Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal
Bendigo, 21 November 2018: As part of the National Agriculture Day celebrations, Bayer today celebrated the hardworking Australian cotton growers who have secured $750,000 for their local communities over the past five years through the Aussie Cotton Farmers Grow Communities (ACFGC) grants program sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, a philanthropic arm of Bayer.
The ACFGC program was initiated in 2013 by the Monsanto Fund in partnership with the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) to support local communities in Australian cotton-growing areas with 30 $5000 grants each year.
Rural education is a strong feature of this year’s 30 grant recipients with around half of the approved ACFGC projects going towards much-needed facilities in rural schools, preschools and daycare centres. The remainder of the $5000 grants will be for a diverse mixture of worthy community projects, including enhancing children’s health and infrastructure funding for show societies and community halls.
“Now in its fifth year, the lasting positive impact of these grants is clearer than ever,” said Natalie Egleton, Chief Executive of FRRR.
“This year, especially with the drought continuing to put a strain on rural communities, the groups that are receiving grants will be able to address a lack of services, undertake projects to strengthen community resilience, support volunteers or improve fatigued and run-down facilities and services.
“Often what might appear to be a small thing, such as supporting a local town show or upgrading a community hall, has a significant flow-on effect on the community’s wellbeing. So we are delighted to again partner with the Monsanto Fund to ensure this funding reaches these local initiatives and helps to create vibrant communities.”
Cotton Australia CEO, Adam Kay, said the grants program strengthens cotton growing communities.
“In recent years, the Australian Cotton Farmers Grow Communities grants program has seen positive and meaningful outcomes achieved in our cotton communities,” Adam said.
“This program has been instrumental in helping our cotton towns thrive, which is something everyone in the community benefits from.
“This latest round of 30 grants will undoubtedly build on the success we’ve already seen, and we congratulate the recipients.”
Monsanto Fund Representative in Australia and Bayer’s Corporate Engagement Lead, Carissa Buckland, said that the ACFGC grant program works by acknowledging that people living and working in rural and regional communities are best-placed to determine the groups and projects that most need support.
“For this reason, the program gives cotton farmers the opportunity to nominate a deserving not-for-profit group to receive one of the grants,” Carissa said.
“As such, we would like to thank all the cotton growers who nominated community projects — their support for the program ensures its success.“
Carissa said that because the funded programs are awarded based on their long-term benefits, the grants lead to ongoing positive impact for rural communities.
“The funding provided by the ACFGC program is often a catalyst for further financial or in-kind support and as such, the grants over the past five years have led to an estimated $1.8 million worth of community building activity for more than 100 regional organisations.
“Congratulations to this year’s recipients. Once again, we’ve been hugely impressed and inspired by their dedication to providing quality and much-needed community services.”
|
Organisation & Project Summary |
Town |
Amount Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | ||
|
Boomi Amateur Thespian Society Increase fundraising capacity and enhance production quality at the Boomi Amateur Thespian Society via the purchase of new sound equipment. |
Boomi |
$5,000 |
|
Croppa Creek Bowling Club Ltd Improve conditions and longevity of a much needed community asset by repairing the roof. |
Croppa Creek |
$5,000 |
|
Moree Secondary College P&C Enhance cross community engagement through the delivery of a celebratory campaign. |
Moree |
$5,000 |
|
Narrabri Preschool Association Inc. Enhance the preschool’s educational and collaboration opportunities through the installation of an automatic sprinkler system. |
Narrabri |
$5,000 |
|
Wee Waa & District Preschool Assoc. Inc. Enable the delivery of a healthy, varied menu at the Wee Waa & District Preschool through the modernisation of its kitchen facilities. |
Wee Waa |
$5,000 |
|
Wee Waa High School P&C Committee Improve the educational opportunities of students at the Wee Waa High School through the upgrade of its agricultural teaching facilities. |
Wee Waa |
$5,000 |
|
Lions Club Trangie Increase the usability of the Trangie Pavilion by installing newly donated air conditioning units. |
Trangie |
$5,000 |
|
Nevertire Hall Trust Increase community pride and attractiveness of the main community facility by painting the exterior and interior of the Nevertire Hall. |
Nevertire |
$5,000 |
|
The Trustee for the Warren Youth Foundation Enhance employment skills of youth through the purchase of a tractor to complement the agricultural training program. |
