Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR)
Originally a resting place for passing drovers, Foster is a small town just north of the Gippsland coast. Like much of regional Victoria, Foster was hit hard by COVID, with long-lasting economic, health and social outcomes. Impacts on social connection, the need to provide food relief for the community, and the reduced ability for community groups to fundraise were all felt strongly by the volunteers at Manna Community Garden.
Established 22 years ago, Manna Community Garden strives to improve food security and social wellbeing in the community. Working closely with Manna Gum Community House, community lunches are held and meals are provided for people in need of support. Demand for these lunches and meals was heightened during the pandemic and continues today, with the need exacerbated by escalating cost-of-living pressures. The two organisations also work together to provide assistance and information via workshops on topics such as grafting and seed saving, and a community stall at the local farmers’ market.
The fire pit in the gardens is an important gathering place for community members. The facility hosts the local youth group, community lunches, evenings in the garden events and NAIDOC week activities.
Before the pandemic, fundraising efforts were underway to pay for desperately needed upgrades to the Manna Community Garden, including to the garden beds and the amenities around the fire pit. A large Christmas in July fundraiser had to be cancelled two days before it was due to be held due to lockdown orders and while local sponsorship allowed the garden upgrades to go ahead, the works around the fire pit remained unfunded. The seating was dangerous and needed replacing if the gardens were to continue to provide an important social space for the community.
The volunteers at Manna Community Garden applied for an FRRR grant to supplement their fundraising strategy and allow them to continue with these much-needed works. Through an Australian Government-funded SRC Rebuilding Regional Communities grant for $2,600, the fire pit seating was able to be upgraded. The community of Foster is now able to safely enjoy the gardens as a space to socialise, come together, learn and provide food relief for the town.



President of Manna Community Garden, Ms Juneen Schulz, explained the importance of the garden upgrades for reconnection:
“The space has provided a beautiful location for members of our community, especially our garden group, to connect. This is particularly important in the recovery from COVID-19, as it gives us a safe space to be together and rebuild our community.”
With the easing of COVID restrictions, Manna Community Garden has since joined together with other community gardens in the district to run annual events, bringing the wider South Gippsland and Bass Coast communities together and celebrating the benefits of growing locally. The first event, held in Foster in the newly renovated garden, attracted 60 guests and included workshops, guest speakers, and of course lots of beautiful locally grown produce!
“We wanted an inclusive day where community gardens across our slice of the universe could come together and discuss our favourite topics – growing food, looking after our hamlets and communities, sharing our knowledge.”
The neighbouring town of Meeniyan will host the next event, in what is hoped will be a long-running tradition – supporting communities that were badly impacted by COVID-19 to come together and encourage the health, economic, environmental, and social benefits of growing produce locally.
The work of Manna Community Garden shows that a small project can have a big, and long lasting, impact!
FRRR has awarded $1,340,387 in grants to 131 local groups across remote, rural and regional Australia for projects that support small yet vital community needs, disaster resilience and recovery and COVID-19 recovery initiatives.

The grants are awarded through FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) program, via one of three streams of funding: Small & Vital (S&V), Prepare & Recover (P&R), or the Rebuilding Regional Communities (RRC).
Collaboratively funded by donors ranging from private individuals to larger foundations, the SRC program supports a diverse range of initiatives across remote, rural and regional Australia. While each of the 131 awarded projects meets a unique local need, all funded initiatives have one thing in common – they each have a clear and direct benefit to the community and to those living locally.
Jill Karena, Place Portfolio Lead at FRRR, said it is truly inspiring to see the determination and resilience of community groups and local leaders, who continue to front up and strive for a stronger, and sustainable, rural Australia.
“In this round of SRC grants, we’ve seen a shift in project focus, with a significant increase in initiatives that address the wellbeing and sustainability of community organisations. The majority of these grants are for practical, infrastructure-related projects that will enable local groups in rural places to continue to provide vital services, and ensure community spaces are safe, secure and welcoming.
“Our RRC team continues to coordinate the new webinar series to support applicants called, ‘The Know and The How’. Clearly there’s a strong community appetite for topics that address fundamental issues for the not-for-profit sector, as the third session, focusing on strategic planning for community organisations, has already been booked out twice!” Ms Karena said.
“This is why we continue to see new, and returning, not-for-profits and community groups from remote, rural and regional communities across Australia applying for these grants. In fact, for nearly one third of recipients, in just this round of funding alone, this is the first time that they’ve applied for an FRRR grant.
“For those organisations that are previous grant recipients, the SRC program’s straight-forward application process, and the flexibility of the grants to fund local needs, are just some of the reasons they continue to apply for SRC grants.
“These grants may be relatively small, but they can make a mighty difference to a rural community! That’s why the focus of our end of year fundraising campaign is on small grants. All donations are gratefully received, no matter how small, as this program is needed more than ever,” Ms Karena explained.
Small & Vital
The S&V stream offers grants up to $10,000 for projects that strengthen community connections and meet local priorities.
In total, this round sees $380,177 in grants awarded to 48 local groups and NFPs through the S&V stream.
Three of the 48 projects funded through the S&V stream include:
- St John Ambulance Australia NT Inc – Wurrumiyanga, NT – Increase access to life-saving equipment by providing defibrillators in three remote communities across the Tiwi Islands. $9,518
- Nuriootpa War Memorial Swimming Pool Working Group (auspiced by Nuriootpa Futures Association) – Nuriootpa, SA – Expand opportunities for social connection and access for all-abilities through the installation of accessibility steps at a community pool. $10,000
- Kilcunda Community Development Association Incorporated – Kilcunda, VIC – Improve access at a community gathering space and provide a safe, inclusive venue for older citizens by upgrading the entrance and deck at the Kilcunda Hall. $10,000
Prepare & Recover
In this round, 40 community organisations are sharing $627,307 in grants through the P&R stream. These funds will support rural communities impacted by climate-related disasters including the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires and the 2021-22 East Coast Australia flooding, plus other storm events.
The P&R stream awards grants up to $25,000 for local preparedness, recovery and resilience-building initiatives.
Three of the 40 projects funded through the P&R stream include:
- St Helens Neighbourhood House Association Inc – St Helens, TAS – Improve the mental, physical and social health of a community recovering from bushfire and flood disasters through community garden activities and workshops. $25,000
- Positive Change for Marine Life Limited – Brunswick Heads, NSW – Prepare for future climate-related impacts by delivering a community-led riparian restoration program in the flood-impacted Brunswick River to stabilise riverbanks and restore wetland vegetation. $24,941
- Kalbarri Development Association Incorporated – Kalbarri, WA – Strengthen peoples’ connections and support SES volunteers to recover from the impacts of Cyclone Seroja by holding an event celebrating the community’s resilience. $22,500
Rebuilding Regional Communities – supporting COVID-19 recovery
Funded by the Australian Government, the RRC stream supports remote, rural and regional communities as they continue their COVID-19 recovery journey. This round, grants up to $10,000 were on offer, with $332,903 awarded to 43 local organisations, including:
- MultiSkill Centre Ltd – Cloncurry, QLD – Provide mental health training to staff to enable them to better support disengaged young people accessing services after COVID-19. $9,316
- Bellingen Youth Orchestra Incorporated – Bellingen, NSW – Rebuild connections, reduce social isolation and foster a stronger, more resilient community after COVID-19 by purchasing musical instruments and making them available to disadvantaged young people. $10,000
- Warrnambool & District Community Hospice Inc – Warrnambool, VIC – Sustain the work of volunteers after COVID-19 through the development of a volunteer education and engagement program. $5,000
The SRC program is collaboratively supported by many generous donors, who are acknowledged on the FRRR website.
FRRR always accepts applications to this program, which awards funds roughly four times a year. Local NFPs and community groups are encouraged to review the program guidelines and apply. More information about the SRC program is available at www.frrr.org.au/src. To support grants like this through FRRR, make a tax-deductible donation at frrr.org.au/giving/.
A full list of grant recipients is detailed below.
