Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR)
Additional $150,000 per year going into canola-growing areas to support sustainability initiatives
FRRR has welcomed a three-year commitment from canola seed business, Nuseed, to support its flagship small grants program, Strengthening Rural Communities.
![](https://frrr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Rachel-Palumbo-Nuseed-Jill-Karena-FRRR-edited-scaled.jpg)
Announced at an event in Horsham on Wednesday 11 October, Nuseed Australia GM, Rachel Palumbo, said that with deep roots in rural communities, they wanted to give back to causes and organisations that are important to the farmers who invest in their seed, particularly around sustainability initiatives.
Ms Palumbo said, “Our team works hard to develop high-performing canola varieties for Australian farmers, and we know that we are successful because of the support we get in the local communities in which we operate. By partnering with FRRR we can support canola-growing communities in a tangible and significant way. The majority of our Nuseed team are also based in communities just like these, and see the benefits that community-focused projects can bring.”
“Nuseed is delighted to be adding our name to the list of organisations that are partnering with FRRR to ensure that funds get to the projects that really need support. Our funding will be directed at projects in canola-growing areas across the country that focus on sustainability related initiatives, in line with our strategic intent to provide plant-based solutions to some of food and fuel challenges we’re facing.”
Jill Karena, FRRR’s Place Programs Portfolio Lead, said the $150,000 annual donation will mean that many more community groups can invest in projects that they know will make a difference to the liveability and vitality of their communities.
“We are seeing more and more requests from community groups to help them respond to their changing needs, so it’s wonderful to be able to have dedicated funding available in canola-growing areas to be able to support these great projects.
“In some communities, that might look like installing air-conditioning in community owned buildings to reduce energy costs, providing sustainability focused education, undertaking tree planting, or waterway restoration initiatives. For other communities, it could be that the priority is to have a backup generator, solar panels or water tanks to ensure community gardens can be maintained.
“That’s the value of small grants programs like Strengthening Rural Communities. They are flexible and allow communities to get the funding to support the projects they prioritise, so we are really grateful for Nuseed’s support of this program. Our partnership will also mean that community groups get access to advice and support that builds their confidence and enables them to lodge a great application. We look forward to awarding many more grants thanks to their contribution,” Ms Karena said.
The Nuseed funding will be included in the next round of SRC, which is open now and will be announced by late February 2024. Community groups can already apply for SRC support, as this program is always open, with quarterly assessments. The program offers grants up to $10,000 through the Small and Vital stream for projects that strengthen community connections and meet local priorities.
In this quarter’s update for FRRR’s partners and supporters, we’re looking at how fundraising accounts, community foundations and small grants can enable grassroots groups to tackle local priorities, like Mparntwe Alice Springs Community Foundation – a new group whose first project was to bring back a printed weekly newspaper for the community! Also in this edition:
- read about the high value and high demand for our Small Grants programs
- learn about Engawala Art Centre’s journey to developing a physical space for painters
- Insights from FRRR’s team as network, travel and deliver programs
- Our Progress – Q4 FY 2022/23
- Partnering opportunities to activate great projects
![](https://frrr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Donor-News-URL-Designs-Sept-23-1024x538.png)
Boonah and District Landcare Association has taken up the challenge to develop a home-grown housing solution for Mount Barney’s greater gliders housing crisis created by the Black Summer bushfires that swept through local bushlands in 2019-20.
Greater gliders live in tree hollows and like to move around a little, so one glider needs multiple tree hollows to hide, sleep and raise a family. There is no fast solution for gliders affected by the Black Summer fires. Many nests were destroyed, and it can take a hundred years for forest trees to age and develop suitable hollows.
Artificial nest boxes made using standard plywood construction are not suitable for the greater gliders, who are easily stressed by heat. The innovative Landcare nest tubes are lined and painted white with a high-tech reflective paint for additional heat control.
Project Coordinator Ian Beale explains, “It’s been a huge effort to design something durable, affordable, and easy to install. We’ve had advice and feedback from experts at southern universities and we engaged a scientist from the University of Wollongong to oversee installation of nest tubes at Bartopia. We are serious about evaluating this new design.
“It was a community project supported by grant funds and volunteer efforts. A real team effort, and so many locals have been involved”, he said.
Scenic Rim Regional Council provided funds for construction materials. Volunteers from Boonah and District Landcare, Carinity Fassifern Community Centre and Maroon State School help build the tubes. The Wettenhall Foundation supported a small number of local climbers to gain the qualifications and insurance they need to help landowners with installations, while a $24,014 Strengthening Rural Communities Prepare and Recover grant funded by Global Giving contributed to the survey work and installation of nest tubes, as well as technology and expertise to evaluate how they are used over the next 12 months.
Twenty-three tubes were installed in March 2023 around Bartopia Nature Refuge adjacent to Mount Barney National Park. Clients of the Fassifern Community Centre visited Mt Barney to observe a nest installation, and students later watched a demonstration installation at Maroon State School.
The SRC grant also supported teachers, parents and students to camp overnight at Mt Barney and enjoy a spotlighting opportunity, for the children to see personally the greater and other gliders in their natural habitat (much to their delight).
The only significant thing left is for the scientist-arborists to return next February-March to monitor the installed nests and cameras.
Funds support communities to prepare, recover, rebuild and thrive
FRRR has awarded a record $2,728,993 in grants to support and strengthen more than 200 remote, rural and regional communities across Australia through this quarter round of its flagship Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) program. This is the most funding awarded in any one round in the 25 years of FRRR’s small grants programs, and demand for support continues to rise.
![Lots of people sitting in a circle around a campfire, with two buses and a sunset in the background.](https://frrr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/SRC_Rd17_Tailored_35752_Somerset-StoryFest_QLD_Web.png)
Thanks to donations from many generous supporters, 213 grassroots not-for-profit organisations (NFPs) across rural Australia will receive grants ranging from $465 to $50,000.
The projects will address diverse needs, including ongoing COVID and disaster recovery, strengthening community resilience and preparedness, and address small, yet vital, needs of remote, rural and regional communities.
Jill Karena, FRRR’s Place Portfolio Lead, said that wonderful volunteers in local groups continue to find meaningful ways to support their communities.
“One of the best parts of my job is seeing the way people in remote, rural and regional areas come together to support one another. We see it time and again in the projects that are put forward, usually led by volunteers, all of whom want to make things better for their community. So I want to acknowledge all those people and thank them for all they do.
“I know it’s tough, as the diverse impacts of successive shocks – COVID and various disaster events – continue to ripple through remote, rural and regional communities. The mental health implications of this sustained stress are clear but so too is the commitment to improving things, especially by combatting social isolation.
“Finding ways to connect with others and with their community is an important part of the healing and growing process and there are some creative solutions. In the southern Arnhem Land community of Ngukurr, in the Northern Territory, Wanta Aboriginal Corporation’s Ngukurr Bagai Barista Social Enterprise Cafe project is an inspiring example of the community working to reduce social isolation and foster resilience. The Corporation will use a $47,075 grant to create a community gathering space by fitting-out a café to be used as a vocational teaching site.
“We are also noticing an increase in creative recovery projects, as communities shift from responding to the immediate impacts of the pandemic or other disasters and begin to look at the longer-term recovery and resilience needs of their region.
“Mapleton State School in Queensland will use a $6,588 grant will support a therapeutic drumming program. The program is a creative way for the learning community to improve social connectedness, reduce levels of anxiety and enhance the process of recovery for young people from the pandemic. Similarly, the people of Gingin, Western Australia, will use their $10,000 grant to include wellbeing activities in the Flavours of Gingin Festival to help the community connect and build resilience.
“Our research has confirmed these kinds of arts projects have a unique ability to build long-lasting community resilience and wellbeing, and local capacity for disaster preparedness, response and recovery.[1]
“Not all the projects we’re supporting relate to disasters. There are also a range of initiatives that capitalise on opportunities or help to bridge service gaps, while other projects like a mural in Smithton will honour local Aboriginal heritage, culture and identity and help attract more visitors to the town.
“Since 2000, FRRR has delivered more than $155 million to nearly 13,000 projects, most of which are funded by small grants through programs like Strengthening Rural Communities. And we see the amazing impact that these small grants can have on a rural community.
“So it’s great to be awarding record funding this round and we look forward to seeing the difference it will make in the future,” Ms Karena said.
Record demand for grants
The reality is, FRRR would have liked to support far more projects, as there were many great initiatives seeking funding, with the impacts of inflation adding pressure to already small budgets and the capacity of locals to contribute to projects. However, FRRR simply didn’t have the funds to do so.
Ms Karena explains that projects like those that this program supports are often catalytic, so FRRR is actively seeking additional partnerships to enable more of these initiatives to get the support they need.
“Remote, rural and regional areas make up nearly a third of Australia’s population and generate approximately two-thirds of its net exports,[2][3][4] so ensuring the vitality of these communities is not only critical to the wellbeing of those who live in these places, but it’s also vital for a sustainable Australian economy.
“Grant programs, like SRC, are one way that we can work with government, business and philanthropy to ensure those communities remain attractive places to live and work. Flexible programs like SRC mean that communities can access funding to develop and lead projects that meet locally identified needs and priorities – which are often about bridging gaps in services that many in the cities take for granted, like public transport or being able to access health services, without travelling hundreds of kilometres. So we’d love to hear from anyone who might like to join with us to fund more of these initiatives.”
The SRC program is collaboratively supported by donors, ranging from private individuals to larger foundations, who are acknowledged on the FRRR website.
FRRR always accepts applications to this program, which awards funds roughly four times a year. Local NFPs and community groups are encouraged to review the program guidelines and apply. More information about the SRC program is available at www.frrr.org.au/src.
To support grants like this through FRRR, make a tax-deductible donation at frrr.org.au/giving/.
[1] https://frrr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Impact-of-Creative-Recovery-Research-compressed-2.pdf
[2] https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/rural-remote-australians/rural-and-remote-health
[3] https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/regional-australia
[4] https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House/Former_Committees/Regional_Development_and_Decentralisation/RDD/Final_Report/section?id=committees%2Freportrep%2F024136%2F25543
The full list of grant recipients and their projects are below.
