In Tasmania’s Spring Bay region, rural living brings with it a strong sense of community, alongside the realities of environmental uncertainty. Like many small towns across Australia, Spring Bay faces the increasing pressures of drought and the broader mental health challenges that can accompany it.

To help the community better prepare for these pressures, the Spring Bay Suicide Prevention Network (The Network) led an initiative to increase local capacity in supporting mental health and emotional resilience. The project was delivered in partnership with Lifeline Tasmania and was supported by a $7,425 Small Networks Grant, funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund under the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative.

Aptly titled Accidental Counsellors Together (ACT), the project aimed to give everyday residents – from hairdressers and supermarket staff, to sports club volunteers – the skills to identify, respond to and support others experiencing mental health challenges. These individuals are often the first to notice when something isn’t right, but they lacked the tools and confidence to intervene safely and effectively.

To address this, three tailored training sessions were held at Spring Bay’s Community Health Centre. Run in the morning, afternoon and evening, the sessions were timed to ensure that shift workers, business owners and retirees alike could attend. Across the day, 44 participants took part in the three-hour workshops, which included role-play scenarios, information sharing and structured discussion. All attendees rated the sessions as highly valuable.

Participants came from all corners of the community, including representatives from local businesses, schools, Council, RSL and sporting clubs. Their varied backgrounds only strengthened the reach and relevance of the training, with each person bringing their lived experience to the sessions. This level of collaboration within the community is a great example of the project’s lasting impact.

The Network committed to maintaining these connections and collaborative support in the community. Three months after the training, Lifeline Tasmania returned to Spring Bay and delivered another two in-person sessions where participants shared experiences, addressed challenges and practiced their skills in locally relevant scenarios.

To reinforce knowledge between sessions, The Network also launched fortnightly email communications, providing accessible reminders and resources on topics such as suicide-safe language, personal boundaries, asking open questions and managing emotional fatigue.

This project was about strengthening the foundation of support that already exists in rural places – neighbours, co-workers, friends. By giving individuals the right tools and ongoing encouragement, Spring Bay is now home to a growing mental health network that spans across businesses, services and social settings.

“The most wonderful thing is that people are now aware and talking about how best to support others,” said one local. As drought and climate change continue to challenge rural Australia, projects like ACT underscore the importance of emotional preparedness.

In rural and remote communities, where medical help is often hours away, first aid skills can be lifesaving. Recognising the increased risk of on-farm accidents during drought, the GroWQ Association delivered a training program for 188 participants across Central West Queensland in 2024. Sessions in Longreach, Aramac, Barcaldine, Tambo, Winton, Yaraka, Boulia and Jundah provided scenario-based training tailored to rural emergencies.

The program was supported by a $20,000 Small Network Grant, funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund under the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative. Beyond essential first aid skills, it strengthened communication, social connections and collaboration. In smaller towns like Yaraka, the sold-out workshop also became a rare chance for residents to gather, share experiences and strengthen their sense of community. One participant noted, “It was great to meet others who live nearby and face the same challenges. It felt like we’re all in this together.”

The training also sparked ongoing community engagement in emergency planning, with attendees staying in touch to discuss preparedness strategies, mental health and extending first aid knowledge within their families and groups.

The program’s impact was undeniable. Just nine days after completing the course, a participant used his training to save a critically injured farm worker who suffered serious injuries following a quad bike accident. GroWQ Project Coordinator, Pru Button, said, “Knowing that even one life was saved makes the entire project worthwhile. We are immensely proud to have empowered members of our community with critical skills that not only enhance their confidence in managing emergencies but also contribute to the resilience and safety of rural and remote areas.”

Community connections and collaboration are essential for resilience during droughts. By fostering stronger, more prepared communities, GroWQ’s first aid training program has improved the region’s ability to navigate future challenges and respond effectively to emergencies, ensuring better safety for all.

Please note: Images are of mock scenarios only.

The Arid Lands region in Central Australia is vast, with a small, dispersed population. Its climate is characterised by extreme temperatures. Huge geographical distances pose major challenges in accessing essential services and infrastructure, as well as establishing and maintaining a social support network.

