Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR)

Bendigo, 7 February, 2020: The Pratt Foundation has partnered with the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) to offer grants to support the Tumut region to recover from the effects of last month’s fires.

Tumut sits on the north-west foothills of the Snowy Mountains

There is $1 million available through the Visy Tumut Region Recovery Fund for local not-for-profit organisations and community groups that are delivering locally-led projects and activities to support the recovery of all of the communities in the Snowy Valleys Council region.

FRRR’s CEO Natalie Egleton says that from the Foundation’s past experience of supporting disaster-affected communities, the organisation knows that access to flexible funding that can help address different priorities is crucial – now, and into the medium to long-term.

“The recent fires caused significant damage across the Snowy Valleys Council region, but the impact is different in each community. That means that what is needed differs place to place.

“So, we’ve deliberately designed the Visy Tumut Region Recovery Fund to ensure that it can support a wide variety of community needs.

“In some areas, the priority might be providing mental health support; for others it could be supporting environmental recovery and rehabilitating habitat, or simply providing opportunities for people to come together and share their experiences. That could be done, for example, through arts programs, theatre performances, gardening, community dinners, or informal mentoring and peer support groups.

“Some communities may need support to rebuild community infrastructure and replace equipment and facilities that were lost, while others might need support to help coordinate recovery activities.

“This program has the flexibility to support any of these activities – and more – so we encourage local leaders to put in an application for whatever is needed in their community to help start the recovery process.”

Applications for the first round of funding close 28 February, and FRRR anticipates the first grants will be announced at the end of March.

Applications will remain open with the second round closing date to be confirmed.

Storytelling is a vital part of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, allowing beliefs and concepts to be passed on through generations. JUTE Theatre Company (JUTE) uses theatre performance and workshop participation to present professional role models and positive stories about a range of Indigenous experiences and possible futures.

Founded in Cairns in 1992, JUTE helps Indigenous students feel valued and connected, by letting them see their cultures and stories represented on stage. There are also longer-term benefits in employment and post-school options for young Indigenous people. Since the beginning of its Dare to Dream program, JUTE has impacted over 6,000 young people and community members in remote parts of North Queensland with more than 3,600 young people taking part in skills development workshops.

With the support of a $15,000 ANZ Seeds of Renewal grant, JUTE was able to take its 2019 show, The Longest Minute, to 10 North Queensland schools in Lockhart River, Bamaga, Mapoon, Mossman, Ravenshoe, Yarrabah, Mt Isa, Doomadgee and Cloncurry – all very remote locations with significant numbers of Indigenous students. The Longest Minute is a story about the 2015 National Rugby League Grand Final, won by local heroes, North Queensland Cowboys in a nail-biting finish.

The funding helped JUTE refine its school program to meet a broad range of needs across artists and facilitators, community, schools and students.

“It was fantastic,” said one of the Mapoon teachers. “The acting was incredible, and it offered our students an opportunity to see successful Indigenous people who are proud of their identity performing at their best. This is something we don’t have easy access to, being so remote.”

Bendigo, 3 December 2019: The Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) has today announced the 21 community groups that will share in $250,000 in grants through the ANZ Seeds of Renewal Program.

ANZ has contributed $250,000 in funds and in addition, its technology partner Lenovo has contributed more than $16,000 in IT equipment to four community groups. These grants will go towards building vibrant and sustainable rural communities and ensure regional Australia’s ongoing prosperity.

Now in its 17^th round, the ANZ Seeds of Renewal program will this year focus on helping communities in rural, regional and remote Australia address environmental sustainability, financial wellbeing and housing initiatives.

These three issues clearly resonated with small communities, with most applications coming from places with fewer than 3,000 residents.

FRRR CEO, Natalie Egleton said that this program allows local leaders to apply for funding to support priorities they identify as important to their community.

“People living in rural and regional areas often wear multiple hats for their community. This round, we saw several groups looking for ways to build on their existing skills and knowledge to help them tackle key issues in their community – and several grants will do just that.

“Projects acting on environmental challenges and opportunities proved popular, with around a third of applications seeking support to create a greener, more sustainable future for their communities.

“There is a significant focus on the health of our planet at the moment, and so it’s not surprising that at a local level, communities are looking to do what they can to improve the health of the environment around them,” said Ms Egleton.

ANZ General Manager Business Banking Jenefer Stewart said that she was impressed by the ingenuity shown across the community groups.

“The creativity of the projects illustrates a genuine passion by local community groups to build and strengthen communities in rural, regional and remote Australia. Fundraising in smaller communities can be a hard task, so we’re pleased to be able to provide vital support that will help these local communities thrive,” Ms Stewart said.

Some of the locally-led projects funded this round include:

The Wheen Bee Foundation Limited – Bee Sanctuary – Saving Australia’s largest and iconic Green Carpenter bee on Kangaroo Island, SA – $15,000: Provide artificial nesting materials for the Green Carpenter bees on Kangaroo Island after their habitat was destroyed by fires in 2017. This is part of an interim conservation strategy to support threatened bee populations until the local native Banksia flora recovers to pre-bush fire levels.
The Shift Project Byron Inc – The Linen SHIFT, NSW $14,265: A laundry service that will provide training, employment and support to women experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Funds requested will purchase an ironing roller to contribute to laundry operations.
Cocos (Keeling Islands) Shire Council – 58 Plants, WA $15,000: Re-establish a community garden space and refurbish an ageing nursery to propagate 200 native tree seedlings via cuttings or seeds. Established trees around the two islands will be labelled to assist with identification and community education of the native species. A series of educational sessions will be conducted with local school children engaging them in the propagation process.
Northern Gulf Resource Management Group Ltd – Bush Business: Resilience, Growth and Connection, QLD $15,000: Free business workshops for 45 participants across three locations to build economic renewal and improve skills and capacity for local community members recently affected by drought and then flood.
Murray Human Services Inc – Design for Access and Mobility, VIC $13,200: Upgrade the ramp at Burke House, a residential service offering 24/7 care to up to six residents. The new ramp will be compliant with regulations, ensuring the facility meets contemporary standards, and is accessible to those with wheelchairs or other mobility issues.

The full list of grant recipients is below.

