inc | Heartfelt House: Healing Pathways Program Support the community with recovery from flood and previous childhood trauma with therapeutic 10-week workshop to build awareness, healing and recovery skills. | Lismore | $8,520 | |||
Peanuts Wellbeing Sanctuary Inc | Strengthening Volunteer Base Support volunteer wellbeing and grow new ways for the volunteers to engage meaningfully with young people at the Peanuts Wellbeing Sanctuary. | Windellama | $5,318 | |||
Rankin's Springs and District War Memorial Hall | Bollards for Hall Safety Improve safety for preschool children, staff and hall visitors by installing removable bollards around the Rankins Springs Hall. | Rankins Springs | $3,000 | |||
RiverTracks | Post Flood Weekend Youth Engagement and Outdoor Adventure Therapy Engaging at-risk youth with an accessible outdoor adventure therapy experience, encouraging personal and professional growth. | Murwillumbah | $10,000 | |||
The Brunswick Heads Breakfast Club Inc | Brekkie Expansion Project Provide those in need access to nutritious, ready-to-eat food by expanding capacity and broadening local knowledge of available services. | Brunswick Heads | $10,000 | |||
The Showground Workshop Inc | Taree Showground Men's Shed Renewal Reduce social isolation and improve health and well-being by replacing workshop equipment damaged in the floods at the Taree Men's Shed. | Taree | $4,000 | |||
Volunteer Marine Rescue NSW | Jason's Cradle Improve emergency response first aid capability and strengthen community health and safety outcomes by purchasing a Jason's Cradle device to aid in the recovery of man-overboard victims. | Huskisson | $4,328 | |||
Walcha and District Historical Society Inc | Lawn mower purchase Reduce volunteer fatigue and enhance accessibility to the Walcha Museum by purchasing a ride-on lawn mower. | Walcha | $6,100 | |||
NORTHERN TERRITORY | ||||||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Large | ||||||
Tracks Inc | Wuyal - Sugarbag Man Reduce social isolation and build resilience amongst older First Nations community members by supporting participation in dance workshops connecting participants with culture and each other. | Batchelor | $50,000 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Director of National Parks The Trustee for National Parks Conservation Trust | Anangu Caring for Tjakura on Country Augment Indigenous knowledge and support participation in a research program to save the Great Desert Skink from extinction. | Mutitjulu | $10,000 | |||
Gapuwiyak School Council Inc | Cairns Work Exposure for Graduating Students Foster lifelong learning in a remote NT First Nations community through an excursion to Cairns to connect with tertiary education and employment opportunities. | Gapuwiyak | $10,000 | |||
Guts Dance Central Australia Inc | Brave Bodies Encourage youth engagement and participation in the creative arts with 'Brave Bodies' Dance Program for remote youth. | Alice Springs | $9,920 | |||
Isolated Children's Parents' Association Alice Springs Branch | First Aid Training for Home Tutors Upskill home tutors and station workers in remote communities with first aid training. | Alice Springs | $5,000 | |||
Pertame Language Revival Project Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education | "Pertame Relha Tningka Purta-irrema Kaltya-irretyeka": Strengthening and Connecting the Pertame Community Through Language and Culture Strengthen culture, revive the Pertame Language and bring community together on-country through camps and using digital technology. | Pwerte Marnte Marnte | $25,000 | |||
QUEENSLAND | ||||||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Large | ||||||
Talwood Race Club Inc | Renovations to Revitalise the Talwood Community Support the social and economic recovery of the Talwood community by upgrading facilities at the Talwood Race Club to enable a long-standing community event and broader community use. | Talwood | $50,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Micro | ||||||
Bribie Island Gem & Fossicking Club Inc | Purchase of Equipment and Supplies for Training Up Members to be Next Generation Tutors Sustain the Bribie Island Gem and Fossicking Club and their ability to recruit and retain volunteer tutors by upgrading essential equipment. | Bribie Island | $8,615 | |||
Burrum District Community Mens Shed Inc | Upgrade Outdoor Work and Assembly Areas Reduce social isolation and enhance community resilience by undertaking concreting works to improve the usability of the outdoor spaces at the Men's Shed. | Howard | $5,000 | |||
Clifton Dabblers Inc | Art and Craft Expo in the Park 2022 Reduce social isolation and foster community-led recovery by raising awareness of, and supplying materials and infrastructure for, the Clifton Arts and Crafts Expo in the Park 2022. | Clifton | $6,606 | |||
Nanango Tourism & Development Association Inc | Nanango's 175th Anniversary Celebrations 2023 Reduce social isolation and build community resilience by supporting an historical re-enactment at the Australia Day Spectacular as part of the Nanango 175th Anniversary celebrations. | Nanango | $10,000 | |||
Texas QLD Inc | Texas Country Music Festival Improve social connectedness and build resilience in Texas by supporting the hosting of the 2022 Texas Country Music Festival. | Texas | $10,000 | |||
2019/2020 Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Beaudesert Quilters Group Inc | Quilters Crafting 4 Community Build organisational capacity with purchase of laptop to further support the operation of local art and craft group and hosting of activities that support social connection in bushfire impacted regions. | Beaudesert | $1,750 | |||
Condamine Headwaters Landcare Group Inc | Learning to Love the Bush - Building a Junior Landcare Movement Increase engagement in environmental awareness and land care practices for children and young people in bushfire impacted regions through field trip learning experiences. | Warwick | $9,960 | |||
Zonta Club of Stanthorpe Inc | Zonta Club Of Stanthorpe Remarkable Women Foster a sense of identity and celebrate community connection by memorialising remarkable women of Stanthorpe in a garden, enhancing tourism and educational opportunities in local bushfire recovery. | Stanthorpe | $2,400 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Bamaga Productions Pty Ltd Inala Wangarra Inc | Bamaga Heritage Project Ensure the unique cultural history of Bamaga, and its founding by Torres Strait Islanders, is not lost through the recording of oral histories and restoration of the Bamaga Cemetery. | Bamaga | $10,000 | |||
Booringa Heritage Group Inc | Preserve Historical Machinery Strengthen tourism and engagement with local history by reinstating a steam tractor back to its original condition and creating a covered area to showcase it at the Mitchell museum. | Mitchell | $7,981 | |||
Goobidi-Bamanga Community Advancement Cooperative Society Ltd | Cooling Our Kids & Community Maximise capacity of the organisation to deliver programs for children and elders through the installation of two air-conditioners in the Goobidi Community Centre, enabling use of the space all year round. | Mossman | $8,730 | |||
Gympie South Primary P&C Association | Hall Upgrades Enable educational and engaging activities of the community groups that use the Gympie South Primary School through upgrading the hall PA system. | Gympie | $7,404 | |||