Organisation | Project | Location | Grant | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SRC Round 16 - June 2023 | ||||||
NEW SOUTH WALES | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Clifton Community Food Garden Incorporated | Healthy Cooking for One Provide a series of weekly, simple, healthy and affordable cooking workshops to build social connections and cooking skills to support people struggling with the increasing cost of living. | Sanctuary Point | $4,570 | |||
CWA of NSW Collie Day Evening Branches Country Women's Association of NSW | Collie CWA Cultivating Community Connections Create a functional and welcoming space for the community by installing a shade structure and plumbing to supply rainwater at the Collie CWA Hall. | Collie | $10,000 | |||
Dunedoo Historical Museum Inc | Digitising of Museum Catalogue Digitise all items in the Dunedoo Museum to provide an accurate, easily shared catalogue, expanding its use and value to the community. | Dunedoo | $3,758 | |||
Murrin Bridge Preschool Association | Keeping Our Kids Safe Contribute to the renovation of the Murrin Bridge preschool by installing a fence around the new playground, keeping the children safe and creating an inclusive community space. | Murrin Bridge | $10,000 | |||
Nambucca Valley Phoenix Limited | Phoenix Work Crew Purchase equipment for the Phoenix Work Crew to support the employment of people with disabilities. | Bowraville | $10,000 | |||
The Colony Bees Association Inc | Pollinate Country Collaborate with community members, schools, local and Indigenous councils to establish a natural beekeeper education program to improve the local environment's resilience. | Lennox Head | $10,000 | |||
Western Landcare NSW Incorporated | 2023 Western Warriors Engage primary school children from Far West NSW in environmental conservation activities building their awareness and skills. | Broken Hill | $10,000 | |||
Prepare and Recover - 2019/2020 Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Bermagui Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Inc | ReBoot ReStart Increase tourism and social wellbeing to support bushfire recovery in Bermagui by supporting a ReBoot fun run. | Bermagui | $4,400 | |||
Inverell Community Youth Centre | Floods and Fire Youth Resilience Program Enhance the ability of the Inverell Community Youth Centre to support bushfire recovery by employing a therapeutic youth worker to run a youth resilience program and mentor volunteers. | Inverell | $25,000 | |||
Milton-Ulladulla Youth Driver Education Program Rotary Club of Milton Ulladulla Incorporated | Milton Ulladulla Youth Driver Education Program Reduce vehicle-related fatality and injury rates of bushfire impacted young people through a Driver Education Program. | Marulan | $10,000 | |||
Mission Australia Housing | Resilient Communities Project - MNC Empower social housing tenants in the Mid North Coast to co-lead community planning for disaster preparation, response and recovery in partnership with key non-government partners. | Taree | $24,960 | |||
Murramarang Community Garden Inc | Mowbility Support bushfire preparedness by purchasing an electric ride-on mower to increase volunteer participation in garden maintenance, regardless of physical abilities. | Bawley Point | $10,000 | |||
Stokers Siding Dunbible Memorial Hall Inc | Community Hall Kitchen Upgrade Upgrade the kitchen appliances in the Community Hall to meet Council regulations, cater to more community events and ensure organisational sustainability. | Stokers Siding | $10,000 | |||
Surf Life Saving Far North Coast Branch Inc | Develop Disaster Emergency Response Capability Build capability and preparedness of emergency response groups by providing them with the necessary equipment to be able to respond to bushfires and other disasters. | Ballina | $19,601 | |||
TenterLIFE Suicide Prevention Network Inc | TenterLIFE Suicide Prevention Network Inc Boost community knowledge of suicide prevention through a series of Mental Health awareness events supporting ongoing bushfire recovery. | Tenterfield | $6,070 | |||
Tweed Coast Youth Service Incorporated | Momentum Youth Festival 2023 Celebrate local youth for their resilience after bushfire and their achievements and passions by hosting the Momentum Youth Festival to encourage self-expression and socialisation. | Bogangar | $10,000 | |||
WhereFishSing OZ Green-Global Rivers Environmental Education Network (Australia) Incorporated | Creating Resources to Build Future Food Resilience in and around Bellingen Shire Prepare for future disasters after the 2019/20 bushfires by creating a climate specific food gardening resource to build food resilience in the Bellingen Shire. | Bellingen | $9,766 | |||
Prepare and Recover - 2022 Floods | ||||||
Eugowra Promotion and Progress Association Incorporated | Purchase Necessary Equipment to Renew and Re-establish the Eugowra Historical Museum Contribute to disaster recovery by replacing office equipment and supplies at the Eugowra Historical Museum and Bushranger Centre that were destroyed in the 2022 floods to continue to share the rich stories of Eugowra and district. | Eugowra | $16,320 | |||
Human Nature Adventure Therapy Ltd | Connected communities: Resilience Activities for Regional Young People Support disadvantaged young people to contribute to their flood-affected communities by connecting them to volunteering in disaster response / resilience initiatives such as SES and the local Men’s Shed. | Ballina | $20,000 | |||
Iluka Community Organisation Planning for Emergencies (ICOPE) Inc | Hub ICOPE: Iluka Village Community Hub and Community Managed Evacuation Centre (CMEC) Equipment and Education Project Improve emergency response and preparedness for natural disasters by equipping the Iluka Village Hub with resources and educational material to create an evacuation and information centre. | Iluka | $14,495 | |||
Lithgow Environment Group Incorporated | Community Engagement for Pest Species (Indian Myna) Invasion Control and for Habitat Restoration for Native Fauna, with Social Impacts Develop a community-led Indian Myna bird reduction program across Lithgow to help native flora and fauna recover after the floods and prevent future impacts. | Lithgow | $20,040 | |||
Lower Lachlan Community Services Inc | Festival of the Lakes 2023 Boost social cohesion and connectedness in Lake Cargelligo to support flood recovery by hosting the Festival of the Lakes. | Lake Cargelligo | $10,000 | |||
Positive Change for Marine Life Limited | River Warriors - A Community Driven Approach to Capacity and Resilience Building of the Brunswick River Catchment Prepare for future climate-related impacts by delivering a community-led riparian restoration program in the flood-impacted Brunswick River to stabilise riverbanks and restore wetland vegetation. | Brunswick Heads | $24,941 | |||
Rural Financial Counselling Service, NSW - Southern Region Limited | Recovery & Resilience Forums Support recovery in the significantly flood-affected Central West and Riverina NSW by holding three workshops that provide financial advice and mental health information. | Parkes | $11,094 | |||
Welfare Rights Centre Ltd | Northern Rivers Communities: Ensuring Economic Safety for those in Crisis Provide legal support to people in flood-affected Northern Rivers communities who are struggling to access Centrelink payments and dealing with unjust debts. | Lismore | $25,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
Bellingen Youth Orchestra Incorporated | Bellingen Youth Orchestra Post-COVID Junior Woodwind and Brass Ensemble Initiative Rebuild connections, reduce social isolation and foster a stronger, more resilient community after COVID-19 by purchasing musical instruments and making them available to disadvantaged young people. | Bellingen | $10,000 | |||
Coolah Historical and Tourism Society Coolah District Development Group Incorporated | Cunningham 200 Year Celebration Reconnect residents, reduce social isolation and foster a stronger, more resilient Coolah community after COVID-19 by hosting an historical festival on the 200th anniversary of Cunningham exploring the Liverpool Plains. | Coolah | $10,000 | |||
Hill End Arts Council Inc | Hill End Analogue Establish a unique biennial festival reflecting Hill End's contribution to the history of Australian photography to reduce social isolation and foster a stronger, more resilient community and enhance destination and cultural tourism after COVID-19. | Hill End | $5,000 | |||
Kangaroo Valley Historical Society Incorporated | Kangaroo Valley Historical Society Celebrates 70+ Years Attract new volunteers, promote cultural heritage and engage with the community to enhance recovery from the pandemic through a presentation day celebrating 70+ years of the Kangaroo Valley Historical Society. | Kangaroo Valley | $1,600 | |||
Manning Valley Neighbourhood Services Inc | Volunteering for Change Increase interest in volunteering to sustain community organisations and their work after COVID-19 through an open day with entertainment and markets. | Wingham | $8,300 | |||
Neighbourhood Centres of Bellingen Shire Inc | SMART Recovery Meetings - Life Beyond Addiction Enhance the process of recovery from addiction that was exacerbated by COVID-19 through SMART Recovery meetings in Bellingen neighbourhood centres. | Bellingen | $3,768 | |||
New England Garden Festival Incorporated | New England Garden Festival Enhance the process of social and economic recovery of Armidale and the New England region from the COVID-19 pandemic through the inaugural New England Garden Festival. | Armidale | $6,000 | |||
Nowra Youth Services Incorporated | NYC Frequency Program Create opportunities for COVID-19-impacted young people to gain new vocational skills and the ability to produce music in a recording studio through training a facilitator in sound production. | Nowra | $7,150 | |||
Oriscon Incorporated | Festival of Colors 2024 Reunite residents, reduce social isolation and foster a stronger, more resilient community after COVID-19 through a free secular Festival of Colours, including a bonfire, performances and the sharing of international food. | Dubbo | $5,000 | |||
Roseberry Creek Landcare Inc | Valley Voices One Reduce social isolation and foster a stronger, more resilient community after COVID-19 through a skill building and entertaining singing workshop. | The Risk | $1,120 | |||
Tactile Arts Group at Kendall Incorporated | Acquisition of New Electric Ceramic / Pottery Kiln Sustain the work of the TAG group and enhance their capacity for creative community engagement post COVID-19 by purchasing a larger, fit-for-purpose ceramics kiln. | Kendall | $10,000 | |||
Tender Funerals Mid North Coast Limited | Increase the Social and Economic Strength of the Kempsey Shire by Providing Affordable Funeral Services and After Death Care Enhance the process of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic for disadvantaged residents of the Kempsey Shire through offering affordable and culturally sensitive funeral services and after death care. | Kempsey | $10,000 | |||
NORTHERN TERRITORY | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Careflight Limited | Building Resilience in the Community of Borroloola Strengthen life-saving skills and abilities of first responders to assist critically ill or injured individuals in a very remote community by providing trauma first aid training. | Borroloola | $8,560 | |||
St John Ambulance Australia NT Inc | Tiwi Islands AED Project Increase access to life-saving equipment by providing defibrillators in three remote communities across the Tiwi Islands. | Wurrumiyanga | $9,518 | |||
QUEENSLAND | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Alpha District Tourism & Development Assoc Inc | Defibrillators for Alpha Strengthen the lifesaving capacity of the community by purchasing and installing three defibrillators in publicly accessible locations. | Alpha | $8,154 | |||
Back to the Bush Festival Inc | Regional Men's Health Initiative Support men's mental and physical wellbeing by providing access to innovative and engaging health checks and educational sessions at the festival and associated car show. | Miles | $6,974 | |||
