Regenerate Bega Valley and Regenerate Shoalhaven – two leadership development programs designed in response to the 2019-20 bushfires – are currently open for applications.

Leaders of local not-for-profit organisations in the Bega Valley and Shoalhaven region are invited to apply for locally-delivered leadership development programs, designed to build their capacity to help with ongoing bushfire recovery and response.

There are 24 scholarships offered in each location for local leaders who’ll get access to some of the best leadership thinking and practice available, plus practical tools and skills via experiential learning.

The Australian Government’s Black Summer Bushfire Recovery grants program is funding the programs, to be delivered by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) in partnership with the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR).

FRRR’s Acting CEO Sarah Matthee explains they’re part of FRRR’s Investing in Rural Community Futures program which aims to build confidence, ability, skills and longer-term sustainability of the region’s NFPs.

“We know local not-for-profits are often leaned on significantly, especially in the event of a natural disaster as was the case with the Black Summer bushfires,” she says.

“Pressure on programs, services and volunteers is leading to fatigue and a depletion of local resources. From our work over the last few years in both these communities, we’ve seen an overwhelming appetite for cross sector collaboration and planning within the community. The ARLF leadership programs will help boost their capacity and impact.”

ARLF Chief Executive Matt Linnegar says the Regenerate Shoalhaven and Bega Valley programs will help local leaders to collaborate, build networks and lead community initiatives.

“When future emergencies, or opportunities occur, this network will be invaluable. They won’t be just names and positions; they’ll know and trust each other and be able to work through the challenges in front of them, to build resilience.

“This leadership network will guide and empower communities to address bushfire recovery priorities aimed at rebuilding and growing their local economy.”

For Carina Severs, manager at Eden Community Access Centre and chair of the Eden Recovery and Resilience Alliance, resilience is about knowledge.

“I’d like people to know what’s available, to know the ‘capability and capacity’ of frontline emergency services, as well as the support services such as Red Cross, CWA have. Resilience is about learning skills and being able to look after yourself as best you can, but it is also about showing care for those around you – your neighbours, friends and others.”

Also welcoming the Regenerate programs, Kangaroo Valley community champion Nat Harker reflects: “No lives were lost, but our community has changed. Some people have since left, most are still carrying trauma but we are working closely together to build resilience for the future – to strive, survive and then thrive.”

Applications for the Regenerate Bega Valley and Regenerate Shoalhaven leadership programs are now open. Each program is open to volunteers or employees in the not-for-profit sector. There will be two four-day residential sessions starting in August. For more details and to apply, visit rural-leaders.org.au (regional programs). Applications close on 18 June.

FRRR announced today that they have appointed two facilitators in the Shoalhaven region to support the ongoing delivery of their Investing in Rural Communities Futures program.

These positions are being funded using part of the $1.3 million investment made by the Australian Government, through the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Program, which FRRR announced in November 2022.

The Investing in Rural Community Futures (IRCF) program has operated in the Shoalhaven and South Coast area since 2020, thanks to support from The Snow Foundation and Bendigo Bank, through their Community Enterprise Foundation. It is designed to help increase the capacity of the myriad of not-for-profit organisations who are so critical to the sustainability and vibrancy of the area.

Over the last three years, not-for-profits in Nowra, Ulladulla, Bateman’s Bay and more recently the Bay and Basin communities have come together to develop a roadmap of the assistance and skill-building that will help local NFPs to prepare for, respond to and recover from natural disasters, as well as the opportunities in the community. The most recently Federal Government funding means that support can now extend to Lake Conjola and Kangaroo Valley, areas that were severely affected by the Black Summer Bushfires.

The appointment of the two facilitators is the latest stage in the roll out of the funding from the Australian Government. That funding is also being used to support leadership and skill development, such as participation at the Art of Hosting workshop which is underway at Willinga Park in Bawley Point this week.

Meg Stratti will be working with communities in Nowra and Kangaroo Valley. She has lived in the Shoalhaven for the last 10 years, working to support local communities primarily through roles in adult education.

Kate McBride, who will work with Bay & Basin communities has lived on Yuin Country for around 20 years, and brings more than 15 years’ experience in capacity building and community engagement within not-for-profits (NFPs), grassroots community organisations and local government sectors.

Meg and Kate join Monique Carson (looking after Ulladulla and surrounds) and Jules Klugman (Batemans Bay) in working with community groups across the South Coast.

FRRR’s IRCF Program Coordinator for the South Coast, Carolyn Ardler, says that the additional Government support is a great opportunity to build upon the work they have been doing in the local communities with the support of philanthropic partners through the IRCF program.