Kalyan Youth Services Inc | Yarning Circle Support relationship building and provide a safe space for homeless youth by installing a Yarning Circle at Kalyan House. | Mackay | $9,902 | |||
Kilkivan State School (Cattle Team) Kilkivan Primary P&C Association | Cattle Show Team - Kilkivan State School Develop the educational offerings and pre-vocational connections of the Kilkivan School Cattle Team by purchasing the necessary equipment to care for and handle show cattle safely. | Kilkivan | $6,380 | |||
Leading in the Central West Inc | Growing Our Region Provide leadership training in remote locations, that will upskill volunteers and community members to increase confidence, capabilities and networks of people in Central Western Queensland. | Barcaldine | $5,830 | |||
QCWA Branch Abergowrie & Long Pocket | Storage Solutions Strengthen organisational resilience and capacity by purchasing a 20-foot shipping container to store and keep furniture safe from theft, vermin or extreme wet weather and free up space in the QCWA hall. | Longpocket | $7,150 | |||
Returned & Services League of Australia (Queensland Branch) Mundubbera Sub-Branch Inc | Help us to Help our Veterans Reduce volunteer fatigue and enhance accessibility of a local community facility through acquisition of reliable gardening equipment for grounds maintenance. | Mundubbera | $3,962 | |||
Steaming on the Downs Inc | Community Skills Workshop / Mechanical Skills Demonstrations - Gazebo's and Banners Expand organisational capacity by purchasing a trailer and three teardrop banners, enabling wider social engagement and broader mechanical skill development. | Oakey | $4,110 | |||
Tara & District Family Support Committee Inc | Enclosing a Community Space for Year-Round Use Improve useability of the outdoor deck at the Tara Neighbourhood Centre through the installation of outdoor blinds and strip lighting, increasing comfort for community groups all year round. | Tara | $8,498 | |||
Texas Golf Club Inc | Disabled Access Doors Increase inclusivity of community events for those with mobility issues through the installation of large accessible doors to the Texas Golf Club. | Texas | $7,000 | |||
The Creche and Kindergarten Association Ltd | Interactive Learning at C&K Longreach Support improved educational outcomes for local children through the purchase of an interactive whiteboard. | Longreach | $4,300 | |||
Yelarbon Primary P&C Association | Safer and Prepared Community Improve emergency response first aid capability and strengthen community health and safety outcomes via purchasing and installing an Auto External Defibrillator at the Yelarbon Recreation Grounds. | Yelarbon | $2,500 | |||
Laura District Rodeo & Camp Draft Assoc Inc | Laura Race Club Reserve Water Supply Project Encourage people to come together to improve relationships and strengthen the local economy through the installation of a bore and a water reticulation system at a local Reserve. | Laura | $25,000 | |||
SOUTH AUSTRALIA | ||||||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Large | ||||||
Murray Bridge Community Centre Inc | Workshops to Wellbeing Reduce social isolation and foster a more resilient community through running workshops to re-engage a community impacted by COVID-19. | Murray Bridge | $50,000 | |||
2019/2020 Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Kingscote Mens Shed Inc | Improving Social Wellbeing and Coastal Habitat Post-Bushfires; Meaningful Activity to Enhance Connection for Men on Kangaroo Island Empower the men of a bushfire impacted region to engage in social activities whilst supporting a coastal habitat rehabilitation project. | Kingscote | $15,056 | |||
Lobethal Recreation Ground Sports Club Inc | Fitout of Community Kitchen Strengthen community resources that enable bushfire preparedness by installing a community kitchen in a newly constructed building at Lobethal Oval. | Lobethal | $9,536 | |||
Parndana Bowling Club Inc | The Disability Accessibility Project Increase community access for all abilities and enhance bushfire recovery opportunities by improving disability access at a community gathering space. | Parndana | $19,780 | |||
Parndana Community Children's Centre Inc | Parndana Community Children's Centre Business Establishment Foster organisational capacity by engaging a consultant to undertake operational and strategic planning to boost community economic recovery post bushfires in Parndana and surrounds. | Parndana | $25,000 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Copley & Districts Progress Association Inc | Copley Bicycle Repairs Program Boost physical health and community engagement, and foster new skills in young people through the delivery of a bicycle repair program in a very remote region. | Copley | $7,886 | |||
Foodbank of South Australia Inc | Annexing Resilience in the Riverland Boost the capacity of Foodbank SA Riverland to meet demand for food assistance, through the installation of a covered annexe at the distribution warehouse. | Berri | $10,000 | |||
Leigh Creek Community Progress Association Inc | Akurra Walking Trail Bilingual Signage Expand opportunities to learn about First Nation’s history, language and connection to the environment, through the installation of signage interpreting Adnyamathanha cultural heritage. | Leigh Creek | $10,000 | |||
Mannum Agricultural Society Inc | Mannum Show Infrastructure and Environment Improvements Project Broaden community engagement and support organisational capacity through the refurbishment of a gathering space and installation of a shade sail at the Mannum Showground. | Mannum | $6,170 | |||
TASMANIA | ||||||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Large | ||||||
West Coast Connect Inc | Queenstown Community Nursery Enhance the process of community-led recovery in Queenstown by supporting establishment of a new community nursery and garden. | Queenstown | $41,612 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Micro | ||||||
Squid Theatre Inc | Saturday Radio Theatre 2023 Season Sustain the creative activities of a community theatre company through supporting a weekly radio drama, providing a vital point of connection for isolated community members. | Wynyard | $2,842 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Forth Primary School Department of Education Tasmania | Sprouting Life Long Healthy Habits @ Forth Primary School Enhance student health and wellbeing outcomes and develop connections between community and local industry through establishing a school garden. | Forth | $9,100 | |||
VICTORIA | ||||||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Large | ||||||
Cire Services Inc | Building Resilient Children in the Yarra Ranges Reduce social isolation and foster resilience in the Yarra Ranges youth by supporting mental health and wellbeing programs for school aged children. | Yarra Junction | $43,388 | |||
Culgoa Development Group Inc | Reconnecting Culgoa Reduce social isolation and foster a more resilient Culgoa through establishing a landscaped outdoor space for community gatherings and events. | Culgoa | $50,000 | |||
Into Our Hands Community Foundation Ltd | Activate VRC: Re-activating Volunteer Engagement, Resilience and Capacity in North East Victoria Sustain community organisations and volunteer capacity in northeast Victoria through dedicated support to strengthen governance, planning, volunteer recruitment and grant seeking activities. | Myrtleford | $45,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Micro | ||||||