CPL-Choice, Passion, Life | Wheelchair Scales and Cordless Power Tools for People with Disability Help people in wheelchairs to have better access to accurate medical advice with the purchase of OH&S-appropriate weighing equipment. | Toowoomba | $4,413 | |||
Happy Valley Community Association Inc | Happy Valley Wildfire Preparedness Project Improve the community’s capacity to respond to bushfires by purchasing two portable water tanks, suitable for use by waterbombing helicopters. | Fraser Island | $10,000 | |||
LifeFlight Foundation Ltd | 'First Minute Matters' - Community Trauma Training Workshops Strengthen local community’s ability to respond to medical emergencies by providing trauma first aid training to residences in Surat, St George and Condamine. | Surat | $3,680 | |||
Malanda Community Kindergarten Assoc Inc | Malanda Community Kindergarten Major Playground Upgrade Encourage children’s learning and development through play by installing a new all-abilities swing. | Malanda | $10,000 | |||
Myall Park Botanic Garden Limited | Upgrading and Improving Social Media Platforms Develop volunteers’ skills to digitally connect with their community and other special interest groups by purchasing and recording a series of virtual coaching sessions. | Glenmorgan | $3,999 | |||
Ravenshoe Men's Shed Inc | New Machinery to Provide Further Services to the Community Improve the men’s shed’s ability to support and service the community through the purchase of new machining tools. | Ravenshoe | $10,000 | |||
Riding for Disabled Association Maryborough Inc | Purchase of New / Replacement Horses for Maryborough RDA Herd Improve the association’s ability to support and service the community thought the purchase of replacement horses. | Maryborough | $10,000 | |||
Prepare and Recover - 2019/2020 Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Amiens History Association Inc | Amiens History Association Shop Fit-out Increase tourism, commemorate history and build the sustainability of the association post-Black Summer fires by outfitting a new retail space. | Amiens | $9,557 | |||
Curra Country Club | Disaster Ready Increase community preparedness for future disaster events post Black Summer fires and flood with the acquisition of a defibrillator and shed to storage emergency accommodation supplies. | Curra | $16,552 | |||
Widgee District Hall & Recreation Association Inc | Painting of Widgee Memorial Hall Restore a key community engagement and social connection space, also used as the Black Summer fires staging area by the Rural Fire Service, by repainting the 100-year-old Widgee Hall. | Widgee | $10,000 | |||
Wild Horse FM Inc | Wild Horse Wellness Project Improve mental and physical health of community members recovering from Black Summer fires by integrating wellness practices into all station activities including radio broadcasts. | Yarraman | $20,000 | |||
Prepare and Recover - 2022 Floods | ||||||
Opera in the Gardens Inc | Opera in the Gardens Goondiwindi Stimulate recovery and wellbeing for the flood-effected community by delivering art and cultural performances along with a skills development workshop for young people. | Goondiwindi | $25,000 | |||
Peachester State School P&C Association | Stuck in the Mud - Oval Remediation Works Boost the community’s ability to access emergency services during floods and other natural disasters by installing drainage on the oval and providing a safe landing area for rescue helicopters. | Peachester | $24,799 | |||
Texas Arts Council Incorporated | Texas Has Talent - Community Showcase Support the community to recover from flood impacts through the creation of a locally produced theatrical performance and people’s participation in the associated arts and wellbeing activities. | Texas | $10,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
Burnett Inland Economic Development Organisation Inc | Community Shared Working Space Improvement Development Enhance the process of recovery from COVID-19 by expanding ‘The Platform’ as a place for remote workers to connect with the purchase of a new printer and keypad access locks. | North Burnett | $9,362 | |||
Kilkivan Veteran's and Community Men's Shed Association Inc | Community Engagement & Rural Assistance Build the capacity of the Men's Shed to provide services to disadvantaged residents after COVID-19 through the purchase of mowing equipment. | Kilkivan | $7,267 | |||
MultiSkill Centre Ltd | Healthy Minds Provide mental health training to staff to enable them to better support disengaged young people accessing services after COVID-19. | Cloncurry | $9,316 | |||
Wondai Agricultural Pastoral and Industrial Society Inc | Enhancing Our Local Show & Christmas Eve Carnival Enhance the process of social and economic recovery from COVID-19 through purchasing event equipment to enable the running of community festivals. | Wondai | $4,699 | |||
SOUTH AUSTRALIA | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Australian Dental Foundation Incorporated | Healthy Smiles for Life Project Enhance access for disadvantaged communities to vital health services by investing in equipment for a mobile dental clinic. | Peterborough | $9,826 | |||
Foodbank of South Australia Incorporated | Building a Bridge of Hope: Upgrading the Food Hub in Murray Bridge Boost organisational capacity to support disadvantaged community members through food relief service infrastructure upgrades to create a comfortable and dignified shopping space. | Murray Bridge | $5,060 | |||
Kalangadoo & District Lions Club | Defibrillator for Kalangadoo Institute Memorial Hall Support local capacity to provide emergency first aid and improve health outcomes by installing a defibrillator in a central location. | Kalangadoo | $2,700 | |||
Nuriootpa War Memorial Swimming Pool Working Group Nuriootpa Futures Association | Installation of Accessibility Stairs at Nuriootpa War Memorial Swimming Pool Expand opportunities for social connection and access for all-abilities through the installation of accessibility steps at a community pool. | Nuriootpa | $10,000 | |||
Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society Inc | Purchase of New Defibrillator Strengthen volunteer capacity to deliver effective emergency first aid for people travelling through an isolated region by installing a defibrillator. | Quorn | $2,700 | |||
Tintinara Playgroup Lion Club of Tintinara | Tintinara Early Childhood Learning Program Support childhood learning and social wellbeing by engaging a coordinator to deliver an early-years program in a disadvantaged region. | Tintinara | $8,000 | |||
University of South Australia | Radical Rest: How do we Sustain Energy and Resilience in a Turbulent World? Build young people’s resilience and wellbeing in a disadvantaged region through an immersive arts and science program. | Mt Gambier | $10,000 | |||
Prepare and Recover - 2019/2020 Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Coffin Bay Progress Association Inc | CBPA Community Hall Roof Restoration and Insulation Project Support community bushfire preparedness by ensuring a pivotal hub is fit-for-purpose and energy efficient through insulating and reroofing the Coffin Bay Hall. | Coffin Bay | $10,000 | |||
Kangaroo Island Wildlife Network Incorporated | Kangaroo Island Wildlife Carnival "Australian Sea Lions" 2023 Support economic recovery after bushfires and strengthen community connection to the natural environment through holding a festival showcasing a local wildlife species. | Cygnet River | $10,000 | |||
Prepare and Recover - 2022 Floods | ||||||
Sammy D Foundation Incorporated | Expansion of Community Youth Mentoring to Murray Bridge Boost organisational capacity to support mental health and wellbeing of young people impacted by flood events through access to a youth employment and mentoring program. | Murray Bridge | $22,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
Advancing Whyalla Inc | Garden Art and Colour Reduce social isolation and foster a more resilient community after the impacts of COVID-19 through the delivery of outdoor art classes facilitated by a First Nations artist. | Whyalla | $2,815 | |||
SA RWG - Clare Branch SA Rural Women's Gathering Association Inc | SA Rural Women's Gathering Clare 2023 Enhance opportunities for community connection and skill-building after COVID-19 through the delivery of a rural women's weekend event in Clare. | Clare | $10,000 | |||
The Culburra and District Soldiers' War Memorial Hall Incorporated | Culburra Hall Toilet Facilities Upgrade Sustain the Culburra Hall and the work of its volunteers after the pandemic by upgrading the toilet amenities to increase safety and hygiene for locals and visitors. | Culburra | $9,114 | |||
TASMANIA | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Karinya Young Women's Service Inc | KYWS Workforce Engagement Project Boost organisational practice and capability to meet the needs of young people at risk through staff attending two national conferences to build knowledge and networks. | Launceston | $10,000 | |||
Lilydale Online Incorporated | Lilydale Online Access Centre Technology Update Strengthen the delivery of numeracy and literacy programs to improve employment opportunities through the purchase of IT equipment. | Lilydale | $6,260 | |||
Nubeena Bee Festival Committee Rotary Club of Tasman Peninsula Inc | Nubeena Bee Festival Generate visitation and economic growth in Nubeena by delivering an educational festival celebrating the importance of bees and the environment. | Nubeena | $6,820 | |||
Rocky Cape Public Hall Incorporation | Rocky Cape Community Hall Solar PV System Install Enhance social wellbeing and improve environmental sustainability by installing a solar PV system at a community hall. | Rocky Cape | $10,000 | |||
Prepare and Recover - 2019/2020 Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
St Helens Neighbourhood House Association Inc | Locals Growing Locally Improve the mental, physical and social health of a community recovering from bushfire and flood disasters through community garden activities and workshops. | St Helens | $25,000 | |||
VICTORIA | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Avoca Friends of the Pool Inc | Pool Lift Enhance older people’s physical health and social wellbeing by installing an assistance lift to improve accessibility at the Avoca Pool. | Avoca | $4,650 | |||
Casterton Memorial Hospital | Pathways to a Healthy Mind Workshop Strengthen social inclusion and community wellbeing for disadvantaged people through the delivery of a facilitated mental health support program. | Casterton | $5,240 | |||
Euroa Arboretum Committee of Management Incorporated | Improving Access to Horticultural Therapy in the Plant Nursery Enhance volunteer capacity and retain ageing volunteers by providing mobile benches, stools and anti-fatigue mats to create a safe and inclusive workplace. | Euroa | $10,000 | |||
Girgarre Community Group Inc | Girgarre Community Garden Promote social connection and enhance food security by repurposing a neighbourhood house's ornamental front-yard into an edible community garden. | Girgarre | $9,217 | |||
Goldfields Employment and Learning Centre Inc | Friday Feast @ Mill House Boost social networks and improve nutritional health outcomes for vulnerable people, by holding free community lunches at a neighbourhood house. | Maryborough | $10,000 | |||
Great Ocean Road Health | Apollo Bay Youth Art Group Support mental health and wellbeing of young people living in an isolated region by engaging a facilitator to deliver an arts therapy program. | Apollo Bay | $10,000 | |||
Heyfield Community Resource Centre Inc | Supporting Seniors - Getting Out and About in Heyfield Enhance social connections and wellbeing for senior citizens by delivering facilitated social activities and educational programs. | Heyfield | $5,175 | |||
Kerang and District Community Centre Inc | Emergency / Food Assistance Program Development Enhance health and wellbeing outcomes and empower community members to access nutritious food by expanding an emergency food relief program. | Kerang | $7,100 | |||
Kilcunda Community Development Association Incorporated | Replace External Decking & Improve Disabled Access Improve access at a community gathering space and provide a safe, inclusive venue for older citizens by upgrading the entrance and deck at the Kilcunda Hall. | Kilcunda | $10,000 | |||