Applicant	Project Title & Description	Location	Awarded
NSW
North Coast Community College Inc	Indigenous Land Management Employment Pathway Strengthen economic participation and employment related activities for Aboriginal communities through the establishment of a training program to be run as a social enterprise.	Alstonville	$15,000
OZ Green-Global Rivers Environmental Education Network (Australia) Inc	Bellingen Riverwatch – A Pioneering Citizen Science Program and A Catalyst for Change Develop environmental awareness and increase volunteer engagement by running an awareness raising campaign.	Bellingen	$14,909
Sustaining the Williams Valley (SWV) Inc	REPAWA (Renewable Energy Paterson Allyn Williams Area) Reduce the environmental footprint and increase the creative capacity of the district by establishing a Community Owned Renewable Energy Cooperative.	Dungog	$15,000
Tabourie Lake Ratepayers and Residents Association Inc	Tabourie Lake Waterwatch Improve organisational capacity to deliver community-based environmental programs through the purchase of a water testing kit.	Lake Tabourie	$4,980
The Shift Project Byron Inc	The Linen SHIFT Improve health and financial well-being of women, whilst providing employment opportunities, through the purchase of equipment to establish a new social enterprise.	Byron Bay	$14,265
Forbes Youth Action Team Forbes Shire Council	Connecting the Youth of Forbes Build organisational capacity to deliver computer-based vocational training and services through the purchase of IT equipment, improving young people’s ability to access online services and opportunities.	Forbes	$4,182
NT
Ti Tree CRC Church Incorporated.	Ti Tree Accommodation Project Increase availability of appropriate housing and reduce overcrowding in the remote Ti Tree community in Northern Territory through installation of a septic system in a new housing development.	Ti Tree	$15,000
QLD
Central Burnett Landcare	Regenerating the Central Burnett Improve sustainable farming practices while protecting the natural environment, through the delivery of workshops on regenerative agriculture.	Mundubbera	$15,000
Goondiwindi Aboriginal Corporation	Skilling Her… Improve education, social and economic outcomes for Aboriginal women, their families and the wider community through the delivery of an Employment Support program.	Goondiwindi	$10,975
Northern Gulf Resource Management Group Ltd	Bush Business: Resilience, Growth and Connection Strengthen economic participation and community resilience through a small business program for drought affected communities.	Georgetown	$15,000
Waggamba Landcare Group Inc	Skilling Her Enterprise Build the capacity of rural Women by engaging in business training and employment related activities through a series of skill development workshops.	Goondiwindi	$10,365
SA
Jamestown Apex Club	Jamestown Community Irrigation Strengthen environmental sustainability and community financial well-being through the development of a local irrigation system and the growing of crops, which will be sold to support local health and education initiatives.	Jamestown	$9,250
Workshop26 Kimba Community Development Group Inc	Workshop26 – Supporting the volunteers to more effectively manage and operate Kimba’s Creative Quarter Improve levels of financial participation and well-being in the local economy by establishing a shared retail / workshop / office space for local micro-businesses.	Kimba	$14,146
The Wheen Bee Foundation Limited	Bee Sanctuary – Saving Australia’s largest and iconic Green Carpenter bee on Kangaroo Island Support local biodiversity and environmental sustainability through the provision of artificial nesting materials for Kangaroo Island’s Green Carpenter bees and raising community awareness of the importance of bees in the environment.	Flinders Chase, Kangaroo Island	$15,000
Willunga Environment Centre Inc	Citizen Science Tree Tagging Project Improve local environmental outcomes by building a network of knowledgeable, engaged and skilled community volunteers.	Kangarilla	$7,895
Uni Hub Spencer Gulf Incorporated	IT for Pt Augusta Uni Hub Deliver new educational opportunities to people living in the Spencer Gulf region, through the provision of IT equipment at the study hub to be established in Port Augusta in 2020.	Port Augusta	$4,182
VIC
Bass Coast Landcare Network Inc	Building a sustainable Bass Coast through environmental activity days at the River Garden Improve the quality and sustainability of the local environment through the delivery of a series of educational days for community members.	Bass	$14,820
Committee for Drouin	Renewal of Trees of Nations Increase environmental awareness and sustainability through the delivery of community-led works aimed at restoring and developing a local park.	Drouin	$12,000
Murray Human Services Inc	Design for Access and Mobility Improve availability of accessible housing in Echuca through the upgrade of an access ramp at a local residential care facility.	Echuca	$13,200
Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority	On-ground Action for a Greener Brighter Future – Grow West Community Planting Day Promote environmental health and sustainability by actively engaging community members in environment-based activities.	Ballan	$8,000
WA
Cocos (Keeling) Islands Shire Council	58 Plants Improve the natural environment and amenity of the Cocos Islands through a replanting and educational program of activities involving the local community.	Cocos Keeling Islands – Home Island	$15,000
The Liebe Group Inc	Encouraging Leadership and Learning for Regional Women Increase capacity and knowledge of agribusiness and sustainable farming practices among regional women in the wheatbelt of WA through workshops at annual Field Day event.	Dalwallinu	$4,200
Youth Involvement Council Inc	Housing for life Support positive outcomes for young people at risk of homelessness in the Port Hedland region of WA through purchase of household items for a youth crisis accommodation facility.	Port and South Hedland	$5,995
Avon Youth Community and Family Services	The Connecting the Dots Lifestyle Program Reduce barriers to homelessness and build information technology skills among youth in the Wheatbelt of Western Australia through the provision of three laptops.	Avon	$4,182
Country Music Club of Boyup Brook WA Inc	Make IT Happen Improve the capacity and job readiness skills of volunteers supporting an annual country music festival in south west Western Australia through the three new computers.	Boyup Brook	$4,182

Bendigo, 8 January 2019: Thirty-six community projects that will assist the continued recovery of communities impacted by the Black Saturday Bushfires will receive funding totalling $555,963. The groups are the latest recipients of the Grants for Resilience and Wellness (GR&W) and Community Group Futures (CGF) programs.

Funding is made possible by the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund (VBAF) which the general public generously contributed to in the immediate aftermath of the fires.

Grants for Resilience and Wellness (GR&W) will support 27 community groups, who will share $425,082, to implement their local projects. To date, the GR&W program has funded 200 projects to a total value of $2,603,788.80.

The GR&W program assists community strengthening and resilience building projects. Some communities will use their GR&W funding to support their Black Saturday 10^th Anniversary commemorative activities in February 2019 with concerts planned for Arthurs Creek and Balook, commemorative service and community dinners in Boolarra and Traralgon South, Jeeralang North will also hold an event, while a community arts project and exhibition will take place in the Kinglake Ranges.

The Community Group Futures (CGF) program will fund $130,881 across nine community groups. To date, CGF has funded 43 projects, valued at $513,656.

The CGF program supports not-for-profit organisations think beyond day-to-day operations and look ahead to ensure they can meet on-going community needs. Solar energy projects again proved a powerful drawcard as community groups look to self-sufficiency and reduce overhead costs. The Royal Historical Society of Victoria meanwhile is looking to digitise their records given the bushfire-prone environment.

“As we approach 2019 and the ten-year anniversary of Black Saturday, it’s heartening to see these communities continuing to work together to recover. Community needs continue to evolve and local leaders – many of whom have been involved since 2009 – continue to find ways to support the community and bolster their resilience in the years to come,” said FRRR CEO, Natalie Egleton.

“While it’s nearly a decade since this horrific event, it’s important that these communities take the time to reflect on the impact the fires had and, in many cases, continues to have,” Ms Egleton continued.

“As in the aftermath of the fires, it’s the communities themselves who know how to serve their people best, and we are pleased to be able to support them in achieving this.”