Foggy Mountain Inc | Foggy Mountain Primary School Song Writing & Performance Project Reduce social isolation for school children and support recovery from the pandemic through participation in song writing workshops and a community concert. | Kinglake | $6,340 | |||
Mission Australia | Volunteer Mentors: Driving Good Mental Health for Disadvantaged Young People Sustain volunteer capacity by providing mentors with training and support to respond to increased anxiety and distress in young people. | Bairnsdale | $9,950 | |||
Tatura Blue Light Inc | Re-starting Tatura Blue Light Disco Reduce social isolation and build a stronger, more inclusive community by providing activities for youth to connect. | Tatura | $3,000 | |||
Apollo Bay Chamber of Commerce Inc | Purchase of Event Infrastructure for Apollo Bay Community Events and Activities Enhance recovery by encouraging people to come together and celebrate community spirit through a foreshore events hub. | Apollo Bay | $10,000 | |||
Boolarra Folk Festival Committee | 2023 Boolarra Folk Festival Enhance the process of recovery from the pandemic for Boolarra by supporting the return of the Boolarra Folk Festival. | Boolarra | $10,000 | |||
Camperdown Theatre Company Inc | Purchase of Uniforms and Technical Equipment Facilitating a workshop to improve members' technical knowledge. Foster creative arts recovery and volunteer capacity through purchasing new equipment and volunteer uniforms. | Camperdown | $7,133 | |||
Chiltern Racecourse Committee | Chiltern Horse Festival - Celebrating 150 Years Of The Chiltern Equine Park Encourage people to come together and enhance economic recovery of a small community impacted by the pandemic by hiring equipment to stage a three-day horse festival. | Chiltern | $10,000 | |||
Clunes Neighbourhood House Inc | Rebuilding Capacity through Volunteering Reinvigorating local volunteering to support the process of recovery in Clunes through an online volunteer skills bank and community events. | Clunes | $8,326 | |||
Creswick Neighbourhood Centre Inc | Building Capacity and Strengthening Community Engagement in Events in Creswick and Clunes Enhance volunteer sustainability and skills development through an event management training program. | Creswick | $10,000 | |||
Inglewood & Districts Health Service | Enhancing the IDHS Residential Aged Care Outdoor Environment Enhance social engagement and connection with nature by upgrading an outdoor area to provide a more inviting space for the elderly residents and their visitors. | Inglewood | $10,000 | |||
Murtoa Progress Association Inc | Murtoa By Twilight - Moving Forward Together Reduce social isolation and promote community resilience by providing a local event that encourages people to come together post pandemic. | Murtoa | $6,450 | |||
Progressing Cobden Inc | Cobden Connection and Kindness Activation Series Reduce social isolation by supporting the community to reconnect through the Cobden Connection and Kindness Activation Series. | Cobden | $10,000 | |||
SisterWorks Inc | Capacity Building for CALD Women in Wodonga and Surrounds Reduce isolation for culturally & linguistically diverse (CALD) women in a regional centre and support development of new skills, through the delivery of a localised training program. | Wodonga | $10,000 | |||
Talbot Action Inc | Talbot Market Square Renewal Project Enhance the process of recovery by enhancing places for community connection and tourism through revitalising an outdoor public gathering space. | Talbot | $9,822 | |||
The Latrobe Chorale Inc | Trying Not to Lose our Voice: Keep the Latrobe Chorale Singing Foster social connection and connection to the arts by delivering facilitated choir workshops and community concerts. | Morwell | $10,000 | |||
Woodside Public Hall Committee of Management Inc | Replacement Fridges Enhance the process of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic by encouraging increased use of a public hall through kitchen upgrades. | Woodside | $3,998 | |||
Youth Art @The Colac Makers Space -ReGenZ Creative Otways Inc | Outside the SQUARE- ReGenZ Strengthen youth recovery from pandemic impacts by running a creative arts and mentoring program for vulnerable youth. | Colac | $10,000 | |||
2019/2020 Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Bairnsdale Neighbourhood House Inc | Bairnsdale Neighbourhood House Bushfire Recovery and Preparation - Strategic Review and Capacity Building Project Expand organisational capacity of the Bairnsdale Neighbourhood House to support bushfire recovery in East Gippsland by developing a strategic plan. | Bairnsdale | $20,000 | |||
Ecoportal, C/- Parklands Albury Wodonga Parklands Albury Wodonga Ltd | Ecoportal Website Rebuild Increasing capacity and capability of local community organisations to support preparedness and recovery through upgrading a web platform to promote environmental grassroots activities across bushfire impacted regions. | Wodonga | $10,000 | |||
Ensay Recreation Reserve | Rejuvenating the Ensay Recreation Reserve / Bushfire Relief Centre Increase capacity of volunteers to support bushfire preparedness through purchase of a ride on mower and storage shed. | Ensay | $22,854 | |||
Kiewa Catchment Landcare Groups Inc | A Strategic Planning Journey to Build Resilience and Capacity of the Kiewa Valley Landcare Community Empower collaborative partnerships and environmental initiatives in bushfire impacted communities through employing a facilitator to develop a strategic plan. | Mount Beauty | $10,000 | |||
Mallacoota & Genoa Broadcasting Association Inc | Radio for Recovery - Community Capability and Connectivity in Far East Gippsland Grow community broadcasting in Mallacoota and surrounds by purchasing audio technical equipment for mobile broadcasting unit. | Mallacoota | $25,000 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Barham-Koondrook Historical Society Inc | Turning the Pages of History Boost volunteer engagement and connection to local history through safeguarding a significant newspaper collection. | Koondrook | $9,700 | |||
Cobrico Public Hall Reserve | Upgrades to Cobrico Hall Improve opportunities for community connection by providing a comfortable environment with upgraded plumbing and amenities at the Cobrico Community Hall. | Cobrico | $5,520 | |||
Dingee Pre-School Inc | Art Magic to the Paddock Provide an opportunity for young children to share and identify with local culture through the creation of a mural illustrating the district's history. | Dingee | $2,400 | |||
Macedon Community House Inc | Macedon & Mount Macedon Community House Early Years Program - Start Up Procurement Project (2022-2023) Improve social wellbeing and development outcomes for young children by providing a local early years program. | Macedon | $9,100 | |||
Mooroopna Mens Shed Mooroopna Education and Activity Centre Inc | Solar System Enhance social and wellbeing activities, and improve environmental practices by installing a solar PV system at a men's shed. | Mooroopna | $6,000 | |||
Nhill Silo Heritage Project | Water Pumps to Protect Underground Assets Encourage tourism to an iconic regional town and preserve an historical community asset, through the installation of a water pump system at the Nhill Silo complex. | Nhill | $2,363 | |||
Pyalong Neighbourhood House Inc | Airconditioning and Heating for Op Shop Module Support vulnerable community members to live well in a place and encourage volunteer engagement through the purchase and installation of a climate control system. | Pyalong | $1,650 | |||
