Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR)
Final round of Black Saturday funding for community-led initiatives
The final round of the Grants for Resilience & Wellness (GR&W) Kinglake Ranges program opens Tuesday 5 July, with FRRR inviting applications from local not-for-profit groups. The program is designed to assist communities to rebuild, reconnect and recover from the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires.
Thanks to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund, funding is available to not-for-profit groups in Kinglake, Kinglake Central, Kinglake West, Pheasant Creek, Toolangi and Flowerdale. In total, there is approximately $570,000 available, with no minimum or maximum amount per grant. However, applications for more than $30,000 should be discussed with FRRR before being lodged.
Applications must be for new projects that directly assist those individuals and communities that were affected by the 2009 fires and must identify a specific hardship or distress caused by the bushfires, which the activity intends to relieve.
Nina O’Brien, FRRR’s Disaster Resilience and Recovery Lead, encouraged local communities in the Kinglake Ranges to apply now to fund their community-strengthening and resilience-building projects.
“We know that the fires had an immense impact across the Kinglake Ranges, and despite it now being more than 13 years ago, recovering communities still need support to reconnect, share experiences, enhance wellbeing and resilience and build capacity for the future.
“The community consultations during May and June were a great opportunity to hear directly from communities about how these grants can best support Kinglake’s ongoing recovery and we look forward to reading about the projects the community has prioritised,” Ms O’Brien said.
FRRR staff in Kinglake Ranges to chat about applications
FRRR team members Karly Smith-Whelan and Brooke Williams will be in the Kinglake Ranges area on Tuesday 5th (Kinglake) and Wednesday 6th July (Toolangi and Flowerdale) to chat to community groups about their project ideas. To book an appointment, email recovery@frrr.org.au or call 1800 170 020.
As a reminder, the GR&W Kinglake program has a focus on supporting projects that benefit the wider community, and applications should demonstrate community support and the involvement of a range of community groups or representatives.
Applications close Wednesday 16 August 2022, at 5pm AEST, with successful applicants announced in December 2022. For more information and the guidelines, visit https://frrr.org.au/grants-for-resilience-wellness-kinglake/ .
To date, through GR&W Kinglake, FRRR has awarded over $1.1M for 35 projects to local groups in the Kinglake Ranges. Any community impacted by 2009 bushfires and not located in Kinglake Ranges region can apply for support through FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities program.
In an agricultural community, it is not uncommon to have a male-dominated population. However in and around Glen Innes, NSW this isn’t the case. More than half of the Glen Innes population is female. But local leadership and committee membership didn’t reflect that balance.
The Glen Innes Natural Resources Advisory Committee (GLENRAC) is dedicated to creating opportunities for land owners and the community to take an active role in managing and maintaining the natural resources of the region.
GLENRAC identified the need to improve governance skills and gender diversity within community groups and organisations to satisfy government and funding bodies.
To address this issue, GLENRAC used a $5,000 grant from FRRR’s Small Grants for Rural Communities grant program, funded in collaboration with Australia Post, to deliver a project aimed at building skills and capacity to engage with community groups in a meaningful way.
The project included three workshops over two days, targeting all members of the community and focusing on increasing knowledge of governance and leadership. During the workshops, community members engaged with experienced and professional facilitators. Participants were given the opportunity to build on their existing networks and increase their connections within the community.
GLENRAC hopes that following these workshops, women in the community will feel more confident and empowered to get involved with local committees with the skills and knowledge acquired from the events.
Part of Things is a gathering place and ideas hub for young people in Barmera in the Riverland region of South Australia. They used a $10,000 FRRR ABC Heywire Youth Innovation Grant to adopt and adapt their own version of the Skillin’ It project idea that was developed at the 2020 Heywire Regional Youth Summit.
Riverland Skillin’ It was a 12-month project that brought together a leadership ‘squad’ of four local young people from across the Renmark Paringa, Loxton Waikerie and Berri Barmera local government areas to create a series of online and live workshops aimed at inspiring, connecting and upskilling young people.
Despite being impacted by the uncertainties of COVID, including a full lockdown in June 2021, the project culminated in the Skillin’ It squad members curating and delivering Symposium – a two-day festival in September 2021 for local young people aged 18 to 26. Held in Barmera, Symposium featured in-person workshops to support participants develop small business, creative and life skills, while also encouraging knowledge sharing between individuals and community members.
Across the life of the project, the Skillin’ It squad and festival presenters were actively mentored and supported by Part of Things founder and project mentor, Alysha Herrmann, who is an award-winning producer, youth arts worker and ‘doer’ who has been delivering community, arts and youth projects of varying scale across regional South Australia for over ten years.
Kelsey Hogan from the Barmera District War Memorial Community Centre, which auspiced the application on behalf of Part of Things, said Riverland Skillin’ It was instrumental in providing a dedicated project with intensive and tailored mentoring for local young people to connect with each other and their community.
“Young people are under-represented in leadership and decision making across the Riverland. This project has developed positive relationships between young adults and their community and provided a safe space for people to connect, develop confidence, try something new and community build,” Ms Hogan said.
“We can’t plug all the gaps and overcome the challenges our region presents for young people. However, what we have done with Riverland Skillin’ It, is invest in a core group of local young people to ensure that they were able to successfully deliver a project for their community and now feel inspired, supported and ready to make greater things happen for themselves and others.”