North East Support and Action for Youth Incorporated | Wicking Garden Beds Support disadvantaged young people experiencing hardship by developing a garden project to build social skills and improve health outcomes. | Wangaratta | $9,418 | |||
Tatura Community House Inc | Food Relief Revitalise volunteer engagement and boost a food relief program for disadvantaged residents by refurbishing a kitchen workspace. | Tatura | $10,000 | |||
Venus Bay Tarwin Lower and District Men's Shed Incorporated | Shed Educational and Modernisation Scheme Contribute to life-long learning and provide a safe environment for older people participating in Men's Shed activities by upgrading tools and equipment. | Venus Bay | $10,000 | |||
Whittlesea Men's Shed Incorporated | Women’s Basic Woodwork Course Increase volunteer membership and create opportunities for skills development and connection for older women by conducting a woodwork program. | Whittlesea | $1,720 | |||
Prepare and Recover - 2019/2020 Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Regional Arts Victoria | BAD KIDS Support bushfire recovery of young people in East Gippsland and foster connections across generations, through the delivery of a school-centred creative arts program at the invitation of the local community. | Mallacoota | $25,000 | |||
Adventist Development and Relief Agency Australia Ltd | Establishing Permanent Capacity for Food Relief and Disaster Preparedness in East Gippsland Improve health and wellbeing outcomes for vulnerable community members impacted by the 2019/20 bushfires through the construction of a food relief distribution facility. | Bairnsdale | $25,000 | |||
Avenel Fire Brigade Country Fire Authority | Informing and Strengthening the Avenel Community Enhance bushfire preparedness through the display of emergency and safety information by installing an LED sign at the Avenel Fire Station. | Avenel | $16,192 | |||
Bonnie Doon Community Group Inc | Billy's House: A Home for Bonnie Doon's History Support connection to place and community recovery from the impacts of the 2019/20 bushfires and boost visitation by relocating an historic house to a prominent community precinct to become a local museum. | Bonnie Doon | $20,000 | |||
Gippsland Lakes Complete Health Limited | "The Rainbow Ball” Foster mental health and provide opportunities for marginalised young people to connect and recover from the 2019/20 bushfires through the delivery of a community ball. | Buchan | $10,000 | |||
Mansfield Autism Statewide Services | Transport Connections Supporting Operation Gamechanger Provide therapeutic care and emergency evacuation support for autistic children and young people living in a region impacted by bushfires, through the purchase of a 12-seater bus. | Mansfield | $25,000 | |||
Tallangatta Agricultural and Pastoral Society Incorporated | Connection of Power & Water to our Recently Acquired Buildings Support community preparedness for future emergency bushfire events by upgrading buildings at the Tallangatta showgrounds. | Tallangatta | $10,000 | |||
Prepare and Recover - 2022 Floods | ||||||
Goorambat-Stewarton Fire Brigade Country Fire Authority | Chainsaw Electrification Project Enhance organisational capacity and support flood recovery and preparedness volunteers by purchasing battery-operated chainsaw equipment. | Goorambat | $4,335 | |||
Seymour District Arts Society Incorporated | "Building Creative Communities" Support community recovery and connection after devastating floods by providing shared lighting and other equipment for creative arts events. | Seymour | $9,900 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
Threatened Species Conservancy Inc | Bringing Bird-Lovers Together: Building Post COVID Community Connections through Birds Reduce social isolation and foster a stronger community after COVID-19 through the establishment of a facilitated birdwatching group and citizen science activities. | Apollo Bay | $10,000 | |||
Apex Club of Traralgon Inc | Apex Park Traralgon Reduce social isolation and enhance wellbeing after COVID-19 by installing fencing at a public play space to improve safety. | Traralgon | $9,500 | |||
C-Doc Ltd | Club CDoc Creative Community Collaborations Sustain and enhance organisational capacity post-COVID-19 via project management support to improve the delivery of community events and workshops. | Castlemaine | $10,000 | |||
Colour Terang Festival Terang & District Progress Association | Music and Dance Stage at Colour Terang Festival Celebrate local identity and reduce social isolation after COVID-19 by enhancing the staging of music and dance performances at a community festival. | Terang | $7,706 | |||
Committee 4 Warrenheip Inc | Warrenheip Reflection Trail Encourage access to nature activities to reduce social isolation and boost mental health post-pandemic by revegetating habitat surrounding new walking tracks. | Warrenheip | $10,000 | |||
Cornishtown Hall Reserve Committee of Management | Cornishtown Hall Restoration Project Increase community use of the local hall and boost social connection to enhance recovery from the pandemic through vital upgrades and repairs to the hall. | Cornishtown | $10,000 | |||
Dunolly and District Inc | Dunolly Gold Rush Festival Strengthen and enhance economic and cultural recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic by staging a community festival. | Dunolly | $5,000 | |||
Everton Tennis Club Inc | Sustainable Water Solutions at Everton Sports Complex Foster a more resilient, socially connected community following the pandemic by upgrading facilities at an outdoor community gathering space. | Everton | $8,275 | |||
Food for All - Swan Hill Region Swan Hill District Health | Food for All Edible Garden Expo 2023 Enhance the process of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic through hosting an Edible Garden Expo to increase knowledge and skills. | Swan Hill | $6,188 | |||
Horsham Arts Council Inc | Replace the Horsham Arts Council Building Roof Sustain the work of volunteers and enhance access to social and creative activities post-pandemic through repairing the roof at a community arts building. | Horsham | $10,000 | |||
Inverleigh Playgroup Inc | Enhancing Early Years Learning Experiences Through Playground Upgrade and Improvement Reduce social isolation of young children and their families after COVID-19 by purchasing play equipment for a community playgroup. | Inverleigh | $8,400 | |||
Jindivick Mechanics Institute Incorporated | Switch on Cinema for Jindivick Community Hall Foster vibrant community connections post-COVID-19 by installing AV equipment to enhance social and community activities at a local hall. | Jindivick | $10,000 | |||
Living Well Yallourn North Inc | Mental Health First Aid Training - Empowering Our Community Reduce social isolation and foster recovery post-pandemic by providing mental health first aid training for volunteers to support the broader community. | Yallourn North | $8,460 | |||
Mace Incorporated | Community Shed Climate Control Increase the safety and amenity of a community shed and the work of volunteers after COVID-19 through installing a drop ceiling and split systems. | Mansfield | $10,000 | |||
Mansfield Let's Talk Inc | Mansfield Let's Talk Mental Health Training Enhance mental wellbeing and foster a more resilient community after COVID-19 impacts by equipping 20 community members with mental health first aid training. | Mansfield | $2,500 | |||
Mitchell Shire Concert Band | Bringing Music into the Community Strengthen community connection and access to the arts post-pandemic by increasing the capacity of a concert band to perform at outdoor venues. | Seymour | $5,145 | |||
Murrayville VFF / Landcare Group Landcare Victoria Inc | Murrayville Wetlands - Creating a Space to Invigorate and Invest in our Community! Enhance access to nature and improve wellbeing after COVID-19 by installing recycled outdoor seating and tables at a nature reserve. | Murrayville | $10,000 | |||
Ouyen Roxy Theatre Incorporated | Developing a Community Garden and Outdoor Space Enhance community connection and reduce social isolation after COVID-19 by creating a community garden and outdoor space for gatherings. | Ouyen | $10,000 | |||
Port Albert Water Sports and Safety Centre Inc A0013133G | Safe, Clean and Thermally Effective Flooring Increase opportunities for community connection post-pandemic by upgrading the safety of floor coverings at a key community hub. | Port Albert | $10,000 | |||
Seed Lakeside Community Garden Incorporated | Expanding Boundaries - Seed Garden Create opportunities for social connection and skill development to support recovery from the pandemic through installing fences to expand the use of a community garden. | Sale | $10,000 | |||
The Port Campbell Surf Life Saving Club Incorporated | Upgrade of PCSLSC Function Centre AV System Encourage social connection and foster a stronger, more resilient community after the impacts of COVID-19 by upgrading AV equipment at a community hub. | Port Campbell | $10,000 | |||
Warrnambool & District Community Hospice Inc | Volunteer Education & Engagement Program Sustain the work volunteers after COVID-19 through the development of a volunteer education and engagement program. | Warrnambool | $5,000 | |||
WESTERN AUSTRALIA | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Aldersyde Agricultural Hall Incorporated | Outside / Roadside Toilets Improve visitation at the community precinct and enhance services by building an ablutions block for use by locals and tourists. | Aldersyde | $10,000 | |||
Goldfields Aboriginal Language Centre Aboriginal Corporation | Warburton Women's Rockholes Project Support the continuation of First Nations culture by recording important stories and knowledge of birthing traditions practiced by central desert communities. | Warburton | $10,000 | |||
Quairading Community Resource Centre Inc | Creating Connections Strengthen social connections and wellbeing by holding community market days, and yoga, craft and First Nations language classes. | Quairading | $10,000 | |||
Shire of Leonora | Leonora Arts Program Encourage more local involvement in the creative community by holding monthly arts and cultural activities. | Leonora | $10,000 | |||
Warlayirti Artists Aboriginal Corporation Inc | Strong Law, Two-Way for Kutjungka Artists and Art Centres Boost an art centre’s ability to support First Nations artists’ legal rights and responsibilities with access to legal advice on copyright, intellectual property and inheritance issues. | Tanami | $10,000 | |||
Welbungin Sports and Progress Association Inc | Welbungin Centenary Celebration Encourage people to come together to enhance a sense of community by holding dance and exhibition celebrating 100 years of settlement. | Welbungin | $2,665 | |||
Prepare and Recover - Tropical Cyclone Seroja 2021 | ||||||
Kalbarri Development Association Incorporated | Rebuild Kalbarri Community Hall - Celebrate the Volunteers who Returned Kalbarri to Normal after Cyclone Seroja Strengthen peoples’ connections and support SES volunteers to recover from the impacts of Cyclone Seroja by holding an event celebrating the community's resilience. | Kalbarri | $22,500 | |||
Mullewa Sports Club Incorporated | Shade Sail Replacement Provide protection from the elements with replacement of the playground shade sails damaged during Cyclone Seroja. | Mullewa | $4,785 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
Pinjarra Bowling and Recreation Club Incorporated | Cooking for the Community Sustain the community work of the club after COVID-19 by purchasing a commercial oven to increase their capability to host community events. | Pinjarra | $9,910 | |||
Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) Harvey Inc | To Update and Obtain Correct Equipment to Support Volunteers’ Wellbeing Sustain the work of the Association and support RDA volunteers post-COVID-19 through the purchase of appropriate office and safety equipment to increase the ease of tasks. | Harvey | $6,308 |
Nearly half of the funding to go towards COVID-19 recovery
Thanks to FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) program, 130 projects across remote, rural and regional Australia will share in $1,663,531 in grants.