Stratford & District Historical Society Inc | Purchase of Ride-on Mower and Multi Tool for use at Museum Grounds Improve capacity of older volunteers to maintain historic gardens and outdoor exhibits through the purchase of a ride on mower. | Stratford | $4,950 | |||
Talbot Arts and Historical Museum Inc | Preserving our Past for the Future: Repainting the Former Amherst Hospital Isolation Ward Celebrate local culture, boost tourism and community engagement in Talbot by preserving an important heritage building. | Talbot | $6,776 | |||
Tatyoon Recreation Reserve Inc | Regenerating Old Grounds Strengthen community capacity to protect the environment and increase preparedness for fire events through rejuvenating a disused area at a recreation reserve. | Tatyoon | $8,000 | |||
The Koondrook Swimming Pool Inc | Sustainable Water Quality Improvement Foster health and safety and develop organisational capacity through upgrading the water treatment system at a community-run pool. | Koondrook | $7,490 | |||
Toongabbie and District Mens Shed Inc | Mobile Reception Booster Tower for Toongabbie Men's Shed Provide a safe environment and support social interaction for older people participating in Men's Shed activities, by installing a booster tower to improve mobile phone reception. | Toongabbie | $2,193 | |||
WESTERN AUSTRALIA | ||||||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Large | ||||||
Broome Community Information Resource Centre and Learning Exchange Incorporated City Information Resource Centre and Learning Exchange Incorporated | Broome CIRCLE Community Nursery and Universally Accessible Garden Boost community-led recovery and connection by supporting the establishment of a new all-abilities community garden in Broome. | Broome | $45,455 | |||
Glass Jar Australia Ltd | Art with the Stars – Spanning Western Australia from Kununurra and Tom Price to Narrogin Reduce social isolation and build resilience for Aboriginal girls in remote northern WA by supporting the Art with the Stars program. | Kununurra | $50,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Micro | ||||||
Merredin Community Resource Centre Inc | Spreading the Words, Sounds and Music at Community Events Reduce social isolation by encouraging people to come together and celebrate at community events by upgrading PA equipment to improve audio quality. | Merredin | $2,263 | |||
Nungarin Heritage Machinery & Army Museum Inc | The Barracks Sustain the work of the Nungarin Museum by supporting their 'Visiting Volunteers' program through renovations to the rustic accommodation for travelling volunteers. | Nungarin | $4,198 | |||
Quairading Community Resource Centre Inc | Kwirrading Noongar Tracks: Adding Casts of Local Fauna Footprints to the Pathways of Kwirrading Koort Community Park Foster a more resilient community with acknowledgment of traditional owners' knowledge and culture through incorporating local Noongar Indigenous animal icons into park pathway. | Quairading | $10,000 | |||
Shire of Christmas Island | Christmas Island Senior Programs & Activities Reduce social isolation for the elderly and offer a variety of weekly activities to improve mental cognition and physical health and wellbeing. | Christmas Island | $8,979 | |||
Shire of Tammin | Community BBQ Reduce social isolation by encouraging community gatherings and support social inclusion with disability ramp leading to electric BBQ area. | Tammin | $8,675 | |||
The Nintirri Centre Inc | Midwife Services Sustain antenatal and postnatal care and support for very isolated remote communities in the Pilbara. | Tom Price | $10,000 | |||
WA Bush Poets and Yarnspinners Ass Inc | Toodyay Bush Poetry Festival Enhance regional recovery through an infusion of arts and culture at the Toodyay Bush Poetry Festival. | Toodyay | $2,000 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Denmark Community Resource Centre Inc | Emergency Relief Service 2022/23 Reduce food insecurity and financial stress with provision of emergency food supplies for people experiencing crisis. | Denmark | $10,000 | |||
Kalannie Community Resource Centre Inc | Kalannie CRC Coffee Cart Entice tourists to stop in town and increase opportunities for locals to gain employability skills with purchase of mobile coffee cart to service community events. | Kalannie | $7,594 | |||
Otitis Media Group (Inc) | Listen, Learn, Live Provide local access and improve public health outcomes via education and treatment of middle ear disease in remote communities. | South Hedland | $10,000 | |||
Telethon Speech & Hearing Ltd | Healthy Ears Project Improve health outcomes and build capacity for early diagnosis and treatment of hearing problems in remote disadvantaged communities. | Karratha | $8,904 | |||
Yuna CWA The Country Womens Association of Western Australia (Inc) | Upgrade 1957 Kitchen Improve functionality of volunteers' working space with renovations to 70 year old kitchen. | Yuna | $10,000 |
In partnership with the Sally Foundation and ABC, FRRR is awarding grants to support six young leaders who are working on projects that respond to challenges, issues and opportunities in remote, rural and regional Australia. The young people have partnered with local community organisations to receive the grants.
Through a Giving Sub Fund, the Sally Foundation partners with FRRR to ensure that funding reaches groups that they could not normally fund, usually due to their tax or organisational status.
![HEADING: Trailblazers supported to strengthen rural communities. IMAGE: Tisha from the Cornucopia project.](https://frrr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Tisha-3-1024x768.jpg)
This is the third round of this program, which builds on ABC’s Trailblazer program, which in turn builds on the Heywire program. This round was designed to help Trailblazers from 2021 or 2022 develop their leadership skills and their capacity to make a difference in their communities.
Co-founder of The Sally Foundation, Geraldine Roche, said “In establishing the Trailblazer Development Fund, Mike and I have sought to provide assistance at a key point in these community leaders journey to further their projects.”
FRRR’s Philanthropic Services Manager, Jo Kemp, said that the partnership between Sally Foundation, ABC and FRRR to offer this program is an exciting way to build the skills of young people.
“These six grants will help these Trailblazers grow momentum for their ideas, get runs on the board and then be in a position to leverage their experience for future funding opportunities.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for the young people who have developed their projects through the ABC Heywire program to shape them into a ‘funding-ready’ application. A huge asset to the program is having Trailblazer alumni participate on the grant Advisory Panel, providing unique insights, curiosity and constructive feedback to the applicants.
“This year’s successful applicants tackled a range of issues, including access to STEM learning for children in remote communities, increasing wildlife rescue volunteers on the Limestone coast and raising awareness of children living with chronic illnesses in rural and regional NSW. The diversity of projects and people supported is a wonderful example of the range of issues that are driving young leaders in rural and regional communities across Australia,” Ms Kemp said.
Read the full list of projects supported below.