GR&W – Round 14
Organisation	Project	Location	Grant
Alexandra Secondary College	*MY ( Murrindindi Youth ) Reflective Garden* Increase connection to place and space for reflection at Alexandra Secondary College through establishment of a reflective garden.	Alexandra	$16,014
Arthurs Creek/ Strathewen Brigade Country Fire Authority	*Fire Safety Community Messages for 2019* Creation of two animated fire safety adverts to consolidate the learnings from Fire Education Sessions delivered at Strathewen Primary School.	Strathewen	$20,000
Arthurs Creek/ Strathewen Brigade Country Fire Authority 10^th Anniversary Commemorative Event	*Black Saturday 10-year memorial Eric Bogle Concert.* Increase opportunity for the Strathewen community to connect and support each other while acknowledging the 10th anniversary of the bushfire disaster through delivery of a community concert.	Arthurs Creek	$3,455
Balook and District Residents Association (BADRA) Inc 10^th Anniversary Commemorative Event	*Rainforest Rhythms* Increase community connections and stimulation for local tourism through delivery of a live memorial concert, Rainforest Rhythms, held in the Tarra Bulga National Park.	Balook	$2,500
Boolarra Folk Festival Committee 10^th Anniversary Commemorative Event	*Boolarra and District Community 2019 Commemorative Bushfire Event* Opportunity to reflect on the 2009 bushfire disaster for the 10-year anniversary, via delivery of a commemorative service and community dinner for Boolarra and the surrounding region.	Boolarra	$19,000
Cire Services Inc.	*Supported playgroup for Healesville area based at Badger Creek* Increase support and reduced isolation for local parents, through delivery of supported playgroup program at Badger Creek Primary School.	Badger Creek	$11,021
Hazelwood – Jeeralang Community Association Inc. 10^th Anniversary Commemorative Event	*Hazelwood Jeeralang 2009 bushfire commemoration activities* Increase community connectedness and opportunities to support each other, through delivery of a Black Saturday 10th Anniversary event at Hazelwood Jeeralang.	Jeeralang North	$9,193
Kinglake Historical Society Kinglake Ranges Neighbourhood House Inc.	*Kinglake Heritage Centre* Increase access to local historical information, through upgrade of an unused community space to accommodate the Kinglake Historical Society. This organisation will also benefit from the project submitted to CGF Rd 7 by the Royal Historical Society of Victoria Inc. The project will support Kinglake HS to digitize and preserve historic material.	Kinglake West / Pheasant Creek	$20,000
Kinglake Ranges Neighbourhood House Inc. 10^th Anniversary Commemorative Event	*Respect and Remember – “The Kinglake Ranges Journey”* Opportunity for the community to reflect on the 2009 disaster event and 10 years of local recovery, via a six-week interactive community art exhibition displayed in Kinglake.	Kinglake Kinglake West Flowerdale Toolangi	$28,176
Lions Club of Kinglake Inc.	*Avenue of Honour* Recognition and commemoration of soldiers who fought for Australia with the creation of an Avenue of Honour leading up to and surrounding Kinglake’s war memorial.	Kinglake	$2,000
Maiden Gully Hall Committee Inc.	*New Chairs for the Maiden Gully Hall* Increase comfort and safety for community groups that meet at the Maiden Gully Hall through the purchase of new chairs.	Maiden Gully	$8,316
Men’s Shed at St Andrews	*Shed extension and machinery upgrade to enhance member and local community health and safety* Increase storage area and upgraded machinery, increasing space and improving working conditions at the Men’s Shed at St Andrews.	St Andrews	$19,776
Mitchell Community Radio Inc.	*Broadford Monthly* Increase awareness of local initiatives and community activity, via outside community radio broadcast delivered from Broadford Living and Learning Centre.	Broadford	$1,880
Firefoxes Australia Women Rising Together From Black Saturday	*90 Up: Stars burning brightly* Increase awareness of how to overcome adversity and build resilience, through capturing and sharing the stories of Murrindindi Shire residents who are over 90-years-old.	Alexandra Yea Eildon Buxton	$20,000
Mudgegonga Hall Reserve Committee Inc.	*Mudgegonga Hall Child Safety Fence* Increase safety for families with children when attending community events and activities, due to upgrade of fencing around Mudgegonga Hall.	Mudgegonga District	$10,863
Nillumbik Shire Council	*Tech, Tea and Tales* Increase skills in technology and communication for local seniors via delivery of the youth led Tech, Tea and Tales program in collaboration with the St Andrews Community Centre.	St Andrews	$20,000
Reedy Creek Progress Association Reedy Creek Progress Association Inc.	*Reedy Creek Community Gatherings* Opportunities to connect and build community resilience, through the delivery of seven community gatherings at the Reedy Creek Hall over 2019.	Reedy Creek	$2,500
Resilience Planning Community of Practice Inc.	*Beechworth Festival of Change* Increase inspiration and motivation to implement solutions to community issues, through delivery of skill development and resources at the Beechworth Festival of Change.	Beechworth	$20,000
Rotary Club of Alexandra	*Go Green* Increase support for residents to clean up their properties in preparation for the bushfire season, through purchase of tipping trailer for volunteer run green waste program.	Alexandra Taggerty Thornton Eildon	$5,500
Toolangi District Community House Inc.	*Staging for the C J Dennis Hall* Support cultural development and improve audience experience with the purchase of a portable stage for community hall in Toolangi.	Toolangi	$5,457
Traralgon South and District Association 10^th Anniversary Commemorative Event	*10-Year Black Saturday event* Opportunity to reflect on the 2009 bushfire disaster for the 10-year anniversary, via delivery of a commemorative service and community dinner for Traralgon South and the surrounding region.	Traralgon South Callignee	$12,395
UCA – Kinglake West Uniting Church	*Feeding the Many Needs* Increase social and physical wellbeing and strengthened community networks through delivery of fortnightly community meal program.	Kinglake West / Pheasant Creek	$4,400
Whittlesea Community House	*A mosaic of community connections and resilience* Strengthen community connectedness achieved through the delivery of inclusive creative art workshops that will produce four mosaic installations for the Whittlesea community.	Whittlesea	$15,130
Women on Farms – West Gippsland Inc	Sponsorship for women to attend the Women on Farms Gathering Opportunity for farming women from bushfire affected areas to increase wellbeing and resilience, through support to attend the Women on Farms Gathering 2019 in Warragul.	Warragul	$9,800
Yinnar and District Memorial Hall	*NO LIMITS* Removing barriers to participation in facilitated health and wellbeing activities, through delivery of a weekly Exercise program for Seniors 60yrs+ in Yinnar.	Yinnar	$18,500
Ellimatta Inc.	A Bright & Positive Future for Youth – 2 Continue access to support services and programs for youth through supporting the employment of staff at Ellimatta Youth Service in Kinglake.	Kinglake	$30,000
Kinglake Ranges Neighbourhood House Inc.	Be Well in the Ranges Removing barriers to mental health support for the Kinglake community during the 10th Anniversary of Black Saturday by providing ease of access to locally based mental health professionals. Removing barriers to mental health support for the Kinglake community during the 10th Anniversary of Black Saturday by providing ease of access to locally based mental health professionals.	Kinglake	$89,206

Community Group Futures – Round 7
Organisation	Project	Location	Grant
Art Resource Collective Incorporated	*Solar PV Project* Installation of solar panels for the Art Resource Collective Inc, Yinnar, reducing energy costs and increasing the viability of an entity that supports community access to cultural and artistic opportunities.	Yinnar	$10,000
Ellimatta Inc.	*Ellimatta Sunshine for Power* Increase viability and sustainability for Ellimatta Youth Centre, through installation of a solar power system.	Kinglake	$7,781
Kinglake Ranges Neighbourhood House Inc.	*Sustainability in the Ranges – Solar* Build community resilience and reduce greenhouse gas emissions through installation of 6.4 kW solar system.	Kinglake	$10,000
Kinglake Ranges Neighbourhood House Inc.	*Kinglake Ranges Arts Recovery Officer* Increase collaboration and support for arts organisations and initiatives through employment of an Arts Recovery Officer for the Kinglake region.	Kinglake Kinglake West Pheasant Creek Kinglake Central	$20,000
Mount Beauty Neighbourhood Centre Inc.	*Volunteering for Success* Increase volunteerism for community organisations in Mount Beauty, through employment of a Volunteer Coordinator to increase awareness of, resources and support for, volunteer roles.	Mt Beauty Bright Tawonga Myrtleford	$20,000
Murrindindi Little Athletics Centre	*Good Governance in Murrindindi* Increase support for community-based Committees of Management, through delivery of Governance training to 10 groups in Murrindindi Shire.	Alexandra Kinglake Yarck Taggerty	$14,300
Royal Historical Society of Victoria Inc.	*Digitise or lose it!* Preservation of local history through the purchase of equipment and the delivery of training to digitise historic documents and photos at four historical Societies in bushfire prone areas.	Marysville Kinglake Alexandra & Fawcett	$20,000
Toolangi District Community House Inc.	*Solar Panels for the Community House* Reduce running costs and increased investment in community through installation of solar power system for Toolangi District Community House.	Toolangi	$8,800
Yarra Valley ECOSS Inc.	*Project Development Officer at ECOSS* Enhance program outcomes and organisational viability, through employment of skilled support to develop policies, procedures and workplans that underpin program delivery.	Wesburn	$20,000

Bendigo, 5 December 2018: The Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) today announced that 27 community groups will share in $250,000 in community grants, plus a further $12,990 in IT equipment, through the ANZ Seeds of Renewal Program.