“This workshop is the first chance that we’ve had to bring the facilitators together with local community leaders. All of them are attending the Art of Hosting workshop, which will enhance everyone’s ability to engage in conversations about the issues that matter. Together with the roadmap, this will ensure we’re all on the same page and can continue to work together to ensure local leaders have the tools they need to work towards their goals and priorities.

“This session is just one example of how we will continue to use this program to make sure the communities themselves are leading the conversation when it comes to their recovery,” Ms Samuels explained.

Matt Dell, President of Business Milton Ulladulla and Community Connect Southern Shoalhaven, says it’s rewarding to see the funding having such a direct benefit on the Shoalhaven communities.

“Enormous progress has been made in our local areas to recover after the devastating Black Summer fires. The IRCF program has been vital in supporting the community to rebuild and reconnect. It is absolutely essential the ICRF program continues with additional resources to empower our recovery and future resilience.”

Other upcoming initiatives include a leadership training program, which is being led by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation, plus other sessions prioritised by the local community.

To find out more about the IRCF program in your community or to get involved, visit ircf.frrr.org.au or contact FRRR on 1800 170 020.

Plus workshops scheduled re fundraising for NFPs and strengthening local connections

The Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal today shared that a $1.3 million funding boost for the Shoalhaven region to further enhance the capacity of local not-for-profit organisations to support their communities has already started to roll out.

The funding is thanks to a partnership with the Australian Government, through the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Program.

The additional investment means that even more of the ideas and initiatives identified through the Investing in Rural Community Futures (IRCF) program to continue the ongoing recovery following the Black Summer bushfires can be implemented across the Shoalhaven region. Thanks to support from The Snow Foundation and more recently Bendigo Bank through their Community Enterprise Foundation, FRRR has been working with communities in the Shoalhaven and South Coast area since 2020.

FRRR People Programs Portfolio Lead Deb Samuels says that this funding will benefit communities across the Shoalhaven region, all of which were impacted by the 2019/20 Black Summer Bushfires.

“This generous funding means that FRRR and our partners can continue to work with local community groups and not-for-profits to enhance their capacity to support their communities. We’ve already started by reviewing the roadmaps that were created previously and refreshing them in light of the bushfires and more recently flooding and the ongoing impacts of COVID.

“Practically, it means that FRRR can keep our facilitators on the ground in the Shoalhaven, so they can work directly with community groups to maintain the momentum that has built up over recent years through the IRCF program. They will continue to bring the community together and to implement the roadmaps identified for each of the participating communities.

“Perhaps most excitingly, it means that we have also been able to expand our support to Kangaroo Valley and Lake Conjola – again, two areas that were significantly affected by the fires.

“We recently funded 20 places at the Art of Hosting and Harvesting Conversations that matter in Bundanon. This three-day training session has equipped more local people with the skills to facilitate conversations that can lead to coordinated action and positive change. We will be further supporting local not-for-profit leaders the opportunity to attend Art of Hosting in the Southern Shoalhaven on 8–10 February 2023.

“Each of the initiatives that will be supported in future address issues or opportunities that local groups have already identified and prioritised. For example, in partnership with the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation, we’ll be delivering a tailored year-long leadership program to 24 participants from across the community, thereby strengthening the leadership base for the future.

“All of these initiatives are designed to help local community groups to better support their communities and so we are extremely grateful for this additional support through NEMA,” Ms Samuels explained.

The Art of Hosting workshop certainly made an impact on participants. In one of the closing sessions, in response to a question about what they are taking from the event, one person said “Excitement & hope we can continue to collaborate in the Shoalhaven to nourish our communities”, while another commented “Feelings of respect and admiration for all, different expressions of experience and life stories, strengthened by sharing in the collective”. This additional funding will hopefully mean more of these sorts of sessions.

Registrations are also currently open for two more workshops that respond to local priorities – namely around fundraising, and building and strengthening connections and networking across not-for-profit. Representatives from any not-for-profit or community group are welcome to attend, but registration is required:

Ulladulla Session – Wednesday 23 November, 9-12 pm, Ulladulla Civic Centre –
Register: https://www.stickytickets.com.au/z0ves/frrr_ircf_program_community_workshop.aspx

Nowra Session – Thursday 24 November, 9-12 pm, Nowra School of Arts –
Register: https://www.stickytickets.com.au/0gf26/frrr_ircf_program_community_workshop__nowra.aspx

To find out more about the IRCF program in your community or to get involved, visit ircf.frrr.org.au or contact FRRR on 1800 170 020.

Workshops for community-based not-for-profits in Batemans Bay area

FRRR is inviting not-for-profit organisations (NFPs) in the Batemans Bay region to take part in an upcoming series of two workshops to plan how the Foundation’s Investing in Rural Community Futures (IRCF) program can support them to create stronger organisations for a stronger community.