Warren |
$5,000 |
|
Mungindi Community Preschool Inc. Enhance the educational facilities of the Mungindi Community Preschool by purchasing and installing an air conditioner in the main teaching room. |
Mungindi |
$5,000 |
|
Binya Hall Trust Inc Increase visitation to Binya and a sense of community pride by painting the Graincorp Silo. |
Binya |
$5,000 |
|
Coleambally Playgroup Improve the capacity of the Coleambally Playgroup to provide quality early childhood education services by purchasing play equipment and establishing a new pop up playgroup in Darlington Point. |
Coleambally |
$5,000 |
|
Leeton Community Op Shop Provide nutritious food to those in need and work experience to youth through the extension of the Teahouse at the Leeton Community Op Shop. |
Leeton |
$5,000 |
|
Yenda Preschool Kindergarten Inc. Enhance the play area of the Yenda Preschool Kindergarten by including a bike track and vegetable garden with edible plants. |
Yenda |
$5,000 |
|
Curlewis Public School P&C Assoc. Provide a sun-safe area to the children of Curlewis Public School by constructing a shade sail over the play area. |
Curlewis |
$5,000 |
|
Emerald Hill Hall Committee (Emerald Hill Progress Association Inc.) Increase the usability of the Emerald Hill Hall by purchasing a 25 KVA transformer. |
Emerald Hill |
$5,000 |
|
Gunnedah Preschool Kindergarten Association Inc. Enhance access to preschool for children through the purchase of a 12-seater bus. |
Gunnedah |
$5,000 |
|
Walgett Preschool and Long Day Care Centre Incorporated (t/as Coolibah Kids) Enhance the educational abilities of the Walgett Preschool and Long Day Care Centre through the purchase of materials to install sustainable, drought proof garden beds, a worm farm, compost system and a bike track. |
Walgett |
$5,000 |
| Queensland | ||
|
Bushkids (Royal Queensland Bush Children’s Health Scheme) Increase access of remote children to allied health services through the purchase of equipment to establish tele-health hubs at Dingo, Springsure, Dysart, Clermont and Gemfield. |
Emerald |
$5,000 |
|
Emerald State High School P&C Assn Enhance the educational capabilities of the Emerald State High School by installing a garden, and establishing an environmental and landscaping group within the school. |
Emerald |
$5,000 |
|
Back Plains State School P&C Increase the fundraising capacity of the Back Plains State School P&C through the purchase of catering equipment. |
Back Plains |
$5,000 |
|
Broxburn Music Club of Pittsworth Incorporated Increase the usability of the Broxburn Music Club of Pittsworth’s catering shed through its re-plumbing and the purchase of a rainwater storage tank. |
Pittsworth |
$5,000 |
|
Pittsworth Kindergarten Association Inc Increase educational and social experiences of children at the Pittsworth Kindergarten through the upgrade of its playground. |
Pittsworth |
$5,000 |
|
Zonta Club of Dalby Enhance the comfort of friends and family who are visiting loved ones undergoing medical care at the hospital by purchasing two sofa chairs for the palliative care rooms. |
Dalby |
$5,000 |
|
Moura Fish Stocking Group Inc Enhance the River Park, a much used local facility, through the purchase of solar lighting, upgrades to the water system and the erection of a small shelter for a picnic table. |
Moura |
$5,000 |
|
The Dirranbandi Daycare Steering Committee (Dirranbandi Progress Association) Increase economic prospects of families by creating architectural plans to support a feasibility study for the establishment of a childcare facility in Dirranbandi. |
Dirranbandi |
$5,000 |
|
Goondiwindi Pastoral & Agricultural Society Increase the capacity of the Aspects Art Show through the provision of new plinths for the display of 3D art works. |
Goondiwindi |
$5,000 |
|
Texas Show Society Improve health and wellbeing at the Texas Show Grounds through the purchase and installation of a shade structure. |
Texas |
$5,000 |
|
Queensland Country Women’s Association – St George Branch Provide support for residents experiencing domestic violence or parents of children in the local hospital by beginning the refurbishment of refuge accommodation. |
St George |
$5,000 |
|
Thallon Progress Association Inc. Increase the safety of those visiting the Thallon War Memorial by paving the surrounding area. |
Thallon |
$5,000 |
$600,000 distributed to more than 100 community groups over four years
30 not-for-profit and community organisations across cotton growing regions will benefit from a $5,000 grant just before the festive season, awarded under the 2017 Aussie Cotton Farmers Grow Communities grants program. The program is delivered in partnership by the Monsanto Fund and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal and has now distributed $600,000 to New South Wales and Queensland cotton communities in the past four years. Bendigo, 5 December 2017: Rural schools, men’s sheds, Country Women’s Associations and community halls are among the 30 not-for-profit organisations in cotton growing communities to receive a $5000 boost from the Monsanto Fund this year.