Organisation | Project | Location | Grant | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NEW SOUTH WALES | ||||||
Hunter Business Centre | Jack’s Digital Outreach: The Giggle and Learn Program Grow community awareness and involvement of children living with chronic illness in regional areas through the creation of fun and engaging media content and educational resources. | Newcastle | $6,330 | |||
NORTHERN TERRITORY | ||||||
Melaleuca Refugee Centre Torture & Trauma Survivor's Service of the Northern Territory Inc | Cornucopia Build the capacity of Trailblazer participant to deliver an art and storytelling project profiling rural and regional migrants and refugees in the Northern Territory through the purchase of software, office supplies, and furniture. | Darwin | $5,330 | |||
QUEENSLAND | ||||||
RoboCoast Sunshine Coast Robotics Association | Red Dirt Robotics Increase access to STEM learning, including robotics and coding, for regional and remote children by building the operational capacity of Red Dirt Robotics. | Sunshine Coast | $4,335 | |||
Rotary Club of Sunnybank Hills Inc | Skating Towards Inclusion Boost community awareness and accessibility for people with disabilities to participate in a wider range of activities through Wheel Chair Moto Cross skate park demonstrations events and workshops in regional towns and cities. | Sunnybank Hills | $4,340 | |||
Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (Queensland Section) Limited | Aviatrix Australia Increase awareness of aviation career pathways for students in rural communities, particularly girls, through an educational podcast series and school visitation program. | Townsville | $4,335 | |||
SOUTH AUSTRALIA | ||||||
South East Animal Welfare League of South Australia Inc | Rescuing the Rescuers Increase availability of wildlife rescue services across the Limestone Coast in SA through delivery of training, supplies and equipment, and essential health vaccines for volunteers. | Mount Gambier | $5,330 |
In this quarter’s update for FRRR’s donor partners, read about:
- Tiwi Enterprises: strengthening their community in the Northern Territory
- Progress Report
- Insights from the bush
- Donor spotlight: Raine & Horne Foundation
- Support Victorian communities to be Disaster Resilient: Future Ready
![](https://frrr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Donor-News-URL-Designs-1-1-1024x538.png)
Twenty-seven community-led groups in remote, rural and regional NSW will share in $912,505 awarded through the Resilience NSW COVID Regional Community Support (CRCS) program.
![](https://frrr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Capacity-Building-Recipients-graphic.png)
Funded by the NSW Government and administered by the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR), the grants were allocated to grassroots community groups and not-for-profit organisations that helped their communities navigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
NSW Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the funding stream would help these groups build resilience and better mitigate the impact of pandemics and other disasters across their communities.
“We awarded between $3,363 and $50,000 to organisations, to support a wide range of regional capacity building initiatives to help enhance community wellbeing, create stronger local economies, and enable a greater ability to respond to future challenges,” Ms Cooke said.
“The pandemic has posed plenty of difficulties for people and families in remote and regional areas over the past two years, and community-led organisations played an important role in navigating those challenges.”
Ms Cooke said some of the common requests from community groups involved facility improvements, food security and assisting with the increased demand on local services in flood-devastated areas such as the Northern Rivers.
“We’ve been able to address some of these needs through this funding stream, to ensure these groups and the communities they work with are in better stead for the future.”
Some of the 27 funded projects include:
- Agape Outreach Inc in Tweed Heads to improve staff and volunteer resilience and increase capacity to support the community through mental health and wellbeing training – $36,600.
- Forster Neighbourhood Centre Inc in Forster to promote organisational capacity and support local access to essential services by contributing to the fit-out of the new Forster Neighbourhood Centre – $50,000.
- Gunnedah Meals on Wheels Association in Gunnedah to improve the capacity of Gunnedah Meals on Wheels to support vulnerable community members through a hamper program and the purchase of a large deep freezer – $8,150.
- LeaderLife Ltd in Dubbo to grow organisational resilience and support skills development in local youth through a new syntropic farming system – $50,000.
- Sustainable Agriculture and Gardening Eurobodalla in Moruya to increase organisational capacity and promote food security in the Eurobodalla Shire through the hiring of a Business Manager – $50,000.
Natalie Egleton, CEO of FRRR, said the grants acknowledge and will strengthen the capacity of regional organisations in NSW who played such a critical role in supporting communities throughout COVID-19 challenges.
“The impact of the pandemic has been significant and is still being felt,” Ms Egleton said. “The flexibility of this program recognised that every community is different and requires tailored support and funding to ensure that they can continue to provide vital services, bring people and community organisations together and enable locally-led responses as and when required.
“Being able to support the many community organisations and not-for-profits who have gone above and beyond for their communities during such difficult times and enable them to be better prepared in the future is important to the ongoing sustainability and vibrancy of these communities.”
A complete list of the projects supported is below.
Organisation | Project | Location | Grant |
---|---|---|---|
Agape Outreach Inc | Upskill Disaster Support & Resilience Project | Tweed Heads | $36,600 |
Albury Wodonga Regional Foodshare | Community Pantry | Albury | $25,000 |
Armidale Care for Seniors Inc | Installation of Solar Panels and Implement a Senior's Wellness Activity | Armidale | $35,280 |
Bega Valley Shire Business Forum | Growing Volunteer Participation in Local Business Chambers | Bega | $50,000 |
Boys To The Bush Ltd | Boys to the Bush (BttB) Young Up and Coming | Young | $49,970 |
Carevan Wagga Incorporated | Carevan Continues to Care | Wagga Wagga | $3,363 |
Carries Place Domestic Violence and Homelessness Services Inc | Establishing Client Centric Spaces within a Community Hub to Support the Provision of Domestic Violence and Homelessness Services in the Hunter Community | Maitland | $23,188 |
Community College-Northern Inland Inc | Human Resources Project | Barraba | $30,000 |
Coonamble Cancer Survival Fund Inc | Governance Training | Coonamble | $4,095 |
Emmanuel Care Centre Inc | Business Continuation | Dubbo | $26,508 |
Forster Neighbourhood Centre Inc | Futureproofing Forster/Tuncurry | Forster-Tuncurry | $50,000 |
Gundagai Neighbourhood Centre Inc | Fridays for Friendship | Gundagai | $42,766 |
Gunnedah Meals on Wheels Association | Our Elderly are Resilient and Deserved to be Looked After | Gunnedah | $8,150 |
Home-Start National Inc | Newcastle/Lake Macquarie Volunteer Resilience Project | Lake Macquarie | $20,546 |
Kempsey Neighbourhood Centre Inc | Connecting Community | Kempsey | $43,546 |
LeaderLife Ltd | LeaderLife with Syntropics: Let's Grow | Dubbo | $50,000 |
Liberty Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services Inc | Liberty Domestic and Family Violence Wellbeing Space | Port Macquarie | $50,000 |
Louisa Johnston Centre Inc | Bonalbo Stay Connected with a New Computer Hub | Bonalbo | $40,648 |
Manning Support Services Inc | Keeping Families Connected | Taree | $12,581 |
Queer Family Inc | Queer Family Recovery Officer | Mullumbimby | $49,700 |
Rural Financial Counselling Service, NSW - Southern Region Ltd | Building Counsellor & Business Coach Capacity | Wagga Wagga | $50,000 |
Singleton Family Support Scheme | Singleton Family Support Scheme Incorporated | Singleton | $49,500 |
Support for New Mums | Attracting, Training and Retaining Volunteers | Murwillumbah | $10,204 |
Sustainable Agriculture and Gardening Eurobodalla | SAGE NSW Inc - Building Capacity and Resilience Project | Moruya | $50,000 |
Third Sector Australia Ltd | The Meeting Place | Casino | $1,5950 |
We Help Ourselves | WHOS Hunter - Day Program Fitout | Newcastle | $35,670 |
Wyee Community Hub Inc | Building Resilience after COVID at Wyee | Wyee | $49,240 |
Fourteen mental health initiatives across remote, rural and regional Australia will share in $204,607 in grants awarded through FRRR’s In a Good Place (IAGP) program.