Together they were able to leverage the success of the Heywire grant to partner with all three Riverland councils, and attracted an additional $22,100 of funding. This increased the resources available for the project and added additional paid opportunities for the young people who participated, and also removed fees for participants to attend the final festival workshop weekend.
A legacy of the project is The Knowledge Hub, an online resource housed on the Part of Things website that features downloadable resources, curated links, blog posts and other content, which exists to share and build ideas, skills and knowledge across a range of genres, disciplines and interest areas.
Eventide Homes is a NFP organisation in Stawell, in the Northern Grampians Shire of Victoria. Founded in 1953, the organisation now offers 100 residential aged care places, from units for independent living and to 29 dementia specific beds. The 133 staff and 42 volunteers aspire to provide premium, innovative and stimulating accommodation and care.
Keeping fit and able in retirement is so important for maintaining a good quality of life. But staff realised that they needed to do more – physio and occupational therapy is provided to residents that required additional physical therapies, and gentle exercise sessions or walks in the park were on the cards but not particularly effective.
There was also the problem of falls – over a 17-month period, the organisation had seen an average of 22 reportable falls per month, and sadly, there was a fatality in 2018 due to a fall in a bathroom. Research suggests that residents of long-term aged care fall approximately three times more often than community dwellers. But frailty is preventable and treatable – with exercise. With the demand for residential aged care placements expected to treble by 2050, Eventide Homes wanted to implement best practise in falls prevention for their residents. They also knew that encouraging residents to be physically active and to build up their strength and balance would not only bring physical benefits, but also mental health benefits as well.
Citing research and population data, Eventide applied to the FRRR for their ‘Eventide Strength and Balance for Greater Mobility Project’ – to purchase fit for purpose strength and balance equipment specifically designed for aging individuals. One study concluded that a program of prescribed progressive resistance training plus balance exercises resulted in the rate of falls being reduced by 55%, and Eventide wanted to become an example of national best practise in developing a fitness and strength program for their residents. Back in 2019, they were successful in receiving a grant of $40,000 from FRRR’s larger leverage stream of Caring for Ageing Rural Australians (CARA).
In the first months of 2020, the HUR equipment was purchased, set up, and staff trained in its use. Each resident participated in a one-hour session with an onsite physiotherapist and discussed goals to create an exercise program specific to them. Residents discussed things like being able to walk up the stairs at their children’s houses, being able to pick up objects from the floor and being able to walk without pain. Longer-term goals were broken down into smaller goals, which could be ticked-off over time, and the programs were documented in the system. With assistance from the team at HUR, Eventide staff implemented the smart touch system to automate each resident’s resistance training and monitor their sets and repetitions. This meant that clinicians could progressively increase resistance, and progress would be tracked through the system.
Sue Blakely, CEO, said they held an information session to get residents on board, and “to dispel some of the misconceptions about ageing and exercise.”
“We showed videos of 100-year-old powerlifters and residents in other homes who’ve increased their independence through strength, balance, and mobility training. We highlighted the different types of goals which people may have. After all, it may be more inspiring to be able to put on your own shoes, then pick up a kettlebell,” Sue said.
The equipment is even suitable for those residents who use wheel chairs and walking frames for mobility, as they can be assisted to sit to exercise and strengthen arms and legs.
This project will have great long term benefits into the future, as staff are able to support new residents to maintain their levels of strength, balance and fitness as they begin their residency in supported accommodation, rather than allow it to decline, which is so often the case when people enter aged care and become more sedentary.
Toni Williams, Projects & Marketing, Eventide Homes (Stawell) Inc. said “The launch of the new Eventide Homes ‘Gym’ was a hit with many residents already making the most of the new equipment. “
After just six weeks of the program, they found 8 out of 10 residents had improved their times ‘up and go’ score, by around 1 second on average. They have new residents enquiring about the program each week, and staff are excited about creating a culture of healthy movement.
“This grant and the new gym equipment has changed the fabric of our home. We intend to continue to make the most of it.”
Sue Blakely, CEO
A much-loved playgroup is going from strength to strength in the Flowerdale community in Victoria, following the engagement of a qualified facilitator to assist parents to develop their skills and confidence to support their child’s wellbeing and development. More than 20 families now participate in the facilitated weekly program, after the Flowerdale Community House received $26,000 from FRRR via the Grants for Resilience & Wellness (GR&W) Kinglake Ranges program in 2020 to engage a qualified Early Childhood Educator to plan and deliver the program. Previously, families who wished to access these services would have had to travel more than 30 km to either Kinglake or Yea.
While there were a few hiccups due to COVID lockdowns, the program has bounced back and is once again supporting children and families across the Kinglake Ranges. Led by experienced educator Jill, the program provides opportunities for parents to learn about local services, to meet with other parents for support and friendship and to build social support networks in the communities in which they live. It also provides the space for the participants, both children and adults, to forge new friendships and have fun.
“We know that relationships and community connectedness is at the heart of our community’s ongoing recovery. Playgroup plays a vital role in all communities to bring parents together, to share experiences and break down isolation; this is even more important here [in Flowerdale] as our town stretches a long distance, so meeting in the street is not a likely option as people need to travel by car to get to locations,” said Flowerdale Community House coordinator Rebekah Grant.