“After four years, the positive effect that these grants have on recipient communities is becoming even more apparent,” said Natalie Egleton, Chief Executive of FRRR.
“With these grants, local community groups are able to address ongoing challenges and deliver lasting benefits in their communities. Often the funding is a catalyst for further investment, with grants typically leveraged at least three times over with additional financial or in-kind support.
“Sometimes they may seem like simple things, but new transport equipment for the Meals on Wheels Service or upgrading disabled access to a community hall has far-reaching impacts. With increasing pressures on rural communities making it harder to raise funds locally, we are delighted to be able to provide support for the wonderful work that many local leaders do, to build strong, vibrant and sustainable communities.”
Cotton Australia Chief Executive, Adam Kay, said the organisation was encouraged to see another 30 diverse projects awarded grants for the betterment of cotton-growing communities.
“In recent years these grants have played an important role, either as seed funding to enable organisations to get projects off the ground, or as the deciding factor in an existing project’s successful completion.
“We congratulate all of this years’ recipients and look forward to seeing what is accomplished in the coming year,” Adam said.
Monsanto Fund Representative in Australia, Jessica Douglas said that it was clear from the nominations received that there are many dedicated people within cotton areas committed to providing quality and much needed community services.
“Monsanto is proud of the Aussie Cotton Farmers Grow Communities program and the ongoing, positive impact of the grants over the past four years is noteworthy. This year we saw many community support programs being nominated, providing the opportunity to fund a range of projects that focus on mental health, disability care and education. It is important that the projects articulate long term benefits, in this way we can ensure that each individual grant has an enduring impact.”
“Monsanto would like to thank all the cotton growers who nominated community projects – your support for the program ensures its success. The stories that have emerged over the past four years are astonishing. With such a wide mandate the grant program is able to offer support to many people. Congratulations to this year’s recipients,” Jessica said.
Here is the full list of grant recipients:
|
Organisation & Project Summary |
Town | Grant | |
|---|---|---|---|
QUEENSLAND | |||
|
1 |
Clermont Kindergarten and Day Care Centre Enhance the quality of the educational environment through the purchase of learning and technology resources. |
Clermont |
$5,000 |
|
2 |
Emerald North Primary P&C Assoc Improve the capacity for early intervention for children with disabilities through the purchase of specialised classroom furniture and sensory equipment. |
Emerald |
$5,000 |
|
3 |
Brookstead State School P&C Assoc Improve food safety through a safe, clean, vermin-proof food preparation area via the installation of splashback, security doors and storage cupboards. |
Brookstead |
$5,000 |
|
4 |
Dalby Crisis Support Assoc Inc Increase support to homeless people and vulnerable families by purchasing furniture and household items, food, personal items and children’s play equipment and toys for crisis accommodation facility. |
Dalby |
$5,000 |
|
5 |
Dalby Men’s Shed Inc Expand the Shed’s capacity to undertake community projects and run workshops through the addition of a drum sander, welder, thicknesser and cordless power tools. |
Dalby |
$5,000 |
|
6 |
Dalby Primary P&C Assoc Provide an area for school students to eat, socialise and undertake outdoor activities by replacing outdoor seats. |
Dalby |
$5,000 |
|
7 |
Callide Valley Men’s Shed Enable people with disability or mobility issues to partake in activities at the Men’s Shed via the installation of a disability-friendly shower and toilet. |
Biloela |
$5,000 |
|
8 |
Dirranbandi Pastoral & Agricultural Assoc Inc Increase leadership and skills development for young people by providing support to attend the Queensland Agricultural Show Next Generation Conference. |
Dirranbandi |
$5,000 |
|
9 |
Bonshaw P&C Assoc Enable families to learn healthy food choices and provide activities for youth through the purchase of a new cooking facility and upgrading the school’s outdoor facilities. |
Bonshaw |
$5,000 |
|
10 |
Bungunya State School Facilitate literacy development through the purchase of new books and the installation of a digital scanning system. |