Thanks to CCI Giving, the charitable foundation established by Catholic Church Insurance (CCI), these grants will support grassroots, community driven projects that increase social participation, help to reduce social isolation and encourage community members who are at risk of, or are experiencing, mental health issues to seek help. FRRR and CCI Giving are now in the fifth year of their partnership.
This year, the grants range from $8,000 for an initiative that will build the confidence of primary school children in Mount Murchison, QLD to $20,000 for a project that will help various communities in the Northern Territory to better understand what a developing mental health problem or crisis looks like, and respond appropriately.
Jeremy Yipp, CCI Chief Risk Officer of CCI and Chair of CCI Giving, said that the sustained interest in the program is a sign of how essential it is.
“Each year, we receive applications and expressions of interests that really highlight the gap in funding when it comes to flexible grants that are geared towards grassroots mental health programs and services. The goal of this program is to help fill that gap and offer rural communities a say in how their mental health resources are used. After all, they are the people who are being directly impacted,” said Mr Yipp.
Natalie Egleton, CEO of FRRR, said this program is particularly crucial now because of the increase in mental health struggles in rural Australia stemming from pressures of the pandemic and other natural disasters like floods, bushfires and drought.
“The last few years have seen remote, rural and regional communities facing challenges like never before. Often these events occur one after the other – or even at the same time. This has meant that many people in rural communities have been unable to access mental health services or support at a time when they need it most.
“In this round, we were delighted to see an increase in applications from the Northern Territory. Remote communities are often the places with the most limited access to mental health services, so it’s great to be able to help fill that gap. We also saw more requests for funding to support initiatives focussed on young people, and again, we are pleased to be able to support several of those projects to help equip them with the skills and strategies to cope with the many challenges they face,” said Ms Egleton.
Some of the 14 initiatives being funded include:
![](https://frrr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Mentally-Healthy-Mothers-Project-edited-scaled.jpg)
- Trustee for St Francis Xavier Primary, Lake Cargelligo – Lake Cargelligo, NSW – Earlymind – $9,062 – Develop resilience, a positive mindset andawareness of self by implementing and embedding The Resilience Project School Partnership Program to support the social and emotional health and wellbeing of students and the broader community.
- Bluearth Foundation – Ltyentye Apurte, NT – Active Leaders Ltyentye Apurte (Santa Teresa) – $13,000 – Develop the confidence, resilience and self-awareness of senior students to enable them to create and guide physical activity and wellbeing programs for the primary school students to encourage and promote physical and mental health and wellbeing.
- Kanyini Connections Ltd – Doonan, QLD – Young Veterans PTSD Program – $20,000 – Support a tailored equine therapy program by providing funds for essential program materials, equipment and consumables to assist 48 young veterans living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder who have not responded to other therapy options.
- Lameroo Forward Inc – Lameroo, SA – Southern Mallee Mental Health Presentations – $10,000 – Grow community understanding of mental health and increase awareness by bringing in a guest speaker to share vital tips and advice at two community presentations.
- Zoe Support Australia – Mildura, VIC – Mentally Healthy Mothers – $20,000 – Augment the current support for vulnerable young mothers by employing a case manager to provide support wrap around support, connections with community supports and knowledge around mental health for those who are struggling with their mental health.
- Tradies IN Sight – Dubbo region , NSW The Real Reconnections Tour $10,000 – Support tradies in rural communities to connect and develop trusted relationships that support, empower and encourage gain better understanding of mental health issues and break down stigma around dealing with emotional struggles.
The full list of grant recipients and their projects are below.
Organisation | Project | Location | Grant | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NEW SOUTH WALES | ||||||
The Rural Woman Co-Operative Ltd | Mental Health Matters - Circles of Support Enhance the mental health and wellbeing of rural women by providing a series of professionally facilitated and moderated online groups and a training program to enable participants to connect, learn, seek support and thrive. | Armidale | $14,100 | |||
Tradies IN Sight Inc | The Real Reconnections Tour Support rural communities to connect and develop trusted relationships that support, empower and encourage gain better understanding of mental health issues and break down stigma around dealing with emotional struggles. | Dubbo, Tullamore, Narromine, Coonamble, Parkes | $10,000 | |||
Trustee for St Francis Xavier Primary, Lake Cargelligo | Earlymind Develop resilience, a positive mindset and awareness of self by implementing and embedding The Resilience Project School Partnership Program to support the social and emotional health and wellbeing of students and the broader community. | Lake Cargelligo | $9,062 | |||
NORTHERN TERRITORY | ||||||
SabrinasReach4Life Inc | Heads Up Increase the capacity and confidence of local communities to better understand what a developing mental health problem or crisis looks like, and develop the skills and confidence to offer and apply help offering behaviours to reduce the incidences of suicide. | Darwin, Jabiru, Litchfield, Katherine | $20,000 | |||
Bluearth Foundation | Active Leaders Ltyentye Apurte (Santa Teresa) Develop the confidence, resilience and selfawareness of senior students to enable them to create and guide physical activity and wellbeing programs for the primary school students to encourage and promote physical and mental health and wellbeing. | Ltyentye Apurte (Santa Teresa) | $13,000 | |||
QUEENSLAND | ||||||
Chinchilla Family Support Centre Inc | Eating With Friends in Chinchilla Increase social connection and awareness of support services by initiating an Eating With Friends program to improve the mental health of isolated members of the community, particularly older people and FIFO workers. | Chinchilla | $11,950 | |||
Kanyini Connections Ltd | Young Veterans PTSD Program Support a tailored equine therapy program by providing funds for essential program materials, equipment and consumables to assist 48 young veterans living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder who have not responded to other therapy options. | Doonan | $20,000 | |||
Mount Murchison State School | Game Changer: helping Students Achieve their True Potential Cultivate confidence in primary school children to cope with life and change by supporting five schools to implement a locally facilitated program, including staff development, to foster positive learning environments and enhance social and emotional wellbeing. | Mount Murchison | $8,000 | |||
SOUTH AUSTRALIA | ||||||
Lameroo Forward Inc | Southern Mallee Mental Health Presentations Grow community understanding of mental health and increase awareness by bringing in a guest speaker to share vital tips and advice at two community presentations. | Lameroo | $10,000 | |||
VICTORIA | ||||||
Crossenvale Community Group Inc | Yarn in the Park Create a safe, welcoming space for locals experiencing mental health issues to attend weekly support group sessions to receive support, connection, information and resources. | Echuca | $18,295 | |||
Zoe Support Australia | Mentally Healthy Mothers Augment the current support for vulnerable young mothers by employing a case manager to provide support wrap around support, connections with community supports and knowledge around mental health for those who are struggling with their mental health. | Mildura | $20,000 | |||
Let's Talk Foundation Ltd | LETS TALK, Woolshed to Clubhouse Build community engagement with the LETS TALK initiative through a series of local presentations that encourage helpseeking behaviour, and raise the level of community competence in supporting someone with mental health issues. | Terang, Hamilton, Port Fairy | $15,225 | |||
WESTERN AUSTRALIA | ||||||
Northam Senior High School | Northam Senior High School Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Program Improve the knowledge, skills, and selfefficacy of Northam SHS staff and parents/caregivers to teach, model and support social and emotional competencies to students, and support students to improve their own social and emotional wellbeing. | Northam | $20,000 | |||
York District High School | Social and Emotional Learning Programs Improve the social and emotional wellbeing of K-Year 10 students through teacher training and purchase of resources to support the implementation across the school curriculum. | York | $14,975 |
The NSW / VIC border towns of Albury / Wodonga and surrounds were severely impacted by the cross-border lockdowns during COVID restrictions. THose who live in these adjacent communities consider them one town, yet community members were unable to cross the border unless there was an extenuating circumstance. That meant families were unable to support isolated elderly family members and those living in challenging conditions, and this was exacerbated by the devastating effects of the Black Saturday bushfires which also affected the community.
