As the Investing in Rural Community Futures (IRCF) program culminates in the South Coast communities, one of the biggest impacts has been the growth in the people that have delivered the program.

The Community Facilitators have not only held the space for conversations, nurtured the roadmaps, listened deeply to community; they have also gained important skills and knowledge around leadership, storytelling, “Art of Hosting” techniques and a deeper cultural understanding. Along with many other wonderful social impact skills, these will be an asset to their communities for many years to come. 

Last week Monique, Kate, Steph and Carolyn had the chance to connect in person, reflect on the last few years and enjoy a wonderful lunch at The Cup’N’Cake’N’Co, a social enterprise that was initially seeded with an IRCF start up grant in 2020. It was wonderful to be together and feel the connection that has been forged through shared experience in delivering this impactful program. 

The team also took the time to gather a parting gift for each of the 50+ organisations we have been on this journey with over the last five years, with special items from a few of the social enterprises who have been partners in the IRCF journey on the South Coast. 

Much gratitude to facilitators: Monique Carson, who has been on this journey since the first roadmapping in Ulladulla and always gives above and beyond; Kate McBride, who has stepped up with poise and confidence in the Bay and Basin Community; Stephanie Chiu, who in a deeply connected way stepped into the Batemans Bay community with such impact; and Leah Szanto who supported the Bega Valley community with such professionalism and commitment. A deep and heartfelt thank you to Kate Dezarnaulds, Jules Klugman, Meg Stratti, Natalie Lloyd and Bree Morgan who supported their communities in the program.

The IRCF program is not possible without the key element of investing in people and engaging local facilitators who are part of and know their community deeply, these committed individuals who do so much in their two days a week with us are the key reason for the incredible impact this program has delivered. Thank you all for your generosity, humour, kindness and sharing of your love for community. 

In the Bega Valley, strengthening capability for sharing resources was a community roadmap goal. The Bega Valley Data Collective (BVDC) had support through the Investing in Rural Community Futures (IRCF) program to develop a community-led wellbeing framework aimed at empowering the community to thrive.

The first stage of this was the Measuring What Matters in the Bega Valley project, which has now been successfully completed. As a community engagement initiative, the project provided crucial insights into the issues and priorities that matter most to Bega Valley residents.

Organisations who participated learnt how to access and use community data and how wellbeing frameworks can achieve meaningful impact for community-led decision making, as well as enhancing grant applications.

To mark the official launch of the Living Well in the Bega Valley campaign, BVDC hosted a film screening on November 18^th in Merimbula. Titled Purpose, the documentary follows the journey of political economists Katherine Trebeck and Lorenzo Fioramonti as they seek to change the way progress is measured to change what governments do. Envisioning a world in which the economy serves the people, rather than the people serving it, the pair initiate political projects in the hope of shifting economic systems away from endless GDP growth, towards what really matters for people and planet.

The screening was followed by an enthusiastic Q&A session. April Merrick, FRRR’s NSW Programs Manager and committee member of BVDC, said the event provided a thought-provoking exploration of the wellbeing economy. “It was great to see so many engaged people turn out. It reinforced what we heard in our recent survey where over 90 percent of respondents rated community-led decision making as an important factor for community wellbeing.

BVDC has been developing partnership agreements with the University of Canberra and the Australian Bureau of Statistics and will be announcing two projects to come from these collaborations in early 2025.

With NSW Forestry Corporation’s approval, Cycle Tumbarumba created a mountain bike trail network on Mason’s Hill, approximately 3km west of Tumbarumba, NSW. However, while separate bike paths got cyclists to within 500m of the entrance to Mason’s Hill, the last stretch forced riders, including children, onto the busy Wagga Road, presenting a safety issue.

After the Black Summer Bushfires impacted the local area, the group knew that by creating a separate off-road path on the final 500 metres, they could make it safer for everyone and encourage people to get back out riding and connecting. They also saw an opportunity to construct a short children’s mountain bike trail, which would help attract local families and visitors alike.

Thanks to the support of a $10,000 grant from FRRR, via the Visy Tumut Region Recovery Fund, the group was able to not only build the short loop for children but also add in a table, shelter, bike stand, workstand, tools and a pump. This has made it a great location for children’s birthday parties, club social events and club social races. The funding also allowed for the purchase of some additional maintenance and safety equipment, which means that volunteers maintaining the trails no longer need to bring their own equipment. They even stretched the funding to include some additional planning and concept work that will hopefully be implemented in future.