Organisation | Project | Location | Grant | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SRC Round 17 - September 2023 | ||||||
NEW SOUTH WALES | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Circartus Incorporated | Systems Set Up Enhance organisational capacity to support the arts in Wingham by investing in office equipment and programs enabling efficient administration, communication and processing systems. | Wingham | $10,000 | |||
Coolamon Community Incorporated | Coolamon Crib - Northern Rivers Casino Lismore Remote Expansion Aid 64 Indigenous mothers and infants in Northern Rivers with Coolamon Cribs and midwife services via Aboriginal Health Services, alleviating financial and emotional strain. | Lismore | $10,000 | |||
Eurobodalla Shire Council | Be Well Eat Well - Building Connections Through Food Enhance community capacity and connection with weekly hands-on food education coaching sessions for six groups of 10 participants targeting seniors, parents and people living alone, led by a food educator and facilitator promoting health, nutrition and wellbeing. | Moruya | $9,840 | |||
Give Them a Chance | Give Them a Chance to Be Their Best Create a youth life skills program connecting foster care youth (ages 10-19) with local retirees, fostering skill development, training, job prospects, and reducing social isolation while promoting wellbeing for both participant groups. | Lynwood | $10,000 | |||
Glenreagh Public School | Aboriginal Art Mural Installation & Dance Lessons Promote cultural growth and connection, and celebrate Gumbanggirr culture for the underserved communities at Glenreagh Public School by commissioning an Indigenous mural by a local Elder and holding Aboriginal dance classes. | Glenreagh | $10,000 | |||
Griffith Post School Options Limited | Griffith Post School Options Program Workshop Upgrade Support inclusive work and gardening programs for people with disabilities by upgrading the Griffith Post School workshop and building an accessible pathway. | Griffith | $9,500 | |||
Hunter Fighter Collection Incorporated | Historic Bellman Conservation Hangar Mural Enhance tourism, foster community pride and promote awareness of Australia's cultural heritage and military history by painting a large mural at the Hunter Warbirds Restoration Facility in Scone. | Scone | $10,000 | |||
Lennox Community Garden | Lennox Community Gardens Signage Enhance visitation and knowledge by developing a self-guided educational journey through Lennox Community Gardens' rare fruit tree orchards, featuring welcome info and informative botanical signage. | Lennox Head | $4,382 | |||
Mudyala Aboriginal Corporation | Yugaamgan Festival - Raising Awareness of our Coastal Emu Host a full-day festival with local paid presenters sharing cultural stories, with a focus on education to raise awareness about coastal emus and address disadvantage in the community. | Wooloweyah | $10,000 | |||
Parkinson's NSW Limited | Parkinson's Education and Support - Narrabri Improve the wellbeing of people with Parkinson's Disease in Narrabri through a community education seminar with allied health and Parkinson’s Disease specialists sharing information on managing symptoms and slowing progression. | Narrabri | $3,575 | |||
Rotary Club Of Tocumwal Incorporated | WAAAF Creek Walk Picnic Tables Installation and Car Park Refurbishment Enhance tourism and engagement in natural and cultural history through refurbishing amenities at the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force Creek Walk, an outdoor museum and WAAAF interpretive trail. | Tocumwal | $10,000 | |||
Tomaree Neighbourhood Centre Inc | Indigenous Adult Art & Cultural Canvas Workshop, Plus Exhibition Build economic and cultural sustainability of the Woorimi Indigenous community and address disadvantage in the broader community through a culturally safe two-day canvas workshop by a local artist, including story, art and cultural education, culminating in a public art exhibition. | Tanilba Bay | $6,407 | |||
Uralla Pre School Kindergarten | Eco-space: An Outdoor Classroom Convert an unused structure into an outdoor classroom space for sustainable, environmental and ecological education, promoting discovery and experimentation for the preschool children and their families. | Uralla | $10,000 | |||
Warren Chamber Music Festival Incorporated | SING Warren-2-Sydney Enhance choir's technical skills and membership via workshops, performances and community sharing, cultivating an inclusive, all-ages singing environment to promote wellbeing and positive ageing. | Warren | $10,000 | |||
Winmalee Neighbourhood Centre Inc | Lithgow Community Lunch Strengthen social engagement and connection by purchasing a freezer and kitchen equipment to prepare and offer free nutritious meals to community members, helping to alleviate poverty and disadvantage. | Winmalee | $6,000 | |||
Wiradjuri Wellington Aboriginal Town Common (Aboriginal Corporation) | Social Inclusion Create a secure on-country space in Wellington for cultural programs, offering training in Aboriginal practices and art to drive community's social, cultural and economic aspirations. | Wellington | $7,999 | |||
Prepare and Recover - 2019/2020 Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Araluen Progress Association Incorporated | Strengthening Community Fundraising Capacity by Developing an Outdoor Venue to Complement the Newly Restored Araluen Federal Hall Support bushfire recovery and hall running costs by installing a pergola and water tank in the rear garden of the Araluen Federal hall, creating an outdoor venue for hire and community functions. | Araluen | $7,572 | |||
Bangalow Men’s Shed Incorporated | Connecting Generations and Communities Boost bushfire recovery with two inclusive community lunches and weekend gatherings four times a year to connect residents of all generations in a fun and relaxed setting. | Bangalow | $4,050 | |||
Bega AP & H Society Incorporated | 2024 Bega Show Talent Festival Boost the local economy and support bushfire recovery by holding the Bega Talent Festival to showcase local artists, musicians and performers, fostering diversity and connectedness while increasing visitation. | Bega | $25,000 | |||
Bellingen Community Arts Council Incorporated | Bellingen Shire Arts Trail Weekend Boost arts and culture in the bushfire-affected Bellingen Shire, promote tourism and honour creative workers with an Arts Trail weekend, featuring music, poetry, open studios, galleries and workshops. | Bellingen | $2,700 | |||
Blicks Community Incorporated | Community Connection Improve community information sharing in Clarence Valley and Bellingen by creating an emergency plan, Facebook page and communication strategy for isolated areas to ensure reliable communication during bushfires. | Hernani | $10,000 | |||
Caldera Farmers Market Murwillumbah Inc | Vibrant Community Hub and Farmers Market for a Healthier Future Boost visitation and the local economy in a bushfire impacted area by creating a dining, meeting and entertainment community hub within the farmers market. | Murwillumbah | $10,000 | |||
Community Power Agency Co-Operative Limited | Guide to Biodiversity & Solar Contribute to bushfire recovery by producing a printed guide for residents and landowners on reducing land-use conflict and enhancing biodiversity and wildlife habitat on solar farm sites. | Armidale | $19,030 | |||
CWA of NSW Toukley Country Womens Association of NSW | Toukley Hall Refurbishment Support bushfire recovery by refurbishing the decaying windows and doors at the Toukley Hall, ensuring its continued availability for community events and gatherings. | Toukley | $21,000 | |||
Darkwood Disaster Resilience Group (DDRG) Neighbourhood Care Network Incorporated | The Safer Valley Project Enhance bushfire preparedness with a community-led Community Disaster Plan (CDP) and cultivate community connectedness by launching the draft CDP at a fun community gathering for feedback and discussion. | Darkwood | $9,980 | |||
Diamond Women Ltd | Mum2Mum Community and Connection Perinatal Program Improve support for young and vulnerable women in bushfire impacted Tumbarumba with the monthly Mum2Mum community-based mental health support and wellbeing program. | Tumbarumba | $10,000 | |||
Disability Club Connections Plus Australia Incorporated | Disability Club Create and promote a mobile app and upgrade the Disability Club web version to enhance the accessibility of the disability platform, fostering social wellbeing, inclusivity and connections in the bushfire-affected community. | Bega | $25,000 | |||
Eden Services & Social Club Inc | Stafford McGovern Historic Brickworks Site Rehabilitation Restore a historic site damaged in the 2019/20 bushfires by restoring the 1890’s mobile brickworks site through removing debris, recovering relics and installing an informative plaque and table with seating for walkers and cyclists. | Eden | $6,475 | |||
Edith Recreation Reserve Land Manager | Edith Recreational Kitchen and Heater Enhance disaster preparedness by installing a community kitchen in Edith Hall to serve as a catering facility, marshalling and logistics area and rest space for emergency services. | Edith | $9,934 | |||
Federal, Goonengerry and Eureka Community Resilience Team Federal Community Centre Incorporated | Federal, Goonengerry and Eureka Hinterland Community Resilience Teams Emergency Communication System Enhance local disaster readiness and empower the community to manage communication disruptions caused by bushfires and other disasters by purchasing a portable UHF communication system. | Federal | $23,230 | |||
Forster Neighbourhood Centre Inc | Return of Child and Family Support to Vulnerable Families in Outlying Communities Enhance organisational capacity by purchasing a vehicle to provide support to isolated families and in-home assistance for vulnerable families, facilitating reconnection and rebuilding in bushfire-affected communities. | Forster | $25,000 | |||
Global Care Australia | Increase our Chilled and Frozen Food Capacity Strengthen organisational capacity to store and distribute chilled, frozen and other perishable food to support disadvantaged people in the bushfire-affected community of South Grafton. | South Grafton | $24,987 | |||
Iluka Community Organisation Planning for Emergencies (ICOPE) Inc | Balanced Connections: An Exercise and Social Connections Program for Older Adults Enhance wellbeing in fire-affected Clarence Valley through a seven week exercise program for residents aged over 55, boosting mental and physical health, strength and balance. | Iluka | $8,411 | |||
Killabakh Public Hall Land Manger | Upgrade of Kitchen Stove Support bushfire recovery and fundraising efforts by upgrading the gas stove at the Killabakh Hall, improving facilities for volunteers to cater for community events. | Killabakh | $5,835 | |||
Lanitza / Kungala Community Hall Committee Incorporated | Boredom Relief Create a vibrant youth centre in bushfire-affected Lanitza, providing essential resources for children to study, unwind, socialise and foster positive mental health and relationships. | Lanitza | $6,699 | |||
Lions Club of Tea Gardens Inc | Service Community Safe Storage Project Support bushfire recovery by replacing and upgrading the damaged storage container used by volunteers to ensure safe and secure storage of equipment for community events. | Tea Gardens | $23,882 | |||
Mongarlowe Volunteer Bushfire Brigade | Completing the Mongarlowe Fire Shed Kitchen Enhance bushfire preparedness through the completion of the Mongarlowe Fire Shed kitchen extension to expand capacity for disaster response. | Mongarlowe | $12,627 | |||
Moruya Antique Tractor and Machinery Association Incorporated | Mogo Artisans Project Rebuild the Mogo museum and workshop destroyed by the 2019 bushfires, replenish lost equipment and incorporate a food bank and pantry, creating a community and visitor space. | Mogo | $25,000 | |||
Mullumbimby Sustainability Education and Enterprise Development Incorporated | Seasonal Gatherings Celebrating Our Community Resilience and Diversity Enhance resilience, social inclusion, and diversity post-bushfire through quarterly workshops, events and activities celebrating Indigenous culture, diverse communities and environmental education. | Mullumbimby | $10,000 | |||
Music Theatre Projects Limited | Fire - Reclaiming Another Forgotten Play by Playwright and Farmer, Millicent Armstrong Contribute to bushfire recovery by hosting a first reading of Millicent Armstrong's award-winning yet forgotten play "Fire" as part of the Gunning Arts Festival, fostering socialisation and community engagement with the arts. | Gunning | $4,800 | |||
Neighbourhood Care Network Incorporated | Plan, Connect, Protect - Community Disaster Preparedness Across the Bellingen Shire Enhance local risk awareness, including bushfires and weather events, and bolster household and neighbourhood disaster preparedness through organising readiness events. | Urunga | $24,920 | |||
New England Garden Festival Incorporated | New England Garden Festival Enhance tourism, community connection and bushfire recovery through educational talks, youth activities, cultural performances and hands-on workshops at the New England Garden Festival celebrating cool climate and high-country gardens. | Armidale | $10,000 | |||
Nimbin Neighbourhood and Information Centre Incorporated | Nimbin Disaster Resilience - Energy Security Project Enhance bushfire preparedness at the Nimbin Neighbourhood House and Information Centre by upgrading the solar system to ensure uninterrupted delivery of essential services with backup power during emergencies. | Nimbin | $25,000 | |||
Pambula Beach Surf Life Saving Club Inc | Expansion of Emergency and Bushfire Response Capabilities Strengthen emergency and bushfire response capacities at Pambula Beach Surf Life Saving Club by purchasing a 4WD vehicle for lifesaver patrols, search and rescue, and to assist residents and tourists during disasters. | Pambula Beach | $25,000 | |||
Port of Yamba Historical Society Inc | Strengthening and Consolidating Our Connection with the Local Yaegl Community Support Yamba's bushfire recovery and foster a stronger relationship with Yaegl Elders through collaborating to expand the museum timeline with oral history / storytelling and cultural artefact donations. | Yamba | $17,000 | |||
Rocky Hall Community Association Incorporated | Rocky Hall Kitchen Upgrade Contribute to bushfire recovery by upgrading the Rocky Hall's kitchen, encouraging increased use, fostering community spirit and facilitating gatherings and activities for residents. | Rocky Hall | $9,191 | |||
Scone Neighbourhood Resource Centre Incorporated | Art Trail in Our Garden Promote community inclusion and creative bushfire recovery with a local workshop on starting a street art business and collaborating on a neighbourhood centre native animal mural. | Scone | $6,985 | |||
South East Arts (NSW) Inc | Giiyong Festival 2023 Aid bushfire recovery by assisting local First Nations people to join the Gilyong Festival production team, acquiring event management and production skills while delivering a multi-arts Aboriginal cultural event in Eden. | Eden | $25,000 | |||