![HEADING: Combatting COVID with Care. IMAGE: Albury Wodonga Regional FoodShare Logo.](https://frrr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/1377145_844646878924079_2770836116575788434_n.jpg)
The COVID Regional Community Support program, which was funded by the New South Wales Government and delivered by FRRR, was designed to support community groups and associated volunteers that incurred expenses in delivering food and personal care items to individuals and families affected by COVID lockdowns, by contributing funds to support ongoing service provision.
One such organisation to benefit from this program with a reimbursement grant of $13,500 was Albury Wodonga Regional FoodShare, who has supported those in need in their community since 2011, and their response to the COVID-19 pandemic was remarkable.
FoodShare commenced their Community Pantry program in 2020, which enabled food hampers to be delivered directly to members of the community. To alleviate some of the hardship experienced by families in the region due to the long-term impacts of COVID and cross-border lockdowns, they also coordinated two local pop-up hamper drive-throughs in September 2021, which provided 300 families with emergency food relief.
During the peak of the COVID outbreak, 1,200 food hampers, including culturally appropriate ingredients, were distributed locally across the region. More than half of these were delivered directly to local homes as part of a coordinated COVID emergency relief effort.
To facilitate the immediate increase in demand for FoodShare’s services, operations were extended to seven days a week. This put a strain on resources, particularly on volunteers, but was necessary to keep the community safe. On average, 30 households received hampers each day, and in many instances, this doubled on occasions during the peak of the local COVID outbreak.
To provide specialised support for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, FoodShare was supported by local organisations such as Albury-Wodonga Ethnic Communities Council (AWECC) and Murray Valley Sanctuary Refugee Group. These agencies took enquiries from CALD households who were in isolation due to the COVID outbreak. These agencies also assisted by nominating culturally specific ingredients and in some instances. their volunteers purchased additional food items and delivered these to the CALD households.
In addition to delivering hampers to local residents, FoodShare was also asked to deliver food and personal care hampers to various locations where people had been forced to isolate in accordance with Health Orders, including Rutherglen Hotels, Howlong and the Albury Caravan Park. Over 4,500 kilometres were logged from October to December last year on just one of the FoodShare vans, which was dedicated to supporting COVID operations. To support the heightened increase in demand, an additional van was also hired in November to support delivering hampers to COVID households.
This is a wonderful example of the critical role that so many local NFPs played, and the way in which they collaborated with other groups to support their community. FRRR is pleased to have been able to support this program and help the NSW Government to reimburse FoodShare for some of the costs incurred in supporting their community.
In many aged care facilities social isolation among elderly residents has been an ongoing battle, especially during COVID, as restrictions and lockdowns prevented family and friends visiting loved ones for almost two years. Luckily for the residents of Eventide Lutheran Homes (ELH) in Hamilton, Victoria, the future is now looking decidedly more social.
![HEADING: New wheels for Eventide residents.](https://frrr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/IMG_3366-200x300.jpg)
Thanks to a $10,000 Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) grant supported by Ian Rollo Currie Foundation, ELH was able to purchase a golf buggy that has been assisting with the transport of residents with mobility and sight issues around the facility. This has been especially useful for building social connection among residents who previously may not have engaged with organised activities due to the difficulty of getting around.
The golf buggy has three seats available to move the residents around in a comfortable and protected way across the facility, including the gardens, the golf course, and any other location the residents wish to visit.
The purchase of the buggy has been an absolute success for not only the residents, but for the staff and volunteers as well. After 18 months of almost constant lockdowns, the volunteers and social activities staff have been very excited to see more activities in the facility and to see the enjoyment of the residents. Staff members have also been seen taking more ownership over projects and events within the facility.
In one instance, a resident was taken for a drive around a nearby golf course where he had previously played golf with a handicap of four for 50 years. He was visibly moved by the experience of visiting the golf course once again.
The buggy arrived at Eventide on the 8 November 2021 and was christened with a celebration morning tea and rides for residents outside. Unfortunately, the weather was not so kind, and the rides had to be cut short. But since then, the buggy has been moving people around the grounds with no issues.
“Apart from the obvious enjoyment of the residents it was exciting to see different staff members taking ownership and being part of the project. After 18 months of almost constant lockdown, none or very few volunteers and few social activities staff were very excited to have social activities in the facility and see the enjoyment of the residents. This had a positive effect on staff and they are busy planning events for the buggy.
Visitors who have been prevented from freely seeing their loved ones for almost 2 years have been excited and engaged in the project and will be able to take their loved ones for rides outside.”
Picture this: the year is 1919 and you’re standing on the white sandy beach of Lucky Bay on the Eyre Peninsula coast in South Australia, looking up at the first beach shack to be built on the beach. The sun is warm, the water is perfect, and Lucky Bay is the idyllic holiday spot for the surrounding communities of Cowell, Kimba and Cleve.
Now in the 21st century, there are 125 beach shacks, and families from all around still come to visit the Bay!
The Lucky Bay Shack Owners Association (LBSOA) was established in 1950, and its role is to improve the environment and lifestyle of the Lucky Bay settlement for all residents and visitors to enjoy. This includes making sure the beach and local facilities are ship shape and ready to go for incoming holiday makers who are able to rent the beach shacks, as well as local fishermen and caravanners who use the facilities.
With an active role in the community, LBSOA wanted to do something that would bring some joy and a smile to the faces of the visitors to their little town. After prolonged drought, many locals were finding that holidaying with the family was simply a luxury not afforded, especially with livestock to attend to. But Lucky Bay is only 15 km north of Cowell, which makes it a perfect location for farming families to escape to, while still being able to tend to their farms.