Bungunya |
$5,000 |
|
11 |
St George Meals on Wheels Improve the sustainability and delivery of Meals on Wheels by purchasing new Eskys, a car fridge and kitchen items. |
St George |
$5,000 |
|
12 |
St George Swimming Club Inc Reduce risk of rural drownings through the purchase of flippers and kick boards for a swim education program. |
St George |
$5,000 |
NEW SOUTH WALES | |||
|
13 |
Country Women’s Assoc of NSW – Bourke Branch Increase the CWA’s capacity to support local events with catering, and ensuring their kitchen meets current health standards, by purchasing kitchen items. |
Bourke |
$5,000 |
|
14 |
Mallawa Amateur Picnic Race Club Inc Enhance all-weather capacity for a range of community engagement opportunities through the building of a veranda around the shed. |
Mallawa
|
$5,000 |
|
15 |
Bellata Tennis Club for the Bellata Mobile Preschool Provide safe food storage and enable minor food preparation for the Preschool via upgrades in the Tennis Club’s kitchen. |
Bellata |
$5,000 |
|
16 |
Narrabri Arts Eisteddfod Inc Provide strengthened culture and art engagement through choral, piano, brass and woodwind workshops and group music tuition for the whole community. |
Narrabri |
$5,000 |
|
17 |
Nurruby Wee Waa OOSH (Nurruby Children’s Services Inc) Enhance children’s activities, comfort and development via the purchase of furniture, art supplies, play equipment and a lockable shed. |
Wee Waa |
$5,000 |
|
18 |
Wee Waa & District Historical Assoc Inc Strengthen cultural pride and knowledge and increase economic activity via the creation of a life-sized Aboriginal campsite diorama for display at the historical museum. |
Wee Waa |
$5,000 |
|
19 |
St Mary’s Catholic Primary School Warren Parents & Friends Assoc Reduce sun exposure and enhance students’ outdoor experiences through the installation of a steel shade structure over the new school playground. |
Warren |
$5,000 |
|
20 |
Trangie Action Group Inc Increase economic growth and promote town pride by erecting signs at the four entrances of Trangie. |
Trangie |
$5,000 |
|
21 |
Warren Rotary Club Enhance residents’ health and wellbeing via the extension of a sun room at the local aged care room in the hospital. |
Warren |
$5,000 |
|
22 |
Mungindi Junior Rugby League Club Inc Increase community group capacity to operate community and fundraising events via the purchase of shade tents, tables and chairs and a PA speaker. |
Mungindi |
$5,000 |
|
23 |
Coleambally Preschool Assoc Inc Provide enhanced support to children with developmental challenges through the purchase of specialised play and learning equipment. |
Coleambally |
$5,000 |
|
24 |
Griffith-Leeton Centre Riding for the Disabled Improve inclusion, participation and skill development of children with disabilities through the purchase of a special saddle designed for wheelchair-bound riders and ball reins. |
Yenda |
$5,000 |
|
25 |
Hillston Creative Arts Council Inc Ensure safety and enhance the gallery and tourist information facility through repairs to the flooring, toilets and gutters and repainting. |
Hillston |
$5,000 |
|
26 |
Leeton Community Care Development Inc Increase training opportunities for the unemployed via the purchase of a stainless steel benchtop and commercial coffee machine. |
Leeton |
$5,000 |
|
27 |
Quirindi Chamber of Commerce Industry & Tourism Inc Facilitate community cohesion and stimulate the local economy by supporting the staging of the Quirindi Christmas Street Carnival. |
Quirindi |
$5,000 |
|
28 |
Quirindi Preschool Kindergarten Inc Provide a tangible example of recycling and enhance children’s outdoor activities through the purchase of durable outdoor seating made from plastic bags. |
Quirindi |
$5,000 |
|
29 |
Burren Junction Parents & Citizens Assoc Inc Foster education engagement and support different student needs and learning styles through the provision of Individual Study Zones within classrooms. |
Burren Junction |
$5,000 |
|
30 |
Burren Junction Memorial School of Arts Hall Committee Strengthen cultural vibrancy and access quality performance space via the installation of stage lighting at the hall. |
Burren Junction |
$5,000 |
$450,000 distributed to 90 community groups over three years
13 December, 2016: A further 30 not-for-profit and community organisations across cotton growing regions will benefit from a $5,000 boost just before the festive season, as the 2016 Aussie Cotton Farmers Grow Communities grants are awarded again. $450,000 has now been distributed over the last three years across New South Wales and Queensland.