“The children and parents respond very well to Jill’s calm and gentle nature, and the way she is delivering advise to sooth and encourage the children is very well received.”
The Community House is an ideal location for the supported playgroup to operate from, as they are able to sustain this group long term. Now with a facilitator on board, they can provide more support to all families, as well as vulnerable and socially isolated families, to engage with others and the service.
12 Volunteer Emergency Services organisations awarded more than $190,000 in grants
Twelve volunteer emergency services organisations supporting remote, rural and regional communities impacted by the 2019/20 bushfires have been awarded $191,628 in grants for projects that will assist in their disaster recovery efforts and strengthen their emergency response capabilities for future disasters.
Funded through FRRR’s Volunteer Emergency Services Fund (VESF) program, generously supported by a private donor, the funding supports local volunteer emergency services and first-responder organisations in eligible fire-affected communities across New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, and Victoria.
The grants range from $2,996 to provide a rural fire service brigade with wet weather personal protection equipment, to $25,000 for equipment to maintain low bushfire fuel loads in a high risk area.
Natalie Egleton, FRRR’s CEO, said that the VESF program was important for dedicating funding to local initiatives that are a priority of volunteer first-responders.
“Programs like this are vital for fire-affected communities to ensure long-term resilience and preparedness. In this round, we saw requests for support to purchase and upgrade emergency equipment, technology and communications systems, as well as wellbeing activities. With funding provided for the purchase of emergency support vehicles, personal protection equipment and maintenance equipment, these organisations are now better placed to save lives.
“While this is the last round of grants through the VESF program, it has allowed us to learn more about what these groups need and respond effectively. It has bolstered the response capacity of many organisations and FRRR have built new connections in communities with whom we look forward to continuing to work with through their long term recovery. FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities program continues to offer bushfire recovery grant opportunities,” Ms Egleton said.
Some of the projects funded this round include:
- Burragate Rural Fire Service, NSW – Roof insulation for Burragate fire shed – $23,710 – Boost volunteer vitality and comfort while reducing the carbon footprint of the Burragate Fire brigade through the installation of foam insulation at the fire shed.
- Far South Coast Rural Fire Service, NSW – Fire Shed Friday’s – $20,026 – Boost volunteer vitality and general wellbeing with the provision of Fire Shed Friday activities in four impacted communities.
- The Caves Rural Fire Brigade, QLD – New Storage Shed Project – $19,303 – Enhance operational activities and emergency response times with the provision of a storage shed for The Caves Rural Fire Brigade.
- Mt Lofty Group Operations Support Brigade, SA – Enhancing Mount Lofty CFS Group Operations Brigade Communications for Critical Incidents and Community Preparedness – $23,577 – Upgrade technology and increase access to support volunteer development and learning and organisational operations.
- Ensay Fire Brigade, VIC – An Ultralight Vehicle (ULV) for Tambo Crossing – $21,000 – Support emergency response activities by contributing to the purchase of an emergency response ultra-light vehicle for Tambo Crossing community.
For more information, visit FRRR’s website – https://frrr.org.au/volunteer-emergency-services-fund-grant-program/.
The full list of grant recipients and their projects are below.
Organisation | Project | Location | Grant | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NEW SOUTH WALES | ||||||
Braunstone Rural Fire Brigade | Communication, IT and Facility Enhancement - Braunstone Rural Fire Brigade Increase technology capability, security, and general maintenance of equipment at the Braunstone Rural Fire Brigade. | Braunstone | $11,325 | |||
Burragate Rural Fire Service | Roof Insulation for Burragate Fire Shed Boost volunteer vitality and comfort while reducing the carbon footprint of the Burragate Fire brigade with the installation of foam insulation at the fire shed. | Burragate | $23,710 | |||
Far South Coast NSW Rural Fire Service | Fire Shed Friday's | Eden | $20,026 | |||
Grafton City Rural Brigade | Lockers for Brigade Members & Gazebo for Community Engagement Support emergency response volunteers with the provision of lockers and a temporary gazebo for the Grafton Rural Fire Brigade. | South Grafton | $8,030 | |||
Iluka Rural Fire Service | First Response Evacuation Resources- Iluka Support emergency preparedness with the provision of furnishings to meet evacuation needs and appropriate storage facilities for Iluka Fire Brigade. | Iluka | $22,342 | |||
Johns River Rural Fire Service | Supporting and Protecting Our First Responders Boost the vitality of volunteers through the provision of wet weather personal protection equipment for members of the Johns River RFS. | Johns River | $2,996 | |||
Wallaby Joe Rural Fire Service | Wallaby Joe Operational Equipment Procurement Boost volunteer vitality with the provision of wet weather gear, helmet torches and emergency flares for use during community emergencies. | Wingham | $7,213 | |||
QUEENSLAND | ||||||
Aratula Rural Fires Brigade | Aratula Multi Purpose Vehicle Increase the capacity and capability of local volunteer Fire Brigade to support response during disasters by contributing to the purchase of a support vehicle. | Aratula | $7,106 | |||
The Caves Rural Fire Brigade Queensland Fire and Emergency Services | New Storage Shed Project Boost operational activities and emergency response times with the provision of a storage shed for The Caves Rural Fire Brigade. | The Caves | $19.303 | |||
SOUTH AUSTRALIA | ||||||
Mt Lofty Group Operations Support Brigade Mt Lofty CFS Group | Enhancing Mount Lofty CFS Group Operations Brigade Communications for Critical Incidents and Community Preparedness Upgrade technology and increase access to support volunteer development and learning and organisational operations. | Bridgewater | $23,577 | |||
VICTORIA | ||||||
Ensay Fire Brigade Country Fire Authority | An ULT (Ultralight Vehicle) for Tambo Crossing Support emergency response activities by contributing to the purchase of an emergency response Ultra-Light vehicle for Tambo Crossing community. | Ensay / Tambo Crossing | $21,000 | |||
Old Tallangatta Fire Brigade Country Fire Authority | Maintaining a Low Fuel Load Location for the Old Tallangatta Community Increase volunteer vitality with the provision of a ride on mower, brush cutter and concrete pad to support maintaining a low bushfire fuel load. | Old Tallangatta | $25,000 |
More than half of the funding to go towards bushfire recovery
Sixty-seven projects across remote, rural and regional Australia will share in $776,583 in grants thanks to FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) program.