Safe play = laughing children and happy parents
LBSOA sought funding from FRRR through the Tackling Tough Times Together (TTTT) program to support their ‘Laughter at Lucky Bay’ project, which would see a three staged plan to make the holiday destination more enticing by developing a child safe playground and surrounding facilities for parents and adults to enjoy.
Funded by the Australian Government, LBSOA received a $51,597 TTTT grant towards stage one of the plan: the purchase of new playground equipment, shade structures, soft fall sand, and fencing.
LBSOA’s President Sue Chase said they were overwhelmed by the community response, once they saw the works underway.
“What we were most astounded by is people’s enthusiasm to participate in working bees, and I think this stemmed from them seeing the playground come to life. Many people in the community provided their time to get the playground up and running. We are also proud of the funds we have raised. Our first ambition was to raise enough funds to contribute our share to the ‘Laughter at Lucky Bay’ playground project. However, we were amazed at the success of our fundraising, which, together with the other grants we received, allowed us to construct a shelter and install a BBQ shed and storage area near the playground,” she said.
The official opening of the playground in January 2021 was attended by hundreds of people who enjoyed the food stalls, jumping pillow, face painting and crab racing activities on offer.
These events not only raised vital funds to support the upkeep of the facilities, but also reinforced a real sense of community participation, lots of fun and helped people get to know one another better.
When asked what they were most proud of, LBSOA said the sheer number of children and even teenagers taking full advantage of the new playground made them so pleased. Extra facilities like a table and chairs and the BBQ have also encouraged parents and adults to spend time together and socialise, giving them a break from the ongoing pressures and stressors that drought can bring.
![HEADING: Laughter at Lucky Bay. IMAGE: Playground at Lucky Bay.](https://frrr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Playground_-_shades_installed_20210831.jpg)
Local NFP groups sought as lead partners in 35 regions across remote, rural and regional areas
Following the announcement by Senator The Hon. Murray Watt, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) and the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) are pleased to announce the opening of the first program in the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative.
![HEADING: Drought preparedness program kicks off. IMAGE: Image of rural people gathering and talking to each other.](https://frrr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/FDF-Facebook-posts-3-edited.png)
The Initiative is funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and designed to help agriculture-dependent communities across remote, rural and regional Australia enhance their preparedness for drought.
The $29.6 million investment over three years builds on the Future Drought Fund’s previous Networks to Build Drought Resilience program (led by FRRR) and the Drought Resilience Leaders program (led by ARLF).
There are five elements to the Initiative, the first of which is the Community Impact Program. This is a place-based program designed to support community members and not-for-profit organisations in 35 regions across remote, rural and regional Australia to drive local action that helps prepare for drought. An integrated package of support for community networks, there are two main components:
FRRR’s Disaster Resilience and Climate Solutions Portfolio Lead Nina O’Brien said that the program takes a place-based approach, recognising the need for a bespoke approach in different communities.
“Rural communities are better able to withstand the impacts of events like drought when they are strong and well connected. The overall aim of this program is to facilitate increased social connection, strengthen network opportunities and link capacity building opportunities to ensure widespread local benefit, so that communities are better prepared for the future.
“That will look different in each community, which is why we’ll be working alongside community members and organisations to drive local action that best helps each community prepare for drought.
“We’ve clustered LGA’s into 35 regions and we’re seeking a locally-based not-for-profit to act as the lead applicant and work collaboratively with other local organisations to plan and undertake activities that increase drought preparedness over a multi-year period.
“The program has an emphasis on engaging First Nations communities and younger people in leading drought resilience planning and action.
“The Community Impact Grants can fund projects, events, initiatives, training, capability building and small-scale community infrastructure projects.
“This will be a very collaborative program, with FRRR and ARLF working closely on the ground with the successful communities to define priorities, scope and delivery of the project. In addition, there will be access to expertise and networking opportunities,” Ms O’Brien explained.
As part of the program, ARLF will offer a number of optional and complementary Leadership Development Activities at no cost to the successful applicants. These are designed to strengthen the leadership capabilities of communities to build individual and community drought resilience.
ARLF’s Chief Executive Officer Matt Linnegar said that because every lead organisation and region will be at a different point in their resilience journey, ARLF has a number of options that communities can tap into.
“We have five leadership development activities, ranging from intensive residential leadership programs to a series of deep-dives into particular leadership topics to group coaching. Each is underpinned by the concepts of adaptive leadership, resilience and network leadership.
“Applicants will need to include their preference for leadership development activities when they lodge their express of interest for the Community Impact Program, and we will work closely with applicants to refine their preferences as we move through the collaborative project design phase,” Mr Linnegar explained.
The locations and projects in each of the 35 regions will be chosen based on potential drought impact, community readiness and complementarity with other government and philanthropic investments.
Learn more about the program by visiting www.frrr.org.au/impact-program.
Interested groups can also join an online Information Session on 1 September at 12pm AEST. Register here: https://rural-leaders-au.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIocOmsqzIvH9Re35odkOG0yqt99F7BPEga
Grant funding is now available to support communities in remote, rural and regional Queensland and New South Wales who have been impacted by this year’s flooding events.
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Suncorp and GIO have partnered with the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR), through the Rebuilding Futures program, to offer $500,000 in grants of up to $25,000 to help not-for-profit groups and local community organisations to rebuild and recover from this year’s flood events.
Suncorp’s Head of Flood Response and Recovery, Cath Stewart, said that this funding recognises that while the initial clean up may have concluded, many community groups still have a lot of work to do to support their community’s ongoing recovery.
“The floods were devastating and, sadly, some places were affected more than once. On top of weather events and the impacts of COVID, not to mention the increased costs of living that are putting pressure on local businesses and community members, many groups are finding it really hard to access resources they need to support their community.
“These grants, which can be used to support locally-identified recovery and rebuilding priorities, will hopefully relieve some of those pressures and allow the communities to start moving forward,” said Ms Stewart.
FRRR CEO, Natalie Egleton, said that Suncorp and GIO’s support means that there is flexible funding available to help communities rebuild and be better prepared for future disaster events.
“We know that local community leaders are the ones who are best placed to know what their community needs. That’s why we made sure these grants can fund a wide range of activities, events, initiatives and small-scale infrastructure or equipment projects. The aim is to ensure that the community can build resilience by improving facilities for mitigation and preparedness and creating opportunities to reconnect, share experiences or support overall wellbeing and improved mental health, in whatever way makes most sense to that community.
“We look forward to engaging with these groups and are hoping that for some the grant opportunity can be a catalyst for projects that reduce the impact of future disasters on community wellbeing and physical infrastructure,” Ms Egleton explained.
For more information about who is eligible and what can be funded, visit www.frrr.org.au/Rebuilding-Futures.
A Grant Seeking Workshop including a Q&A on the Rebuilding Future’s grant program will be held online from 1 – 2pm AEST Tuesday 23 August 2022.
Applications close 28 September 2022.