For three consecutive years, cotton farmers have nominated local not-for-profit or community organisations they think deserve one of the 30 grants on offer. Since it was first launched in 2014, the program, offered by the Monsanto Fund in partnership with the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) has benefited over 250,000 people directly and indirectly, by funding a diverse range of community-oriented projects.
“After three years, the true impact of these grants on our recipient communities is becoming more obvious,” Natalie Egleton, Chief Executive of the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) said.
“The nature of the projects funded offer sustained and wide-reaching benefits to the recipient communities,” Ms Egleton said.
“In 2015 alone, 150,000 people benefited from the projects supported by these grants, including over 6,000 farmers and 40,000 low-income individuals. This year, we expect a further 268,000 to benefit as well.
“There is wide evidence to suggest that strong social capital enables communities to better withstand challenges including natural disasters, interruptions to local economies, and climate variables.
“Many of the projects funded through the Aussie Cotton Farmers Grow Communities program – such as the upgrading of local community facilities, health services, education programs, community gardens and improvements to community engagement resources – reinforce this,” Natalie said.
Cotton Australia Chief Executive, Adam Kay, said it was fantastic to see another 30 diverse projects awarded grants, giving cotton growing communities an important boost just prior to Christmas.
“Over the last three years, we’ve seen the impact of these grants on the recipients themselves and their communities. In some cases, the grants have acted as seed funding, enabling organisations to get projects off the ground, or they’ve been the missing piece between a project going ahead or not.
“Going into the festive season, this year’s recipients can be confident they’ll be able to continue their good work into the new year, which is a real boost. We congratulate all of this years’ recipients and look forward to seeing what is accomplished this year,” Adam said.
Monsanto Fund Representative in Australia, Helen Maccan, said it is the cumulative impact of the grants over the last three years that tells the most compelling story about how they’re benefiting the community.
“Education and infrastructure projects have been prioritised by nominating farmers, suggesting that these communities have a great need for funds to support projects that will be enduring in the community.
“What this program has achieved over the last three years is quite remarkable with large populations benefiting. Congratulations to this year’s recipients,” Helen said.
|
Organisation and Project Summary |
Town |
Grant | |
|---|---|---|---|
QUEENSLAND | |||
|
1 |
Biddeston Primary P&C Association Purchase of an electronic whiteboard and projector, building engagement of students with educational technology and enhancing educational outcomes. |
Biddeston |
$5,000 |
|
2 |
Blush Cancer Care Inc Purchase of five iPads, preloaded with wellness, health and breast cancer recovery information, providing breast cancer patients with an invaluable resource during their chemotherapy treatment. |
Toowoomba |
$5,000 |
|
3 |
Borilla Community Kindergarten Association Inc Construction of a solid shade structure over swings and a purchase of a water tank, encouraging sun safety and waterwise habits amongst young people. |
Emerald |
$5,000 |
|
4 |
C&K Dirranbandi Community Kindergarten Culturally appropriate resources, promotional events and training for educators and the community, providing greater access and awareness to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community about the benefits of early education programs. |
Dirranbandi |
$5,000 |
|
5 |
Care Goondiwindi Association Installation of a vehicle access lift in the community bus, enabling residents who use mobility aids to attend community programs and medical appointments with ease. |
Goondiwindi |
$5,000 |
|
6 |
Comet School of the Arts Installation of signage along a historical walking trail, building a sense of pride for locals and visitors alike. |
Comet |
$5,000 |
|
7 |
Dalby Day Nursery & Pre School Association Inc Upgrade of children’s toilet and bathroom amenities, increasing hygiene and functionality and bringing the space up to regulatory standard. |
Dalby |
$5,000 |
|
8 |
Dirranbandi P-10 State School Development of a sustainable locally based Agriculture Program, providing students with an in-depth knowledge of the industry followed by potential vocational and employment possibilities. |