This is a great example of a relatively small amount of funding having a big impact – bringing a community together, increasing recreation and strengthening the social fabric, while also having economic benefits.

A small investment in tools or equipment often doesn’t just generate practical outcomes for communities but also provides a foundation for community groups to build their confidence. 

In the case of the Dunn Lewis Youth Foundation in NSW’s Shoalhaven region, the Youth Local Podcast Program has provided young people with more than just a microphone. It’s given them an opportunity to find their voice and feel more empowered, while also exploring, learning and connecting with their community.

Even for those initially hesitant, the experience has been transformative. Mia told us, “If I’m going to be honest, I was not keen for this, but now it’s the highlight of my week. It’s really fun, and the whole process of having ‘Living Skillfully’ as a segment within Youth Local has been really good.”

For Darcy, another one of the participants, podcasting has opened doors to new experiences and skills. “I’ve loved podcasting; it’s been an amazing opportunity. Not only do I get to meet awesome people, but I also get to try out new things every week and explore topics that I’m really passionate about.”

Darcy’s enthusiasm for the creative freedom that podcasting offers is infectious, and it’s clear that this program is more than just a hobby – it’s a pathway to a potential future career. “It’s got me inspired to actually explore this as a career path,” Darcy added, reflecting the broader impact of the initiative.

Claire, another dedicated podcaster, shared how the program has helped her grow in ways she didn’t expect. “Podcasting has been an amazing experience because I’ve gotten to meet new people and learn more about our local area and some strange facts that I did not know before.”

The group of podcasters shared the skills they were learning along the way including: planning, communication with peers and others outside the community, patience and listening skills, as well as technical skills like editing and using the deck.

These quotes aren’t just words; they are a testament to the value of giving youth a voice. As Jasper aptly put it, “I’ve learned that everyone is a little bit goofy in their own way doing this podcast,” and, “It allows you to be who you want to be.”

This program isn’t just about teaching technical skills – it’s about creating a safe space for self-expression, community engagement and personal growth. In a world where youth voices are often underrepresented, this podcast has become a powerful tool for empowerment. It serves as a reminder that when young people are given the tools and the platform, their voices can be both insightful and impactful. It leaves us with a thought-provoking question: what other untapped potential lies within our youth, just waiting for the right opportunity to be unleashed?

Local leaders play a critical role in the community. They are the driving force behind the growth and long-term sustainability of remote, rural and regional communities. But they also need to build their capacity.

FRRR was pleased to be able to support IRCF participants to attend the Social Impact in the Regions (SIITR) Conference held on Dungutti Country in the community of Kempsey, NSW. It’s focus was on investing in regional impact, empowering regional voices and understanding regional challenges.

This year’s delegation of 12 local leaders travelled from the Yuin Country communities of Nowra, Bay & Basin and Bega Valley and Nambucca Valley on Gumbaynggirr Country. Not only did they learn heaps but it was also a great way to build connections across communities and to meet more of the FRRR team.

Drawing on our participatory practice training, we started on the first day with a connection opportunity and check in overlooking the Macleay River, to share our intention for the next few days. This was then followed by a warm welcome to Country by Uncle Fred Kelly. Our People Portfolio Lead, Deb Samuels, co-hosted a master class on place-based design with Jesse Taylor, Jo-Anne Kelly and Chad Renando, sharing their place based experiences, and on the final day our CEO, Natalie Egleton, presented a keynote on Regional Challenges and Strengths. She highlighted how some of our community partners have flipped the narrative around how hard things are in remote, rural and regional communities to create strong, vibrant communities.

There were a lot of learnings throughout the three days. The standouts included the innovative adaptation of an event space – activating the main street of Kempsey utilising disused shopfronts – really emphasising the conference being IN community as apposed to AT a community – a huge and noticeable change from the inaugural conference, which was held at a conference centre. There were a lot of ideas that could be replicated in other communities. Youth participation and the inclusion of students from two Kempsey high schools was also great to see. These young people shared their aspirations and explored how enterprise models can support their endeavours. Another learning was how local voices can be amplified through the Ready Communities model.

On returning home, the local leaders who attended shared their gratitude for being supported to attend.

“Julie, our emerging leader, and I both enjoyed the conference immensely, especially the connection with new people and the wonderful opportunities we heard about. The conference dinner was fun, surprising and an unexpected treat from the usual conference dinners. We certainly have lots to think about and are now back at work and looking at what I can start putting in to practice.”