Add the pressures of everyday life and the impacts of increasingly frequent droughts, floods and bushfires, and it is often difficult for community members and agricultural workers in the region to find ways to connect.

The Red Centre Rural Ladies Day, held in Alice Springs on International Rural Women’s Day (October 2024), was a wonderful opportunity to highlight and celebrate the contribution that rural women make to life on the land. It also meant more than 80 women (and men) had the opportunity to network and strengthen relationships.

The celebration was the first in a series of community events under The Arid Lands Agricultural Community Connections Project, which is funded by a $50,000 grant via the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund through the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative Small Network Grants.

Delivered collaboratively by Landcare NT and the Centralian Land Management Association (CLMA), the overarching project is designed to initiate and encourage social and community connection between agricultural workers in the region, helping them to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought.

The events are all about celebrating the people that call the Arid Lands home and that’s exactly what last years Red Centre Rural Ladies Day achieved. A variety of musical performances and a special show from cabaret dance masters Desert Diamonds had everyone up on their feet, dancing the night away. A series of exercises and games gave complete strangers the chance to bond and create memories, while guest speakers inspired the audience and opened discussions between attendees. Finally, the night closed with the celebration of three local rural women’s contributions to their communities during the awards ceremony.  

Events Manager for Red Centre Rural Ladies Day, Danyelle Haigh said, “I am extremely proud of the entire event. It was fantastic to see so many friendships made throughout the night from the interactive games and activities that they participated in.”

Rural Ladies Day is an annual event and its continued success shows how important community-driven initiatives are for strengthening the resilience, networks and wellbeing of those living and working in the Arid Lands region.

The Eyre Peninsula covers approximately 8% of South Australia. The region is deeply connected to agriculture and its broadacre, rain-fed farms support nearly 12% of local jobs. Unfortunately, the region is extremely vulnerable to drought and when dry spells hit, it affects the whole community. According to ABARES, Wudinna on the central Eyre Peninsula is second on the national table of places most sensitive to drought.

For young farmers stepping into management and leadership roles, the need for stronger networks and skills to navigate these challenges has become increasingly clear. With no experience facing drought first-hand as decision makers, they need guidance to safeguard their communities against its impacts. Recognising this need, Agricultural Innovation & Research Eyre Peninsula Incorporated (AIR EP) launched the ‘Young Farmers – Peer 2 Peer’ project, designed to empower the region’s next generation of agricultural leaders.

With a $60,000 Community Impact Program grant, funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund under the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative, this project is more than a training session – it’s an investment in the future. Created specifically for farmers aged 18-35, the project fosters innovative discussions around local leadership, drought preparedness, and community sustainability. Through shared experiences, participants are building the kind of social support and professional networks that help rural communities face future challenges together.

Four field events form the backbone of the project, bringing young farmers from the drought-sensitive towns of Cleve and Ceduna into a dynamic learning environment. The gatherings feature guest speakers who not only teach agricultural techniques, but cover essential business, social and risk-management skills. The goal is simple: to help farmers mitigate drought’s impact on their businesses, families and communities.

The first two sessions have already sparked transformation. At the first session, the farmers came together and selected a leader, before joining a hands-on workshop led by Soil Functioning Consultant Mel Fraser. Fifteen young farmers and a graduate agronomist delved into sustainable soil management practices and drought resilience techniques. These early interactions have already proven invaluable, fostering stronger communication and collaboration. The new network has already attracted young farmers to other agricultural events where, traditionally, their age group has been underrepresented.

As rural Australia faces increasing food security challenges, it is vital that agricultural communities like the Eyre Peninsula not only endure but thrive, attracting skilled workers and their families. By strengthening the connections, knowledge and skillset of future leaders in the industry, this project is an investment in the next generation of farmers and the communities they call home.

While our agricultural workers grow the food and fibre for our nation, we’re proud to help them grow as individuals, empowering the people who go on to create vibrant, resilient, and sustainable communities in remote, rural and regional Australia.