Dirranbandi |
$5,000 |
|
9 |
Jimbour State School P&C Association Purchase and installation of a watering system and shade for the school’s vegetable garden and vegetable coop, building students’ understandings of healthy lifestyles and connecting with the curriculum. |
Jimbour |
$5,000 |
|
10 |
Lions Club of Cecil Plains Inc Establishment of an outdoor gymnasium in Henry Stuart Russell Park, building health and fitness across the Cecil Plains Community. |
Cecil Plains |
$5,000 |
|
11 |
Rotary Club of Biloela Purchase of a custom built trailer to permanently store and transport catering equipment, enabling Rotary to attend more fundraising events and secure volunteer safety. |
Biloela |
$5,000 |
|
12 |
St George Tennis Club The replacement of a tennis ball machine and the provision of scholarships, enabling the continuation of the Hot Shots Program for young people, developing motor skills, physical agility and increasing engagement in Indigenous students. |
St George |
$5,000 |
|
13 |
Toowoomba & District Down Syndrome Support Group Inc Support for an annual family camp, promoting education, resilience and self-esteem amongst people with Down Syndrome and their families. |
Toowoomba |
$5,000 |
NEW SOUTH WALES | |||
|
14 |
Anglicare Northern Inland Diocese of Armidale Development of a specialised service program, assisting teen mothers and their support circle to develop a healthy family environment, improve school retention, teen’s self-esteem and future aspirations. |
Tamworth |
$5,000 |
|
15 |
Baan Baa Community Hall Inc Repairing the hall’s ceiling and internal paintwork, increasing the aesthetics, function and use of the hall. |
Baan Baa |
$5,000 |
|
16 |
Bellata War Memorial Hall Committee Inc Purchase and installation of evaporative air cooler, increasing the viability of the hall and building general community wellbeing during extreme summer months. |
Bellata |
$5,000 |
|
17 |
Boomi Amateur Thespian Society Installation of a roof and storage container to safely and securely house performance costumes, props and sets, providing artistic opportunities for the community. |
Boomi |
$5,000 |
|
18 |
Bourke & District Children’s Services Creation of an outdoor kitchen, encouraging a more stimulating environment and place to engage children with food and cooking activities. |
Bourke |
$5,000 |
|
19 |
Breeza Progress Association Installation of a 24,000L rainwater tank at the Fire Brigade Shed, providing water for firefighting, tree watering and a backup supply for the Breeza Park toilets in times of drought. |
Breeza |
$5,000 |
|
20 |
Corinella Takes a Village Refurbishment of community facility toilet block and repair of the sewerage system, improving hygiene and encouraging more use of the venue, attracting training, cultural and social activities. |
Forbes |
$5,000 |
|
21 |
CWA NSW – Burren Junction Modernisation of the kitchen facilities and the paint and a refit of the nurse’s room, increasing the hire of rooms and enhancing the group’s main income of in-house catering. |
Burren Junction |
$5,000 |
|
22 |
Gilgandra Show Society Inc Provide support for local school students to attend show judging schools and competitions, increasing involvement in the show movement while building confidence, developing specialist skills and enabling personal growth. |
Gilgandra |
$5,000 |
|
23 |
Hay Public School P&C Association Purchase of equipment for a school and community Perceptual Motor Program, assisting in the development of fine and gross motor skills and motor planning and coordination. |
Hay |
$5,000 |
|
24 |
Moree Plains Gallery Society Inc Purchase of materials for a local art program, furthering creative expression for disadvantaged participants in a safe environment. |
Moree |
$5,000 |
|
25 |
Narromine We Run Purchase of a commercial grade solar blanket for the community pool, extending the amount of time the pool can be used throughout the year for children’s learn to swim programs, Golden Oldies exercise classes and the general community. |
Narromine |
$5,000 |
|
26 |
Ooranga Family Mobile Resource Unit Association Inc Purchase of educational resources, play equipment, furniture and electronic devices for the establishment of a mobile preschool, providing greater access to early education. |
Gunnedah |
$5,000 |
|
27 |
Paediatric and Maternity Support Inc Contribution to the purchase of a Bilisoft Phototherapy System, enabling an effective treatment therapy for babies with jaundice. |
Gunnedah |
$5,000 |
|
28 |
Tharawonga Mobile Resource Unit (Gwydir Shire Council) Installation of soft fall at Crooble Hall, enabling children to play outdoors, enhancing the development of gross motor and social skills. |