The funds donated by ANZ and the IT equipment provided by Lenovo will help build vibrant and sustainable rural communities, ensuring regional Australia’s ongoing prosperity.

FRRR Chief Executive Officer, Natalie Egleton said the aim of the grants was to empower regional communities to build a strong and sustainable future, and to kick-start many of the great ideas that exist in regional and rural Australia.

“This year most requests were for funds to help purchase infrastructure and equipment, particularly IT equipment. Another strong theme was knowledge and skills development – from vocational skills that lead to employment opportunities, through to performing arts.

“The range of groups receiving funding is a great example of the diverse needs in rural, regional and remote communities, and reinforces why flexible programs like ANZ Seeds of Renewal are so important for building strong, vibrant and sustainable communities.”

ANZ General Manager of Business Banking, Isaac Rankin, said the program played an important role in supporting regional Australia, with $4.6 million invested by ANZ since 2003 to help more than 800 community groups achieve their goals.

“Many small communities rely on locally-led projects to engage community members and to provide a sense of place and inclusiveness,” Mr Rankin said.

“ANZ believes vibrant communities are diverse and inclusive with facilities and programs that are accessible to everyone. We proudly support communities to innovate, expand and create opportunities that will deliver economic sustainability.”

Since its inception, Seeds of Renewal grants have contributed to a variety of initiatives in communities of fewer than 15,000 people, including the development of social enterprises, education, training and mentoring programs, and improving community facilities.

Some of the locally-led projects funded this round include:

Arapiles Community Theatre Inc, VIC – $13,856 – By establishing a small recycling plant that converts used plastic items into material for 3D printers, the community of Natimuk will reduce its environmental impact, as well as support the local economy. The recycling plant, 3D printers and laser cutters will be part of a Maker’s Space where local artists and community members can produce art or functional items, such as replacement parts for agricultural equipment. Students at Natimuk Primary School will also learn about the challenges posed by plastic waste by exploring creative responses / solutions to the challenge.
The CAD Factory, NSW – $10,000 – 15 artists with learning disabilities will work with artists from five Riverina organisations to develop and present a professional two-day exhibition. This project will encourage inclusion and discussions about intellectually disabled artists and the cultural vibrancy that they bring to their regions.
Warwick Development Group Inc, QLD – $2,710 – This project will facilitate the third annual Bunya Festival, an event that invites non-Indigenous people to engage and learn from others from the Indigenous community and form ongoing relationships. The festival will include workshops on using fire for land management, dance, ecology, native fauna and native plant foods.
Keith Area School, SA – $9,677 – This school is establishing a farm to plate project, engaging students from foundation through to Year 12. Students will be involved in all aspects of the project from growing and cooking food to running a micro-business. Students will receive leadership opportunities and develop new skills, including horticulture, land management, food hygiene and budgeting.

The full list of grant recipients is below.

Organisation	Project	Awarded
NEW SOUTH WALES
Bega Valley Meals on Wheels Co-operative Ltd	Computers for Meals on Wheels Enhance organisational capcity through the acquisition of two Lenovo Yoga laptops.	$2,598
Byron Youth Service Inc.	Cottage Connect Improve service delivery for disadvantaged and at risk young people in Byron Shire through the purchase of five new computers.	$6,895
Dunedoo Central Parents and Citizens Association	Growing Stronger Together Increase community connection and support participation across the Dunedoo community through the creation of a community garden, outdoor yarning circle and an Indigenous art program for students.	$14,000
The CAD Factory	YIELD – changing attitudes and access barriers faced by regional artists with intellectual disability Supporting artists with learning disabilities to develop their skills through training and a final exhibition, that will encourage inclusion and discussions about intellectually disabled artists and the cultural vibrancy that they can bring to their regions.	$10,000
Wanaruah Local Aboriginal Lands Council	Wanaruah IT Systems Management Project Enhance organisational capacity of the Wanaruah Local Aboriginal Lands Council through acquisition of two new computers, a laptop, three Microsoft Office licenses, product care and application development training for a staff member.	$10,463
NORTHERN TERRITORY
Artists of Ampilatwatja	Update IT for Art Centre Build economic strength and sustainability of, and skills development within, this remote community, through purchase of IT equipment for use within the arts centre.	$7,192
Shepherdson College	Trade Training Development Program Promote community health, cohesion and engagement, through establishment of a community garden with shade-house, raised garden beds, repair café and community seating area.	$15,000
QUEENSLAND
Charters Towers Regional Men’s Shed Inc	Men’s Shed Expansion Reduce isolation and encourage engagement through the construction of an awning at the Charters Towers Regional Men’s Shed.	$7,864
Gympie District Show Society Inc	Gympie Show Registration Computers – Capacity Increase Build capacity of the Gympie District Show Society by acquiring three new Lenovo laptops to expedite the registration process for the annual Gympie Show.	$3,897
Just Us Theatre Ensemble	Dare to Dream – tour and residency program in rural and remote Far North Queensland Provide inspiration and skill development, whilst promoting self-confidence and community pride, in remote communities in Far North QLD through a 10 week Indigenous touring and theatre residency program.	$15,000
Warwick Development Group Inc	Bunya Festival Promote cultural awareness, education and cross-cultural engagement by holding an Indigenous-led festival and burning workshops in Warwick.	$2,710
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Berri Barmera Landcare	Educate, Participate, Protect and Conserve – Berri Barmera and Beyond Improve organisational capacity to meet its stated aims and deliver community-based environmental programs through the acquisition of two Lenovo devices.	$2,598
Goolwa to Wellington Local Action Planning Association Inc	Lenovo for Local Action – an IT upgrade to help GWLAP work on the ground Improve organisational capacity to deliver environmental projects in collaboration with the local community, through the acquisition of three Lenovo devices.	$3,897
Keith Area School	Farm to Plate Strengthen educational outcomes for students through an extension of the school’s agriculture program involving the development of a gardening and cooking program that will be sustained by a micro-business selling fresh produce.	$9,677
Kornar Winmil Yunti Aboriginal Corporation	KWY Port Augusta Aboriginal Women’s Strength and Resilience Support program Improve health, education, social and economic outcomes for Aboriginal women, their families and the wider community through the delivery of a pilot program supporting the healing of intergenerational trauma caused by family and domestic violence.	$15,000
The Beltana Progress Association Inc	Beltana Tourism Hub – Appreciating the Flinders through history and art Strengthen economic development and community resilience through the upgrade of an historic building for use as a gallery and function space, driving tourism and community engagement and participation.	$15,000
Upper Spencer Gulf Common Purpose Group Inc	Uni Hub Spencer Gulf Strengthen the local workforce and economy by supporting further education and life-long learning, through the development of a well-equipped university hub.	$15,000
TASMANIA
Jordan River Service Inc	Computers for Community Build organisational capacity to deliver computer-based vocational training and services through an upgrade of IT equipment, improving the community’s ability to access online services and opportunities.	$13,536
VICTORIA
Arapiles Community Theatre Inc	Plastic Fantastic Reduce the environmental footprint and increase the creative capacity of the town by establishing a small plastic recycling plant as a part of a makers space which is open to local artists and the community.	$13,856
Bass Coast Adult Education Centre Inc	From The Ground Up! Strengthen economic participation of migrant communities in the local economy through the establishment of a multi-cultural food hub to be run as a social enterprise.	$13,916
Girgarre Development Group Inc.	Girgarre Green Thumbs Propagation Hub Strengthen capacity to develop and support community initiatives by generating income through the building of a plant nursery and propagation facility.	$15,000
Grow Lightly Connect Ltd	Grow the Growers Improve food sustainability, economic resilience and community health outcomes through contracting a project officer to support a fresh produce growers’ network during a period of organisational expansion.	$3,254
Woor-Dungin	‘Walking Together’ 2019 Aboriginal On Country Gathering Strengthen the capacity of Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and philanthropy to work together to address challenges identified by the community as they move towards self-determination.	$15,000
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Fitzgerald Biosphere Group Inc	Out with the Old, in with the New! Improve capacity of local environment group monitoring of weed control and disease management in highly significant biodiversity region, through IT upgrade and office furniture.	$4,361
Friends of Pingelly Railway Station Inc.	Pingelly Station Restoration Enhance community identity and strengthen the local economy through the restoration of the Pingelly Railway Station, creating a vibrant cultural hub for the local and tourist community.	$3,685
Leschenault Catchment Council Inc	Seed Collection Equipment Increase employment opportunities for Aboriginal community members and strengthen local conservation, through purchase of seed processing equipment for a seed collection social enterprise with a growing market.	$12,447
Peel Bright Minds Regional Development Australia Peel	Building local career aspirations in the Peel region Build youth job seeker aspiration and promote employment pathways in the entrepreneurship, science, technology, engineering arts and maths fields through five video productions of local youth employment success stories.	$11,144