These projects are grassroots initiatives run by organisations led by local people that will strengthen their communities and have direct benefits for those living in them.
In this round of funding, 26 of the projects receiving funding support ongoing recovery from the 2019/20 Black Summer bushfires. These initiatives, which will share $444,552, include purchasing fit-for-purpose health equipment for three divisions of St John Ambulance NSW – all of which were directly involved in the 2019/20 Black Summer bushfire response.
There are also 41 projects being funded through the Small & Vital stream of the SRC program, which will share in a total of $332,031. These grants range from $1,455 to upgrade the NSW It’s Heaven website to make it more accessible for those who have a disability, to a $10,000 grant for the Northern Australian Aboriginal Charitable Trust that will help to deliver three new, free-of-charge laundromats to remote Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory.
Jill Karena, Place Portfolio Lead at FRRR, said that a noticeable trend emerged in this latest round of applications.
“Interestingly, we saw a strong interest for community gardens in this round. With the cost of living rising on top of the food shortages that are happening as a result of the pandemic and natural disasters like drought and floods, there are growing concerns in rural areas about food security and the lack of access to nutritious, affordable food.
“This is why flexible programs like SRC are crucial. The funding from this program can be used where community leaders see the greatest need. Our climate and our economy are rapidly evolving and these grants can be used to support a broad range of community-led, grassroots initiatives that are helping to address very current issues in real time,” Ms Karena said.
Some of the 67 projects funded include:
- OpenField Arts Festival Inc – Berry, NSW – OpenField Arts Festival – Facilitate community and social connection through a multidisciplinary arts festival. $10,000 (Bushfire Recovery)
- Riding for the Disabled in the Top End – Palmerston, NT – Optimisation of Volunteer Management at Riding for the Disabled in the Top End – Improve the management, rostering and training of volunteers by installing a database program and employing a volunteer coordinator. $9,948 (Small & Vital)
- Girls from Oz Ltd – Kowanyama, QLD – Helping to Keep Language Alive in Kowanyama – Support language revitalisation and student engagement through a performing arts project in a remote school. $9,212 (Small & Vital)
- Fat Farmers: Rural Health Initiative Incorporated – Cummins, SA – Eyre Peninsula Expansion Project – Enhance physical and mental health by promoting a community fitness group at a local social event. $8,500 (Small & Vital)
- Fingal Valley Neighbourhood House – St Helens, TAS – Building Blocks: Play and Learn Together – Support delivery of playgroups, early learning and parenting support programs in rural areas through the purchase of a vehicle. $25,000 (Bushfire Recovery)
- Dunsborough Yallingup Chamber of Commerce – Dunsborough, WA – DYCCI Skills Development and Capacity Building Workshops 2022/23 – Boost and strengthen the local economy by running a series of workshops to help community members improve their business skills. $9,994 (Small & Vital)
- Country Fire Authority Corryong Country Fire Brigade (CFA) – Corryong, VIC – Corryong Fire Station Kitchen Modernisation – Improve capacity of Corryong Fire Brigade to support bushfire recovery and preparedness by upgrading kitchen. $24,040 (Bushfire Recovery)
A full list of grant recipients is available on FRRR’s website.
The SRC program is collaboratively supported by many generous donors, which are acknowledged on FRRR’s website.
This program always accepts applications and thanks to recent support from the Australian Government, there is now a COVID-recovery stream – Rebuilding Rural Communities. 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/.
The full list of grant recipients and their projects are below.
