Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal
53 priority projects receive grants through Nutrien Ag Solutions Community Grants programs
Fifty-three important community projects across the length and breadth of remote, rural and regional Australia will share $250,000 in funding, thanks to the Nutrien Ag Solutions Community Grants Program.
This is the second year of the Nutrien Ag Solutions Community Grants Program, which offers grants of up to $5,000 for projects that contribute to community wellbeing and vibrancy in remote, rural and regional communities.
Nutrien Ag Solutions Director of Corporate Affairs Carissa Buckland says they received more than 300 applications from communities right across the country.
“The strong number of applications we continue to receive for this program clearly indicates the need for this level of support for grassroots, not-for-profit organisations. So, we’re delighted to award grants to so many diverse projects that help these remote, rural and regional communities thrive,” says Ms Buckland.
“Part of the application process involves the local Nutrien store actively endorsing each project and application. Our stores are very integrated in their communities and our teams are passionate about providing meaningful support to positively impact the towns in which they live and work in, so this is a really important part of the process.
“This year we have approved grants to enhance and support the delivery of community events, including new marquees, grandstand seating and improved website functionality to support local show and expo event management. Critical funding will also go towards a diverse range of restorations, upgrades and new equipment for community facilities – from a toilet roof to rejuvenated courtyards to outdoor seating and kitchens, data projectors and lawn mowers. There’s even funding for sensory, Zen, bush tucker and community gardens, with each project designed to inclusively meet the needs of their communities. While they are not large value grants, these projects enable community activity to build connection and, importantly, support volunteers in all their efforts,” says Ms Buckland.
The Program is proudly run in partnership with the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR).
FRRR CEO, Natalie Egleton says she appreciates organisations like Nutrien Ag Solutions partnering with FRRR to support the priorities of grassroots organisations that are the heartbeat of remote, rural and regional communities across Australia.
“The volume and nature of these applications is a strong sign that rural community life is returning to normal, although it also signifies just how challenging it is to raise these funds locally and the extent of the need that exists.
“It’s really pleasing for us that so much of the funding – nearly 30% – will go to communities with fewer than 500 people, which makes fundraising really hard. Most of the groups are also located in outer regional, remote or very remote areas of the country,” Ms Egleton explains.
The full list of recipients is available below. Some of the organisations and projects being supported include:
- Illabo Showground Land Manager, Illabo, NSW – Build capacity at the local show grounds with a WIFI upgrade, defibrillator installation and new broadcast system to enhance operations and experience for all users. $5,000
- Dagun Community Group Inc., Dagun, QLD – Enhance community connections with the restoration of the Dagun railway station labyrinth and Mary Valley agricultural history display, and through the community garden project. $4,900
- Limestone Coast Multicultural Network Incorporated, Naracoorte, SA – Build organisational capability with development of a strategic plan to support strengthening the Limestone Coast Multicultural Network. $4,952
- Hamilton District Agricultural Show Society, Hamilton, TAS – Build, grow and protect skills and networks with four workshops focusing on entrepreneurism, rural OH&S and resilience.$5,000
- Kyabram Blue Light, Kyabram, VIC – Increase social engagement opportunities and activities for youth in Kyabram to support their healthy growth and development. $5,000
- Lower Kalgan Community Association Incorporated, Albany, WA – Build resilience through a Fire Resilience Workshop – “Making your Property Fire Safe and Sustainable” exploring preparedness and land management aligned to changing climate impacts. $5,000
The third round of the Program is expected to open around June 2023. Community groups looking for funding in the interim should head to www.frrr.org.au/find-funding.