Bingara |
$5,000 |
|
29 |
TTF Western Rosella Trust Updating old floor coverings and installing new outdoor shade sails at the local early learning centre, providing a safe floor inside and sun protection in the outdoor play area. |
Hillston |
$5,000 |
|
30 |
Warren Historical Society Inc Undertaking urgent repairs to the hall floor and installation of an air-conditioner, improving safety for frail and ageing residents underfoot and increasing comfort for users of the facility during hot summer months. |
Warren |
$5,000 |
Growers encouraged to nominate local community groups
The program, presented by the Monsanto Fund in partnership with the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR), gives eligible cotton farmers from 14 cotton growing areas across New South Wales and Queensland the chance to nominate local community organisations to receive one of the 30 grants on offer.30 June 2016: Cotton farmers once again have the chance to give back to their communities by nominating local not-for-profit or community organisations to receive a $5,000 grant when Aussie Cotton Farmers Grow Communities opens for nominations on June 30.
Since the program was launched in 2014, cotton growers have played a key role in enabling the program to distribute $300,000 to 60 community organisations. Grants have funded a variety of projects such as primary school reading programs, community kitchen gardens and badly needed upgrades to multipurpose community buildings.
FRRR Chief Executive, Natalie Egleton, said that after two successful years, the impact of these grants is clear and noted $5,000 can go a very long way in rural and regional Australia.
“Since the Aussie Cotton Farmers Grow Communities program commenced, we have been consistently delighted by the quality of projects. It’s amazing what groups can do with $5,000 and this resourcefulness typifies rural and regional communities who manage to get things done despite some pretty challenging conditions, many of which people in our cities don’t have to consider,” she said.
While only growers who are actively involved in cotton farming can submit nominations, Ms Egleton says that local residents can also get involved.
“If you work for a not-for-profit or charity group, or know of one doing great work, you can put forward an idea for a farmer to nominate. This is a great way for communities to get involved and makes it even easier for farmers to decide where their nomination goes,” Ms Egleton says.
“We’re pleased to be partnering with the Monsanto Fund again and helping make life a little easier for cotton communities across NSW and QLD. We look forward to seeing what cotton communities will achieve this year,” Ms Egleton said.
Cotton Australia Chief Executive, Adam Kay, credits strong communities as a driving force behind the continued success of the Australian cotton industry.
“Building thriving rural and regional communities is a priority for the cotton industry and we know how challenging it can be. The services and support provided by local community groups help to fill some of the gaps and play a vital role in the industry’s success.
“Aussie Cotton Farmers Grow Communities supports this objective and importantly, gives cotton growers the chance to play their part. When communities benefit, the industry benefits”, Mr Kay said.
Monsanto Fund representative in Australia, Helen Maccan, said the Monsanto Fund is pleased to be partnering with FRRR to offer Aussie Cotton Farmers Grow Communities for a third consecutive year.
“Cotton farmers have really gotten behind this program and taken it on as their own since it was first launched two years ago. Many of the projects funded benefit their communities for years into the future. That legacy is all down to the cotton growers who took the time to submit nominations,” she said.
This year’s program coincides with the Cotton Conference on the Gold Coast from August 2-4, offering growers another way to submit their nomination.
“The Cotton Conference brings everyone with an interest in the cotton industry – from farmers, to suppliers and industry partners – together in one place. What better time to share ideas or nominate, than in person at the Conference,”[1] Ms Maccan said.
Nominations are open from 9am, 30 June 2016 to 5pm on 31 August 2016. For more information, to suggest an idea or submit a nomination visit www.aussiecottonfarmers.com.au. Successful recipients will be notified in November 2016.
[1] Aussie Cotton Farmers Grow Communities nominations will be accepted at the Monsanto stand, located near the Cotton Club throughout this years’ conference.