Organisation | Project | Location | Grant | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NEW SOUTH WALES | ||||||
Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Cobargo Wellness Group | Ginger the Frog Community Arts Project Tour Support children and families impacted by bushfires to process complex emotions resulting from trauma through performance, storytelling and mindfulness. | Coffs Harbour | $19,500 | |||
Container of Dreams Ltd | Container of Dreams Lockup Workshop Expand the capacity to provide affordable housing and workshop space for bushfire-affected communities by building a shed. | Drake | $25,000 | |||
Gwymac Incorporated | Fostering Inclusive, Friendly, Stronger and More Resilient Communities in Small Rural Towns Strengthen community recovery and improve health and social wellbeing outcomes and connection through creative workshops. | Bonshaw | $25,000 | |||
Nambucca Valley Phoenix Limited | Fostering Recovery and Resilience through Creative and Connected Communities Increase capacity of arts organisation to build sustainability and delivery of projects in bushfire-impacted areas through employing a coordinator. | Bowraville | $25,000 | |||
Kendall Community Centre Reserve Land Manager | Kendall's Co-working Hub Strengthen community recovery and improve health and social wellbeing outcomes and connection through creative workshops. | Kendall | $6,713 | |||
Northern NSW Helicopter Rescue Service Limited | Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service Annual Volunteers Conference – Narrabri Support volunteers of Northern NSW Helicopter Rescue to connect with one another through attending an annual conference. | Narrabri | $9,710 | |||
OpenField Arts Festival Inc | OpenField Arts Festival Facilitate community and social connection through a multidisciplinary arts festival. | Berry | $10,000 | |||
Sanctuary Point Men's Shed Inc | Extension to Existing Men's Shed | Sanctuary Point | $19,263 | |||
South East Arts (NSW) Inc Navigate Arts | Regeneration Roadtrip Promote healing through reconnection to Country in bushfire-impacted communities with an interactive road journey and map. | Bungendore | $25,000 | |||
Southcoast Health and Sustainability Alliance | Bushfire and Heatwave Haven ‐ Batemans Bay Uniting Church Facility Support establishment of a heatwave and bushfire haven by upgrading toilet, shower and storage amenities. | Batemans Bay | $24,080 | |||
St John Ambulance Australia (NSW) | Building Emergency Response Capabilities Support volunteer emergency responders to increase preparedness for natural disasters through purchase of equipment. | Armidale | $20,228 | |||
Tenterfield Players Incorporated | "Let There Be Light" Expand capacity of a bushfire-impacted town by boosting ability to host local stage productions through purchase of portable lighting. | Tenterfield | $9,670 | |||
The Circle Foundation Cooperative Ltd | Singing for Health, Wellbeing and Recovery Enhance social connection, health and wellbeing through a community choir program. | Moruya | $24,239 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Equine Angels | Horses 4 Healing Youth Project ‐ Horses Helping Humans Program ‐ Byron Shire Engage disadvantaged young people to participate in an equine therapy program to build resilience and emotional wellbeing. | Mullumbimby Creek | $8,492 | |||
It's Heaven Incorporated | Upgrade www.itsheaven.org Platform Increase inclusiveness through upgrade of an inclusive tourism website, designed to provide accurate and easily accessible information for travellers with a disability. | Shoalhaven | $1,455 | |||
Quandialla Soldiers Memorial Hall Incorporated | Quandialla Soldiers Memorial Hall Mural Increase tourism and commemorate history within the local community by painting a large mural on the hall depicting the area's history, development and attractions. | Quandialla | $6,875 | |||
Weemelah Hall | BBQ Cover and Lighting Project Increase community involvement and engagement, by installing shade and lighting over the BBQ area. | Weemelah | $8,880 | |||
Woodstock Progress Association | Let's Tell Some Stories! Enhance visitor engagement and improve connections within the existing community, by developing information boards that tell the stories of significant Woodstock locations. | Woodstock | $10,000 | |||
Young Public P&C Association | Endemic Showcase Garden, Aboriginal Yarning Circle, and Outdoor Classroom at Young Public School Create an inspiring and inclusive space with an endemic garden and yarning circle where Aboriginal students can come together to connect with each other and Elders. | Young | $10,000 | |||
NORTHERN TERRITORY | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Atyenhenge‐Atherre Aboriginal Corporation | Alternative Education Program (AEP) ‐ An Alternative Curriculum for Remote School Engagement Encourage disengaged young people to re‐engage in their education via a culturally appropriate life skills program. | Santa Teresa | $10,000 | |||
First Nations Bushfood & Botanical Alliance Australia Ltd | First Nations Bushfood and Botanical Alliance Australia ‐ Remote Digital Connectivity Support First Nations Leaders to promote Indigenous economic interest and initiatives through investment in digital capability. | Alice Springs | $9,654 | |||
Northern Australian Aboriginal Charitable Trust | Remote Laundries – Stage Three Improve health and social wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal people in remote communities, by providing access to free specialised washing machines that destroy scabies mites. | Ngukurr | $10,000 | |||
Riding for the Disabled in the Top End | Optimisation of Volunteer Management at Riding for the Disabled in the Top End Improve the management, rostering and training of volunteers by installing a database program and employing a volunteer coordinator. | Palmerston | $9,948 | |||
QUEENSLAND | ||||||
Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Tannymorel Hall Committee Inc | Painting the Tannymorel Hall Roof Foster connection to place and community pride by painting the Tannymorel Hall roof, championing the community’s social, economic and tourism aspirations. | Tannymorel | $9,690 | |||
