This story was submitted as part of FRRR’s 25th birthday celebrations.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you. It is always difficult to fundraise, and then on top of that to apply for grants. Not only in time taken, but in the aspect of rejection – or rather rejections. So, thank you for taking an interest in country affairs and helping those you can.”

Jakob Gamertsfelder, Treasurer

“Morgan is a small country town of some 500 people. We have a group called Morgan Volunteer Support Group and we provide the Meals on Wheels SA service to Morgan and surrounding towns. The Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal provided us with a grant of $10,000, which we used to buy a community car to replace our 22-year-old vehicle – built in September of 1998.

“Our replacement car has let us continue these last three years quite happily, delivering meals. We currently deliver eight meals every day, involving eight delivery drivers on rotating shifts. Also engaged are five cooks and supply workers, with admin workers being mainly down at Adelaide headquarters of Meals on Wheels SA. We delivered all through COVID, all through the high river of 2022-23 that inundated 2,500 homes in our Council area, and on every public holiday. We have a good relationship with community and in this last year we have helped three customers in distress, waiting with them while they sought medical attention. Our numbers are not large, but what we do counts.

“I also want to thank FRRR and Kellogg Australia Charitable Foundation again for the further help they provided in the way of breakfast cereals and snack bars to Morgan Primary School. Every day Foodbank provides breakfasts for students who ask, which is about fifteen students. Kellogg’s did this not just once in 2022 but also in 2023. It was a splendid help. Thank you for helping not just us, but all of us.”

Much needed boost for 17 initiatives in affected NSW and QLD rural communities

FRRR, in partnership with Suncorp Group, has awarded $200,000 in grants to 17 community groups and local not-for-profits in rural areas impacted by the March 2021 floods and storms for initiatives that will support their recovery from the disaster.

Funded through the Rebuilding Futures program, grants awarded range from $1,573 to $15,000. This funding will help with projects such as restoring damaged infrastructure, improving buildings and maintaining equipment needed for future disaster events, developing local disaster-response knowledge and skills, and providing access to services that foster recovery.

These grants are the first to come from Suncorp Group’s $1 million pledge to FRRR to support rural Australian communities impacted by, or vulnerable to, significant natural disasters.

Natalie Egleton, CEO of FRRR, said the grant recipients have showed a sense of resolve and strength when it comes to rebuilding.

“Recovery is not a quick process – not every community is going to have the capacity to take the same steps at the same time. Despite this, and the challenges of COVID-19 and volunteer fatigue, we’ve been genuinely impressed by the drive of local groups to actively seek support and funding to help their communities recover from the floods. It’s this kind of resilient spirit and motivation that will see these communities thrive once again.

“More than 50 percent of the applications we received for this round were for infrastructure and equipment, which shows not only the extent of the physical damage from the flooding, but also the long-term approach that these organisations are taking to the rebuilding of their communities,” said Ms Egleton.

Suncorp Group CEO, Steve Johnston, said these grants will enable recipients to overcome challenges and take control of their futures.

“The recipients of these grants are determined to make sure their communities recover and bounce back from the March 2021 floods. Natural disasters can turn people’s lives upside down, but the challenge has become even greater with the added pressure of the pandemic.

“Our remote, rural and regional communities know how to come together and work to rebuild their own futures. That’s why grant programs like these, that champion community-led recovery, are so crucial,” said Mr Johnston.

Among the 17 projects funded this round are:

• Bumbalong Valley Progress Association, NSW – Bumbalong Emu Project – $12,490 – Boost community connection and support the conservation of the local emu population by replacing infrastructure damaged during the March 2021 floods.
• Hawkesbury City Council, NSW – Hawkesbury Community Tech Connect – $14,836 – Enhance access to internet and mobile phone coverage with the creation of community technology hubs across the Hawkesbury region reducing isolation and supporting disaster recovery activities.
• Weemelah Hall, NSW – Beautification and Infrastructure Upgrade Project – $13,358 – Enhance community spaces with the installation of a BBQ for community use and beautification of the Weemelah Hall.
• Rathdowney and District Memorial Grounds Association Incorporated, QLD – Repair Rain-damaged Equestrian Arena and Make it Flood-resistant – $15,000 – Upgrade community infrastructure to mitigate the impacts of future flood events on the Rathdowney Memorial Ground.

More information on the Suncorp Rebuilding Futures grant program is available here.