| Organisation | Project | Location | Grant | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NEW SOUTH WALES | ||||||
| A Taste of Paradise Organic Farm Limited | Outdoor Kitchen Construction Enhance facilities where the community comes together and connects with the installation of an outdoor kitchen. | Broughton Village | $5,000 | |||
| Broken Hill Branch The Australian Stock Horse Society Incorporated Topar Christmas Tree | Topar Christmas Tree Improve social connectedness and build resilience by supporting the Topar Christmas Party for 60 adults and 40 children in the isolated area. | Little Topar | $4,975 | |||
| Challenge Community Services | Creation of a Zen Sensory Garden at Challenge's Patterson Street Disability Site Increase inclusion with the creation of a Zen Sensory Garden at Challenge's Patterson Street Disability site. | Tamworth | $4,550 | |||
| Delungra Memorial Bowling & Recreation Club Ltd | Rejuvenate, Protect and Provide Enhance organisational capacity with the provision of adequate storage for the Delungra Memorial Bowling Club. | Delungra | $5,000 | |||
| Dorrigo Community Nursery Inc | Water Resilience for the Dorrigo Community Nursery Improve the water efficiency of Dorrigo Community Garden with a new water tank enabling multiple volunteer projects. | Dorrigo | $5,000 | |||
| Gulgong Show Society Inc | Operation Seating Increase the organisations ability to support their community with the provision of seating under the sheltered area of the Gulgong Showgrounds. | Gulgong | $3,427 | |||
| Illabo Showground Land Manager | Facilities Enhancement Enhance community facilities safety by upgrading the broadcasting box, installing a defibrillator and enhancing Wifi facilities at the Illabo Showgrounds. | Illabo | $5,000 | |||
| Laggan Hall Land Manager | Laggan Hall Ride-on Mower Boost volunteer vitality with the provision of a ride on mower supporting the maintenance of the Laggan Hall grounds.. | Laggan | $5,000 | |||
| Lions Club of Young Incorporated | Shelving for Lions Shed Increase the capacity of the Lions Club of Young with the installation of appropriate shelving in their storage shed. | Young | $4,263 | |||
| Nyngan Ag Expo Incorporated | Nyngan Ag Expo Website, Interactive Site Map and Exhibitor Booking Upgrade Build organisational capacity by upgrading the website of Nygan Ag Expo with site booking functionality to reduce volunteer efforts and increase efficiency in operations. | Nyngan | $5,000 | |||
| two eight two eight inc | two eight two eight Lighting Upgrade Increase access to community facilities with the preservation of the historic Gulargambone hall. | Gulargambone | $5,000 | |||
| QUEENSLAND | ||||||
| Artworks Granite Belt INC | Stanthorpe QFS Restoration Project Preserve local history with the restoration of the Stanthorpe QFS building. | Stanthorpe | $5,000 | |||
| Dagun Community Group Inc | Mary Valley Agricultural History Display and Dagun Railway Station Labyrinth/Community Garden Project Enhance community connections with the restoration of a labyrinth and agricultural history display supported by social gardening days. | Dagun | $4,900 | |||
| Geham State School Parent & Citizens Association | New Data Projector for the Geham School/Community Activities Building Upgrade community facilities with a new data projector to support community engagement including movie nights, local events and school presentations. | Geham | $5,000 | |||
| Hungerford Sports Association Inc | Portable Shade Tents for Hungerford Community Increase the organisational capacity of Hungerford Sports Association with the provision of portable shade tents to support community events and activities. | Hungerford | $5,000 | |||
| Isis Community Pre-School & Kindergarten Association Inc | Indigenous Entrance Art and Bush Tucker Garden Increase cultural awareness at the Isis Community Kindergarten with the installation of an Indigenous artwork and Bush Tucker Garden. | Childers | $5,000 | |||
| Lions Club of Home Hill | Replacement Gazebos and Catering Bar-b-ques Increase organisational capacity with the provision of gazebos and catering equipment for the Lions Club of Home Hill. | Home Hill | $5,000 | |||
| Mundubbera Horse and Pony Club Inc | Shaded Grandstand for Mundubbera Community Enhance community facilities by supporting the installation of a shaded grandstand at the Mundubbera Showgrounds. | Mundubbera | $5,000 | |||
| Prospect Community Services Ltd | Charters Towers & the Region Wellness Luncheon Enhance general health and wellbeing with the provision of a series of community wellness activities across the Charters Towers region. | Charters Towers | $5,000 | |||
| Tambo Child Care Parents Group Inc | Tambo Childcare Centre Sensory Garden Project Enhance engagement in traditional educational settings with the development of a sensory garden at the Tambo Child Care facility. | Tambo | $5,000 | |||
| SOUTH AUSTRALIA | ||||||
| Booleroo Centre Community Development and Tourism Association Incorporated | Pass the Popcorn! Increase functionality of the local Booleroo Hall with the provision of a projector for community information sharing and entertainment. | Booleroo Centre | $5,000 | |||
| Bute History Group Inc | Blinds Installation Build organisational capacity for the Bute Historical Society with new window blinds to protect their artefacts from sun damage. | Bute | $4,660 | |||