Tin Can Bay Community and Men’s Shed Incorporated | Storage Shed Support community recovery and wellbeing through purchase of a storage shed to securely house materials and equipment. | Tin Can Bay | $4,000 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Audrey's Angels of Hope | Computing for Compassion Ease administration tasks for volunteers who support cancer sufferers and their families with purchase of a printer and computer. | Ingham | $2,800 | |||
Banana Shire Community Arts Assoc Inc | Restore, Refurbish, Revive: Reconnecting Community Part Two Build community connectivity, participation and capacity through the installation of a split system air conditioner and table / chairs. | Biloela | $10,000 | |||
Blackall Cultural Association Incorporated | Bushman's Artisan Gallery Project Foster and strengthen local engagement with the arts by refurbishing and extending a gallery. | Blackall | $10,000 | |||
Charleville & District Community Support Association Incorporated Charleville Blue Light Association (Charleville Police) | Safer Driving Skills on Outback Queensland Roads: Better Drivers; Safer Roads; Employment Opportunities Provide young people in a remote area with access to a supervised driver training and education program, to increase road safety awareness and reduce road accidents. | Charleville | $10,000 | |||
Community for Coastal & Cassowary Conservation Inc | Historical Photographic Exhibition in Mission Beach - Echo of the Past Increase awareness of environmental issues through recent history with an exhibition of photographs of local historical significance to the Mission Beach area. | Mission Beach | $8,925 | |||
Eacham Historical Society Incorporated | Computers and Archive Map storage Help local community retain and access region’s history with investment in IT and storage cabinet. | Malanda | $7,842 | |||
Girls from Oz Ltd | Helping to Keep Language Alive in Kowanyama Support language revitalisation and student engagement through a performing arts project in a remote school. | Kowanyama | $9,212 | |||
Herbert River Men's Shed Inc | Men’s Shed Equipment Upgrade Strengthen the capacity of local people to connect with each other and respond to community need, by upgrading the equipment of a Men’s Shed. | Ingham | $9,600 | |||
Kilkivan & District Community Care Association Inc | Expanding the Home of the KilkiVAN Boost the ability of residents to live well in place while ageing, by purchasing equipment to expand community support services. | Kilkivan | $10,000 | |||
Muttaburra Community Development Association Inc | Union Hole Camp - Shearers' Strike Boost tourism and commemorate the Great Shearers' Strike of 1891 with installation of a large sculpture. | Muttaburra | $10,000 | |||
SOUTH AUSTRALIA | ||||||
Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Port Vincent Progress Association Inc | Upgrade Projector and Sound System at the Port Vincent Institute Restore communications and build capacity to host community activities at the Port Vincent Institute Hall through upgrading audio visual equipment. | Port Vincent | $10,000 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
District Council of Streaky Bay | The 'Developing Community Leaders and Capacity through Equipping our Volunteers' Program Develop volunteer capability and build leadership skills by providing a not-for-profit operations training program designed to upskill volunteers. | Streaky Bay | $10,000 | |||
Fat Farmers: Rural Health Initiative Incorporated | Eyre Peninsula Expansion Project Enhance physical and mental health by promoting a community fitness group at a local social event. | Cummins | $8,500 | |||
Goolwa Surf Life Saving Club Incorporated | Expansion of Lifesaving Capabilities at Goolwa Surf Life Saving Club Boost the organisation’s capability to deliver surf life‐saving services by purchasing new equipment. | Goolwa | $10,000 | |||
Keyneton Soldiers' Memorial Hall Inc | Keyneton Soldiers' Memorial Hall ‐ Accessibility Upgrade to Supper Room Entrance Provide a safe environment for volunteers and visitors through the upgrade of Keyneton Soldiers’ Memorial Hall’s supper room entrance. | Keyneton | $9,677 | |||
TASMANIA | ||||||
Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Broadmarsh / Elderslie Progress Association Inc | BEPA Water Tanks Improve essential facilities of community hall by installing water tanks to enhance capacity for bushfire preparedness and recovery. | Broadmarsh | $9,995 | |||
Fingal Valley Neighbourhood House | Building Blocks: Play and Learn Together Support delivery of playgroups, early learning and parenting support programs in rural areas through the purchase of a vehicle. | St Helens | $25,000 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Southern Midlands Council | Encouraging Active Ageing Encourage social connection amongst Southern Midland Council’s ageing population by hosting four activities developed by community members. | Oatlands | $10,000 | |||
VICTORIA | ||||||
Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Bairnsdale Neighbourhood House Inc | Rural Minds Mental Health Workshops Boost and strengthen mental health and wellbeing in the Bairnsdale community through the provision of workshops. | Omeo | $10,000 | |||
Bemm River Recreation Reserve Committee of Management Incorporated | Encouraging Connectedness Rejuvenate a place of gathering by replacing an old barbeque with a new community barbeque. | Bemm River | $13,563 | |||
Country Fire Authority Corryong Country Fire Brigade (CFA) | Corryong Fire Station Kitchen Modernisation Improve capacity of Corryong Fire Brigade to support bushfire recovery and preparedness by upgrading kitchen. | Corryong | $24,040 | |||
Destination Gippsland Ltd | Event School Foster the planning of rural and regional community events by employing a project manager. | Mallacoota | $25,000 | |||