In the Riverina Area of NSW, local communities are often affected by a range of challenges, particularly the impacts of drought. In these situations, significant burden typically sits with women, as they are the foundational linkages in family and community life; in the local not-for-profit organisations that rely on volunteers; and their businesses; and often generating supplementary off-farm income.  

Recognising these impacts, Yanco Creek and Tributaries Advisory Council (YACTAC) proposed to design and host ‘Chicks in the Sticks’ events in Jerilderie and Moulamein to bring together local women to increase their skills, knowledge and understanding of the risks posed by drought and climate change. Through field days and luncheons, the goal was to enable women across this vast region to deepen social connections, network and create a shared sense of purpose and longer-term sense of belonging. 

The events were funded through a $40,176 Community Impact Program grant, as part of the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative, supported by the Australian Government through the Future Drought Fund. 

Presenters and activities focussed on health and wellbeing and agriculture, in the context of drought. The Jerilderie event featured well-known speakers, including Shanna Whan, Founder of Sober in the Country and Kimberley Furness, Founder and Publisher of OAK Magazine & A Friend of Mine Podcast, and Lou Bull, a local conservationist, radio presenter, author of Aquila Garden Guide and a local yoga teacher. There was also a panel discussion hosted by Kimberley Furness that involved Shanna Whan, Lou Bull, and local Indigenous artist Ros Lockhart, which explored themes of resilience and inclusivity.  

Event Coordinator Bronwyn Thomas said the Chicks in the Sticks luncheon in Jerilderie attracted nearly 80 participants. 

“It was a remarkable success in community engagement and empowerment for rural women in the Riverina region. We showcased community engagement and empowerment and provided a platform for rural women to connect, share experiences and gain insights from inspirational speakers.  

“By fostering community connections and empowering women, YACTAC continues to support the wellbeing and resilience of regional communities. It exemplified how strategic funding and community collaboration can create transformative experiences that uplift and connect rural communities, setting a strong precedent for future endeavours.” 

The event had a number of unexpected flow-on effects through increased connection and relationships, including:  

• It was the first time that YACTAC had a Welcome to Country ceremony as part of their events. This helped establish trust and integrity that later enabled YACTAC to organise an Indigenous Women’s Yarning Circle on Billabong. An Indigenous artist was commissioned to design thank-you cards for the event, which also led to them designing a flyer for the yarning circle, both of which were well received; 

• Organising Chicks in the Sticks strengthened connections between different groups, such as the Holbrook Landcare Group and YACTAC; and   

• Other organisations expressed interest in coming onboard for the next event. 

Co-organiser Andrea Mitchell said that the event was “where warmth met empowerment.”  

“Amongst women attendees, it nurtured safety, sparked social discourse, and championed community involvement. It was a haven to amplify local voices, inspire action and foster connections. And it was so much fun!” she said.

The Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative (HRCPDI) was included in a report commissioned by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), which was released on International Day of Rural Women in 2024. The focus of the report is Women-Led Solutions for Drought Resilience and Adaptation. READ THE REPORT. The HRCPDI case study is on page 118.

FRRR and ARLF (Australian Rural Leadership Foundation) are pleased to release the mid-term evaluation report for the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative (HRCPDI) – a $29.65 million initiative funded by the Australian Government through the Future Drought Fund (FDF).

Prepared by Nous Group, the report confirms good progress is being made towards strengthening community capacity and the social resilience of agriculture-dependent communities to prepare for the impacts of drought.

According to Nous Group’s interim evaluation, the combination of the five streams of the Initiative, which include grants, leadership development activities, including mentoring, an online network and access to expert advice, are beginning to build community capacity and resilience to the impacts of climate change and drought in more than 250 locations across Australia.

The FDF HRCPDI is being delivered jointly by FRRR and ARLF. Activities in the 16 months to April 2024 included:

Among the findings is that the HRCPDI’s design, flexible implementation and a strong commitment to continuous learning and quality program delivery have supported success so far. The report has found that the design of the Initiative acknowledges that there is no one size fits all approach and provides communities the flexibility to implement or access diverse activities. These activities include events to strengthen social connection and counter isolation, delivering training that upskills the community so they can thrive before, during and after drought, building community infrastructure that enables communities to meet and interact, investing in local leadership, delivering mentoring programs or expanding the base of volunteers in a community or region.