Southcoast Health and Sustainability Alliance | Heatwave and Bushfire Haven Priority 1 Anglican Campus Batemans Bay Contribute to emergency preparedness following the 2019/20 bushfires by establishing a heatwave and bushfire haven community space offering a safe refuge with a focus on helping the most disadvantaged individuals. | Batemans Bay | $24,657 | |||
Towamba Rural Fire Brigade | Essential Improvements for an Internal Office and a Base Station Communication Room Enhance bushfire preparedness and organisational capacity at the Towamba Rural Fire Brigade by acquiring and outfitting a stand-alone flat cuby to serve as an office and base station communication room, creating additional space for vehicle parking. | Towamba | $16,800 | |||
Upper Lansdowne Memorial Hall Committee Incorporated | Hardening the Hall Against Bushfires Enhance bushfire preparedness and protection for the Upper Lansdowne community by upgrading the Hall to transform it into a neighbourhood emergency shelter. | Upper Lansdowne | $10,944 | |||
Prepare and Recover - 2021 & 2022 Floods | ||||||
Armidale Family Support Service Inc | Be Well Tools 4 Us Strengthen isolated New England towns’ resilience post flooding with after-hours and weekend social BBQs that also offer information about support networks and coping methods to enhance social wellbeing. | Armidale | $17,250 | |||
Barkers Vale, Lillian Rock, Wadeville & Cawongla-Community-led Resilience Teams Wadeville (R91046) Reserve Land Manager | 'Bounce Back' Community Communications Network Enhance flood preparedness with two permanent disaster management hubs for local emergency information sharing, distribution of 60 UHF handsets in high-risk areas, and UHF radio training in Kyogle. | Barkers Vale | $24,290 | |||
Bugaldie War Memorial Site Land Manager | Let's Light Up the Future Improve the safety and use of the Bugaldie Hall as an emergency and community gathering place through electrical and lighting upgrades. | Bugaldie | $9,345 | |||
Cawongla Playhouse Inc | Cawongla Community Centre - Where the 3 Roads Meet - Equipping Our Centre Upgrade the Cawongla Community Centre’s furnishings and equipment to ensure it continues to be a key community point, aiding post-flood recovery. | Cawongla | $8,176 | |||
Crabbes Creek Community Hall Inc Crabbes Creek Hall Committee Inc | Crabbes Creek Community Communications (CCCC) Enhance flood recovery and preparedness by installing an emergency CB repeater covering Crabbes Creek, Wooyung and Yelgun, ensuring isolated community members can communicate during emergencies. | Crabbes creek | $23,500 | |||
Eugowra Community Children's Centre Incorporated | Supporting Superheros to Learn and Grow Support flood recovery by purchasing equipment for the Eugowra Community Children's Centre, fostering children's learning, wellbeing, social development and resilience-building. | Eugowra | $25,000 | |||
Eugowra Promotion and Progress Association Incorporated | Shipping Containers for Storage Support flood recovery by purchasing three shipping containers to store community assets from local organisations that have lost storage space due to water-damaged buildings. | Eugowra | $12,540 | |||
Murwillumbah CORE Hub 2484 Murwillumbah Core Incorporated | M|CORE Connecting Community Grill Foster recovery and social connectedness post-flood with a purpose-built BBQ / kitchen and trailer to offer meals to vulnerable residents. | Murwillumbah | $10,000 | |||
Parkes Community Arts Inc | Who Is Parkes? Aid flood recovery via tourism and community engagement with a shire-wide photography project displaying resident portraits and stories in a gallery and on large buildings, showcasing community diversity at Parkes' 150-year naming anniversary. | Parkes | $9,845 | |||
Raise the Heart Ltd | Here for heART - A Free Mental Health Education and Wellbeing Project for the Northern Rivers Connect wellbeing providers and community agencies to host a depression-comedy theatre show and wellbeing forum to support flood recovery and provide mental health education on suicide prevention. | Mullumbimby | $17,000 | |||
Richmond Landcare Incorporated | Garden Habitat Heroes: Restoring Hope, Wildlife and Community Resilience Support Lismore's flood recovery with workshops for self-healing, garden restoration, wildlife-friendly habitats and biodiversity to reconnect communities and bring back joy to gardeners. | Lismore | $24,450 | |||
Save Nambucca River OZ Green-Global Rivers Environmental Education Network (Australia) Incorporated | Nambucca Riverwatch - Citizen Science Water Testing Boost flood recovery and preparedness with a Nambucca River Riverwatch project, conducting monthly water monitoring and sharing change-driven data with the community through two workshops. | Nambucca Heads | $22,942 | |||
The Bridge Art Project Inc | Activation of 17ha of Bridge Art Project Rrecinct - Developing a Community Resource Enhance community involvement and gallery fundraising by clearing flood debris and vegetation from a designated bush block for the upcoming art gallery. | Moama | $10,000 | |||
Wardell Community Organised Resilience Effort Inc | Help Them Home - Wardell Recovery Boost community resilience by equipping locals with skills, resources, networks and project management to restore their flood-damaged homes. | Wardell | $10,000 | |||
Whian Whian Memorial Hall Incorporated | More Solar, Better Prepared for Future Disasters and Making us More Power Efficient Enhance flood recovery and preparedness, and organisational sustainability by reducing operational costs through installing additional solar panels, battery system and solar hot water in the Whian Whian Memorial Hall. | Whian Whian | $24,275 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
Bathurst Information and Neighbourhood Centre Incorporated | Rebuilding Oberon Community's Volunteer Base Sustain Oberon organisations post-pandemic by reinstating a volunteer program with a dedicated support worker recruiting, training and matching volunteers with community roles. | Oberon | $7,000 | |||
Bellinger Valley Historical Society Bellingen Shire Council | Improving Ventilation in the Urunga Museum Sustain the historic Urunga Museum and their work post-pandemic and improve safety and amenity by replacing old windows. | Urunga | $9,096 | |||
Carries Place Domestic Violence and Homelessness Services Incorporated | Therapeutic and Wellbeing Group-work Sessions Facilitate healing and recovery from domestic and family violence exacerbated by the pandemic, reduce social isolation and foster resilience through therapeutic wellbeing sessions for women. | Cessnock | $9,860 | |||
Coonamble Neighbourhood Centre | Coonamble Womens Paint, Play and Bend - Women's Wellness Event to Reengage after COVID Rebuild connections, reduce social isolation and foster a stronger, more resilient Coonamble region after COVID-19 through women's yoga, music and mental wellbeing events. | Coonamble | $10,000 | |||
Hay Mardi Gras | LGBTQIA+ Flag Interactive Exhibition Reduce social isolation and foster a stronger, more resilient community by encouraging acceptance, diversity and inclusion through an LGBTQIA+ Interactive Flag Exhibition as an extension of the Hay Rainbow on the Plains Festival. | Hay | $10,000 | |||
Murravale Retirement Home Ltd | Reconnecting Murravale with the Community Foster reconnection, boost volunteerism and decrease post-pandemic social isolation via networking events uniting local interest groups to enhance community resilience and organisational capacity. | Murrurundi | $9,800 | |||
NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS) | Multilingual Info Co-Op (MICO) Enhance emergency response, public safety and social connectedness post-COVID-19 by engaging bi-cultural volunteers to offer in-language information and resources to CALD refugees, asylum seekers and migrants. | Coffs Harbour | $8,195 | |||
Queer Family Inc | The Sign Project Encourage connection, reduce social isolation and increase inclusion post-pandemic through a series of art workshops to create emblematic signage for a new LGBTQIA+ community space. | Mullumbimby | $9,843 | |||
St Vincent De Paul Society NSW | Vinnies Wagga Wagga - Connect and Play Playgroup Enhance the recovery of socially isolated refugees, asylum seekers and disadvantaged residents post-pandemic by enabling an inclusive playgroup to provide weekly sessions with free transport for participants. | Wagga Wagga | $10,000 | |||
Tantrum Youth Arts Co-op Ltd | Outpost Singleton Increase equity of access and reduce social isolation post-pandemic by facilitating a series of free weekly creative arts workshops aimed at disadvantaged young people. | Singleton | $10,000 | |||
The Black Stump Craft Shop | Coolah Craft Shop Proposed Alternations - Kitchen and Bathroom Areas Rebuild connections, reduce social isolation and foster a stronger community post-COVID-19 with kitchen and bathroom upgrades at a community hub. | Coolah | $9,963 | |||
The Mend & Make Do Crew Inc | Thriving Together: Building Capacity for Sustainable Communities Ameliorate effects of COVID-19 on a community arts hub and sustain their work through training and support to build organisational and volunteer capacity, skills and governance. | Grafton | $8,662 | |||
Tullamore Inc | New Vinyl - Fresh Look - Safe Environment Increase safety, amenity and hygiene and sustain the work of the Tullamore Preschool post-pandemic by installing new vinyl floorcoverings. | Tullamore | $10,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Large | ||||||
Broken Hill Community FM Association Inc | Upgrading Broken Hill's Community Radio Studio Expand the capacity of 2DRY FM to continue providing an inclusive community media platform and sustain the work of volunteers post-pandemic through accessible studio upgrades. | Broken Hill | $30,000 | |||
Northern Gomeroi Aboriginal Corporation | Facilities for Boggabilla Men's Shed Support mental health and wellbeing, reduce social isolation in a regional border community post-pandemic, and provide an inclusive, safe place for men to gather and learn new skills by connecting utilities to a Men's Shed site. | Boggabilla | $50,000 | |||
The Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation Limited | The Early Language and Literacy (EL&L) Far West Project Address educational disparity and aid post-COVID-19 recovery of children in a remote region with an innovative adult upskilling program, empowering them to boost early language and literacy skills. | Wilcannia | $50,000 | |||
NORTHERN TERRITORY | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Mataranka Primary School | Mataranka School - Outdoor Learning and Cultural Engagement Space Increase the community’s involvement in their children’s education by developing an outdoor classroom for cultural activities and intergenerational transfer of knowledge. | Mataranka | $7,873 | |||
Remote and Isolated Support in Education Ltd | Accessible Early Education Experiences for Rural & Remote Families - Pilot Project Help families living remotely to engage with their peers while accessing early childhood educational resources and specialists by creating an interactive website and online playgroup. | Jervois Homestead, Anatye | $10,000 | |||
Tangentyere Council Aboriginal Corporation | Heart of Akngwertnarre Support residents to connect and encourage children's learning and development through play by revitalising the Town Camp’s playground. | Alice Springs | $10,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
Dundee Beach School Council | Enhance Community Playgroup - Early Learning Equipment Enhance the process of recovery of an isolated community post-pandemic by purchasing age-appropriate play-based resources and equipment for a community playgroup to ameliorate educational and social disadvantages. | Dundee Beach | $10,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Large | ||||||
Jilamara Arts and Crafts Association | Legally Strong Tiwi Artists and Art Centres Enhance the process of recovery for Tiwi Island communities post-COVID-19 and strengthen the local economy by boosting the ability and skills of three local art centres to provide high quality legal advice. | Milikapiti, Melville Island | $20,000 | |||
Wanta Aboriginal Corporation | Ngukurr Bagai Barista Social Enterprise Cafe Create a community gathering space to reduce social isolation and foster resilience in the southern Arnhem Land community of Ngukurr post-pandemic through the fit-out of a café to be used as a vocational teaching site. | Ngukurr | $47,075 | |||
QUEENSLAND | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Blackbutt & Benarkin Aged Care Assoc Inc | Feasibility of Building Independent Living Units for Aged Care Residents Strengthen social connection for aged residents by exploring opportunities to develop custom-built housing within the community. | Blackbutt | $10,000 | |||
Burke Shire Council | Stage 1 - Community Garden for Burketown Residents Help the community reconnect following significant flooding and enhance food security during the wet season by establishing a community garden. | Burketown | $25,000 | |||
Butchers Creek Hall Association Incorporated | Replace Incorrect Old Signage Celebrate and build community spirit by replacing inaccurate hall establishment signage for the centenary event. | Butchers Creek | $973 | |||
Cairns Region Toy Library Inc | Digitisation of Services and New Toys Build volunteer capacity by digitising the toy catalogue and borrowing process to increase children's access to high quality toys and learning aids. | Atherton | $10,000 | |||
Canungra Men's Shed | Shipping Container for Safety Improve the experience of shed members by improving the working and storage areas through installing a shipping container. | Canungra | $4,000 | |||
Disability Matters Inc | Soundplay Expansion Enable all community members to participate in creative and musical activities by building a wheelchair accessible performance space. | Atherton | $9,751 | |||
Kumbia Neighbourhood Watch - Rural Association Incorporated | Multi-Purpose Facility Upgrade Expand the use of Kumbia Memorial Hall through purchasing new chairs and tables to make the community’s meeting space more functional. | Kumbia | $9,420 | |||
Maryborough and District Animal Refuge Society Inc | Waterproof Shade Cloth for Volunteer Area Support volunteers by providing an undercover space to use during rest breaks. | Maryborough | $2,592 | |||
Mundubbera Show Society Inc | Supporting our Country and Community Improve the organisation’s ability to hold community events by purchasing IT, kitchen and storage equipment to support volunteer roles. | Mundubbera | $9,500 | |||
Napranum Aboriginal Shire Council | Napranum Early Childhood Centre - Edible Garden Enhance First Nations children’s health and wellbeing outcomes and build cultural connections with community Elders through establishing an edible garden. | Napranum | $6,020 | |||
Returned & Services League of Australia (Queensland Branch) Esk Sub Branch Inc | Esk RSL Sub Branch Refrigerator Provide a safer environment for social connection by replacing the old fridge to improve food safety. | Esk | $3,354 | |||
Returned & Services League of Australia (Queensland Branch) Tiaro Sub Branch Inc | Tiaro RSL Sub Branch New Front Stairs Rejuvenate the 1930’s building by replacing the front stairs to make the community meeting space safer and more welcoming. | Tiaro | $10,000 | |||
Roadvale School of Arts Inc | Purchase of Two Fridges to Support Community Activity at the Roadvale Hall Enhance community hall use by upgrading fridges to improve food safety. | Roadvale | $9,996 | |||