Nicki, Noah’s Inclusion Services, Nowra

Karen from the Bay and Basin Community Resources shared, “It was really great to get out and discuss new ideas, explore different models and network. It has been invaluable and very inspiring. We are already starting to put into practice some of our takeaways.”

Investing in people is a key pillar in the Investing in Rural Community Futures program and we recommend that you keep a close eye on any regional development or leadership opportunities and put your hand up for anything that comes your way. The ripple effects of these types of opportunities can last for years and reach many.

To build long-term capacity, community organisations must have systems in place that allow them to deliver their services efficiently and effectively.

We saw this in action at Cooinda Court Aged Care, when the organisation undertook significant upgrades to their systems after receiving nearly $70,000 in Investing in Rural Community Futures (IRCF) grants.

They used the funds to modernise Cooinda Court’s systems, installing new technology to improve management of medication systems, clinical care records and communication.  All of this was critical to them being able to continue to operate.

Understandably, there are strict accountability requirements in the Aged Care Standards, which require high levels of corporate governance and due diligence, especially around decision making and financial management.  

This investment in the IT and Care Management Program was central to Cooinda being able to meet the increased regulation of the aged care sector, as well being able to attract and retain appropriately skilled Board members and executive staff. The new IT infrastructure also increased data security.

Organisational outcomes 

Staff report that the new care management system has led to streamlining information collection and management and the upskilling has positively impacted on their confidence and increased literacy. The Board can access documents across the whole organisation, which is a requirement of the Aged Care Standards.

With the installation of MANAD (the electronic care system) and training for staff on this new system, Cooinda also reported better connections with the hospital and doctors. One staff member said, “The new software enables the doctor to be more involved… it’s a spin off”.

At their most recent accreditation visit as of November 2023, Cooinda achieved 100% compliance with the Aged Care Standards. This is a significant achievement largely supported by the IRCF funded IT upgrades. 

With the focus of Cooinda Court being to care for frail and elderly people, the continuation of this facility in Junee is critical to maintaining quality local aged care. 

A staff member says, “It allows our elderly to be with their family, but also in familiar environments. They used to be sent away, and that could have been up to two hours a trip for family. And if they have a spouse, then that spouse very seldom could make that journey. And these people never survived long. 

“So, it is very important for us to keep our community members here because they’ve been a part of our community, when we were young and defenceless, they nurtured us. And that’s what we do now. We look after our residents in an environment that’s solely theirs, where they are protected, and we advocate for them.” 

Nambucca Valley Phoenix (NVP) received two IRCF Partnership Grants in addition to support through Toolbox funds to contribute to a group of local NFP’s undertaking a feasibility study into collective fundraising for the Nambucca Valley.

NVP’s initial project focused on the development a five-year strategic plan, with a particular focus on creative economy options and pathways to rebuild after a failed merger.

In 2021, they moved onto developing strategies and tools to attract funding. This was activated through communications upgrades, including a website and sponsorship packages. The Coordinator’s wage was also subsidised bring in other support and allow them time to implement a business plan, research and develop strategic fundraising pathways and connections and to share their learnings with other NFPs.

Making solid inroads

Having the five-year strategic business plan has been greatly beneficial in assisting NVP to gain funding and build reputation. The plan has demonstrated their professionalism to stakeholders and provided NVP with a roadmap for redefining and rebuilding.

As a result of FRRR support, NVP also leveraged the Social Sector Transformation Fund, a NSW Government initiative to help small to medium sized charities and NFPs. Through this they developed a Theory of Change, Impact Measurement and Pathways to Sustainability report by Social Enterprise Finance Australia. These documents were developed to further assist NVP to secure financial assistance required as it rebuilt its services through illustrating the organisations social impact. The work done as part of this project will continue to support NVP well into the future, as they say, teach a fisherman to fish…

Since starting this project NVP has leveraged more than a million dollars’ worth of project funding. These projects include much needed capital funding to replace redundant and defective infrastructure and equipment and the development of an accessible carpark, multi-year youth program funding, funding to develop arts and exhibition programs and to support our social enterprises. They have also hosted the Disability Arts Award and the inaugural Winter Ball, bringing community and the disabaility sector together in a joyful celebration of inclusion.

“We created a five-year strategic plan to assist us to build a sustainable social enterprise that creates an inclusive place for people to come together to learn, earn and enjoy the benefits of art, food and community, while still supporting people with disability to engage in meaningful employment and learning programs such as arts.”

In 2020, Junee Community Power (JCP) introduced a circular funding model to allow local community groups and NFPs to install solar power on their premises to help reduce their operating costs. They also gained access to equipment to complete energy assessments on buildings, which they now offer as part of their service model.