FRRR’s IRCF program is run in partnership with The Snow Foundation. Now in its second year, the five-year program is designed to strengthen local NFPs in the Shoalhaven through localised support, resources and funding so they can make lasting impacts in the community.

Called “Community Roadmap” (CR) workshops, these two sessions will together develop the community roadmap allow NFPs in the Batemans Bay region to come together and map out how they will leverage the funding and support of the IRCF program over the next four years to maximise opportunities for long-term sustainability.

Kate Dezarnaulds, FRRR’s IRCF Program Coordinator, said that the workshops will look to the future, helping Batemans Bay NFPs uncover shared goals and challenges, as well as offering a safe space for participants to reflect on and share the considerable challenges of the past year.

“The NFP community is incredibly diverse in the Batemans Bay region and has done an amazing job in supporting and connecting their communities through the challenges of 2020. The workshops are a great opportunity for local NFPs to come together and celebrate their resilience, as well as support collaboration and sharing of resources,” Ms Dezarnaulds said.

“From the Community Roadmap workshops, the Batemans Bay NFP community will have a list of priority projects that the IRCF program can then support over the next four years with grants and expert advice.

“The Community Roadmap is likely to uncover shared goals and needs such as strategic planning, governance training, digital marketing, finance advice and support, and additional resources to support innovation, sustainability and recovery.

“We are working with expert local facilitators, Campfire Coop, and invite a wide range of representatives from local NFPs in the Batemans Bay region, including those not currently funded through the IRCF program, to come along to the workshops and have their say,” Ms Dezarnaulds said.

Batemans Bay Community Roadmap workshops

Who	Community-based not-for-profit organisations in Batemans Bay, Nelligen, Mogo, Broulee, Moruya and surrounding villages.
When	Day session: Wednesday 5 May ,9.30am-3.30pm (lunch provided); or Evening session: Thursday 6 May, 5-9pm (light meal provided)
Where	Day session: Eurobodalla Botanic Gardens Evening session: Batemans Bay Marina Resort
How	Day session: Bookings via link Evening session: Bookings via link

For more information about the Investing in Rural Community Futures program in Ulladulla, Bateman’s Bay and Nowra visit – https://frrr.org.au/funding/people-grants/ircf-shoalhaven/.

Workshops for NFPs in Ulladulla, Milton, Mollymook, Lake Tabourie, Termeil, Conjola, Lake Conjola, Manyana and Bendalong villages area

FRRR is inviting not-for-profit organisations (NFPs) in the Ulladulla region to take part in upcoming workshops to plan how the Foundation’s Investing in Rural Community Futures (IRCF) program can support them to create stronger organisations for a stronger community.

FRRR’s IRCF program is run in partnership with The Snow Foundation. Now in its second year, the five-year program is designed to strengthen local NFPs in the Shoalhaven through localised support, resources and funding so they can make lasting impacts in the community.

Called “Community Roadmap” (CR) workshops, these sessions will be the first in a series of workshops to develop the community roadmap and allow NFPs in the Ulladulla region to come together and map out how they will leverage the funding and support of the IRCF program over the next four years to maximise opportunities for long-term sustainability.

Kate Dezarnaulds, FRRR’s IRCF Program Coordinator, said that the workshops will look to the future, helping Ulladulla NFPs uncover shared goals and challenges, as well as offering a safe space for participants to reflect on and share the considerable challenges of the past year.

“The NFP community is incredibly diverse in the Ulladulla region and has done an amazing job in supporting and connecting their communities through the challenges of 2020. The workshops are a great opportunity for local NFPs to come together and celebrate their resilience, as well as support collaboration and sharing of resources,” Ms Dezarnaulds said.

“From the Community Roadmap workshops, the Ulladulla NFP community will have a list of priority projects that the IRCF program can then support over the next four years with grants and expert advice.

“The Community Roadmap is likely to uncover shared goals and needs such as strategic planning, governance training, digital marketing, finance advice and support, and additional resources to support innovation, sustainability and recovery.

“We are working with expert local facilitators, Campfire Coop, and invite a wide range of representatives from local NFPs in the Ulladulla region, including those not currently funded through the IRCF program, to come along to the workshops and have their say,” Ms Dezarnaulds said.