Stanthorpe International Club | Installation of Solar Panels Improve the Club's financial capacity to support the community with power cost savings created by installing a solar system. | Stanthorpe | $10,000 | |||
The Townsville Toy Library Association Inc | Townsville Toy Library Solar Installation Enhance the library’s ability to support the flood-impacted community by installing a solar system to reduce operational costs. | Townsville | $10,000 | |||
Westmar State School P&C Association | Enhance Inquiry-Based Learning at Westmar State School with STEM Resources Foster students’ curiosity and lifelong learning by purchasing a STEM activity cart and engaging critical thinking and problem-solving skills. | Westmar | $10,000 | |||
Prepare and Recover - 2019/2020 Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
A-Choired Taste | Scenic Rim Sings 2023 Boost spirits and help recovery of bushfire-impacted community by hosting a public singing workshop. | Beaudesert | $3,715 | |||
Canungra Sports and Recreation Reserve Grounds Inc | Upgrade Driveway to our Creek Camping Area and Holding Yards Improve emergency services access and livestock evacuation during disasters by sealing the driveway at a Black Summer Bushfires staging area. | Canungra | $22,731 | |||
Tarome Rural Fire Brigade Queensland Fire and Rescue Authority | Fire Fighting Accessories & Upgrades for Buggy Strengthen the community’s fire-fighting ability with the purchase and fit out of an all terrain buggy and buggy trailer for transporting equipment. | Tarome | $17,935 | |||
The Yoga Partnership Ltd | Yoga for Granite Belt Support Services Strengthen mental and physical health of the bushfire-impacted community with fortnightly yoga and mindfulness classes for all ages and all abilities. | Stanthorpe | $3,000 | |||
Prepare and Recover - 2022 Floods | ||||||
Burdekin Singers & Theatre Company Inc | Replacing 'The Lighthouse' Roof Create a safe environment for the community to come together for social and creative activities post flooding by repairing the aged theatre roof. | Ayr | $25,000 | |||
Forest Hill School of Arts | Forest Hill Floor Treatment and Repairs Ensure the continued use of the hall for community gatherings and as an evacuation centre by re-sealing the floor, which was damaged during the last flooding event. | Forest Hill | $7,500 | |||
Greenup Events Group Inglewood Lions Club Inc | Showcase at Greenup Nurture recovery and social wellbeing for a flood-impacted community by offering creative workshops at the local arts festival. | Inglewood | $3,000 | |||
Heart of Gold International Short Film Festival Inc | Boredom Relief Enhance young people's wellbeing and career opportunities in a flood-impacted community by sharing their creative works at a local film festival. | Gympie | $22,300 | |||
Lanescape Goondiwindi Inc | Illuminate the Flow Provide an opportunity for the flood-impacted community to reconnect, strengthen their resilience and boost tourism through creating a mural illustrating the community’s ability to overcome adversity. | Goondiwindi | $25,000 | |||
Mulgowie Public Hall Association Incorporated | Repairs to Grounds Revitalise the hall’s flood-damaged outdoor space by replacing playground softfall and concreting below seating. | Mulgowie | $10,000 | |||
Mungindi Community Preschool Inc | Celebrating 50 Years of the Mungindi Community Preschool Reconnect residents and provide a sense of identity and belonging post floods by holding a community fair. | Mungindi | $5,893 | |||
Neighbourhood Centre Maryborough Inc | Out & About Help young people impacted by flooding learn about and connect to support services by holding an informal youth day in the ‘skate’ park event. | Maryborough | $10,000 | |||
Theebine Memorial Recreational Centre Incorporated | Community Safety and Wellbeing Boost the community's ability to respond to future floods by purchasing a generator and installing communication and security equipment at the hall, which is used as a recovery centre. | Theebine | $9,427 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
Biloela State High School | Easy Access Support young people and enhance recovery post-pandemic by creating a labyrinth as a safe space for students to engage with others and to conduct psychosocial support activities. | Biloela | $10,000 | |||
Kuranda Amphitheatre Society Inc | Amphitheatre Enquiry-by-Design Re-energise the community venue post-pandemic by facilitating an inclusive, community-based design process for an updated facility master plan and maintenance schedule. | Kuranda | $10,000 | |||
Mapleton State School P&C Association | Rhythm to Recovery: Building Resilience and Social Connectedness Through African Drumming Improve social connectedness, reduce levels of anxiety and enhance the process of recovery for young people from the pandemic by establishing a therapeutic drumming program. | Mapleton | $6,588 | |||
North Burnett Community Service Inc | Born To Play Support a new regional playgroup and sustain their work to encourage social connection and improve educational outcomes after COVID-19 through purchasing activity resources and play equipment. | Mundubbera | $9,920 | |||
Steaming on the Downs Inc | Community Lost Trade Skills Workshop & Demonstrations - Container for Transport Boost pandemic recovery and social connectedness through procuring a shipping container to transport metalworking equipment by rail to use in skill building workshops with young people. | Oakey | $4,180 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Large | ||||||
Binthi Land Holding Group Aboriginal Corporation | Mt Baird Station Homestead Water Infrastructure Enhance post-pandemic recovery and improved economic opportunities, health conditions and morale of a remote First Nations community by providing a potable water supply. | Hopevale | $35,008 | |||
Ingham Meals On Wheels Inc | Making Meals and Making Connections Sustain the work of volunteers post-pandemic to provide meals and essential social connections to vulnerable residents through the purchase of a commercial dishwasher. | Ingham | $22,403 | |||
Kalbar School of Arts & Memorial Hall Inc | Upgrading the Kalbar School of Arts Memorial Hall to Promote a Vibrant Rural Community Enhance the process of recovery for the Kalbar community post-pandemic and provide a safe and inclusive community hub by undertaking essential hall repairs and preserving its all-ability access. | Kalbar | $37,570 | |||
SOUTH AUSTRALIA | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Cradock Heritage Group The Flinders Ranges Council | Re-print of the Cradock Heritage Trail Booklet Boost visitation to a historic township and enhance community pride by updating a walking trail guide that celebrates local heritage. | Cradock | $2,430 | |||
Glendambo District Sports Club Incorporated | Secretary's/ R FDS Shed and Kids' Play Container Enhance wellbeing outcomes and sustain organisational capacity by installing a shipping container to provide storage and a space for pop up RFDS health clinics at community events. | Glendambo | $10,000 | |||
Quorn Mercury Association Incorporated | New Computers for the Quorn Mercury Build connections and keep the community informed by updating IT equipment for the publication of a monthly community newsletter. | Quorn | $5,337 | |||
Prepare and Recover - 2019/2020 Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Art Museum of Kangaroo Island Establishment Association Incorporated | Equipment and Storage for Planning Stage of AMKI Project Increase volunteer and organisational capacity and support community recovery after bushfires by providing storage and digital equipment for an art gallery. | Penneshaw | $1,444 | |||
Edithburgh Museum Inc | Edithburgh Jetty 150th Anniversary Celebration Support recovery from bushfires and boost community connections by commemorating local history through a photographic exhibition and book publication. | Edithburgh | $10,000 | |||
Palmer Collier Park Community Association | Davenport Rest Stop & Historical Landmarks Trail Enhance connection to place and boost visitation in a bushfire-impacted region through installing signage for a historic trail. | Palmer | $7,633 | |||
Stansbury Sports and Community Club Inc | Internal Salt Damp Repairs Provide a safe and comfortable facility for senior citizens and enhance social connections to support bushfire recovery by repairing salt damaged walls at a community hub. | Stansbury | $10,000 | |||
The Warooka Progress Asscn | Moving Murals: Augmented Reality Strengthen cultural connection and encourage tourism in a bushfire-impacted region through the installation of an innovative mural trail. | Warooka | $25,000 | |||
TULKA Progress Association | Security for New Infrastructure and Increase Water Harvesting Capacity Strengthen bushfire preparedness and organisational capacity at a community hub by upgrading facilities and water storage for firefighting. | Tulka | $10,585 | |||
Unity College Inc | Playground Shade Structure Rejuvenate a place to gather and support bushfire recovery of young people in a disadvantaged community by installing a shade structure in a play area. | Murray Bridge | $10,000 | |||
Prepare and Recover - 2022 Floods | ||||||
Mid Murray Support Service Incorporated | Welcome to The HUB Strengthen community recovery in a flood-impacted region and sustain organisational capacity by upgrading the reception area at a support service to create a welcoming and inclusive space for community members. | Mannum | $22,695 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
Bay Town Group Association Incorporated | Chris Blowes - Motivational Speaker Strengthen social connections and foster resilience in young people following the pandemic by holding an event with a motivational speaker. | Port MacDonnell | $1,600 | |||
Lipson Progress Association | Preserving the Past, Preserving the Future Encourage social connection at a key community hub following the pandemic by repainting the interior spaces of the historic Lipson Big and Small Halls. | Lipson | $8,300 | |||
Sandalwood Recreation Association Incorporated | Ease of Access for All Enhance community connection after COVID-19 by installing a ramp and new doors to improve access for all abilities at a community hall. | Sandalwood | $9,618 | |||
West Coast Youth and Community Support Incorporated | Secure, Safe and Vibrant Youth Hub Improve safety and amenity and boost opportunities for social connection after COVID-19 by upgrading facilities and furniture at a youth hub. | Port Lincoln | $10,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Large | ||||||
Kyancutta Community Club Incorporated | New Outdoor Area for the Kyancutta Community Club Reduce social isolation and foster resilience post-pandemic in a very remote community through developing a family-friendly outdoor play space at a community hub. | Kyancutta | $30,000 | |||
TASMANIA | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Great Lake Community Centre Inc | Great Lake Community Centre Extension Project Expand skills to provide locally grown food for people living in a remote, high-altitude township by purchasing a trailer and building materials for a community greenhouse garden. | Miena | $10,000 | |||
Queenstown Community Men's Shed West Coast Council | Queenstown Community Permaculture Garden Build social connections and skills to 'grow your own food' through the establishment of a community garden in an isolated and under-served region. | Queenstown | $10,000 | |||
The Circular Head Aboriginal Corporation | Community Mural Project Celebrate First Nations history by creating a storytelling mural depicting Aboriginal heritage, culture and identity significant to the Circular Head district. | Smithton | $10,000 | |||
Youth Family and Community Connections Incorporated | ARVOs Program - Activity Costs Reduce social isolation and strengthen connections between young people by supporting an out of school activity program to deliver workshops and excursions. | Burnie | $10,000 | |||
Prepare and Recover - 2019/2020 Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Seymour Community Action Group Inc | Seymour Community - Wetlands Restoration Project Strengthen community bushfire recovery activities to restore natural habitat and enhance community connection to the environment through a weed eradication project. | Seymour | $10,000 | |||
Prepare and Recover - 2022 Floods | ||||||
Meander Valley Connect Inc | Meander Valley Connecting Up Foster social connection and skill development by delivering digital training and outreach for seniors and under-served community members in a flood-impacted region. | Deloraine | $24,917 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
Rural Alive & Well Inc | Country Outreach - King Island Connection Strengthen mental health and wellbeing after the pandemic in a remote island community by delivering in-person mental health and suicide prevention outreach services. | Pegarah | $10,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Large | ||||||
Rural Health Tasmania Inc | Embracing Community Rebuild social connections and enhance wellbeing following the impacts of COVID-19 by delivering a facilitated social inclusion program and activities in partnership with a community house. | Smithton | $44,600 | |||
VICTORIA | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Alexandra Primary School | Alexandra Primary School Sensory and Nature Play Garden Expand educational enrichment opportunities and create a space for school children to connect with the natural environment by installing a sensory and nature play garden. | Alexandra | $10,000 | |||
Arapiles Historical Society Inc No A0037695M | Community and Infrastructure Protection Sustain the work of older volunteers to collect, preserve and celebrate local history by repairing a damaged roof of an historic building. | Natimuk | $10,000 | |||
BCYF – Bethany Limited | Ageless Connections Support relationship building and provide a social outlet for older people through the delivery of an intergenerational activity program at a local kindergarten. | Colac | $9,901 | |||
Callignee and Traralgon South Emergency Committee | Raising Awareness Program 2023 Augment community knowledge and strengthen disaster response by distributing a free emergency services brochure to residents living in a bushfire prone district. | Callignee | $465 | |||
Foster Primary School | Reinvigorating our Kitchen Garden Program Equipment Boost health outcomes and student knowledge in growing and cooking nutritious food from the school's garden by upgrading kitchen equipment. | Foster | $4,850 | |||
Grants Only Group Inc | Digital Solutions Sustain community groups in South Gippsland and strengthen volunteer capacity to seek grants through upgrading IT equipment. | Venus Bay | $2,423 | |||
Leongatha Childrens Centre Inc | Shade Umbrellas Encourage play-based learning by providing sun protection at a new community-run childcare and kindergarten centre. | Leongatha | $6,497 | |||
Murray Valley Aboriginal Co-operative Limited | MVAC Bush Kinder Enhance access to First Nations cultural practices and nature-based play by installing a dual toilet / wash basin facility for a new bush kinder program. | Robinvale | $10,000 | |||