These projects are all community-led initiatives that will have a direct benefit to the people living in the local area.
For the first time, the SRC grant recipients have been divided into three streams: the Small & Vital stream, 2019/20 Black Summer bushfire recovery and a new Rebuilding Regional Communities stream, which focuses on recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic in remote, rural and regional Australia.
Funding to support COVID-19 recovery
In this round, 50 of the projects receiving funding are helping to support their community’s ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the RRC stream, these projects will share in $834,892. This includes initiatives like the Texas Country Music Festival, which will receive funding that will help to bring community members together again and improve social connectedness after extended periods of isolation.
Black Summer grants
This round will also see 25 projects receive funding to support the ongoing recovery from the 2019/20 Black Summer bushfires. These projects will share $410,519, with organisations like Kingscote Men’s Shed using the grant for a project focused on empowering the men of the bushfire impacted region, as well as a coastal habitat rehabilitation.
Small & Vital stream
Through the Small & Vital stream, 55 initiatives will share $418,120 in grants. This stream funds projects that locals prioritise to take advantage of opportunities, address gaps in services or generally enhance the vitality of remote, rural and regional communities. For example, the Akurra Walking Trail will get bilingual signage, which will expand opportunities to learn about First Nation’s history, language and connection to the environment.
Jill Karena, Place Portfolio Lead at FRRR, said that this round of applications really highlighted the need for initiatives to tackle the negative impacts of the pandemic.
“This is the first SRC round where we’ve received applications for COVID recovery support through the RRC stream and there were some obvious trends. A large majority of the applications we received were related to mental health issues and social dislocation, which is a strong indicator of how remote, rural and regional Australia is faring in the wake of the pandemic and successive disaster events including fires, floods and drought. This is often exacerbated by the housing crisis and increased costs of living.
“We also clearly saw the impacts of COVID on the sustainability of these backbone organisations, with 30 percent of applications seeking support to ensure they can continue their day-to-day work, providing critical services and support, often to the most vulnerable members of the community.
“When it came to the Bushfire Recovery stream this round, a lot of the applications were focused on reducing the burden on volunteer, whereas in previous rounds we’ve seen more of a focus on infrastructure. This aligns with the findings of our Heartbeat of Rural Australia survey, which showed that volunteers in rural Australia are feeling more fatigued than ever. There was also a strong trend toward greater community connection, with projects to help bring the community together to share their experiences and support one another in their ongoing recovery.
“Meanwhile, in the Small & Vital stream, we continued to see a focus on projects that address food security, although many now also incorporate multiple community-building aspects, such as a community garden also acting as the base for training horticulture students, boosting vocational skills and employment readiness.
“The fact that we’re seeing such distinct and varied trends in each stream of the SRC program really speaks to how important it is that rural communities have access to more flexible funding that can be used as local groups see fit,” Ms Karena said.
Some more of the 130 projects funded include:
- ShoreTrack Ltd – Nambucca Heads, NSW – ShoreTrack Recovery – Improve employability and civic participation levels of disengaged youth through work experience with the SES and RFS, including gaining essential qualifications. $25,000 (Bushfire Recovery)
- Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association Alice Springs Branch – Alice Springs, NT – First Aid Training for Home Tutors – Upskill home tutors and station workers in remote communities with first aid training. $5,000 (Small & Vital)
- Steaming on the Downs Inc. – Oakey, QLD – Community Skills Workshop / Mechanical Skills Demonstrations – Gazebos and Banners – Expand organisational capacity by purchasing a trailer and three teardrop banners, enabling wider social engagement and broader mechanical skill development. $4,110 (Small & Vital)
- Copley & Districts Progress Association Inc – Copley, SA – Copley Bicycle Repairs Program – Boost physical health and community engagement, and foster new skills in young people through the delivery of a bicycle repair program in a very remote region. $7,886 (Small & Vital)
- Squid Theatre Incorporated – Wynyard, TAS – Saturday Radio Theatre 2023 Season – Sustain the creative activities of a community theatre company by supporting a weekly radio drama, providing a vital point of connection for isolated community members. $2,842 (Rebuilding Regional Communities)
- Culgoa Development Group Inc – Culgoa, VIC – “Reconnecting Culgoa” – Reduce social isolation and foster a more resilient Culgoa through establishing a landscaped outdoor space for community gatherings and events. $50,000 (Rebuilding Regional Communities)
- The Nintirri Centre Incorporated – Tom Price, WA – Midwife Services – Sustain antenatal and postnatal care and support for very isolated remote communities in the Pilbara. $10,000 (Rebuilding Regional Communities)
A full list of grant recipients can be found below.
The SRC program is collaboratively supported by many generous donors, which are acknowledged on FRRR’s website.
This program always accepts applications. Local NFPs and community groups are encouraged to review the expanded program guidelines and apply. More information about the SRC program is available at www.frrr.org.au/src.
To support grants like this through FRRR, make a tax-deductible donation at frrr.org.au/giving/.
Organisation | Project | Location | Grant | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NEW SOUTH WALES | ||||||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Large | ||||||
Happy Boxes Project Ltd | Nyami Gawbarri (Women Gathering) Enhance the process of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic for Gumbaynnggirr women by supporting the expansion of services aimed at reconnection to culture at the Nyami Gawbarri community hub. | Toormina | $50,000 | |||
Human Nature Adventure Therapy Ltd | Wellbeing Sessions with a Therapeutic Mentor Reduce isolation and foster resilience through supporting therapeutic mentor sessions for Northern Rivers youth to enhance their recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. | Ballina | $21,000 | |||
Regional Community Care Ltd | Strengthening Regional SA and NSW Communities through Suicide Prevention Training and Support Sustain the work of Lifeline Broken Hill by supporting them to run suicide prevention training sessions across seven locations in Far West NSW and SA, providing the community with a suicide prevention safety net. | Broken Hill | $49,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Micro | ||||||
The Scout Association of Australia NSW Branch | Community Cuppa and Chat - Reinvigorating and Reconnecting our Community Reduce social isolation and build community resilience in Ulladulla by providing equipment and supplies for the local Scouts Association to host a weekly community morning tea. | Ulladulla | $2,550 | |||
Clarence Valley Conservatorium Inc | Forget Me Nots - A Community Singing Group Reduce social isolation and assist older residents of Grafton living with memory impairment and loneliness to recover through participation in the Forget Me Nots singing group. | Grafton | $6,000 | |||
Coomealla Health Aboriginal Corporation | Purchasing of Infrastructure Sustain the work of the Coomealla Health Aboriginal Corporation through the purchase of a handheld ultrasound device to reduce travel times for patients and help assess illnesses, including COVID-19, in the remote community of Dareton. | Dareton | $7,140 | |||
Country Womens Association of NSW | Spring Lunch Entertainment Reduce social isolation in Weemelah by supporting the return of the annual spring lunch through provision of hall hire, food, and entertainment by the Moree Ukulele Band. | Weemelah | $1,500 | |||
Hay Mardi Gras | Rainbow on the Plains Next Step, Step it Up Reduce social isolation for the LBGTQIA+ community and build resilience both locally and nationally for this vulnerable cohort through support for Rainbow on the Plains. | Hay | $10,000 | |||
Kendall Community Boatshed | Installation Of Vermin Proof Ceilings In Four Rooms Of Kendall Community Boatshed Enhance the recovery of the Kendall community by providing a safe and hygienic community space through repairs to the ceiling of the Kendall Boatshed. | Kendall | $8,050 | |||
Kentucky Memorial Hall and Literary Institute Inc | Purchase of Projector and Associated Equipment Reduce social isolation and foster social connectedness in Kentucky through the purchase of a projector and film licensing fees to facilitate a series of community movie nights. | Kentucky | $10,000 | |||
The Big Scrub Orchestra | Building Resilience for Young People in Regional NSW Impacted by the Black Summer Bushfires, Covid-19, and 2022 Floods through Modern Band Program Reduce social isolation and foster stronger, more resilient youth in northern NSW through participation in the Big Scrub Orchestra's modern band program. | Coraki | $10,000 | |||
2019/2020 Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Ashby Rural Fire Brigade | Replacement of Roller Doors For Ashby RFS Rejuvenate Ashby Rural Fire Brigade’s shed by replacing roller doors, which will enhance functionality and efficiency for volunteers in responding to bushfires and emergencies. | Ashby | $4,650 | |||
Association of Bell Clarence Dargan Inc | ABCD Inc Community Coordinator Ensure the continued delivery of community bushfire recovery activities for the communities of Bell, Clarence, and Dargan by employing a local 'start-up' Community Coordinator. | Clarence | $25,000 | |||
Bega Local Aboriginal Land Council | Bega Aboriginal Community Connections Project Support social connection for isolated Aboriginal elders, while also ensuring they are informed and supported in the case of future disasters, by supporting fortnightly lunches and activity sessions. | Bega | $22,627 | |||
Big Hart Inc | From the Ground Improving health and social wellbeing of bushfire impacted youth through creative arts and digital storytelling workshops and showcase events. | Nowra | $20,000 | |||
Braidwood Life Centre | Creative Spaces for Trust and Healing in Community Foster community health and wellbeing through a part time counselling service to support bushfire recovery. | Braidwood | $17,000 | |||
Community Defib Project | Community Defib Project - Lowanna Ulong Community Strengthen resources in bushfire impacted communities with lifesaving equipment, by purchasing three Automatic External Defibrillators to enhance preparedness in townships of Lowanna, Ulong & Brooklana. | Lowanna | $10,000 | |||