| Cambrai Sports Club Inc | Installation of Solar Power to Enhance Regional Community Facility Reduce organisational overheads with the installation of Solar power at the Cambrai Sports Club. | Cambrai | $5,000 | |||
| Crystal Brook Kindergarten | A Path of Intergenerational Connection Increase community connections with "A path of intergenerational Connection" enabling kindergarten children and residents of Roseview Aged care to come together in a safe space. | Crystal Brook | $5,000 | |||
| Limestone Coast Multicultural Network Incorporated | Strategic Plan Development - Limestone Coast Multicultural Network Build organisational capacity with a strategic plan and vision to support the Limestone Coast Multicultural Network development. | Naracoorte | $4,952 | |||
| Lucindale Area School | Aquaponics Student Learning Facility Enhance the learning opportunities at Lucindale Area School with aquaponics equipment to enable community vegetable growing. | Lucindale | $4,633 | |||
| Marree Sports Club Inc | Sound System for Marree Sports Club Increase the organisational capacity of the Maree Sports Club with the installation of a sound system. | Marree | $5,000 | |||
| Paskeville Football Club Incorporated | Kitchen Upgrade Increase functionality of the Paskeville Community centre by relocating the hot water system. | Paskeville | $5,000 | |||
| TASMANIA | ||||||
| Community Garden Wynyard Inc | Greenhouse Construction Increase community activities and opportunities to connect with the expansion of the Wynyard Community Garden facility. | Wynyard | $5,000 | |||
| Hamilton District Agricultural Show Society | ‘Build, Grow, Protect’ Build community capability with four workshops focused on building resilience in individuals, growing their networks and protecting the rural community. | Hamilton | $5,000 | |||
| May Shaw Health Centre Inc | Beach Wheelchair Project Increase access with the provision of an all surface wheelchair enabling beach access for residents and visitors of May Shaw Health with poor mobility. | Swansea | $5,000 | |||
| North Eastern Agricultural & Pastoral Society Incorporated | Light Towers Increase organisational sustainability with the provision of light towers to mitigate regular hiring costs for the North Eastern Agricultural and Pastoral Society. | Scottsdale | $3,681 | |||
| Parkham Community Inc | Restoration of Parkham Community Centre floor Support the development of places where the community can connect, learn and gather by restoring the Parkham Church as the Parkham Community Centre. | Parkham | $4,901 | |||
| VICTORIA | ||||||
| A Better Life For Foster Kids Incorporated | Crisis Cases for Foster Care Support vulnerable foster children transitioning to care with essential item packs to provide comfort and reduce emotional stress. | Sale | $5,000 | |||
| Arapiles Community Theatre Inc Natimuk & District Soldiers Memorial Hall Committee | Natimuk Soldiers Memorial Hall Audio Visual System Boost community vitality with the installation of a data projector and sound system at the Natimuk Soldiers Memorial Hall for cultural events and increased hall usage. | Natimuk | $5,000 | |||
| Boort District Agricultural and Pastoral Society Incorporated | Professional Marquees for Boort Show! Enhance the organisational capacity of Boort District Agricultural and Pastoral Society Incorporated with the provision of marquees for use at community events and activities. | Boort | $5,000 | |||
| Cobden Technical School | Outdoor Meeting Space / Outdoor Classroom Improve the functionality of the outdoor classroom at Cobden Technical College with improved wife and seating, built by the local Men's Shed. | Cobden | $5,000 | |||
| Connewirricoo Community Centre Incorporated | Connewirricoo Community Centre Toilets Roofing Restore community assets with repairs to the roof and walls of the Connewirricoo Community Centre ablution block. | Connewirricoo | $5,000 | |||
| Gallery Central Incorporated | Gallery Lighting Improvement Improve community facilities in Nhill with new lighting at the local community art gallery to enhance visitor and local experience. | Nhill | $2,873 | |||
| Heathcote Community House Incorperated | Heathcote Sustainable Community House Build organisational capacity and capability with the implementation of sustainability initiatives including a roof top solar installation. | Heathcote | $5,000 | |||
| Kyabram Blue Light | Kyabram Blue Light Youth Engagement Activities 2022-2023 Increase youth connection with the provision of Blue Light activities and events for Kyabram and surrounding districts. | Kyabram | $5,000 | |||
| Pomonal Progress Association Incorporated | Mini Foody Festival - Towards a Resilient Pomonal Provide access to activities to increase community connection and resilience by hosting the Pomonal Mini Foody Festival. | Pomonal | $5,000 | |||
| Seymour Puckapunyal Community Radio Incorporated | Relocation of 103.9FM Community Radio Station Increase the broadcasting network of the Seymore Puckapunyal Community Radio by relocating the radio station to a more accessible site. | Seymour | $5,000 | |||
| The Trustee for Country Fire Authority & Brigades Donations Fund Sandsmere Rural Fire Brigade | Training Equipment and Wellbeing Session Funding Boost organisational capacity with the provision of training equipment and volunteer support for Kaniva Country Fire Authority. | Kaniva | $2,749 | |||