Noojee Parks & Reserve Committee of Management | Meet & Move for Health Enhance older people’s health and social wellbeing by delivering a weekly exercise class at Noojee Hall. | Noojee | $6,568 | |||
Rupanyup Primary School | Shade Protection for our Outdoor Inclusive Learning, Sensory & Play Space Improve health, safety and comfort of school children by providing protection from UV exposure through installing shade sails. | Rupanyup | $10,000 | |||
St Arnaud Community Resource Centre Inc | FoodShare and Volunteer Kitchen Completion Enhance food security and wellbeing outcomes for under-served community members and sustain the work of volunteers by upgrading a kitchen to meet health regulations. | St Arnaud | $5,000 | |||
Surf Lifesaving Lakes Entrance Inc | Upgrade of First Aid Facilities Improve volunteer safety and emergency response capability by upgrading training and medical equipment at a surf lifesaving club. | Lakes Entrance | $5,522 | |||
Tarwin Lower Primary School | Playground Revival Create a safe environment and foster greater school engagement by replacing an aged and unsafe playground with new play equipment for the school, playgroup and wider community use. | Tarwin Lower | $10,000 | |||
Venus Bay and District Community Emergency Response Team Inc | Advanced Medical Manikins Training Equipment Build capability of emergency first aid volunteers and strengthen community health and safety outcomes by purchasing CPR training equipment. | Venus Bay | $9,751 | |||
Yea & District Historical Society Inc | Printer / Scanner for Yea Historical Society Enhance volunteer capacity to preserve and catalogue historic data and contribute to local cultural celebrations by purchasing compatible digital equipment. | Yea | $498 | |||
Zoe Support Australia | Upgrading our Centre for Learning Encourage young mothers and their children to participate in programs and access support services by installing a shade sail to improve safety and comfort. | Mildura | $10,000 | |||
Prepare and Recover - 2019/2020 Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Bairnsdale Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc | Bairnsdale Laneway 3875 Festivals Encourage people to come together and enhance economic recovery of a community impacted by bushfires, by hiring entertainment for four seasonal festival events. | Bairnsdale | $10,000 | |||
Bemm River Mens Shed Bemm River Progress and Improvement Association Incorporated | Smart TV for Educational and Instructional U-tube and for Relaxation Increase volunteer skills and reduce social isolation in a community impacted by Black Summer bushfires through purchasing IT equipment for training and community activities. | Bemm River | $3,222 | |||
Branjee Fire Brigade Country Fire Authority | Thermal Imaging Camera Boost volunteer emergency services capacity and increase community safety in a bushfire-impacted region through purchasing a thermal imaging camera to detect fire threats. | Pranjip | $3,722 | |||
Buchan Mechanics Institute and Free Library Reserve | Improve Community Wellbeing and Social Development Through Improving Infrastructure Enhance a community gathering place and strengthen disaster preparedness in a bushfire-impacted region by upgrading the Buchan Hall kitchen. | Buchan | $9,310 | |||
Dartmouth Community Progress Association | Lighting Dartmouth in Dark Times Provide a safe environment and enhance bushfire preparedness by installing a generator at a public hall for power back-up during outages. | Dartmouth | $10,000 | |||
Euroa Community Action Group | Mosaic Display Support health and wellbeing of a community impacted by bushfires through the development of a recovery arts program to beautify a community garden. | Euroa | $2,568 | |||
Leneva Fire Brigade Country Fire Authority | Leneva Fire Station Improvements Improve safety and access for volunteers and community members at the Leneva Fire Station by installing fencing and paths to rejuvenate the outdoor space. | Leneva | $11,264 | |||
Line Wangaratta Inc | Strong Communities: LGBTQIA+ in the North-East Enhance resilience and recovery of LGBTQIA+ people in bushfire-impacted regions through the delivery of programs, events and activities to build connections, confidence and emotional wellbeing. | Wangaratta | $25,000 | |||
Mallacoota and District Historical Society Inc | Mallacoota Bunker Museum Bush Food Walk (Stage 2) Strengthen economic recovery and boost connection to nature in a bushfire impacted region by developing a self-guided bushfood walk at the Mallacoota Bunker Museum. | Mallacoota | $25,000 | |||
Myrrhee Soldiers Memorial Hall Committee of Management King Valley Arts Inc | Voyage Musical Stimulate recovery and wellbeing for a Black Summer bushfire-impacted community by delivering a creative arts performance. | Myrrhee | $3,000 | |||
Myrtleford Toy Library Inc | Little Learners Foster social connections and early childhood learning in a bushfire-affected community by purchasing educational play resources for a playgroup. | Myrtleford | $5,773 | |||
Newlands Arm Landcare Coastcare Group | Walk the Wonderous Waterway Expand opportunities for community recovery, connection to place and First Nation’s culture in a bushfire impacted-region through the installation of signage along the Dinni Birraark Walk. | Newlands Arm | $3,904 | |||
Omeo and District Agricultural & Pastoral Society Inc | Omeo & District Show 2023 Family Entertainment, Skills and Training Boost social connection and skills in a region impacted by the Black Summer bushfires and floods by providing children’s activities and delivering training opportunities for local show judges and volunteers. | Omeo | $10,315 | |||
Swan Reach Recreation Reserve Inc | Storage Shed Strengthen organisational capacity of community groups in a bushfire-fire impacted town through purchasing a storage shed for community assets. | Swan Reach | $10,000 | |||
The Wangaratta Kennel and Obedience Dog Club Inc | Extension and Refurbishment of Kitchen Strengthen community resources to support bushfire relief and recovery through upgrading a community kitchen at the Wangaratta Showgrounds. | Wangaratta | $25,000 | |||
Prepare and Recover - 2022 Floods | ||||||
Cosgrove and Pine Lodge Fire Brigade Country Fire Authority | Hose Drying Facilities Increase the safety and capacity of volunteers to respond to flood and disaster events by installing hose drying facilities at the fire station. | Cosgrove | $8,279 | |||
Echuca Neighbourhood House Inc | ENH Flood Recovery Expansion Project Strengthen a neighbourhood house's capacity to support ongoing community recovery by extending the delivery of activities and programs for flood-impacted community members. | Echuca | $25,000 | |||
Rochester & Elmore District Health Service | Disability Accessible Commuter Bus to Support Community Transport Expand access to health care access and reduce social isolation in a significantly flood-impacted community by purchasing a vehicle to transport vulnerable community members. | Rochester | $25,000 | |||
Victorian SES - Castlemaine Unit Victoria State Emergency Service Authority | The Emergency Essentials Guide (Mt Alexander Shire) Elevate community knowledge and disaster readiness in a flood-affected shire through disseminating a free emergency information handbook. | Castlemaine | $13,056 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
Arapiles Community Theatre Inc | Circus Jam Bolster wellbeing and reduce social isolation after the effects of COVID-19 through a series of whole-of-community circus arts workshops. | Natimuk | $8,162 | |||
Barwon Downs Community Group | Outdoor Seating & Kitchen Upgrade Strengthen social connection and volunteer capacity after the pandemic through upgrading outdoor seating and kitchen facilities at a community hall. | Barwon Downs | $7,090 | |||
Bellarine Historical Society Incorporated (INC. NO. A 0015326L) | Creating Stories Through Visual Displays Sustain the work of a historical society and enhance community engagement post-COVID-19 through the purchase of portable display cases. | Drysdale | $3,440 | |||
Beulah Historic Learning and Progress Association Inc | Hoof & Harvest Festival Enhance the process of recovery of Beulah and surrounding regional communities from effects of the COVID-19 pandemic by encouraging reconnection through staging an inclusive community festival. | Beulah | $10,000 | |||
Camperdown and District Community House | Growing Community: Public Art and Spaces Bringing People Together Increase community connection and enhance recovery post-COVID-19 through art workshops to create art pavers capturing individual’s stories for display at the local community garden. | Camperdown | $8,100 | |||
Christmas Hills Mechanics' Institute Hall Committee of Management Inc | Emergency Power Connector Foster opportunities for social connection after COVID-19 through electrical upgrades at a local hall. | Christmas Hills | $2,450 | |||
EACH | Rural Rainbows Strengthen social connection and leadership of LGBTQIA+ young people after the pandemic by establishing a peer-led social support group. | Healesville | $10,000 | |||
Heyfield & District Vintage Machinery Group Inc | Multi Purpose Shed - Concrete Floor Sustain the work of volunteers and enhance opportunities for social connection following the pandemic by upgrading flooring at a multipurpose community hub. | Heyfield | $10,000 | |||
Lockington & District Living Heritage Complex Inc | Energy Efficient Heating and Cooling Increase opportunities for community connection and enhance the process of recovery after COVID-19 by installing air conditioning to improve the comfort and amenity of a community venue. | Lockington | $9,500 | |||
Mount Korong Eco Watch | Community Connection at the Fiery Flat Bushland Reserve Sustain the work of volunteers and commence restoration of a community reserve through fencing a gathering site for community connection and recovery from the effects of COVID-19. | Fiery Flat | $10,000 | |||
Ouyen Community Gym Inc | Ouyen Community Gym Project Sustain organisational capacity and enhance wellbeing post-COVID-19 by improving access for all abilities through building an accessible path at a community gym. | Ouyen | $4,224 | |||
Regional Arts Victoria | RAV in Residence - Connecting Places Sustain the work of community arts organisations post-pandemic through facilitated networking events to develop skills, connections and mitigate volunteer burnout. | Tallarook | $10,000 | |||
Wimmera Women Connect Inc | Wimmera Women Connect: Consolidating the Way Forward Build organisational capacity by undertaking strategic planning and purchasing resources and equipment to sustain the work of volunteers post-pandemic. | Horsham | $7,374 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Large | ||||||
Baw Baw Food Hub Inc | Community Cafe and Workshop Space for Baw Baw Food Hub Support COVID-19 recovery and sustain a food and sustainability hub by upgrading the space and purchasing furniture and café appliances to create a welcoming space for community engagement and workshops. | Warragul | $34,527 | |||
The Trustee for The Salvation Army (Victoria) Property Trust | Salvo Connect Centre Boost confidence and enhance recovery from COVID-19 by creating a safe drop-in space where vulnerable people can access support and resources to help them reconnect with their community. | Portland | $38,800 | |||
The Warrnambool Theatre Company Inc | Rebuilding Regional Theatre With Sustainable Sound Cultivate opportunities for cultural enrichment and sustain the work of community theatre groups following COVID-19 by investing in professional audio equipment. | Warrnambool | $30,136 | |||
WESTERN AUSTRALIA | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Badgingarra Community Centre Association | Community Centre Heating and Cooling Project Expand the use of the centre by installing a split system to make the community’s meeting space more comfortable and welcoming. | Badgingarra | $10,000 | |||
Cranbrook Primary School Parents & Citizens Association Inc | Colour Our School Provide students with low socio-educational scores access to altenative educational opportunities by painting interactive games around the school grounds. | Cranbrook | $10,000 | |||
Karri Country Good Food Incorporated | Repair Floors Make the community-owned grocery store more hygienic, comfortable and welcoming by resealing the concrete floor. | Northcliffe | $10,000 | |||
Kyloring Housing Co-operative Limited | Governance Training for Over 55’s in Housing Co-operative Strengthen social cohesion for low-income disabled residents living in community-managed housing by providing training in communication and decision making. | Witchcliffe | $10,000 | |||
Suka & Duka - Home Island Craft Inc | Islands Cultural Exchange Reduce social isolation for seniors living remotely by supporting a delegation to travel between islands and share their culture with the broader community and tourists during Territory week. | Christmas Island | $10,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
Borden Pavilion Committee Incorporated | Borden Touring Arts and Culture Program Reduce social isolation and foster a stronger, more resilient and connected community after the pandemic through the delivery of an inclusive arts and cultural program. | Borden | $10,000 | |||
Lake Grace CWA | Refurbishment of CWA Lake Grace Part 2 Sustain the Lake Grace CWA and their work post-pandemic by refurbishing and modernising the community hall's kitchen. | Lake Grace | $10,000 | |||
Manjimup Family Centre Inc | Upgrade of Meeting Rooms at Manjimup Family Centre Enhance recovery from the pandemic and increase meeting room use by other community groups by upgrading furniture and equipment. | Manjimup | $8,957 | |||
Meckering Action Group | Meckering Murals Revitalise the town centre and boost tourism after COVID-19 by creating two murals portraying historically significant local events. | Meckering | $9,806 | |||
Northcliffe Pioneer Museum | Northcliffe Townsite Heritage Walk Strengthen community pride and sense of place while enhancing recovery post-COVID-19 by purchasing and installing 23 interpretive signage plaques along a heritage walkway. | Northcliffe | $9,212 | |||
Porongurup Community Association Inc | Porongurup Hall Electrical Upgrade Undertake electrical upgrades to the local hall to provide a safe, welcoming and functional space for community reconnection after COVID-19. | Porongurup | $10,000 | |||
Shire of Gingin | Connecting post-COVID: Flavours of Gingin Festival Support the rebuilding of community resilience after the pandemic by expanding the festival to include wellbeing activities. | Gingin | $10,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Large | ||||||
Mindful Margaret River Inc | Creating Change – Supporting Local Agency Through Community Resilience Building Activities Reduce social isolation and foster a stronger more resilient community post-COVID-19 by employing a project coordinator to deliver a series of wellbeing and resilience activities. | Margaret River | $50,000 |
It’s no secret that risks presented by our changing climate loom large. The communities FRRR serves are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of increasingly frequent and severe natural disasters and climate extremes. These impacts threaten to exacerbate existing social and economic inequalities, and negatively affect the liveability – and therefore the sustainability – of these communities.