$475,000 in grants to help local organisations address health care gaps

Bendigo, 27 September 2018: The Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) today announced that four organisations will share in over $475,000 to implement vital health services in rural and regional communities in NSW and Victoria.

The Enhancing Country Health Outcomes (ECHO) program was established to provide grants for charitable initiatives that strengthen, improve accessibility and retain quality primary health care services in local communities. Distance and isolation place rural and regional communities at greater risk of poorer health outcomes and management. Basic health services, programs and equipment are vital to the sustainability of small communities. The funding for this program comes via Beyond Medical Education, which closed and transferred their funds to FRRR.

Demand for this new program was strong, with FRRR receiving 27 applications requesting nearly $3 million toward projects valued at $5.8 million. Acting CEO Sarah Matthee says that this shows the high level of need for improved access to health services across rural, regional and remote Australia.

“Through ECHO, we are supporting small communities to improve accessibility and implement sustainable, contextually appropriate responses to help the local residents live well in their communities. The four grants will support these organisations to up-skill the rural health workforce and implement innovative responses to provide a better service for clients,” said Ms Matthee.

Lynda Vamvoukis, a former CEO of Beyond Medical Education, said she was impressed by the applications received and that she is confident the four successful organisations will address the day-to-day health care needs in these small communities.

“No matter where you live, quality primary health services are vital in a community. This program provides support to ‘on the ground’, multidisciplinary and integrated projects that respond to specific primary health care issues within a local community,” said Ms Vamvoukis.

The following organisations will receive large-scale grants to implement locally led solutions:

NSW Outback Division of General Practice Ltd – $111,000 to re-establish an Occupational Therapist (OT) based in Bourke, NSW. The OT will be part of a multidisciplinary team, supporting the therapy services provided from clinical hubs in Bourke and the surrounding towns of Louth, Wanaaring, Enngonia, and Brewarrina. The OT service will provide one-to-one early intervention and support for children with delayed development, to ‘at risk’ groups such as adults with mobility issues, and enable people to access specialist and ongoing support services where available and appropriate.
Mallacoota Community Health, Infrastructure and Resilience Fund Inc. (CHIRF), in Victoria – $136,864 to support the development and implementation of additional health services through the local medical clinic. Services will include a general mental health program, Teen Clinic, piloting a nurse-led after-hours service, and maintaining the Dr Search workforce recruitment program. Funds will also support a Project Manager to develop these additional services.
Latrobe Community Health Service (LCHS), in Victoria – $125,200 to implement the ‘Telkaya Project – Very Brief Advice for behavioural change’, focusing on lifestyle changes around smoking, nutrition, alcohol and physical activity. LCHS will work with Gippsland Lake Health Service, Monash University Department of Rural Health and Ramahyuck Aboriginal District Corporation to develop an online training package and support materials to build the capability of LCHS and staff to integrate brief invention advice into routine primary health care services.
University of South Australia will receive $102,500 for Stage 2 of the Local Pain Educator (LPE) program. Conducted by Pain Revolution, this is a community-based health education initiative focuses on building the skills and capacity of local health professionals to support people living with chronic pain, reducing the reliance on strong opioids. With this grant, Local Pain Networks will be established across five regional areas surrounding Cooma, Nowra and Wagga Wagga in NSW, Albury-Wodonga NSW / Vic border and Warracknabeal, Vic.

Bendigo, 12 July 2018: Thirty community groups impacted by the 2009 Victorian bushfires have received grants to support the ongoing local needs that continue to emerge.

Thanks to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund (VBAF), these community groups will share in $341,438 across two grant programs to implement their locally-led projects.

Grants for Resilience and Wellness (GR&W) will fund 19 community groups, distributing $244,667 for 21 local projects. To date, the GR&W program has now funded 173 projects and distributed over $2 million.

Community Group Futures (CGF) will distribute $96,771 across 10 community groups. To date, CGF has now funded 34 projects, valued at $382,775.

It’s been nine years since Australia saw the highest-ever loss from a bushfire. More than one million acres of land were decimated: lives changed forever, and the aftermath continues to be felt in families and communities affected by the fires.

Natalie Egleton, FRRR’s CEO, explains that despite the time that’s passed, the recovery is ongoing.

“Grants from the VBAF were first distributed in 2010. Rebuilding a community does not happen overnight, it takes time. This is why we continue to provide support to the communities impacted by fires, nearly a decade on. Both these programs are flexible and designed to meet the evolving needs of the fire-affected communities.”

In the latest round of the GR&W program, the majority of applications FRRR received were for projects focused on strengthening community connectedness and enhancing local community identity and sense of place.

For example, Firefoxes Australia have received $15,620 for their Murrindindi Women’s Forum and Women’s Health and Wellbeing Expo to employ an events co-ordinator. This will help relieve fatigued volunteers, as well as support catering, venue hire and transport. These events have proven important in connecting women from across the Shire and tackling the challenges of isolation, thereby helping to deal with the mental health issues that have arisen due to the devastation of 2009.

Earlier this year Community Group Futures was awarded an additional $338,237 from the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund Panel, bringing the total funds for this program to $898,237. Its aim is to ensure there are strong, sustainable and focused local community organisations and leaders that can support their communities and the activities they wish to engage in.

Projects such as the Toolangi Castella District Community House – C J Dennis Hall project – will use a $2,240 grant to support the creation of processes and procedures and to increase their capacity and readiness to assume the management of the local community hall. The C J Dennis Hall continues to be an asset to the Toolangi community, serving as a meeting place that encourages community connectedness, and in the event of future disaster events, as a place of refuge.

Ms Egleton noted that there is still funding available for communities affected by the 2009 Victorian bushfires with the next GR&W and CGF grant rounds opening on 6 August 2018.

“As the 10-year anniversary of the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires occurs in February 2019, any community organisations in the impacted areas that wish to hold commemorative activities should apply in the next round of GR&W, which will open on 6 August.”