The evaluators consistently heard from stakeholders how critical it is to invest in social resilience before drought arrives. As one stakeholder explained, “By preparing our community prior to a drought event happening, we are able to practice strength and resilience…which will act as a preventative measure.”

Nina O’Brien, FRRR’s Disaster Resilience and Recovery Lead, welcomed the findings that the Initiative is on track to contribute to stronger, more resilient and empowered communities.

“We are only part-way through delivering the Initiative, but it’s encouraging to have the evaluation confirm that we are heading in the right direction.

“The report confirms that focusing on building local community capacity and resilience to drought is important. As Nous’ evaluation notes, the more capacity and resilience there is in a community, the more likely it is that a community will successfully respond to the many impacts that drought can have on regional landscapes, communities and economies.

“The report also notes that the Initiative is helping to strengthen the protective factors that insulate a community from the worst impacts of drought. There was some nice feedback too, from community groups, alongside suggestions for what it will take to keep the Initiative on track and how we can refine our approach for any similar programs in future.

“We look forward to sharing the final report at the end of next year,” Ms O’Brien explained.

ARLF’s Partnerships Director Philippa Woodhill, also welcomed the report, noting that there is still a long way to go in the Initiative.

“Our focus is increasing leadership skills within communities and creating networks, so communities have people ready to step up when they need to support one another through the next inevitable drought.

“The positive effects of the mentoring program are already being seen, with people expanding and diversifying their networks. There are still plenty of leadership activities happening across the 35 regions and we are excited about their future impact. The Drought Ready National Learning Network is really taking off too, with people sharing knowledge and nurturing connections. As Nous wrote, it’s starting to act as the connective tissue between the other elements of the program.

“We look forward to taking the lessons from this interim evaluation and working together to boost the social resilience of agriculture dependent communities.”

You can read the full report online and watch a summary of the report in this short video.

First round of Small Network Grants benefit 29 NFPs

FRRR has awarded $737,774 in Small Network Grants to 29 not-for-profit organisations (NFPs) working in remote, rural and regional Australia for projects that will strengthen the capacity and capability of their communities to prepare for, and be resilient to, the impacts of future droughts.

The Small Network Grants program is supported by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund through the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative.

Funded projects are diverse, including a Mental Health forum in Junee, NSW; a series of community connection and education events in Alice Springs, NT; a portable toilet to support small-scale community infrastructure projects in Boonah, QLD; a demonstration day for the new digital weather station and soil probe network in Kingscote, SA; Accidental Counsellor training for the Tasmanian community of Triabunna; a Field Day for local secondary students in Birchip, VIC; and a series of natural resources management and drought education sessions in the Great Southern WA region of Kendenup.

Nina O’Brien, FRRR’s Disaster Resilience and Recovery Lead, said strong interest in the program indicates that organisations and local leaders are actively seeking ways to inspire their communities to connect, communicate and strengthen social capital, so they can better withstand the impacts of future drought.

“Most of the applications we saw in this round of the Small Network Grants program were for projects designed to improve communication, social connection and collaboration within and between communities, as a way of strengthening and preparing for drought.

“Far North West Joint Organisation’s Drought Resilience Community Action Group is a great example of this type of initiative. With a $50,000 grant, the Action Group will help the communities of Bourke, Brewarrina, Walgett and Cobar to increase knowledge and resource sharing and promote collaboration, so that the NSW Far West region can be better prepared.

“More than half of the applications we received have never been funded by FRRR. This means we are reaching grassroots organisations and responding to the increased priority around drought preparedness in many remote, rural and regional communities, many of which are still recovering from other climate-related disasters like cyclone and flooding.

“We look forward to seeing how these projects help community groups be better connected, informed and resourced in the next drought,” Ms O’Brien said.

Applications for Round 2 of Small Network Grants are open now and close 26 March 2024, with recipients announced in June 2024.