Ensay Mechanics Institute Reserve Inc | Ensay Community Hall Revitalisation ‐ Kitchen Equipment and Outdoor Seating Upgrade Project Enhance social cohesion, connectedness and wellbeing by upgrading kitchen facilities and outdoor dining area of the Ensay Community Hall. | Ensay | $25,000 | |||
Mount Beauty Cricket Club Inc | Safe, Supportive and Social Spaces Expand capacity of volunteers to maintain valued community outdoor open spaces through purchase of a large area mower. | Mount Beauty | $25,000 | |||
Myrrhee Primary School Breath Circle | Myrrhee School Mental Health and Wellbeing Program Promote improved health and wellbeing for children through school incursions on mindfulness and movement. | Myrrhee | $9,900 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Buxton Progress Assoc Inc | Building Buxton Strategy Consultation Boost organisational and volunteer capacity through community consultation and development of a strategic plan for a local progress association. | Buxton | $9,451 | |||
Committee for Maryborough | Creating a Vibrant Community ‐ Phase One: Planning Facilitate networking and opportunities for intergenerational collaboration through story telling in the Central Goldfield Shire. | Bealiba | $8,000 | |||
Country Fire Authority | Hose Drying Rack Support volunteer safety and build organisational capacity through the installation of a hose drying rack at Arcadia Fire station. | Arcadia | $3,960 | |||
Flowerdale Community House Inc | Flowerdale Community Garden Project Enhance health, wellbeing, and connectedness of the community through building a community garden. | Flowerdale | $10,000 | |||
Highlands Community Hall Committee Inc | Highland Hall going Forwards Strengthen local capacity and skills through governance and strategic planning workshops and support. | Highlands | $10,000 | |||
Kilmore District Men's Shed Inc | Shade Sail Promote social connections in older age groups and protect physical health through the installation of a shade sail. | Kilmore | $8,206 | |||
Lions Club of Benalla Inc | Toilet Facilities in the Benalla Lions Shed Boost volunteer engagement and provide an inclusive and comfortable facility through the installation of accessible toilet amenities. | Benalla | $10,000 | |||
Millewa Advisory Group | Millewa Silo Art Boost tourism and strengthen the local economy by establishing silo art installations in Werrimull. | Werrimull | $8,000 | |||
Southern Otway Landcare Network Inc | Shrub Club Community Nursery Bench Restoration Improve the safety of volunteers through installing new potting benches at a community‐run nursery. | Apollo Bay | $3,320 | |||
St Arnaud Neighbourhood House Inc | Community Vegetable Garden Improve nutrition of low‐income residents through the installation of a community garden. | St Arnaud | $7,300 | |||
Tri Gym Inc | Strengthening Our Community - Healthy Body and Mind Support better health and wellbeing outcomes by enabling older community members to access local pilates classes. | Marysville | $4,450 | |||
UCA Queenscliff Point Lonsdale | "Clearing the Air" - Installation of Air Purifiers in Public Spaces Encourage people to come together safely by installing air purifiers in a community hall and meals space. | Queenscliff-Point Lonsdale | $7,990 | |||
United Way Glenelg Victoria Incorporated | Winter Care Packages Reduce social isolation and decrease financial pressures for aged residents with provision of care packages. | Portland | $5,000 | |||
View Street Public Hall Committee | New Window in the Kitchen of the West End Hall (Castlemaine) Increase the comfort of hall users and lower greenhouse gas emissions by installing double glazed windows that will moderate the temperature inside the View Street Public Hall. | Castlemaine | $2,000 | |||
Woorak Community and Land Management Group | Internet Connection and Data Projector Increase functionality of hall with provision of projector and internet connections to enable video conferencing, workshops, on-line training and presentations. | Woorak | $2,500 | |||
WESTERN AUSTRALIA | ||||||
Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Denmark Community Resource Centre Inc | Distributed 15 ‐ Dance in Porongurup Cultivate connection to environment, climate action and climate hope through creative workshops and performance. | Porongurup | $9,961 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Dunsborough Yallingup Chamber of Commerce Inc | DYCCI Skills Development and Capacity Building Workshops 2022/23 Boost and strengthen the local economy by running a series of workshops to help community members improve their business skills. | Dunsborough | $9,994 |
Grants on offer to address issues that matter to young rural Australians
Grants of up to $10,000 are now open for local community groups that will help fund projects developed by youth and for youth. Adopting and adapting these projects will help create positive change by addressing priority issues such as career options, peer support, diversity and discrimination and mental health, which impact youth in rural communities.
Since 2013, the FRRR ABC Heywire Youth Innovation Grants program has supported remote, rural and regional youth to address issues that matter most to them. This year, thanks to the generosity of FRRR’s partners, $130,000 is available nationally, and $30,000 is available specifically for grants in or around the Shepparton region.
This year’s grant program ideas have come from the ABC’s Takeover Shepparton event in May. It brought together 44 young leaders from in and around Shepparton to share stories and workshop ideas on how to make rural and regional Australia a better place for young people to live and work.
The ideas they developed include:
- The Allies Project: How might we celebrate the strength of regional LGBTQIA+ people and educate rural communities on the importance of being an ally?
- Hands on Learning: How might we support young people to learn in ways that work for them?
- Take Care: How might we promote healthier communities in regional Australia?
- SPIN – Supporting People In Need: How might we improve morale in regional communities?