The organisation is fully led by volunteers and, in the later stages of the IRCF program, has accessed some administration and feasibility support from FRRR. Over the course of the IRCF program, the organisation has been able to refine its processes by:

Lasting community impacts

They have successfully supported two community organisations to apply for funding to install solar power and improve energy efficiency – Junee Community Centre and the Senior Citizens Centre.

One of the board members said the system is already even more than they had hoped. “Junee Community Centre has paid back to the circular fund years before we expected. This has enabled more upcoming projects – big and small. We can also go back to the Community Centre to look at what else they need.”

JCP also assisted the Senior Citizens Centre to apply for funding for re-wiring, and a new fridge and stove, which were funded by IRCF. Community members are now using the Centre more often and for longer periods of time.

Shovel-ready to support community through the renewable energy transition

JCP remains incredibly active at the culmination of the IRCF program in their area. The group is working on disaster preparedness, with Junee and Illabo Showgrounds both being considered as places of last resort during natural disasters etc. JCP is also working closely with the regional Organisation of Regional Councils Riverina Eastern (REROC) as a potential regional partner and received funding through IRCF to undertake a feasibility study to support this work.

“When government funding becomes available for community batteries later in the year, we’re in a shovel-ready position now to make an application, we’ve got the costing and we’ve got the feasibility already done.”

The below was written by Kate McBride, Community Facilitator in Bay and Basin

At a recent Changemakers workshop in the Shoalhaven, we heard the analogy that being a changemaker is like being in a relay race. We sprint with the baton, pushing for change and progress, but in reality, it’s not solely on our shoulders to cross the finish line. We pass the baton on and share the collective responsibility of creating change. Each person’s contribution in creating change is crucial, and together we cover the distance needed to create lasting impact in our communities.

In the heart of every thriving community lies the united effort of its members, working together to foster growth, resilience and progress. Here, on the South Coast, we are not short of these amazing community members. Fatigue though, had set in and our community was – and still is – weary after living through the 2019 Currowan Bushfires, multiple floods and COVID.

As part of the Investing In Rural Community Futures program in the Shoalhaven, we partnered with the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation to offer an eight day intensive leadership program for 22 participants in the Shoalhaven.

As a Community Facilitator, I feel very fortunate to have been one of the participants. Attending this program has had a transformative impact on myself and the other 21 participants – equipping us with the skills, insights, energy and networks to drive positive change in our communities.

The program fostered personal growth and enhanced our leadership capabilities through immersive experiences and diverse learning opportunities. We emerged from the program with a deeper understanding of rural challenges and the growing confidence to tackle them.

The most significant impact for me though, was the development of a strong, supportive network for us all that has extended beyond the duration of the course. We have celebrated triumphs, troubleshooted issues and delighted in the opportunity to cross paths again. And, most importantly, we have a revitalised relay team, ready to carry that baton of change a bit further in our communities.

Tomaree Neighbourhood Centre Inc (TNC) set out to build the economic and cultural sustainability of the Worimi Indigenous Community through a free, culturally safe workshop where participants were able to connect with culture through story and art. 

Born out of a collaboration between Tomaree Neighbourhood Centre and Koori Colours Art Gallery in Tanilba Bay, the ‘Adult Indigenous Art and Cultural Canvas Workshop’ project was supported by a $6,407 grant, awarded through the Small and Vital stream of the Strengthening Rural Communities grant program. 

While the workshop’s primary audience was Indigenous members, it was inclusive to all in the hopes of building a stronger social fabric in the community. There were 50 attendees, including Deputy Mayor Leah Anderson and Warlga Ngurra Women and Children’s Refuge committee member Aunty Mook (Delece Manton). 

The two-day workshop was facilitated by Worimi artist Jason Russel, who inspired members to infuse their unique stories into artistic creations. Jason provided teachings on symbols, the stories behind them, and traditional methods of painting used by Worimi people.

The project culminated in an exhibition on 1 March, 2024, at Tomaree Library and Community Centre. Opened by Jason with a welcome to country in traditional Gathang language and smoking ceremony, the exhibition displayed all participants’ artworks and gave the wider Port Stephens community an opportunity to meet the artists and hear the stories behind their work. 

TNC reported that they were proud to successfully provide a supportive and inclusive space for people to create, heal, yarn, and connect to culture. ‘Through the sharing of culture, we are contributing to closing the gap on a grassroots level.’