As the Australian Government’s 2022 climate change statement noted:
“Our weather is becoming increasingly variable. More frequent extreme and cascading weather events are impacting our communities and economy, disrupting lives, and threatening our environment. At the same time, summers are becoming steadily hotter and drier, leading to adverse health impacts, increased bushfire risks and ecological damage, and threatening agricultural production. We must anticipate, prepare for and adapt to the impacts from our warming climate. Second, we must mitigate further catastrophic climate change by reducing our own emissions and playing a leadership role in supporting other nations to reduce theirs. Both will require an economic transformation on a scale beyond anything we have experienced in our lifetimes.“
While FRRR has seen an increase in applications we receive that are focused on disaster preparedness efforts, there has been markedly less focus on embracing practices and solutions that reduce the impact of the changing climate or capitalise on opportunities. Often this isn’t for want of great ideas, but rather limited access to funding and capacity to investigate options, particularly for not-for-profit (NFP) groups who want to be proactive and undertake community-led projects.
That’s why, with the support of generous seed funders, we are launching a Community-led Climate Solutions program. We’ve seen time and again that when we can offer dedicated funding around a particular issue – such as In a Good Place (targeting mental health) and Telstra Connected Communities (targeting the digital divide), amazing things happen. All too often it only takes relatively modest funding, backed by volunteers, to bring these projects to life.
So, we intend to offer funding to NFP groups twice a year to help them leverage the incredible knowledge, innovation and commitment in rural areas to implement locally-led climate solutions. The grants will aim to support three key areas:
- Drive engagement, education, and leadership in remote, rural, and regional climate solutions;
- Activate locally-led opportunities to advance energy transition, climate adaptation, decarbonisation and circular economies; and
- Support just transitions to new clean economies for thriving communities.
These different objectives will allow community groups to take action that reflects the most pressing issues in their community, but also recognises that the conversation is unfolding in different ways, and at a different pace in different regions. Some will be ready to take bold action to capitalise on the opportunities from the transformation of our industrial sector, while others will need support to build understanding and drive engagement towards the prospect of a different future. We need initiatives that are designed by each community, that will work for their context.
The grants could potentially fund projects like these, which FRRR has previously supported:
![Seymour Community Wetland Restoration & Reclassification Project, TAS](https://frrr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Seymour-Community-Wetland-Restoration-Web-1024x768.png)
Seymour Community Wetland Restoration & Reclassification Project, TAS
A $10,000 grant was awarded from FRRR (proudly supported by IKEA) to fund weed control and restoration of the Seymour Wetland Reserve (including workshops on Seed Collection, Propagation and Restoration). The work of the volunteers, together with professional support from this funding, resulted in the Reclassification of the project area in June 2022, to double the size of the Seymour Conservation Area, contributing to restoration of native species (over 650 trees have been planted by the group) and decarbonisation. The media exposure from the Reclassification attracted new members and enrolled others in the community to become more active in the Conservation area.
![Bendigo Sustainability Group, Regional Community Energy Workshops, VIC](https://frrr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Bendigo-Sustainability-Group-Web-1024x768.png)
Bendigo Sustainability Group, Regional Community Energy Workshops, VIC
The Bendigo Sustainability Group (BSG) has been operating for 10 years. Over that period, BSG has been involved in the successful delivery of a wide range of projects and programs, creating awareness around sustainable living, renewable energy options, climate change and the need for decarbonisation.
This $10,000 grant funded by FRRR, with the support of the Community Foundation for Central Victoria, has enabled BSG to deliver free, engaging and informative workshops on energy efficiency and renewable energy in small towns throughout the Loddon Mallee region. As a result, they have also been able to identify and support the development of community renewable energy projects to enhance the resilience of these communities.
![Augusta Margaret River Clean Community Energy Incorporated, WA](https://frrr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Augusta-Margaret-River-Clean-Community-Energy-Inc-Web-1-1024x768.png)
Augusta Margaret River Clean Community Energy Incorporated, WA
The Dairy Waste Energy Study project was part of Shire of Augusta-Margaret River’s ambitious plan to operate at net zero carbon emissions by 2030. AMRCCE wanted to investigate creating biogas from dairy manure waste, while also diverting effluent from nearby water sources. The project utilised an FRRR grant to partially fund the study, which assessed the Butane Methane Potential contained in dairy waste from a large dairy farm in the Scott River area in the Augusta Margaret River local government area. It was an important precursor to the planning and development of what could be an aggregated biogas and renewable power grid connected facility, and was involved in a PhD study and associated scientific paper.
More than money
In addition to the funding, grantees will have access to FRRR’s capacity building expertise and guidance, to help them shape their projects and, in time, we will also seek to connect these groups to leverage learnings across communities. We’re also keen to connect these organisations with businesses who may be able to provide one-off or ongoing pro-bono support. This program will also focus attention and promote conversations to catalyse additional community-led solutions.
Further, by analysing application data and by tracking impacts, FRRR will be able to generate insights into how communities are activating climate solutions and identify what additional support may be required, or what barriers NFP groups are facing.
Join us?
Thanks to generous seed funders, FRRR is set to launch the program’s first round at the end of October 2023, but we know this program will be in high demand, so we’re looking for additional partners to walk alongside us and enable rural communities to access climate solutions focused funding well into the future.
If this is something you are interested in learning more about, please contact either Sarah Matthee or Jillian Kirwan-Lee via partnerships@frrr.org.au.
56 projects funded thanks to the Future Drought Fund
FRRR has awarded $3.65 million in grants to 11 agriculture-dependent regions across Australia, for projects that will better prepare their communities for the impacts of drought and a changing climate.
![](https://frrr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Helping-Regional-Communities-Prepare-for-Drought-Iniative-1024x768.png)
The $3,654,124 in grants is funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, and delivered as part of the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative’s Community Impact Program. To date, $9,115,583 in grants has been awarded to 27 agriculture-dependent regions, through the Program.
Delivered in partnership with ARLF, the Program aims to strengthen the ability of agriculture-dependent communities to work together to prepare for future drought or other disaster.
Nina O’Brien, Disaster Resilience and Recovery Lead for FRRR, said that the collaborative nature of the Community Impact Program means locals in each region have come together to identify and act on their communities’ drought preparedness priorities, at a grassroots level.
“The beauty of this program is that it’s so flexible. It can support events, initiatives, training and even small-scale infrastructure. But at their core, each project is about fostering the growth of stronger networks to encourage shared learning and more collaboration. We’re already seeing that happen among the program facilitators, who are leading by example, having established a community of practice, and mentoring one another across the regions.
“We recognise that co-design in each region has taken significant effort and we particularly thank the Community Partner Lead Organisations for stepping up and taking the lead in bringing everyone together. It’s been wonderful to be able to harness local knowledge and expertise and to have a cross-section of the community collaborate and create solutions. We know that these projects will strengthen the networks, support, engagement and wellbeing of people across their region.
“We look forward to seeing the continued growth of these networks and to seeing the impacts of these projects as they roll out over the next two years,” Ms O’Brien said.
Funded projects include a youth community hub and film festival on Mitakoodi Country, Cloncurry in Queensland. The Mitakoodi Community and Housing Aboriginal Corporation will use a $76,809 grant to develop the hub and festival, which will build a depth of social connection, a shared sense of purpose, and longer-term community belonging that locals can draw upon in future drought.
In Boyup Brook, Western Australia, Blackwood Basin Group Incorporated has been awarded a $40,730 grant to run a series of land management workshops, as well as produce written resources and provide accidental counselling. These capacity building activities will provide local people and communities with opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge to face the unique challenges caused by drought.
As part of the program, each region will also access tailored leadership development activities, delivered by ARLF.
ARLF Chief Executive, Matt Linnegar, says the leadership development supports the delivery of local projects and yields long-term benefits for the regions.
“We know that a multimodal approach of leadership development increases the impact the investments have in each region. In addition to the project funding, these leadership development activities build social capital required to support the project and people in each region. We get to connect local networks, create a deeper sense of shared purpose and develop capability that helps people to take action and address challenges and make the most of opportunities.”
Participants also gain access to the wider alumni network of the ARLF. “It’s these connections that prove invaluable to people. When they’re stuck, there’s someone to ask for advice,” Mr Linnegar said.
Other elements of the Future Drought Fund’s Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative are also underway, including a Mentoring program and an online network connecting community members involved in projects in each of the regions, both led by ARLF.
FRRR has also launched a portal providing access to experts to support delivery of their projects, if local expertise isn’t available. A small grants funding round will also open before the end of the year to support projects in areas not covered by the Community Impact Program.
Learn more about the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative at www.frrr.org.au/drought-preparedness.
The full list of grant recipients and their projects are below.