Goulburn Agricultural Pastoral & Horticultural Society Inc | Retaining Water for Future Use on the Showground Support bushfire preparedness at the Goulburn Showgrounds through installing rainwater tank. | Goulburn | $25,000 | |||
Gwymac Inc | Providing Support to Communities to Increase Wildlife Habitat Back into Bushfire Affected Landscapes Promote community bushfire awareness and preparedness and encourage the return of wildlife into bushfire-affected habitat by presenting educational nesting box construction workshops facilitated by a conservation expert. | Nullamanna | $25,000 | |||
Killabakh Public Hall Land Manager | Improve Killabakh Hall's Protection Against Fire through Better Water Catchment and Retention Increase capacity of the Killabakh Hall for bushfire preparedness and resources for water catchment by installing gutters, leaf guards, downpipes and works to connect rainfall to existing tanks. | Killabakh | $7,608 | |||
Rally for Recovery | Lightening the Load Support volunteer safety and build organisational capacity and efficiency through the purchase of pallet jacks and pallets to assist the removal and storage of heavy furniture items donated to people in need after the Black Summer bushfires. | Tomakin | $7,664 | |||
ShoreTrack Ltd | ShoreTrack Recovery Improve employability and civic participation levels of disengaged youth through work experience with the SES and RFS, including gaining essential qualifications. | Nambucca Heads | $25,000 | |||
Welfare Rights Centre Ltd | Social Security Training Program in the Northern Rivers Region, NSW Empower community organisations to support vulnerable residents in the Northern Rivers region, providing targeted communications and training workshops on navigating the social security system. | Lismore | $25,000 | |||
Woodenbong Progress Association | Woodenbong Community Resilience Strengthen community resources and bushfire preparedness for Woodenbong Hall as an evacuation place. Purchase of operational equipment including radios, laptop, lighting, medical supplies, toiletries, a shipping container for storage, communication tools, internal fittings, household items and supplies. | Woodenbong | $24,634 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Dundaloo Foundation Ltd | Dundaloo Enterprises – Community Awareness, Accessibility and Branding Create employment opportunities for people with disabilities by creating a website for microbusiness e-sales and providing work safety clothing for job readiness. | Taree | $10,000 | |||
Dunoon Pre-school Inc | Enhance the Structure of Our Roof Create a structurally safe and sound environment for children to play and learn by repairing the damaged roof at Dunoon Pre-School. | Dunoon | $10,000 | |||
Hargraves & District Progress Association Inc | Purchase of Digital Printer and Laminator Build connections and keep the community informed of local issues and events by purchasing a printer and laminator for the production of the 'Nugget News' local newsletter. | Hargraves | $891 | |||
Indigenous Futures Foundation Ltd | First Nation Food Security Project Reduce food insecurity by supporting a flood-impacted community with a purpose-built shipping container to store frozen meals for distribution. | Lismore | $10,000 | |||
Neville Equine Performance Inc | Multi-Purpose Horse Arena with Holding Yards Providing a Safe Environment for a Wide Range of Equine Events Build connections and provide protection from the elements for community events by purchasing a marquee. | Neville | $1,500 | |||
Northern Rivers Women and Children's Services Inc | Heartfelt House: Healing Pathways Program Support the community with recovery from flood and previous childhood trauma with therapeutic 10-week workshop to build awareness, healing and recovery skills. | Lismore | $8,520 | |||
Peanuts Wellbeing Sanctuary Inc | Strengthening Volunteer Base Support volunteer wellbeing and grow new ways for the volunteers to engage meaningfully with young people at the Peanuts Wellbeing Sanctuary. | Windellama | $5,318 | |||
Rankin's Springs and District War Memorial Hall | Bollards for Hall Safety Improve safety for preschool children, staff and hall visitors by installing removable bollards around the Rankins Springs Hall. | Rankins Springs | $3,000 | |||
RiverTracks | Post Flood Weekend Youth Engagement and Outdoor Adventure Therapy Engaging at-risk youth with an accessible outdoor adventure therapy experience, encouraging personal and professional growth. | Murwillumbah | $10,000 | |||
The Brunswick Heads Breakfast Club Inc | Brekkie Expansion Project Provide those in need access to nutritious, ready-to-eat food by expanding capacity and broadening local knowledge of available services. | Brunswick Heads | $10,000 | |||
The Showground Workshop Inc | Taree Showground Men's Shed Renewal Reduce social isolation and improve health and well-being by replacing workshop equipment damaged in the floods at the Taree Men's Shed. | Taree | $4,000 | |||
Volunteer Marine Rescue NSW | Jason's Cradle Improve emergency response first aid capability and strengthen community health and safety outcomes by purchasing a Jason's Cradle device to aid in the recovery of man-overboard victims. | Huskisson | $4,328 | |||
Walcha and District Historical Society Inc | Lawn mower purchase Reduce volunteer fatigue and enhance accessibility to the Walcha Museum by purchasing a ride-on lawn mower. | Walcha | $6,100 | |||
NORTHERN TERRITORY | ||||||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Large | ||||||
Tracks Inc | Wuyal - Sugarbag Man Reduce social isolation and build resilience amongst older First Nations community members by supporting participation in dance workshops connecting participants with culture and each other. | Batchelor | $50,000 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Director of National Parks The Trustee for National Parks Conservation Trust | Anangu Caring for Tjakura on Country Augment Indigenous knowledge and support participation in a research program to save the Great Desert Skink from extinction. | Mutitjulu | $10,000 | |||
Gapuwiyak School Council Inc | Cairns Work Exposure for Graduating Students Foster lifelong learning in a remote NT First Nations community through an excursion to Cairns to connect with tertiary education and employment opportunities. | Gapuwiyak | $10,000 | |||
Guts Dance Central Australia Inc | Brave Bodies Encourage youth engagement and participation in the creative arts with 'Brave Bodies' Dance Program for remote youth. | Alice Springs | $9,920 | |||
Isolated Children's Parents' Association Alice Springs Branch | First Aid Training for Home Tutors Upskill home tutors and station workers in remote communities with first aid training. | Alice Springs | $5,000 | |||
Pertame Language Revival Project Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education | "Pertame Relha Tningka Purta-irrema Kaltya-irretyeka": Strengthening and Connecting the Pertame Community Through Language and Culture Strengthen culture, revive the Pertame Language and bring community together on-country through camps and using digital technology. | Pwerte Marnte Marnte | $25,000 | |||
QUEENSLAND | ||||||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Large | ||||||
Talwood Race Club Inc | Renovations to Revitalise the Talwood Community Support the social and economic recovery of the Talwood community by upgrading facilities at the Talwood Race Club to enable a long-standing community event and broader community use. | Talwood | $50,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Micro | ||||||
Bribie Island Gem & Fossicking Club Inc | Purchase of Equipment and Supplies for Training Up Members to be Next Generation Tutors Sustain the Bribie Island Gem and Fossicking Club and their ability to recruit and retain volunteer tutors by upgrading essential equipment. | Bribie Island | $8,615 | |||
Burrum District Community Mens Shed Inc | Upgrade Outdoor Work and Assembly Areas Reduce social isolation and enhance community resilience by undertaking concreting works to improve the usability of the outdoor spaces at the Men's Shed. | Howard | $5,000 | |||
Clifton Dabblers Inc | Art and Craft Expo in the Park 2022 Reduce social isolation and foster community-led recovery by raising awareness of, and supplying materials and infrastructure for, the Clifton Arts and Crafts Expo in the Park 2022. | Clifton | $6,606 | |||
Nanango Tourism & Development Association Inc | Nanango's 175th Anniversary Celebrations 2023 Reduce social isolation and build community resilience by supporting an historical re-enactment at the Australia Day Spectacular as part of the Nanango 175th Anniversary celebrations. | Nanango | $10,000 | |||
Texas QLD Inc | Texas Country Music Festival Improve social connectedness and build resilience in Texas by supporting the hosting of the 2022 Texas Country Music Festival. | Texas | $10,000 | |||
2019/2020 Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Beaudesert Quilters Group Inc | Quilters Crafting 4 Community Build organisational capacity with purchase of laptop to further support the operation of local art and craft group and hosting of activities that support social connection in bushfire impacted regions. | Beaudesert | $1,750 | |||
Condamine Headwaters Landcare Group Inc | Learning to Love the Bush - Building a Junior Landcare Movement Increase engagement in environmental awareness and land care practices for children and young people in bushfire impacted regions through field trip learning experiences. | Warwick | $9,960 | |||
Zonta Club of Stanthorpe Inc | Zonta Club Of Stanthorpe Remarkable Women Foster a sense of identity and celebrate community connection by memorialising remarkable women of Stanthorpe in a garden, enhancing tourism and educational opportunities in local bushfire recovery. | Stanthorpe | $2,400 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Bamaga Productions Pty Ltd Inala Wangarra Inc | Bamaga Heritage Project Ensure the unique cultural history of Bamaga, and its founding by Torres Strait Islanders, is not lost through the recording of oral histories and restoration of the Bamaga Cemetery. | Bamaga | $10,000 | |||
Booringa Heritage Group Inc | Preserve Historical Machinery Strengthen tourism and engagement with local history by reinstating a steam tractor back to its original condition and creating a covered area to showcase it at the Mitchell museum. | Mitchell | $7,981 | |||
Goobidi-Bamanga Community Advancement Cooperative Society Ltd | Cooling Our Kids & Community Maximise capacity of the organisation to deliver programs for children and elders through the installation of two air-conditioners in the Goobidi Community Centre, enabling use of the space all year round. | Mossman | $8,730 | |||
Gympie South Primary P&C Association | Hall Upgrades Enable educational and engaging activities of the community groups that use the Gympie South Primary School through upgrading the hall PA system. | Gympie | $7,404 | |||
Kalyan Youth Services Inc | Yarning Circle Support relationship building and provide a safe space for homeless youth by installing a Yarning Circle at Kalyan House. | Mackay | $9,902 | |||
Kilkivan State School (Cattle Team) Kilkivan Primary P&C Association | Cattle Show Team - Kilkivan State School Develop the educational offerings and pre-vocational connections of the Kilkivan School Cattle Team by purchasing the necessary equipment to care for and handle show cattle safely. | Kilkivan | $6,380 | |||