| Toora Community Action Team Incorporated | Toora: GunaiKurnai Country Preserve understanding of local origins and reflect on the impacts of a changing climate on the Toora community with the installation of a sculpture in the township. | Toora | $5,000 | |||
| WESTERN AUSTRALIA | ||||||
| 1922 & You Inc | 1922 & You Centenary Courtyard Project Rejuvenate community connections in Corrigin through revitalising the courtyard as a landing place for social and wellbeing activity. | Corrigin | $3,500 | |||
| Dowerin District High School Parents & Citizens Association Incorporated | Child Protection Education - Safe4Kids Workshops Enhance child safety practice through training of teacher, parents and children to build awareness and develop community skills and capability for addressing issues. | Dowerin | $5,000 | |||
| Geraldton Community Toy Library | The Geraldton Toy Library Building Rejuvenation Project Increase organisational capacity with the provision of adequate storage and fencing upgrades at the Geraldton Toy Library facility. | Geraldton | $5,000 | |||
| Gingin Playgroup Incorporated | Community Engagement with Playgroup Increase community resilience and connections with the provision of community events at activities at the Gingin Playgroup. | Gingin | $2,400 | |||
| Lower Kalgan Community Association Incorporated | Fire Resilience Workshop - Making your Property Fire Safe and Sustainable in the Great Southern Improve community resilience and preparedness with a workshop on property fire safety and climate change impact awareness. | Albany | $5,000 | |||
| Pemberton Sports Club Inc | Mower for the Pemberton Sports Club Increase the vitality of volunteers with the provision of a ride on mower for the Pemberton Sports club. | Pemberton | $5,000 | |||
| Shire of Morawa | Sup and Paint Morawa - Art Evenings Create opportunities for the community to connect with the arts with the delivery of Art lessons in Morawa. | Morawa | $5,000 | |||
| Tom Price Community Garden Inc | Revegetation of Bush Tucker Area Increase access to community activities with the revegetation of the Bush Tucker in the Community Garden. | Tom Price | $5,000 | |||
After supporting more than 50 local projects in 2021, the Nutrien Ag Solutions Community Grants Program is back for a second year, offering grants of up to $5,000 for projects across rural and regional Australia.
Nutrien Ag Solutions Director of Corporate Affairs Carissa Buckland says the program supports projects that strengthen, connect and enhance rural and regional communities.
“We have thousands of employees living and working in rural and regional towns right across Australia. So, we have a deep understanding of what makes a community thrive – and it’s all about the people” says Ms Buckland.
“Covid placed significant unanticipated stress on grassroots organisations and groups that work tirelessly to support their local communities. With face-to-face events restricted over the past two years it’s been challenging for these groups to rely on their regular fundraising efforts. Nutrien Ag Solutions is so proud to provide a much-needed boost to the rural and regional communities we are a part of,” says Ms Buckland.
Ms Buckland says grants are available for a wide range of meaningful community-led projects.
“Last year we supported 57 projects across the country including the installation of monkey bars at Coonamble Pre-School for their occupational therapy program and weatherproof speakers for the Mansfield Armchair Cinema. We also supported the upgrade of a space for regional artists to exhibit their work in Moora, an excursion to visit local farmers for students at Belltrees Public School, and a fence to improve the safety of the public playground at Deniliquin,” says Ms Buckland.
“We were also proud to support the return of medical services at the Penneshaw Community Health Rooms on Kangaroo Island, with funding used to provide air-conditioning for the consulting room and disability access to the bathroom, including a mobility toilet and grab rails.”
The Nutrien Ag Solutions Community Grants Program is run in partnership with the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR).
FRRR CEO, Natalie Egleton, says that access to flexible funding through programs like Nutrien Ag Solutions Community Grants Program is really important for local not-for-profits and community groups to sustain their communities.
“The cumulative impacts of fires, floods, drought and COVID has put significant pressure on many remote, rural and regional community groups – yet as our Heartbeat of Rural Australia study showed last year, their work is more important than ever. Flexible grant programs like this one, which can support a wide range of community needs, are more important than ever. We are delighted to once again be partnering with Nutrien Ag Solutions to enable this funding to get to the community groups that need it most, so they can help build stronger rural communities.”
Applications for the 2022 Nutrien Ag Solutions Community Grants Program are open now and close 5pm AEST 12 August 2022, with successful applicants announced in October this year. For more information and to apply visit: www.nutrienagsolutions.com.au/nutrien-ag-solutions-community-grants-program.