The projects funded in this round are listed below. GR&W Program | Community Group Futures Program

Grants for Resilience & Wellness (GR&W) Round 13 recipients

Organisation	Project	Amount
Alexandra Indoor Heated Pool Inc.	Alexandra Indoor Heated Pool Support health and wellbeing through access to swim classes, hydrotherapy and aqua aerobics by constructing an indoor heated pool for the local community.	$20,000
More Murals Alexandra Primary School	Alexandra’s Beasties Improve connection to place, the natural environment, and engagement in cultural activities, through delivery of youth focused community mural project.	$18,850
Boolarra South Landcare Group	Mechanical Weed Control for Environmentally Sensitive Areas Boost access to the local environment and management of noxious weeds through the purchase of a Billy Goat mulcher to support local volunteer to maintain public areas and walking trails at the historic Boolarra Mill site.	$5,000
Chapter Seven Ltd.	Fun Mudder Project Planning and Delivery Develop work ready skills and experience for local disengaged youth, through participation in a program of activities that will contribute to the delivery of a major community tourism event, Fun Mudder.	$18,000
Clonbinane Community Action Group	Paving the Road to Resilience Improve access and additional space for community activities, through sealing of uneven carpark at Clonbinane Hall.	$16,912
Coleraine & District Development Association Inc.	Toolang Walk Increase safety and amenity for the local community and visitors to the area who access the area for wellbeing activities by repairing local walking track.	$16,941
Ellimatta	Stem Makerspace Reduce barriers to educational opportunities and support engagement with science and technology for primary school aged students, by creating a “STEM makerspace” at Ellimatta Youth Service.	$14,567
Firefoxes Australia	Women of Murrindindi Support the recovery of women in Murrindindi Shire with community events and activities through the employment of an event coordinator and funding event costs.	$15,620
Flowerdale Community House	And So, We Sew! Build social connections and practical skill development by purchasing sewing machines and equipment enabling the delivery of low cost sewing classes.	$2,895
Foggy Mountain Inc.	Foggy Mountain Music Project Increase sense of place and connectedness for local children, through participation in song writing about community and performance at local festival.	$8,000
Freedom Care Inc.	Project Squirrel II Improve access to stock for clients and volunteers at local food relief service by purchasing and installing shelving.	$4,212
Healesville Interchurch Community Care Incorporated	A bus of new beginnings – HICCI Community Bus Project Increase capacity and safety of the volunteer transport service for disadvantaged residents in Healesville and Yarra Glen through the purchase of a bus.	$11,990
Kilmore District Men’s Shed	General And Disabled Toilet Facilities Support accessibility for all community members by adding an accessible toilet block at the site of the new Kilmore Men’s Shed.	$20,000
Men’s Shed at St Andrews Inc.	Safeguarding the health of members Protect the health and safety of all users and remove barriers to participation for members of the community with health concerns with the installation of dust and fume extraction systems at the Men’s Shed at St Andrews.	$13,400
Mount Beauty Neighbourhood Centre Inc.	Kitchen Upgrade Ensure Mount Beauty Neighbourhood Centre availability for community activities, courses and initiatives with the renewal of the kitchen floor to meet OH&S requirements.	$5,100
Rotary Club of Kinglake Ranges	Kinglake Ranges Community Stadium Project Increase capacity to deliver large locally driven community activities and events through purchase of floor covering, heating and lighting to enable use of basketball stadium.	$19,419
St Matthew’s Church Saltbush Community Initiatives Inc.	The People’s Pantry Long Gully Increase food security and social connections in the disadvantaged and fire affected community of Long Gully by purchasing storage and support for start-up costs for the cooperative food share program.	$6,000
St Andrews Community Centre Inc.	St Andrews Recovery and Community Building Drive participation in community events and activities, through delivery of special interest classes, community meals and events at St Andrews Community Centre.	$12,747
Toolangi Castella District Community House Inc.	Upgrade of Maternal Health rooms Provide additional space for community activities and initiatives with upgrade of disused community building.	$9,900
Traralgon South and District Association	Community access to defibrillators Increase perception of safety and access to life saving equipment, through installation of Automated External Defibrillator at Traralgon South.	$2,949
Traralgon South and District Association	Traralgon South and Callignee Youth Group – “Place to be Me” Support local youth in small community to remain connected, through the provision of subsidised social activities.	$2,165

Community Group Futures (CGF) Round 6 recipients

Organisation	Project	Amount
Bushfire Education Foundation Inc.	Bushfire Education Centre and Museum Project Officer Support local volunteers to establish feasibility and support the development of a National Bushfire Museum, Education and Research Centre in Marysville through the engagement of a Project Officer.	$20,000
Firefoxes Australia	Firefoxes Future Focused (FFF) Increase individual board member and organisational capacity and enhanced direction, through the facilitation of training and planning workshops for the Board of Firefoxes Australia.	$20,000
Healesville Community Renewable Energy Inc.	Strategic Planning and Implementation Support for Healesville CoRE Support more sustainable living for the Healesville community through the development of a strategic plan to guide renewable energy strategies.	$7,208
Healesville Toastmasters Club Inc.	Good Governance in Healesville Improve skills and capacity for grass root Committees, through the delivery of governance training to 10 community groups in Healesville.	$12,200
Mitchell Shire Concert Band	Solar4MSCB Reduce energy costs and increase the viability of an entity that supports community events and fundraising opportunities with the installation of solar panels for the Mitchell Shire Concert Band Hall.	$6,493
Myrtleford Neighbourhood Centre	Myrtleford – Building Sustainable Community Futures Strengthen planning and direction for Myrtleford Neighbourhood Centre through the engagement of external support to lead strategic planning and a review of management systems.	$10,000
Rotary Club of Kinglake Ranges	Communications and Innovation Build capacity for volunteers supporting the initiatives of the Rotary Club of Kinglake, through the purchase of a computer and iPad.	$4,600
Taggerty Community Progress Group Inc.	Setting up training on a Financial System for CH@T Improve capacity to support the establishment of the Community Hub @ Taggerty (Neighbourhood House) through the purchase of accounting software and the engagement of professional training and implementation support.	$6,396
Toolangi Castella District Community House Inc.	C J Dennis Hall Increase the capacity of the Toolangi District Community House to assume management of the local community Hall by creating processes and procedures, and clean-up of storage areas.	$2,240
Whittlesea Showgrounds & Recreation Reserves Committee of Management	Strategic Plan Development and Implementation Create direction and support for volunteer Committee of Management to manage the Whittlesea reserve facility for the use of the wider community through the development of a Strategic Plan.	$7,634

Thallon is a small town with a population of around 260, located 600 km west of Brisbane in south west Queensland. It’s a close-knit community and local residents like to stay in town, or move into town off surrounding farms, as they age.

However, there are no dedicated aged care facilities or purpose-built independent living units, so people either move into regular housing or go to larger centres. The community has agreed that this is a situation they want to rectify and has prioritised the creation of a community-owned independent living units.

The Thallon Progress Association (TPA) is lead the economic development organisation in town, and has members from all community organisations, including Council, represented.

They have a successful track record of getting things done for the community, including working with the Balonne Shire Council to equip the local recreation grounds with infrastructure required for Thallon to be designated an RV friendly town, as well as being the driving force behind the impressive local silo art and the newest ‘big thing’ – the giant statue of a Northern Hairy Nose Wombat, both of which are important tourism draw-cards.

Despite having no experience in this area, they agreed to act as the lead on the development of an Independent Living Unit complex to provide options for local citizens to age in place, with support of their family and friends.

Professional advice breaks down complexity

Anything to do with aged care is complex, and the TPA wisely decided their first step would be to get independent legal advice about setting up a fit-for-purpose legal entity to own land, develop the infrastructure and oversee the management of the complex and the services it will offer.

However, they needed external funding to cover the costs.They received an FRRR Caring for Ageing Rural Australians (CARA) grant of $7,032, funded by the Sylvia and Charles Viertel Charitable Foundation. This enabled them to engage local solicitors and obtain specialist advice on the most suitable legal structure for this aged-care initiative.

As a result, Thallon Community Services Ltd has been set up as a registered company. It has an ABN and is now registered as a Charity. The Company has a sole member (Thallon Progress Association) and an initial Board of three Directors, who report to the Association at their AGM.

A suitable parcel of land has been identified and now the real work begins, as Thallon Community Services Ltd aims to improve the well-being of all citizens by creating hope and opportunity, enhancing social inclusion and independence, addressing the impact of disadvantage and improving the districts’ liveability.