Ulladulla Community Roadmap workshops

Who	Community-based not-for-profit organisations in Ulladulla, Milton, Mollymook, Lake Tabourie, Termeil, Conjola, Lake Conjola, Manyana and Bendalong villages
When	Session 1: Wednesday 17 March 9.30am-3.30pm (lunch provided); or Session 2: Thursday 18 March 6pm-9pm (light meal provided)
Where	Session 1: The Dunn Lewis Centre, 141 Vincent St, Ulladulla Session 2: The Grand Prix Lounge at Willinga Park, 132 Forster Drive, Bawley Point
How	To sign up for the workshop visit RSVP via the following links: Session 1: http://stks.be/ulladullacommunityroadmapworkshop-1daytimesession Session 2: http://stks.be/ulladullacommunityroadmapworkshop1evening

For more information about the Investing in Rural Community Futures program in Ulladulla, Bateman’s Bay and Nowra visit – https://frrr.org.au/funding/people-grants/ircf-shoalhaven/.

Shoalhaven not-for-profit organisations (NFPs) will now have on-the-ground support following the appointment of a Coordinator to help guide the Investing in Rural Community Futures (IRCF) program as it rolls out across the Region. 

IRCF is a place-based program, designed to address the needs and priorities of each community, particularly the unique challenges faced in the rebuild and recovery phase following the 2019/20 bushfires. As part of the program, FRRR and The Snow Foundation have partnered to work with Shoalhaven community groups and local leaders to help boost the confidence, ability and skills of NFPs in Ulladulla, Batemans Bay and Nowra. 

FRRR’s IRCF Program Manager, Alli Mudford, says that the organisation knows from experience how important it is to have someone local on the ground to coordinate the program and to support organisations in the Shoalhaven Region as they turn their ideas into sustainable solutions. 

“One thing that we heard loud and clear from the Shoalhaven Region during the online sessions we ran earlier this month was how appreciative they were of having access to hands-on support for their not-for-profits and communities,” said Ms Mudford. “That’s why we are delighted to have Kate Dezarnaulds joining the team as Shoalhaven’s dedicated IRCF Coordinator.”

Kate has extensive experience working with community groups, NFPs, cultural organisations and social ventures to help them increase their perceived value and economic sustainability, with a key focus on business development, sponsorship and fundraising strategies. She has held roles as Board Director, committee member and is a regular volunteer for a range of cultural and community NFPs. Kate is currently in the process of relocating back to the Shoalhaven, where she is excited to immerse herself in the community and connect with community groups and leaders.

Ms Mudford says that FRRR staff and Ms Dezarnaulds will work closely with local organisations in Ulladulla, Batemans Bay and Nowra to support them along their IRCF journey. 

“Kate’s practical experience with local not-for-profit groups means she is keen to listen, learn, adapt and respond to the needs of the Shoalhaven Region’s community organisations and help to keep them strong and vibrant. Her ability to foster relationships and build partnerships in the community sector are valuable skills that Kate will bring to her role as Coordinator.”

“Each community has its own challenges, unique personalities and the depth and breadth of not-for-profits that work within its boundaries. FRRR’s role in the IRCF journey is to act as facilitators and supporters, to enhance the ability of local leaders to deliver the change they wish to see,” said Ms Mudford.

“It is absolutely a privilege to be working with the local leaders we’ve met in the Shoalhaven, and both Kate and I can’t wait to see what the future holds and how local groups turn their ideas into reality.”

For more information please contact Shoalhaven’s IRCF Coordinator, Kate Dezarnaulds, on 0418 588 537 or k.dezarnaulds@frrr.org.au.
 

Three Shoalhaven communities to each receive up to $175,000 in Start-Up Grants

Following a series of successful virtual workshops and interviews with key community stakeholders, the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) is inviting not-for-profit organisations (NFPs) in the Shoalhaven communities of Ulladulla, Batemans Bay and Nowra to apply for Investing in Rural Community Futures (IRCF) Start-Up Grants to help these local groups address the needs and priorities of the community.

As part of the IRCF program, FRRR and The Snow Foundation have partnered to work with community groups and local leaders to help boost the confidence, ability and skills of NFPs in the Shoalhaven Region.

To kick-start the program, each of the three communities will receive up to $175,000 in Start-Up Grants for local NFPs. These Start-Up Grants are flexible and designed to support organisations improve their capacity to deliver services. This support could include initiatives like investing in community leadership, skills and training, strengthening communications and networks, human resources, mentoring or even wages for operational planning.

FRRR’s IRCF Program Manager, Alli Mudford, says that it’s fantastic to be able to bring the IRCF program to the Shoalhaven Region and to have the opportunity to work with local groups to support them to become stronger, more resilient and ultimately thrive.

“We had a really great turnout at the online sessions we ran, and it was wonderful to see so many local leaders eager to get involved in finding ways to work together, to become stronger and much more effective, and ultimately to help create a stronger community,” said Ms Mudford.