Potential applicants are encouraged to watch this recorded webinar to learn more about the program and the eligibility requirements: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DHpeNQqPeI.

For more information, including the list of eligible LGAs, and to apply, visit: https://frrr.org.au/small-networks-grants.

The full list of grant recipients and their projects are below.

19 projects funded thanks to the Future Drought Fund

FRRR today announced the final projects funded through the Community Impact Program, which is part of the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative funded by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.

In this final tranche of funding, delivered in partnership with ARLF, grants of nearly $1 million have been awarded to support 15 organisations in delivering 19 projects across the Central West region of NSW, the Eyre Peninsula region of SA and the Loddon Campaspe region of VIC. The grants are designed to enhance drought preparedness through strengthening, enabling and building social capital.

FRRR’s Disaster Resilience and Recovery Lead, Nina O’Brien, says that there are a range of projects being funded in each area, which reflect local priorities.

“All these projects have come about thanks to a robust, locally-led co-design process. In Central NSW, for example, we saw more than 20 organisations, including First Nations groups, actively engage in helping to prioritise what would make a difference in their region.

“The Central West of NSW has been impacted by flooding, as well as bushfires on top of the Black Summer bushfires. These events, combined with prolonged drought conditions have left the community fatigued and in continuous recovery.

“This funding, which will be coordinated by Regional Development Australia – Orana, will support projects including strengthening local leadership and networks through a series of events; a seminar for rural women, which will create a safe space for sharing and creating connections; and educational activities. Other projects in this region will include a pilot program to increase access to better mental health support; a series of networking and social support activities targeting young women; and workshops providing culturally sensitive information in different languages targeting the diverse multicultural community living in the region.

“It’s a similar story in South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, where the program activity will be coordinated by Agricultural Innovation and Research Eyre Peninsula. The co-design process saw 37 participants from the not-for-profit sector, government, small business and general community invited to have input. Four projects have been supported, again with a series of events and activities focusing on different groups, including rural women, young farmers (through peer-to-peer learning) and the broader community, with a focus on building understanding of drought and drought preparedness at a farm, environment and whole of community level.

“In the Loddon / Campaspe region, in Victoria, there is a history of drought, although in late 2022, the region experienced significant flood damage. Several communities remain displaced with the recovery and rebuilding process hampered by a variety of factors, including volunteer fatigue. Despite this, there was strong engagement in the co-design process, including the local traditional owners, the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation. Coordinated by LEAD Loddon Murray Inc, there are four projects that will be supported in this region, including redevelopment of the Bridgewater Community Hub to build a community garden and sensory garden, backed up by eight community workshops to share knowledge. There will also be an education program – ‘Let’s Talk About the Weather’ – involving local community mapping of the network and focused capacity building support. The Dja Dja Wurrung Clans will lead a project that will employ a local coordinator who will work with Council, Landcare, community organisations and private landholders to heal Country, building understanding of traditional land management practices and ways to restore the land. The final project will focus on building and strengthening networks and building capacity of individual leaders in climate resilience,” Ms O’Brien explained.

In addition to the projects that are being supported, each region will also engage in a leadership development activity. ARLF Chief Executive, Matt Linnegar, says those activities include either a community leadership program, leadership action initiative, group coaching or change-maker workshops.

“The activities will be tailored to each area and we’re already working with the local community partner lead organisation to work out the best timing for the various activities. Leadership development is a critical part of building the social capital required to strengthen drought resilience. It helps to create and build local networks, as well as develop the skills and knowledge 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.

FRRR is currently inviting applications for small grants to support activity in parts of the country where there was no Community Impact Program grant awarded. Full details are available at www.frrr.org.au/small-networks-grants.

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.

Community Impact Program grantees have commenced delivering project activity, increasing connection across regions and supporting locally identified and driven drought preparedness activities. Some activities delivered so far are young farmer network events, women’s events and local field day type activities in several regions, with strong local participation and attendance. From FRRR’s perspective, it is exciting to see the momentum being created by passionate locals keen to see their regions remain connected, and vibrant as dry times increase across many communities nationally.

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.