In their acquittal report, TPA acknowledged their appreciation of the grant, saying that it had allowed them to lay the foundations and establish a structure suitable to grow their strong community forward. They also indicated that without this grant, the project would not have gone ahead.

Bendigo, 18 January 2018: ANZ has announced the recipients of its 2017 Seeds of Renewal program, with 26 community organisations from across regional Australia set to share in more than $250,000 in funding.

Celebrating its 15^th year, the Seeds of Renewal Program funded by ANZ, administered by the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) and supported by Lenovo, aims to encourage initiatives that help to build vibrant and sustainable rural communities.

Since 2003, Seeds of Renewal has provided over $4.5 million in grants to more than 800 community projects from across regional Australia.

Commenting on the participating organisations, ANZ General Manager Business Banking, Isaac Rankin, said, “This year’s recipients demonstrated the entrepreneurial spirit, passion and strong community collaboration that exist in regional Australia, and we’re proud to play a role in helping to ensure these communities continue to thrive.”

FRRR CEO Natalie Egleton said, “The innovative approaches to supporting the growth and the sustainability of rural and regional communities were extremely impressive, with applicants addressing issues as wide-ranging as pollution, community participation, tourism and infrastructure.”

Alice Springs based Waltja Tjutangku Palyapayi Aboriginal Corporation will receive a $15,000 grant to support its work in capturing and documenting culturally significant information for future generations in video and audio form.

Commenting on the importance of its work, Waltja Tjutangku Palyapayi Aboriginal Corporation Community Engagement Coordinator, Cynthia Paton, said, “Across Central Australia there is a growing concern that Elders with strong cultural and complex language knowledge are not passing it down to younger generations.

“The grant will help ensure Indigenous youth have access to important cultural information, strengthening Indigenous community vibrancy and sustainability, as well as increasing wider community knowledge, understanding and respect for local Indigenous culture.”

The full list of recipients is below, or jump to state lists: NSW|NT|QLD|SA|TAS|VIC|WA

Organisation	Project	Location	Amount Awarded
NSW
Dungog Information and Neighbourhood Centre	Bee Rapt Dungog Help Dungog become plastic free through the purchase of sewing equipment to produce reusable fabric shopping bags and beeswax food wraps.	Dungog	$3,588
Steppin’ Out 4 Youth Inc	Empowering Youth to Grow! Build employability amongst disengaged youth, and facilitate connections with business owners, in Leeton via an employment program.	Leeton	$8,000
Southern Tablelands Arts (STARTS) Inc	Southern Tablelands Tech Hub Improve access to training for micro arts businesses in the Southern Tablelands through the purchase of laptops and internet for a mobile tech hub.	Binalong, Harden, Braidwood	$15,000
Uarbry Hall Association Inc	Rebuild Uarbry Hall Contribute to the replacement of the community hall lost in the St Ivan bushfire, enabling the community to have a public meeting space for community events and social gatherings.	Uarbry	$13,000
NT
Waltja Tjutangku Palyapayi Aboriginal Corporation	Bush Tucker Stories Enable local youth to record and share Elders’ stories, capturing vital culture and strengthening and sustaining community life in an extremely remote town.	Laramba	$15,000
QLD
Canvas Coworking Inc	AIM – Accelerating Innovative Mumpreneurs Regional and Rural Business Boot Camps Start, grow and scale microenterprises through the delivery of business boot-camps for women across regional and remote areas of the Western Downs Regional Council.	Dalby	$13,200
Cooloola Coast Medical Transport Inc	Care from Door to Door Help to meet the demand for affordable medical transport assistance across the Cooloola Coast with the addition of another vehicle.	Tin Can Bay	$15,000
Startup Gladstone Inc	Mount Larcom District’s Hi-Tech Early-preneur Equip primary students with entrepreneurial and new technologies skills through a business building skills program at Ambrose State School.	Mt Larcom	$7,100
Thallon Progress Assoc	Thallon Embracing Tourism Improve visitor experiences in Thallon through the purchase of signage, new landscaping at the campground and an audit of social media activity.	Thallon	$10,000
SA
Andamooka Progress & Opal Miners Assoc	From History to New Beginnings – Arts Re-Energising Andamooka Create a range of opportunities for community participation in arts-based activitie, to establish cottage industries and enrich the local tourism experience.	Andamooka	$14,950
Australian Migrant Resource Centre	Licenced to Drive Support newly resettled migrants to participate in the local economy and community through a volunteer-run driver education and road safety program.	Border Town	$3,080
Foodbank of South Australia Inc	Fruit Handling Equipment for Berri Warehouse Enable efficient sorting and distribution of donated fruit and vegetables to welfare agencies and families in need through the purchase and installation of a fruit bin-tipper and conveyor belt.	Berri	$6,500
Tumby Bay Progress Assoc Inc	Colour Tumby – Esplanade Free Public Wi-Fi project Strengthen social connections and stimulate tourism through the purchase and installation of infrastructure to deliver free public Wi-Fi on the Tumby Bay esplanade.	Tumby Bay	$15,000
TAS
The Unconformity Inc	Development of a Community Arts Hub in Queenstown Stimulate the local arts sector and economy through an inclusive arts space for exhibitions, performances, workshops and meetings.	Queenstown	$9,760
VIC
Corryong Neighbourhood House Inc	Nuts and Bolts Enhance future employment opportunities and the ability to remain living locally by delivering a vocational training program to young people in Walwa via a rural services social enterprise.	Corryong	$15,000
Inverloch Jazz Festival Inc	25th Anniversary – Sharing Great Jazz Enhance the quality of audience experience at the Inverloch Jazz Festival by hiring professional sound equipment.	Inverloch	$6,946
The Reach Foundation	Changing Perceptions workshop in Robinvale Improve students’ potential to succeed by delivering a series of workshops designed to build positive connections and mutual respect between Indigenous and non-Indigenous cohorts.	Robinvale	$15,000
WA
ABC Foundation	Don’t Let Your Crop Rot Develop a social enterprise to increase local fresh food availability, local employment, and reduce food waste, through the purchase of a trailer and display / storage equipment.	Carnavon	$15,000
Broome Aboriginal Media Assoc Aboriginal Corp	Bring our Radio Station into the 21st Century Strengthen capacity of Indigenous and disabled volunteers, and media students, to broadcast culturally relevant local news, current affairs and music across the Kimberley region, via the upgrade of community radio station infrastructure.	Broome	$12,876
Great Southern Centre for Outdoor Recreation Excellence Inc	Turning Good Ideas into Extraordinary Experiences Strengthen regional economic growth and small tourism business capacity through a 12-week mentoring and skills development program, and a series of general tourism workshops.	Denmark, Mt Barker, Kojonup, Bremer Bay	$10,000
Hidden Treasures of the Great Southern (Shire of Broomehill – Tambellup)	Unearthing the Capability – Blooming in our Communities! Develop skills, knowledge and capacity of local volunteer groups to successfully deliver local tourism events and attractions.	Various locations in SW WA	$13,000
Pingrup Community Resource Centre	Pingrup Silo Trail Create a cultural program that will stimulate local tourism and strengthen local community identity through murals, workshops and public events.	Pingrup	$13,000

Bendigo, 23 February 2017: Today 24 community groups impacted by the 2009 Victorian bushfires received funding to support the community needs that continue to emerge post the devastating disaster.

Thanks to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund, these community groups will share in $344,856 across two grant programs to implement their locally led projects.

Grants for Resilience and Wellness (GR&W) will fund 15 community groups, sharing in $254,634, to implement their local projects. To date, the GR&W program has funded 111 projects to a total value of $1,413,705.16
Community Group Futures (CGF) program will fund $90,222 across nine community groups. To date, CGF has funded 24 projects, valued at $286,004.