“We know from our experience with program partner communities in other parts of NSW that communities have ideas – they just need the time, space and resources to come together and share ideas and collectively build solutions to problems.

“We’re looking forward to now working with Shoalhaven not-for-profits to expand on their ideas, scope projects and determine how Start-Up Grant funding can be best utilised, so it makes the greatest impact now, and into the medium to long-term.”

Individual organisations and collectives are invited to apply for a Start-Up Grant. Community groups are encouraged to collaborate and identify ways to work together to maximise the use of these funds.

Applications for Start-Up Grants close Friday, 29 May 2020. Grants will be awarded in August 2020.

The Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) and The Snow Foundation have announced a $2.5 million, multi-year partnership that will help boost the confidence, ability and skills of not-for-profit organisations (NFPs) in Batemans Bay, Nowra and Ulladulla.

This partnership has been formed to support a placed-based program – Investing in Rural Community Futures (IRCF). This program was first launched in 2018, with FRRR and the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation partnering with local organisations in Leeton, Junee and Nambucca Valley across a five-year period.

Now, with the support of The Snow Foundation, FRRR can build on the momentum of this important program to support organisations across the Shoalhaven region to keep going, and ultimately, thrive.

The IRCF Shoalhaven program will see FRRR work with local NFPs over a five-year period to determine how they can best help themselves, so they can effectively focus on what they set out to do to help their community.

To kick-start the program, each community will receive up to $175,000 in Start-Up Grants for NFPs in Batemans Bay, Nowra and Ulladulla. FRRR will work with local groups to determine how this funding can be best utilised so it makes the greatest impact now, and into the medium to long-term. These Start-Up Grants are flexible and designed to support organisations in their capacity to deliver services. This support could include costs like investing in community leadership, skills and training, strengthening communications and networks, human resources, mentoring or even wages for operational planning.

FRRR’s CEO, Natalie Egleton, says the team at The Snow Foundation share FRRR’s belief that local leaders are best placed to know what is going to make the biggest difference in their community.

“The drought, bushfires and now COVID-19 have highlighted the important role that not-for-profit groups play across the Shoalhaven region. They are embedded in the community, so they know what is needed. However, many groups are struggling to know how to sustain themselves so they can continue this important work. Through the IRCF program, we will work with local leaders so they can more effectively focus on what they set out to do and help meet both the current and emerging needs of their communities.

“The answers will come from within the community. FRRR’s role will be to act as facilitators and supporters, to enhance the ability of local leaders to deliver the change they wish to see. The ultimate aim of the IRCF program is to break the cycle of a reliance on short-term funding and invest in the long-term viability of core not-for-profit groups.”

The Snow Foundation’s Founder and Chair, Terry Snow AM, says that he expects NFPs in the Shoalhaven region to respond enthusiastically to the IRCF program.

“The great thing about this program is that it’s far more than just being about giving out grants. They are important, of course, but the heart of this program is about bringing community groups together, sharing insights, pooling resources and finding ways to work together, to become stronger and much more effective, and ultimately to help create a stronger community. This is critical, as we have so much to do to rebuild following the devastating bushfires and now the challenges of COVID-19.”

FRRR’s IRCF Program Manager, Alli Mudford, says that it’s fantastic to be able to bring this program to the Shoalhaven area, which is focused on securing the long-term future of community groups.

“This program will see us work with these communities over a sustained period of time, so the not-for-profit groups become stronger, more resilient and are able to fulfill their missions with greater impact.

“We know from our experience with our partner communities in NSW that communities have ideas – they just need the time, space and resources to come together and share ideas and collectively build solutions to problems.

“FRRR recognises the importance of having a local coordinator on the ground to implement the program. We are currently working to employ someone locally who can bring their deep local knowledge and existing contacts to this project. This project coordinator’s role will be to provide community level support to enhance the delivery of the supported projects, to add value to other locally driven initiatives, and to strengthen cross-sector and cross-community collaboration.”

The first step of the IRCF program is to bring local leaders together. This would normally be done face to face, but given the current situation, it will be online, with separate online meetings for each community, from 4 to 6 May. Details of these workshops are:

• Ulladulla: 4 May – 10am-12pm
• Batemans Bay: 5 May – 10am-12pm
• Nowra: 6 May – 10am-12pm

Participants can register for a session by visiting FRRR’s website.

Once the initial workshops have happened, local organisations will be able to apply for the Start-Up Grants. Individual, locally governed NFPs are eligible to apply, although collaborative applications are encouraged, as FRRR has found that organisations often have similar needs. Applications for Start-Up Grants will close Friday, 29 May 2020.