Leading in the Central West Inc | Growing Our Region Provide leadership training in remote locations, that will upskill volunteers and community members to increase confidence, capabilities and networks of people in Central Western Queensland. | Barcaldine | $5,830 | |||
QCWA Branch Abergowrie & Long Pocket | Storage Solutions Strengthen organisational resilience and capacity by purchasing a 20-foot shipping container to store and keep furniture safe from theft, vermin or extreme wet weather and free up space in the QCWA hall. | Longpocket | $7,150 | |||
Returned & Services League of Australia (Queensland Branch) Mundubbera Sub-Branch Inc | Help us to Help our Veterans Reduce volunteer fatigue and enhance accessibility of a local community facility through acquisition of reliable gardening equipment for grounds maintenance. | Mundubbera | $3,962 | |||
Steaming on the Downs Inc | Community Skills Workshop / Mechanical Skills Demonstrations - Gazebo's and Banners Expand organisational capacity by purchasing a trailer and three teardrop banners, enabling wider social engagement and broader mechanical skill development. | Oakey | $4,110 | |||
Tara & District Family Support Committee Inc | Enclosing a Community Space for Year-Round Use Improve useability of the outdoor deck at the Tara Neighbourhood Centre through the installation of outdoor blinds and strip lighting, increasing comfort for community groups all year round. | Tara | $8,498 | |||
Texas Golf Club Inc | Disabled Access Doors Increase inclusivity of community events for those with mobility issues through the installation of large accessible doors to the Texas Golf Club. | Texas | $7,000 | |||
The Creche and Kindergarten Association Ltd | Interactive Learning at C&K Longreach Support improved educational outcomes for local children through the purchase of an interactive whiteboard. | Longreach | $4,300 | |||
Yelarbon Primary P&C Association | Safer and Prepared Community Improve emergency response first aid capability and strengthen community health and safety outcomes via purchasing and installing an Auto External Defibrillator at the Yelarbon Recreation Grounds. | Yelarbon | $2,500 | |||
Laura District Rodeo & Camp Draft Assoc Inc | Laura Race Club Reserve Water Supply Project Encourage people to come together to improve relationships and strengthen the local economy through the installation of a bore and a water reticulation system at a local Reserve. | Laura | $25,000 | |||
SOUTH AUSTRALIA | ||||||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Large | ||||||
Murray Bridge Community Centre Inc | Workshops to Wellbeing Reduce social isolation and foster a more resilient community through running workshops to re-engage a community impacted by COVID-19. | Murray Bridge | $50,000 | |||
2019/2020 Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Kingscote Mens Shed Inc | Improving Social Wellbeing and Coastal Habitat Post-Bushfires; Meaningful Activity to Enhance Connection for Men on Kangaroo Island Empower the men of a bushfire impacted region to engage in social activities whilst supporting a coastal habitat rehabilitation project. | Kingscote | $15,056 | |||
Lobethal Recreation Ground Sports Club Inc | Fitout of Community Kitchen Strengthen community resources that enable bushfire preparedness by installing a community kitchen in a newly constructed building at Lobethal Oval. | Lobethal | $9,536 | |||
Parndana Bowling Club Inc | The Disability Accessibility Project Increase community access for all abilities and enhance bushfire recovery opportunities by improving disability access at a community gathering space. | Parndana | $19,780 | |||
Parndana Community Children's Centre Inc | Parndana Community Children's Centre Business Establishment Foster organisational capacity by engaging a consultant to undertake operational and strategic planning to boost community economic recovery post bushfires in Parndana and surrounds. | Parndana | $25,000 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Copley & Districts Progress Association Inc | Copley Bicycle Repairs Program Boost physical health and community engagement, and foster new skills in young people through the delivery of a bicycle repair program in a very remote region. | Copley | $7,886 | |||
Foodbank of South Australia Inc | Annexing Resilience in the Riverland Boost the capacity of Foodbank SA Riverland to meet demand for food assistance, through the installation of a covered annexe at the distribution warehouse. | Berri | $10,000 | |||
Leigh Creek Community Progress Association Inc | Akurra Walking Trail Bilingual Signage Expand opportunities to learn about First Nation’s history, language and connection to the environment, through the installation of signage interpreting Adnyamathanha cultural heritage. | Leigh Creek | $10,000 | |||
Mannum Agricultural Society Inc | Mannum Show Infrastructure and Environment Improvements Project Broaden community engagement and support organisational capacity through the refurbishment of a gathering space and installation of a shade sail at the Mannum Showground. | Mannum | $6,170 | |||
TASMANIA | ||||||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Large | ||||||
West Coast Connect Inc | Queenstown Community Nursery Enhance the process of community-led recovery in Queenstown by supporting establishment of a new community nursery and garden. | Queenstown | $41,612 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Micro | ||||||
Squid Theatre Inc | Saturday Radio Theatre 2023 Season Sustain the creative activities of a community theatre company through supporting a weekly radio drama, providing a vital point of connection for isolated community members. | Wynyard | $2,842 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Forth Primary School Department of Education Tasmania | Sprouting Life Long Healthy Habits @ Forth Primary School Enhance student health and wellbeing outcomes and develop connections between community and local industry through establishing a school garden. | Forth | $9,100 | |||
VICTORIA | ||||||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Large | ||||||
Cire Services Inc | Building Resilient Children in the Yarra Ranges Reduce social isolation and foster resilience in the Yarra Ranges youth by supporting mental health and wellbeing programs for school aged children. | Yarra Junction | $43,388 | |||
Culgoa Development Group Inc | Reconnecting Culgoa Reduce social isolation and foster a more resilient Culgoa through establishing a landscaped outdoor space for community gatherings and events. | Culgoa | $50,000 | |||
Into Our Hands Community Foundation Ltd | Activate VRC: Re-activating Volunteer Engagement, Resilience and Capacity in North East Victoria Sustain community organisations and volunteer capacity in northeast Victoria through dedicated support to strengthen governance, planning, volunteer recruitment and grant seeking activities. | Myrtleford | $45,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Micro | ||||||
Foggy Mountain Inc | Foggy Mountain Primary School Song Writing & Performance Project Reduce social isolation for school children and support recovery from the pandemic through participation in song writing workshops and a community concert. | Kinglake | $6,340 | |||
Mission Australia | Volunteer Mentors: Driving Good Mental Health for Disadvantaged Young People Sustain volunteer capacity by providing mentors with training and support to respond to increased anxiety and distress in young people. | Bairnsdale | $9,950 | |||
Tatura Blue Light Inc | Re-starting Tatura Blue Light Disco Reduce social isolation and build a stronger, more inclusive community by providing activities for youth to connect. | Tatura | $3,000 | |||
Apollo Bay Chamber of Commerce Inc | Purchase of Event Infrastructure for Apollo Bay Community Events and Activities Enhance recovery by encouraging people to come together and celebrate community spirit through a foreshore events hub. | Apollo Bay | $10,000 | |||
Boolarra Folk Festival Committee | 2023 Boolarra Folk Festival Enhance the process of recovery from the pandemic for Boolarra by supporting the return of the Boolarra Folk Festival. | Boolarra | $10,000 | |||
Camperdown Theatre Company Inc | Purchase of Uniforms and Technical Equipment Facilitating a workshop to improve members' technical knowledge. Foster creative arts recovery and volunteer capacity through purchasing new equipment and volunteer uniforms. | Camperdown | $7,133 | |||
Chiltern Racecourse Committee | Chiltern Horse Festival - Celebrating 150 Years Of The Chiltern Equine Park Encourage people to come together and enhance economic recovery of a small community impacted by the pandemic by hiring equipment to stage a three-day horse festival. | Chiltern | $10,000 | |||
Clunes Neighbourhood House Inc | Rebuilding Capacity through Volunteering Reinvigorating local volunteering to support the process of recovery in Clunes through an online volunteer skills bank and community events. | Clunes | $8,326 | |||
Creswick Neighbourhood Centre Inc | Building Capacity and Strengthening Community Engagement in Events in Creswick and Clunes Enhance volunteer sustainability and skills development through an event management training program. | Creswick | $10,000 | |||
Inglewood & Districts Health Service | Enhancing the IDHS Residential Aged Care Outdoor Environment Enhance social engagement and connection with nature by upgrading an outdoor area to provide a more inviting space for the elderly residents and their visitors. | Inglewood | $10,000 | |||
Murtoa Progress Association Inc | Murtoa By Twilight - Moving Forward Together Reduce social isolation and promote community resilience by providing a local event that encourages people to come together post pandemic. | Murtoa | $6,450 | |||
Progressing Cobden Inc | Cobden Connection and Kindness Activation Series Reduce social isolation by supporting the community to reconnect through the Cobden Connection and Kindness Activation Series. | Cobden | $10,000 | |||
SisterWorks Inc | Capacity Building for CALD Women in Wodonga and Surrounds Reduce isolation for culturally & linguistically diverse (CALD) women in a regional centre and support development of new skills, through the delivery of a localised training program. | Wodonga | $10,000 | |||
Talbot Action Inc | Talbot Market Square Renewal Project Enhance the process of recovery by enhancing places for community connection and tourism through revitalising an outdoor public gathering space. | Talbot | $9,822 | |||
The Latrobe Chorale Inc | Trying Not to Lose our Voice: Keep the Latrobe Chorale Singing Foster social connection and connection to the arts by delivering facilitated choir workshops and community concerts. | Morwell | $10,000 | |||
Woodside Public Hall Committee of Management Inc | Replacement Fridges Enhance the process of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic by encouraging increased use of a public hall through kitchen upgrades. | Woodside | $3,998 | |||
Youth Art @The Colac Makers Space -ReGenZ Creative Otways Inc | Outside the SQUARE- ReGenZ Strengthen youth recovery from pandemic impacts by running a creative arts and mentoring program for vulnerable youth. | Colac | $10,000 | |||
2019/2020 Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Bairnsdale Neighbourhood House Inc | Bairnsdale Neighbourhood House Bushfire Recovery and Preparation - Strategic Review and Capacity Building Project Expand organisational capacity of the Bairnsdale Neighbourhood House to support bushfire recovery in East Gippsland by developing a strategic plan. | Bairnsdale | $20,000 | |||