Rebuilding a community after a natural disaster takes many years. This month marks the eighth anniversary of the Black Saturday fires and the impacts are still being felt.

FRRR’s CEO, Natalie Egleton, said that the projects being supported via the GR&W and CGF programs reflect the need to facilitate long term recovery and to continue to build resilience through community identified solutions to support all parts of the community.

“Recovery takes time and while immediate support is vital, the ongoing demand for this support reinforces the need for people wanting to help in situations like the recent NSW fires to consider putting some funds toward long-term support programs.

“From our work with communities affected by the 2009 fires, we know that it’s been a tough journey and there are still challenges. Together with our donors, FRRR continues to support the impacted communities through the rebuilding and recovery process,” Ms Egleton said.

The Grants for Resilience & Wellness (GR&W) program recognises that an important part of community recovery is having opportunities to connect, share experiences, enhance individual and community wellbeing and resilience. This round, there was a common theme of strengthening community connectedness through local events, and a strong focus on supporting students of all ages through skills development, raising self-esteem and school preparation.

The Community Group Futures (CGF) program is designed to help community groups experiencing operational and service delivery challenges post the bushfires, helping them look forward and build their sustainability, viability, capability and capacity. The most common projects funded this round were solar panel installation to reduce energy costs, paid positions to increase community engagement and participation, and developing strategies for long-term viability in the community.

Ms Egleton noted that there is still funding available for communities affected by the 2009 Victorian bushfires.

The projects funded in this round are detailed below:

Grants for Resilience & Wellness (GR&W) – Round 10 recipients

Organisation	Project	Location	Amount
Bendigo Baptist Community Care Inc.	*MADCOW (Make A Difference Change Our World) Community Garden – Bike Butcher* Support and empower disadvantaged and disengaged young people via the MADCOW Community Garden Bike Butcher project, an educational bike, scooter and skateboard workshop program. The GR&W grant will fit out a 40ft shipping container for the project to operate.	Eaglehawk	$19,466
CFA – Arthurs Creek / Strathewen	*Strathewen Fire Education Partnership* Engaging Strathewen Primary School students in Grade 5 & 6 in a fire and country education program, culminating in the creation of a story book to present to the local community, and a DVD documenting the process for wider distribution.	Strathewen	$15,730
CIRE Services Inc.	*Bringing Up Great Kids* Supporting respectful, caring and nurturing relationships for parents and carers of 0-6 year old children, through a suite of free parenting programs.	Yarra Junction	$3,900
Clonbinane Community Action Group	*A More Resilient Clonbinane* Addressing a priority item from the newly developed Clonbinane Neighbourhood Emergency Plan, by purchasing and installing a 55Kva Diesel Generator at the Community Hall.	Clonbinane	$10,000
Continuing Education & Arts Centre Alexandra Inc	*90 Up: Living Links to Alexandra and District’s Past* Celebrating the stories of resilience shaped by disaster and adversity of Alexandra and District residents who are 90+ years of age, via an oral history project will capture, record.	Alexandra	$19,000
Dixons Creek Landcare Group	*Dixons Creek School Walking Track* Improving community connectedness to the Community Safe Area by construction a 1.5km walking track between the Dixon’s Creek Primary School and Dixon’s Creek Reserve.	Dixons Creek	$20,000
Ellimatta Inc.	*A Bright and Positive Future for Youth* Ensuring high quality youth services continue to be offered to the Kinglake Ranges through a multi-year grant to fund the Youth Development Officer and Executive Officer wages for three more years. FRRR funding is matched by Kinglake Ranges Foundation (VBAF) and project costs by Kinglake Rotary. Funding will be staged over three years to facilitate building sustainable business and funding strategies.	Kinglake	$80,000
Glenburn Hall and Progress Assoc. Inc.	*Glenburn Growth – Fly Screens and Refrigeration* Support volunteers and enhance community cohesion, by installing new refrigeration to store food and screen doors and windows for better ventilation to make community meetings more comfortable.	Glenburn	$6,941
Healesville Living & Learning Centre Inc.	*Bush Works* Supporting local bush knowledge and bushfire preparedness through a practical, all ages program of up-cycling bush materials into furniture and creation of ‘found object’ art.	Healesville	$8,964
Marysville Motoring Expo Inc	*Marysville Motoring Expo* Encouraging social and economic recovery post the Black Saturday Bushfires by supporting the three-day Motoring Expo community event.	Marysville	$7,065
Mirboo North Primary School	*Provision of a Disabled/Universal Toilet Facility for Community Use* Supporting community cohesion and community resilience by upgrading the Primary School toilet facility to universal/ disabled functionality for the numerous local groups that access the school facilities.	Mirboo North	$19,000
Rotary Club of Alexandra	*Sesqui Alexandra* Building a strong sense of place and contributing to economic recovery by engaging the community to co-create a one-day event to celebrate the sesquicentenary of Alexandra.	Alexandra	$5,012
Toolangi District Community House Inc.	*KEYS – Kinglake Early Years* Support for local families to get children school-ready by researching and documenting family engagement in early childhood services in the Kinglake Ranges district.	Toolangi	$16,995
Yarra Glen Living & Learning Centre	*Centre Community Edible Food Garden* To aid ongoing recovery from the bushfires, a self-managed edible garden will be established.	Yarra Glen	$15,381
Yarram Community Emergency Planning Committee (Yarram & District Traders & Tourism Inc.)	*Yarram & District Emergency Registration Point* Educating district communities on the Emergency Registration Point in Yarram, by developing and disseminating an information brochure to communicate actions to take in an emergency.	Yarram	$7,180

Community Group Futures (CGF) – Round 3 recipients:

Organisation	Project	Location	Amount
Boolarra Men’s Shed Inc.	*Purchases of Computer* Improve communication and connectedness of the Men’s Shed members by purchasing a desktop computer and lessons in IT.	Boolarra	$3,170
Broadford Living and Learning Centre (Mitchell Shire Council)	*Community Engagement Officer Broadford Living and Learning Centre* Build capacity and increase community ownership and participation through a community engagement strategy for the new Community Centre for Broadford.	Broadford	$14,976
Churchill and District Community Assoc.	*Burned Out and Burnt Out* Minimise volunteer fatigue and recruit new members to the Churchill District Community Association (CDCA) with the assistance of a consultant to engage with local community groups and individuals to build wider ownership.	Churchill	$9,000
Flowerdale Community House Inc.	*Improving Flowerdale’s Operational Capability* Improve and build operational capability, with the support of a paid employee to develop financial management, reporting and compliance policies and procedures for Flowerdale Community House, Flowerdale Landcare, and Flowerdale Men’s Shed.	Hazeldene	$17,062
Glenburn Hall and Progress Assoc. Inc.	*Glenburn Growth Project* Lower the energy costs to improve operational capital by purchasing and installing 4.5kw solar panel on the roof of the Glenburn Hall.	Glenburn	$7,350
Happy Valley Hall	*Shining the Light on Sustainability* Reduce ongoing energy costs for funds to be redirected to other community activities by purchasing and installing a 3.9kw solar panel.	Rosewhite	$9,848
Quercus Beechworth	*Connecting Beechworth* Increase the connectivity, cohesion and resilience of the community through a collaborative project to analyse, develop and implement a town-wide communication strategy.	Beechworth	$13,400
Rotary Club of Kinglake Ranges	*Governance Training* Supporting existing members of the Rotary Club of Kinglake Ranges to effectively fulfil their responsibilities by running Governance training.	Kinglake	$1,100
Women’s Health Goulburn North East	*Learning From Lessons in Disaster* Engage with partner groups to be disaster prepared and resilient by co-design a ‘train the trainer’ program to deliver Gender in Disaster education.	Wangaratta	$14,316