- Triple H- Humanity Helping Homelessness: How might we reduce homelessness and support people who are experiencing it?
- Fusion Festival: How might we raise cultural awareness and stop racism in regional communities?
Natalie Egleton, FRRR’s CEO, said that young people always bring so much to the table, giving current issues a whole new perspective.
“I congratulate the ABC for running such a powerful event, where young people’s voices and ideas were able to shine and be celebrated. These incredible young people brought so much energy and heart to the table, and some fantastic ideas to address issues they face, which will no doubt be common to younger people all across the country.
“Thanks to our donor partners, we look forward to helping local community groups to adapt and adopt these ideas and bring them to life around the country. If you’re a local community group, I encourage you to reach out to your young locals and ask which of these ideas will help make a meaningful change for them. I look forward to reading the applications,” says FRRR CEO Natalie Egleton.
This is the 10th year of the partnership between FRRR and the ABC to run the Heywire Youth Innovation Grants.
“We’re proud to be working with FRRR to once again bring a set of incredible ideas to life, supporting regional communities to back their young people,” says Judith Whelan, ABC Director, Regional and Local. “We’re excited to see where these ideas go and to tell those stories through the ABC.”
To date, more than $1.2 million in community and philanthropic investment has helped to fund more than 150 projects in more than 130 communities. The program is possible thanks to the generous support of FRRR’s donor partners, including The Sally Foundation, Findex Community Fund, David Mactaggart Foundation, Greater Shepparton Foundation, The Collie Foundation and private donors.
Applications close Monday, 18 July 2022 and recipients will be announced in October. More information is available on FRRR’s website.
Black Saturday funding for community-led initiatives
FRRR today announced that the final round of grants to assist Kinglake Ranges communities to rebuild, reconnect and recover from the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires will open soon.
While a lot has changed in the 13 years since the fires, FRRR knows that the impacts are still being felt. This funding, thanks to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund, will help to address those needs, particularly around mental health and wellbeing.
Through the Grants for Resilience & Wellness (GR&W) Kinglake Ranges program, funding will be available to not-for-profit groups in Kinglake, Kinglake Central, Kinglake West, Pheasant Creek, Toolangi and Flowerdale. In total, there is approximately $570,000 available, with no minimum or maximum amount per grant. However, applications for more than $30,000 will need to be discussed with FRRR before being lodged.
The GR&W Kinglake program has a focus on community-strengthening and resilience-building projects, and recognises that recovering communities need support to re-connect, share experiences, enhance wellbeing and resilience, and build capacity for the future.
Nina O’Brien, FRRR’s Disaster Resilience and Recovery Lead, said that this is a great opportunity for the local community to ensure that important projects get the resources and support they need.
“This funding has always been earmarked to support the medium to long-term recovery of communities across the Kinglake Ranges, which we know were so badly affected by the 2009 fires. The focus is on improving mental health and wellbeing – of the community and individuals, and especially young people. There has been a lot of change in the community too, so the funding can help strengthen community connectedness and assist in rebuilding a sense of place and community identity.
“But now it’s up to the community to identify just what the projects are that will be put forward. We know that the best projects will be those that are community-led and which have broad community buy-in. We have supported Kinglake Ranges Neighbourhood House to host a series of facilitated community conversations and some smaller ‘kitchen table’ talks to explore key priorities and grant ideas to inform the final round of funds, so we encourage you to make sure that you get involved.
“If you have an idea, we’d also love to speak to you about it. Karly and Brooke from our team plan on visiting the region during July, and will be available to meet with community groups to discuss applications, and answer questions you may have. We’re really excited about what these grants can do to support Kinglake’s ongoing recovery and I look forward to reading the applications,” Ms O’Brien said.
Applications for GR&W Kinglake will open 5 July, and close Wednesday 16 August 2022, at 5pm AEST, with successful applicants announced in December 2022. For more information and the guidelines, visit https://frrr.org.au/grants-for-resilience-wellness-kinglake/ .
Projects must directly assist those individuals and communities that were affected by the 2009 fires, and must identify a specific hardship or distress caused by the bushfires, which the activity intends to relieve.
To get involved in the local community discussions you can email krftalks@gmail.com. To book a time to meet with the FRRR team and discuss potential applications, community members are encouraged to email recovery@frrr.org.au.
To date, through GR&W Kinglake, FRRR has awarded over $1.1M to 35 projects run by local groups in the Kinglake Ranges, which is assisting communities to re-connect, share experiences, enhance wellbeing and resilience, and build capacity for the future.
This included the Dindi Arts Trail, which received more than $150,000 to support the delivery of the art trail, featuring 11 public murals on concrete water tanks, which enhances local connectedness and will help attract more visitors to the region. The grant funded the employment of a project officer to coordinate the project.
Any community impacted by 2009 bushfires and not located in Kinglake Ranges region can apply for support through FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities program.
In this quarter’s update for FRRR’s donor partners, read about:
- Ngketya Nwernaka Ilkerta Mparetyeka: an innovative grassroots language revival program in Central Australia
- Progress Report
- Insights from the bush
- Donor spotlight: The Macdoch Foundation
- Community Partner Spotlight: Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship (ACRE)
- Partnering opportunities: Private Ancillary Funds