Organisation | Project | Location | Grant | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
New South Wales: Region 05 Northern Tablelands | ||||||
Glenrac Incorporated | Community Partner Lead Organisation (CPLO): Region 05 Strengthen drought preparedness and drive local action in the Northern Tablelands region through the coordination of Community Impact Program activities and evaluation administration. | Northern Tablelands NSW Region | $30,146 | |||
Glenrac Incorporated | Growing Social Capital, Glen Innes Enhance awareness of and attitude toward drought preparedness and build local leadership, networks and social support through a diverse series of community events, activities and delivery partners. | Glen Innes | $70,508 | |||
Gwymac Incorporated | Connecting our Community for Resilience in Tough Times Enhance awareness of and attitudes toward drought preparedness through building local leadership, networks and social support through a series of collaborative events. | Inverell | $51,290 | |||
Southern New England Landcare Ltd | SNEL HELP – Preparing Communities for Drought Increase the reach and activities of community leaders, mentors, networks and organisations driving action on drought resilience through the delivery of a series of community activities and events that will share information on the local impacts of drought, drought preparation activities and strengthen local connections, networks and relationships. | Armidale, Inverell, Uralla and Walcha | $62,214 | |||
Granite Borders Landcare Committee Incorporated | Drought Community Impact Program Enable communities to identify and adopt innovative and transformative ways to build drought resilience through a series of collaborative workshops targeting innovation in drought preparation information and knowledge sharing. | Tenterfield | $70,936 | |||
Queensland: Region 07 South-West | ||||||
Southern Queensland Natural Resources Management Ltd | Community Partner Lead Organisation (CPLO): Region 07 Strengthen drought preparedness and drive local action in the South-West region through the coordination of Community Impact Program activities and evaluation administration. | South-West QLD Region | $20,500 | |||
Thallon Progress Association Inc | PODDS 4 Thallon & Bollon (Place of Diversity & Development) Increase the reach and activities of community leaders, mentors, networks and organisations driving action on drought resilience through the development of shared workspaces in Thallon and Bollon. | Thallon and Bollon, Balonne Shire | $126,800 | |||
Wyandra and District Progress and Recreation Association Inc | Wyandra & Surrounds Drought Resilience Leadership Network – Empower Paroo & Murweh Increase the reach and activities of community leaders, mentors, networks and organisations driving action on drought resilience across Paroo and Murweh through the delivery of community events, minor community infrastructure upgrades, leadership network establishment and connection to local support services. | Wyandra, Cunnamulla, Charleville | $83,615 | |||
Queensland: Region 10 North-West | ||||||
Southern Gulf NRM Ltd | Community Partner Lead Organisation (CPLO): Region 10 Strengthen drought preparedness and drive local action in the North-West region through the coordination of Community Impact Program activities and evaluation administration. | Queensland North-West Region | $33,007 | |||
Southern Gulf NRM Ltd | Proactively Improving Mental Health Preparedness in Northwest QLD Enable capacity building activities where local people and communities have opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge to face the unique challenges caused by drought through the delivery of mental health first aid training across the region. | Cloncurry, Julia Creek, Richmond, Hughenden, Normanton, Burketown, Mount Isa | $66,209 | |||
Southern Gulf NRM Ltd | Community Group Development Facilitator for Northwest QLD Improve capability, coordination and collaboration between networks, other community organisations and sectors that can be drawn upon in future drought through delivery of governance, volunteer management, communications and project management training. | Mount Isa, Cloncurry, McKinlay, Richmond, Flinders, Burke, Carpentaria | $148,538 | |||
Mitakoodi Community and Housing Aboriginal Corporation | The Cloncurry Community Hub and Film Festival Build a depth of social connection, a shared sense of purpose and longer-term community belonging that can be drawn upon in future drought through the development of a youth community hub and film festival. | Mitakoodi Country,Cloncurry | $76,809 | |||
Western Australia: Region 21 South-West | ||||||
South West Catchments Council | Community Partner Lead Organisation (CPLO): Region 21 Strengthen drought preparedness and drive local action in the South-West region through the coordination of Community Impact Program activities and evaluation administration. | WA South-West Region | $23,768 | |||
Warren Catchments Council | Green Spaces Counter the Blues Enable capacity building activities where local people and communities have opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge to face the unique challenges caused by drought through a coordinated series of water efficient landscaping / gardening workshops. | Shire of Manjimup | $75,661 | |||
Southern Forest Arts Inc | Rivers of Thirst Build depth of social connection, awareness of and constructive attitudes to drought preparedness at the community level through community development of seven public artworks across towns in the region. | Manjimup, Boyup Brook, Nannup, Bridgetown-Greenbushes | $49,908 | |||
South West Catchments Council | Community Resilience Network Improve the capability, coordination and collaboration between networks, other community organisations and sectors that can be drawn upon in future drought through the establishment of a Community Resilience Network of local groups in Community Resource Centres. | Manjimup, Boyup Brook, Bridgetown-Greenbushes, Donnybrook-Balingup, Augusta- Margaret River, Harvey, Dardanup, Busselton | $86,935 | |||
Blackwood Basin Group Incorporated | Boyup Brook Community Drought Preparedness Enable capacity building activities where local people and communities have opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge to face the unique challenges caused by drought, through a series of land management workshops, production of written resources and accidental counselling training. | Boyup Brook | $40,730 | |||
Goomburrup Aboriginal Corporation | Ni! Boodja Waangkiny (Noongar Seasonal Calendar) Enable depth of social and cultural connection, awareness of and constructive attitudes to drought preparedness at the community level through the development of a place-based, locally developed Noongar seasonal calendar that captures the knowledge and resilience of the people and culture with storytelling. | Bunbury | $66,000 | |||
South Australia: Region 24 Northern and Yorke | ||||||
Regional Development Australia Barossa Gawler Light Adelaide Plains Incorporated | Community Partner Lead Organisation (CPLO): Region 24 Strengthen drought preparedness and drive local action in the Northern and Yorke region through the coordination of Community Impact Program activities and evaluation administration. | SA Northern and Yorke Region | $56,893 | |||
Lochiel Progress Association | Diner en Rose Build depth of social connection, a shared sense of purpose, and longer-term community belonging that can be drawn upon in future drought through a community event celebrating the local landscape. | Lochiel– Pink Lake (Wakefield Regional Council) | $21,170 | |||
Wirraminna Care | Scone / Coffee Times Bringing Neighbourhoods Together to Share Socially Build depth of social connection, a shared sense of purpose and longer-term community belonging that can be drawn upon in future drought by addressing social isolation within the community. | Williamstown, Eden Valley | $7,000 | |||
WoTL Ltd | Managing Yourself and Your Business Through Drought and Other Disruption Enable capacity building activities where local people and communities have opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge to face the unique challenges caused by drought through leadership workshops specifically designed for women. | Riverton, Clare, Kadina | $67,000 | |||
Two Wells Regional Action Team | Drought Resilient Greening for Community Wellbeing Enable a change in awareness of and attitudes to drought preparedness at the community level and enhance the public good by planting drought-tolerant trees at three entrances to the township of Two Wells. | Two Wells | $3,000 | |||
Barossa Improved Grazing Group Incorporated | Building Local Human Capacity to Support Drought Preparedness Across the Barossa Generations and Community Enable capacity building activities where local people and communities have opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge to face the unique challenges caused by drought through supporting and training young farmers. | Barossa, Light, Mid Murray | $55,000 | |||
Victoria: Region 27 Mallee | ||||||
Mallee Sustainable Farming Inc | Community Partner Lead Organisation (CPLO): Region 27 Strengthen drought preparedness and drive local action in the Mallee region through the coordination of Community Impact Program activities and evaluation administration. | VIC Mallee Region | $76,818 | |||
First People of the Millewa-Mallee Aboriginal Corporation | Community Impact Program – Mallee Region Build depth of social connection and increase skills, knowledge and understanding of the risks posed by drought and climate change through land management training and mentorship of young First Nations people. | Neds Corner Station, Mildura | $41,200 | |||
Birchip Cropping Group Inc | Mallee BCG Young Farmer Network Enable capacity building activities where young farmers have opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge to face the unique challenges caused by drought in remote, rural, and regional Australia through the growth of a Young Farmers Network. | Quambatook, Birchip, Manangatang | $32,960 | |||
Mallee Sustainable Farming Inc | The Mallee Matters Build awareness of and changed attitudes to drought preparedness at the community level through the production of short videos that showcase local resilience. | Northern Mallee areas | $65,920 | |||
Food Next Door Cooperative | Food Next Door Co-op: Sustainable CALD Market Gardening Build the capacity of local people and communities to develop the skills and knowledge to face the unique challenges caused by drought in remote, rural and regional Australia through irrigation management training for CALD communities. | Mildura, Merbein, Nichols Point and Red Cliffs | $56,856 | |||
Rural Business and Community Limited | Shared Shop Increase economic diversification in an agriculture-dependent community through the establishment of a cooperative ‘shared shop’ for micro businesses in Donald. | Donald | $32,960 | |||
Rural Financial Counselling Service Victoria Wimmera South West Inc | Resilient Small Businesses Deliver capacity building activities where local people and communities have opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge to face the unique challenges caused by drought in remote, rural and regional Australia through the establishment of a small business resilience network targeted at new, young and Indigenous business owners. | Mildura | $41,200 | |||
Millewa Advisory Group | Millewa SHIM Shed Build depth of social connection, a shared sense of purpose, and longer-term community belonging that can be drawn upon in future droughts through the establishment of a community gathering space in the Millewa district. | Millewa | $17,304 | |||
Victoria: Region 29 Wimmera Southern Mallee | ||||||
Wimmera Southern Mallee Development Limited | Community Partner Lead Organisation (CPLO): Region 29 Strengthen drought preparedness and drive local action in the Wimmera Southern Mallee region through the coordination of Community Impact Program activities and evaluation administration. | VIC Wimmera Southern Mallee Region | $44,228 | |||
Wimmera Southern Mallee Development Limited | Community Connector Program Improve the capability, coordination and collaboration between networks, other community organisations and sectors through service mapping, gap analysis, resource development and network capability building and service promotion before the next drought hits. | Whole of WSM | $133,700 | |||
Wimmera Southern Mallee Development Limited (Migrant Settlement Services) | Migrant Youth Support Build depth of social connection, shared cross cultural drought knowledge and longer-term community belonging that can be drawn upon in future drought through a drought resilience building program for young migrants. | Horsham, Nhill | $50,000 | |||
Wimmera Catchment Authority | Ranch Billabong Build depth of social connection, a shared sense of purpose and longer-term community belonging through the revitalisation, and increased visitation of a culturally significant site by the local First Nations and wider community. | Barengi Gadjin Land Council | $40,000 | |||
West Vic Business Incorporated | Community Placemaking Build depth of social connection, a shared sense of purpose and longer-term community belonging that can be drawn upon in future drought through capacity building activities where local people and communities have opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge to face the unique challenges caused by drought through the establishment of a Place-making network. | VIC Wimmera Southern Mallee Region | $46,393 | |||
Victoria: Region 32 West Gippsland | ||||||
Food & Fibre Gippsland Inc | Community Partner Lead Organisation (CPLO): Region 32 Strengthen drought preparedness and drive local action in the West Gippsland region through the coordination of Community Impact Program activities and evaluation administration. | VIC West Gippsland Region | $96,050 | |||
Rural Financial Counselling Service Victoria - Gippsland Inc | Backbone Build awareness of and attitudes to drought preparedness at the community level by producing two drought resilience special editions of the Rural and Regional Backbone magazine. | Latrobe Valley, South Gippsland, Wellington, Bass Coast | $99,880 | |||
Food & Fibre Gippsland Inc | Gated Framework – Community Build capability in community leaders, networks and organisations to undertake strategic drought resilience planning and future drought preparedness activities through the development of a templated drought preparedness framework. | Baw Baw, Latrobe Valley, South Gippsland, Wellington, Bass Coast | $109,978 | |||
Gippsland Women's Health Inc | Gendered Violence Prevention – Active Bystander Training Develop skills, knowledge and capacity to face the unique challenges caused by drought through Active Bystander (Family Violence) training. | Baw Baw, Latrobe Valley, South Gippsland, Wellington, Bass Coast | $44,122 | |||
Rural Financial Counselling Service Victoria - Gippsland Inc | ADAPT Increase the reach and activities of community leaders, mentors, networks and organisations driving action on drought resilience by subsidising the delivery of ADAPT wellness program including online training and ongoing mentoring supporting small to medium sized grassroots organisations to access informal wellness support mechanisms at a community level. | Baw Baw, Latrobe Valley, South Gippsland, Wellington, Bass Coast | $35,000 | |||
Victoria: Region 33 Ovens Murray | ||||||
AgBiz Assist Limited | Community Partner Lead Organisation (CPLO): Region 33 Strengthen drought preparedness and drive local action in the Ovens Murray region through the coordination of Community Impact Program activities and evaluation administration. | VIC Ovens Murray Region | $30,000 | |||
Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Fund Ltd | Community Capacity Building Support capacity building activities where local people and communities have opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge to face the unique challenges caused by drought through a community leadership program. | Indigo Shire | $95,000 | |||
Startup Shakeup Ltd | Digital Work Skills Build capacity of local people and communities to develop the skills and knowledge to face the unique challenges caused by drought through business digital skills training. | Indigo Shire and City of Wangaratta | $95,000 | |||
AgBiz Assist Limited | Wellbeing and Social Connection Build capacity of local people and communities to develop the skills and knowledge to face the unique challenges caused by drought through mental health awareness and support activities and training. | Indigo Shire and City of Wangaratta | $170,328 | |||
Tasmania: Region 34 North and North West | ||||||
Rural Business Tasmania Inc | Community Partner Lead Organisation (CPLO): Region 34 Strengthen drought preparedness and drive local action in the North and North West region through the coordination of Community Impact Program activities and evaluation administration. | TAS North and North west Region | $47,000 | |||
Southern Farming Systems Ltd | Empowering Rural Youth to Build Capacity in Tasmanian Rural Communities Build depth of social connection and increase skills, knowledge and understanding of the risks posed by drought and climate change through tailored drought related events for three distinctive climates in the region. | Scottsdale, Ulverstone, Campbell Town | $102,000 | |||
Rural Business Tasmania Inc | Local Communities Volunteer Project Build depth of social connection, a shared sense of purpose and long-term community belonging that can be drawn upon in future drought by connecting volunteer-based community organisations with young people in the region. | Fingal, Deloraine, Scottsdale, Whitemark | $114,084 | |||
Tasmanian Leaders | Drought Resilient Impact Preparedness (DRIP) Build capacity of local people and communities to develop the skills and knowledge to face the unique challenges caused by drought through a targeted leadership program. | TAS North and North West Region | $99,709 | |||
RANT Arts | Close Up: Drought Preparedness Build awareness of and attitudes to drought preparedness at the community level through the creation of accessible educational videos. | Devonport, Burnie, Latrobe, Meander Valley | $31,059 | |||
Tasmania: Region 35 South Region | ||||||
University of Tasmania | Community Partner Lead Organisation (CPLO): Region 35 Strengthen drought preparedness and drive local action in the South region through the coordination of Community Impact Program activities and evaluation administration. | TAS South Region | $38,778 | |||
Rural Business Tasmania Inc | Local Community Volunteer Project Build a depth of social connection, a shared sense of purpose and longer-term community belonging that can be drawn upon in future drought by connecting volunteer-based community organisations with young people in the region. | TAS South Region | $100,000 | |||
Southern Regional Natural Resource Management Association | Igniting Community Build culturally informed drought preparedness and social connection through a shared sense of purpose, which can be drawn upon in future drought through a series of cultural burn workshops. | Southern Tasmania | $100,000 | |||
Reconciliation Council of Tasmania Limited | Youth Mob Build depth of social connection, awareness of and attitudes to drought preparedness at the community level by developing land management skills of young First Nations people. | Clarence and Sorell Municipality | $82,960 | |||
Tasmanian Small Business Council Inc | Tasmania Small Business Community Resilience Project Build the capacity of local people and small business to develop the skills and knowledge to face the unique challenges caused by drought through a series of business workshops and field trips. | Dunalley, Triabunna, Swansea | $90,000 |
In partnership with the Sally Foundation and the ABC, FRRR has awarded $33,350 in grants to eight youth-led community projects in remote, rural and regional Australia as part of the Trailblazers program. The young people have partnered with local community organisations to receive the grants.