Ecoportal, C/- Parklands Albury Wodonga Parklands Albury Wodonga Ltd | Ecoportal Website Rebuild Increasing capacity and capability of local community organisations to support preparedness and recovery through upgrading a web platform to promote environmental grassroots activities across bushfire impacted regions. | Wodonga | $10,000 | |||
Ensay Recreation Reserve | Rejuvenating the Ensay Recreation Reserve / Bushfire Relief Centre Increase capacity of volunteers to support bushfire preparedness through purchase of a ride on mower and storage shed. | Ensay | $22,854 | |||
Kiewa Catchment Landcare Groups Inc | A Strategic Planning Journey to Build Resilience and Capacity of the Kiewa Valley Landcare Community Empower collaborative partnerships and environmental initiatives in bushfire impacted communities through employing a facilitator to develop a strategic plan. | Mount Beauty | $10,000 | |||
Mallacoota & Genoa Broadcasting Association Inc | Radio for Recovery - Community Capability and Connectivity in Far East Gippsland Grow community broadcasting in Mallacoota and surrounds by purchasing audio technical equipment for mobile broadcasting unit. | Mallacoota | $25,000 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Barham-Koondrook Historical Society Inc | Turning the Pages of History Boost volunteer engagement and connection to local history through safeguarding a significant newspaper collection. | Koondrook | $9,700 | |||
Cobrico Public Hall Reserve | Upgrades to Cobrico Hall Improve opportunities for community connection by providing a comfortable environment with upgraded plumbing and amenities at the Cobrico Community Hall. | Cobrico | $5,520 | |||
Dingee Pre-School Inc | Art Magic to the Paddock Provide an opportunity for young children to share and identify with local culture through the creation of a mural illustrating the district's history. | Dingee | $2,400 | |||
Macedon Community House Inc | Macedon & Mount Macedon Community House Early Years Program - Start Up Procurement Project (2022-2023) Improve social wellbeing and development outcomes for young children by providing a local early years program. | Macedon | $9,100 | |||
Mooroopna Mens Shed Mooroopna Education and Activity Centre Inc | Solar System Enhance social and wellbeing activities, and improve environmental practices by installing a solar PV system at a men's shed. | Mooroopna | $6,000 | |||
Nhill Silo Heritage Project | Water Pumps to Protect Underground Assets Encourage tourism to an iconic regional town and preserve an historical community asset, through the installation of a water pump system at the Nhill Silo complex. | Nhill | $2,363 | |||
Pyalong Neighbourhood House Inc | Airconditioning and Heating for Op Shop Module Support vulnerable community members to live well in a place and encourage volunteer engagement through the purchase and installation of a climate control system. | Pyalong | $1,650 | |||
Stratford & District Historical Society Inc | Purchase of Ride-on Mower and Multi Tool for use at Museum Grounds Improve capacity of older volunteers to maintain historic gardens and outdoor exhibits through the purchase of a ride on mower. | Stratford | $4,950 | |||
Talbot Arts and Historical Museum Inc | Preserving our Past for the Future: Repainting the Former Amherst Hospital Isolation Ward Celebrate local culture, boost tourism and community engagement in Talbot by preserving an important heritage building. | Talbot | $6,776 | |||
Tatyoon Recreation Reserve Inc | Regenerating Old Grounds Strengthen community capacity to protect the environment and increase preparedness for fire events through rejuvenating a disused area at a recreation reserve. | Tatyoon | $8,000 | |||
The Koondrook Swimming Pool Inc | Sustainable Water Quality Improvement Foster health and safety and develop organisational capacity through upgrading the water treatment system at a community-run pool. | Koondrook | $7,490 | |||
Toongabbie and District Mens Shed Inc | Mobile Reception Booster Tower for Toongabbie Men's Shed Provide a safe environment and support social interaction for older people participating in Men's Shed activities, by installing a booster tower to improve mobile phone reception. | Toongabbie | $2,193 | |||
WESTERN AUSTRALIA | ||||||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Large | ||||||
Broome Community Information Resource Centre and Learning Exchange Incorporated City Information Resource Centre and Learning Exchange Incorporated | Broome CIRCLE Community Nursery and Universally Accessible Garden Boost community-led recovery and connection by supporting the establishment of a new all-abilities community garden in Broome. | Broome | $45,455 | |||
Glass Jar Australia Ltd | Art with the Stars – Spanning Western Australia from Kununurra and Tom Price to Narrogin Reduce social isolation and build resilience for Aboriginal girls in remote northern WA by supporting the Art with the Stars program. | Kununurra | $50,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities Micro | ||||||
Merredin Community Resource Centre Inc | Spreading the Words, Sounds and Music at Community Events Reduce social isolation by encouraging people to come together and celebrate at community events by upgrading PA equipment to improve audio quality. | Merredin | $2,263 | |||
Nungarin Heritage Machinery & Army Museum Inc | The Barracks Sustain the work of the Nungarin Museum by supporting their 'Visiting Volunteers' program through renovations to the rustic accommodation for travelling volunteers. | Nungarin | $4,198 | |||
Quairading Community Resource Centre Inc | Kwirrading Noongar Tracks: Adding Casts of Local Fauna Footprints to the Pathways of Kwirrading Koort Community Park Foster a more resilient community with acknowledgment of traditional owners' knowledge and culture through incorporating local Noongar Indigenous animal icons into park pathway. | Quairading | $10,000 | |||
Shire of Christmas Island | Christmas Island Senior Programs & Activities Reduce social isolation for the elderly and offer a variety of weekly activities to improve mental cognition and physical health and wellbeing. | Christmas Island | $8,979 | |||
Shire of Tammin | Community BBQ Reduce social isolation by encouraging community gatherings and support social inclusion with disability ramp leading to electric BBQ area. | Tammin | $8,675 | |||
The Nintirri Centre Inc | Midwife Services Sustain antenatal and postnatal care and support for very isolated remote communities in the Pilbara. | Tom Price | $10,000 | |||
WA Bush Poets and Yarnspinners Ass Inc | Toodyay Bush Poetry Festival Enhance regional recovery through an infusion of arts and culture at the Toodyay Bush Poetry Festival. | Toodyay | $2,000 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Denmark Community Resource Centre Inc | Emergency Relief Service 2022/23 Reduce food insecurity and financial stress with provision of emergency food supplies for people experiencing crisis. | Denmark | $10,000 | |||
Kalannie Community Resource Centre Inc | Kalannie CRC Coffee Cart Entice tourists to stop in town and increase opportunities for locals to gain employability skills with purchase of mobile coffee cart to service community events. | Kalannie | $7,594 | |||
Otitis Media Group (Inc) | Listen, Learn, Live Provide local access and improve public health outcomes via education and treatment of middle ear disease in remote communities. | South Hedland | $10,000 | |||
Telethon Speech & Hearing Ltd | Healthy Ears Project Improve health outcomes and build capacity for early diagnosis and treatment of hearing problems in remote disadvantaged communities. | Karratha | $8,904 | |||
Yuna CWA The Country Womens Association of Western Australia (Inc) | Upgrade 1957 Kitchen Improve functionality of volunteers' working space with renovations to 70 year old kitchen. | Yuna | $10,000 |
Significant funding to rebuild and recover from COVID
The Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) has welcomed a significant boost to its flagship Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) grant program, following an investment of more than $5 million from the Australian Government.

This funding, which will be available over the next two years, recognises the significant and long-lasting impacts of COVID and the localised effort needed to recover and rebuild vibrant remote, rural and regional communities.
From today, community groups and not-for-profit organisations in remote, rural and regional communities can apply for funding to support the recovery process, reduce social isolation, foster stronger, more resilient communities, or sustain these vital local organisations in their work.
The Australian Government’s support means that there will be $800,000 available in this round of SRC grants specifically for COVID-related projects. The COVID stream will have two tiers of funding – one will offer grants of up to $10,000 to groups working in communities of fewer than 50,000 people, while a second tier will offer grants of up to $50,000 for groups in remote, rural or regional communities (as defined by Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Australian Geography Standards).
Natalie Egleton, CEO of FRRR, said that the Australian Government’s investment is sorely needed and will be greatly appreciated by local organisations that have been struggling with raising funds, and coping with the effects of volunteer fatigue.
“At the end of last year, FRRR commissioned the Heartbeat of Rural Australia study, which confirmed that the pandemic has weakened the ability of community organisations to play their various roles in the community, at a time when, for many, demand for their services has increased.
“Many community groups that took part in the study – especially grassroots organisations with revenue of less than $50,000 – saw significant reductions in income as a result of not being able to run fundraising events and income-generating activities and, in some instances, funders redirecting their support. It’s also impacted the number of people able to volunteer, meaning that those remaining have been called on to do more, for longer. It’s no wonder people are exhausted.
“This program will help to rebuild rural communities by funding projects that respond to the ongoing impacts of COVID and will help communities get back on their feet.
“We’ve deliberately kept the SRC program flexible, as we know needs will be different from place to place, and from group to group. Projects eligible for funding could include supporting, training or attracting volunteers; running events; enhancing community facilities; developing services that assist people experiencing disadvantage; or purchasing equipment or resources that strengthen local organisations. We are very grateful for the Australian Government’s support and the commitment that they are showing to strengthen and rebuild rural communities,” Ms Egleton said.
In addition to the COVID funding stream, the SRC program still has grants available to support communities affected by the 2019/20 Black Summer bushfires. There is $650,000 available this round, through grants of up to $25,000. A third, more general stream of funding offers Small & Vital grants of up to $10,000 for initiatives that strengthen and support communities of 15,000 or fewer in remote, rural or regional areas.
To learn more about the program, and to apply, visit https://frrr.org.au/SRC. Applications close 31 May 2022 at 5pm AEDT.