![Project Vulcan participants](https://frrr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Trailblazers-Project-Vulcan-Web.png)
Through a Giving Sub-Fund, the Sally Foundation partners with FRRR to ensure that funding reaches groups and young people in all corners of the country. The priority of this fund is to invest in young regional leaders to build their leadership skills, and their capacity to make a difference in their communities. To achieve this, FRRR leverages our networks across rural and regional communities, draws on our expertise and systems to administer grant rounds, and provides skill development through workshops and direct one-on-one support around project development, grant writing, and understanding eligibility criteria.
Geraldine Roche of the Sally Foundation said, “The overall aim is to boost the skills of these emerging leaders to take on future funding opportunities with confidence and experience behind them.”
This year, Trailblazers attended the annual ABC Heywire Regional Youth Summit, where they received leadership and communications training and presented their projects on ABC radio and at Parliament House. Trailblazers from the 2022 and 2023 cohorts were then invited to apply for grants, funded through the Sally Foundation’s Trailblazers Development Fund, to help them bring their project ideas to life, or to help take their existing projects to the next level.
Joanna Kemp, FRRR’s Philanthropic Services Manager, said that young people are an integral part of of the process.
“There were three Trailblazer alumni on the Advisory Panel for this round of funding, and two of them had previously received grants through this fund, so their input is invaluable. They were able to draw on their Trailblazer experience and bring a youth-focused perspective to the process. Not only that, but they can speak from the perspective of being young people who live in regional areas.
“I’m always inspired by their curiosity and thoughtfulness about each application. They include constructive feedback for the applicants to help them continue building their grant writing skills for future funding opportunities. Equally, their experience on the panel is a great opportunity for them to learn about the grant process from a funding perspective, which broadens their view of the whole cycle,” Ms Kemp said
In this round, we saw some recurring themes. It’s clear that young people are eager to grow awareness around disability, environment and social inclusion. They are also wanting more access STEM activities that are delivered in a fun and engaging way. Two of the grantees this year were also successful in the 2022 round and their new projects continue to build on their activities, this time in a collaboration that will see them visiting schools in remote and rural Queensland towns and bringing their hands on programs to raise awareness and exposure to STEM learning and aviation pathways.
Receiving a grant through the program can help to build confidence for these young people to continue their leadership journey and be a springboard to further funding opportunities. You can see the full list of grant recipients below.
Organisation | Project | Location | Grant | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
QUEENSLAND | ||||||
Now I Can Run Inc | Racerunner's Take Over Aus Grow awareness and participation of people living with disabilities to participate in physical activity through a coaching course and training activities. | Various locations | $4,950 | |||
RoboCoast Sunshine Coast Robotics Association | Red Dirt Robotics Increase access to STEM learning and activities for children in remote and regional Queensland through transport costs and repairs for touring education program. | Various locations | $4,237 | |||
Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (Queensland Section) Limited | Trailblazer Tour - Aviatrix Australia x Red Dirt Robotics 3 month QLD Tour Improve awareness and exposure to STEM learning and aviation pathways for children in remote and regional Queensland communities through an outback educational tour of schools. | Various locations | $6,907 | |||
TASMANIA | ||||||
Now I Can Run Inc | Fighting Island State Tasmania (FIST) Improve social connections, reduce isolation and grow a connected community for people interested in Esports through the first Tasmanian Esports major competition. | Launceston | $2,000 | |||
Self Help Workshop Inc | Project Vulcan - A Play by Disabled Artists about Climate Action and Disability Rights! Raise awareness about climate change, disability and inclusiveness through a touring theatre production across Tasmania and Victoria featuring actors with disabilities. | Launceston | $6,660 | |||
VICTORIA | ||||||
Gnarly Neighbours | Gnarly STEM Increase access to STEM based activities for youth in Seymour, Victoria, through purchase of IT equipment to expand activities at local youth centre. | Seymour | $5,096 | |||
Lake Boga Waterski Club | Lake Boga Bank 2 Bank Improve social connections, health and wellbeing of young people and the wider community in the Swan Hill area through an annual community event at Lake Boga, Victoria. | Lake Boga | $2,000 | |||
WESTERN AUSTRALIA | ||||||
Forrest Personnel Ltd | Wings Without Barriers Raise awareness and acceptance of autism across remote, rural and regional communities through a solo light plane tour around Australia by Hayden McDonald visiting communities to share information about living and thriving with autism. | Various locations | $1,500 |
Wagait Beach is located on the Cox Peninsula just west of Darwin and is accessible by ferry (15 mins) or road (90 mins). Young people make up around 14% of the 461 residents and beyond seasonal sports, there are very few organised activities on offer locally. Parents and young people alike had been keen to increase access to drug and alcohol free activities which would build skills and support emotional, social and physical wellbeing and in 2021, Wagait Shire Council supported to the creation of the Wagait Youth Group.
![Child crouched on ground drawing with chalk on concrete.](https://frrr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/SRC-Wagait-Shire-Council-Web.png)
The Council received a Strengthening Rural Communities grant of $6,000 to assist with establishing their youth program that focused on building more opportunities in the community for young people including the co-design of a local Skate Park. Across four skate workshops, the children designed, built, and decorated portable ramps that went into immediate use, while plans are now well underway for the permanent skate park. Beach cricket, movie nights and discos for the school aged children have since followed.
In addition to a more physically active lifestyle, the young people felt listened to and have become more engaged and active in civic affairs. A collaboration developed between Health Lifestyle Seniors participants and the young people which saw the seniors sharing their skills such as cooking and sewing, which in turn built intergenerational bonds of appreciation and understanding.
Furthermore, the Council employed a Year 12 student for 12 months in the role of Youth Development Officer. This role takes the lead on designing, delivering, and reporting on the ongoing youth program. The Council hopes to continue offering this position annually and expand it into an internship, covering other aspects of council work and community service to develop youth leadership skills locally.
Yarning and other culturally-informed models of health can support people in the community to explore factors that impinge on social-emotional wellbeing (SEWB) and co-create solutions for individual and family wellbeing, including young people.
(Murrup-Stewart et al, 2021)
The Northern River Community Healing Hub is a network of local Indigenous and non-Indigenous volunteers who practice a range of culturally informed trauma-integrated healing modalities including weaving circles, art therapy and bodywork (massage). The hub was established following the catastrophic 2022 flood event in the Northern Rivers.
![People sitting on the ground with a sign in front of them.](https://frrr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Rebuilding-Futures-Northern-Rivers-Community-Healing-Hub-Web.png)
They received a grant for $24,570 through the Rebuilding Futures program, funded by the Suncorp Group to support the hub practitioners to grow and develop their work through increased service delivery moving from an entirely volunteer model to a hybrid paid / volunteer operation. NRCHH is available to all people, regardless of cultural background with a focus on their target population: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, children and young people, families, including older people. The project also included Mobile Hub operations to enable better access to the service within communities themselves – where they need them most, and in consultation with community.
The healing practice activity funded by the project has directly benefitted 639 people across the community at outreach to the pod villages of Coraki and Lismore, and tents at the Nimbin Aquarius Festival and Murwillumbah Kinship Festival, and workshops for a Queer Flood Recovery Event and an event for school children. In addition there have been weekly sessions at the Healing Hub including: 15 bodywork sessions per week free to the community; free flowing drop in weaving / yarning circle on Wednesdays; and clay art therapy once a week.
The NRCHH has evolved through the project. The paid / volunteer mixed model has been successful and they are now seeking input and collaboration that will deepen partnerships and relationships with the organisations that they currently work with to continue.
Project Manager Ruth Rosenhek said, “At the Healing Hub, we provide a de-clinicalised, informal soft-texture gentle space to support healing for our community that focuses on the whole person including a phenomenally successful bodywork program that runs alongside cultural activities such as weaving and yarning circles, creative arts and community connection. We have found that 18 months past the 2022 flood events, people continue to be managing high levels of stress and trauma. These cultural activities that involve sitting on country, slowing down the pace, connection and belonging are all powerful healing agents.”
At the 2020 ABC Heywire Regional Youth Summit in Canberra, 37 young regional Australians developed six exciting ideas to create a better future for young people across Australia. One of those ideas was We Need Farmers – educating and taking younger generations behind the scenes of farming. Timothy, Ebony and Taylor were the Heywire team behind the We Need Farmers project concept. They hoped that the project would increase the level of awareness and understanding that everyone has of Australia’s farmers. And especially, the hard work, time and effort that’s required to produce the produce for our nation.
“Our family farm is a third generation working farm. I love being there. The welcoming smell of the fresh air and the vast open landscapes. However, when my dad was a kid… they had 52 horses. Now there are 2. And over the last 25 years… our sheep numbers have fallen by 70%. We Need Farmers would help educate students on the hard work, time and effort that is required to stock those supermarket shelves and keep you full.”
Ebony, 2020 Heywirer, Western Australia
Gulf Youth in Ag was one of three groups that responded to the We Need Farmers project concept, receiving a grant for $9,979 to deliver a series of Paddock to Plate microdocumentaries.
Gulf Youth in Ag is an initiative of the Northern Gulf Resource Management Group (now Gulf Savannah NRM) that supports youth in the Gulf who are looking towards careers in sustainable agriculture. They support youth to engage with the agriculture industry with projects and networks to support young people.
The grant, which was funded by Friends of FRRR, enabled 12 members of the Gulf Youth in Ag group to complete a three-day intensive Film Making 101 course with a local production company. Students learnt film and sound production, developed storyboards, and the basics of editing.
Participants then formed three groups and chose a local farm to develop a film about the paddock to plate journey of the farm’s produce, to illustrate why we need farmers. They spent two days capturing farm footage and stories and interviewing the farmers.
The Paddock to Plate videos were launched to an audience of more than 70 local farmers, education providers, dignitaries and alumni of the Gulf Youth in Ag group. The finished videos were then distributed to 22 schools in the region and have been shared with the public through the Gulf Youth in Ag’s social media. The videos continue to be utilised in regional schools for use in the technology and science streams of the curriculum. The videos provide a resource for teachers to make the curriculum lessons relatable to the region.
Click on the image below to watch a short snippet explaining the project and showcasing the three videos.