Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR)
46 projects set to strengthen networks and capabilities
Thanks to funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund through the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative’s Small Network Grants, FRRR has awarded $1,285,219 to 46 not-for-profit organisations (NFPs) for projects that will strengthen community preparedness and resilience to manage the impacts of future droughts.
Nina O’Brien, FRRR’s Disaster Resilience and Recovery Lead, said that these grants will make a practical difference in some of the areas most sensitive to drought and help communities prepare for the inevitable dry times ahead and challenges that, in some cases, are already evident.
“The diversity of organisations that have applied, coupled with our discussions with local leaders, provide invaluable insights into the wide range of persistent and emerging needs that remote, rural and regional Australia is facing in relation to drought. Mental wellness and personal resilience continues to be a strong theme. We are confident these projects, many of which focus on strengthening personal skills and social connection at a grassroots community level, will really pay positive dividends in the next drought.
“Proactive initiatives include Holbrook Landcare’s series of events in south western NSW featuring The Resilience Guys, who will focus on positive mental health and informal support mechanisms. This is a great example of a project that makes a difference on the ground, particularly for people who may not access traditional mental health services. Other projects include Katherine Town Council (NT), who are organising facilitated workshops for women focussing on social resilience and online support sessions, as well GroWQ who are set to deliver mental and physical first aid training across Far West QLD. Both these projects respond to the challenges of remoteness in drought sensitive regions.
“Community groups are also finding alternative ways to support information sharing and connection to counter the closure of media outlets in some regional areas, which is leaving people feeling disconnected and unheard. The emerging importance of locally-based, community radio projects such as 2Dry FM in Broken Hill in New South Wales, are an example of how communities are adapting to local need, changing ways to stay informed about future climate, and to stay connected.
“These Small Network Grants are flexible and help extend the geographic reach of the overall program, which means they will help address a wide range of needs that local community organisations have identified in diverse locations.
“We look forward to seeing how these grants help communities be better connected, informed and resourced in the next drought,” Ms O’Brien said.
The full list of grant recipients and their projects are below.
| Organisation | Project | Location | Grant | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Networks Grants Round 2 - June 2024 | ||||||
| Stream 1 | ||||||
| NEW SOUTH WALES | ||||||
| Australian Inland Botanic Gardens Inc | Community Drinking Water Project Support community members from across the Wentworth Shire to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the installation of drinking fountains at the local botanic gardens, facilitating small-scale community infrastructure projects to improve connectedness, wellbeing and facilities. | Mourquong | $20,000 | |||
| Country Womens Association of NSW - Trangie Branch | Confidence in Capabilities for Trangie & Surrounds Support the Trangie community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through upgrading part of the Trangie CWA Rooms, enabling community members to access support services in a private and comfortable space and engage in activities, which will facilitate small-scale community infrastructure projects to improve connectedness, wellbeing and facilities. | Trangie | $19,343 | |||
| Foundation Broken Hill Ltd | Community Director – Engaging and Building our Local Community Support Broken Hill and surrounding communities to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of a series of volunteer skills development workshops, to improve skills and capacity in community risk management, planning and project delivery. | Broken Hill | $20,000 | |||
| Holbrook Landcare Group | The Resilience Guys - Blind and Legless Support Holbrook and surrounding communities to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of The Resilience Project, facilitating field days, conferences, forums, summits and seminars that enhance professional, social and community connection to build understanding of drought and climate change associated risks. | Holbrook | $19,980 | |||
| Inverell Community Radio Inc | Keep the News Local and Keep it Coming Support Inverell and surrounding communities to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through supporting the establishment of a local news journalist broadcasting service across the region that will facilitate initiatives to strengthen the capacity, capability and coordination of professional, social or community networks. | Inverell | $20,000 | |||
| K2W Link Inc | Thrive Through Drought - Environmental Education Through Theatre and First Nations Knowledge Support the Crookwell and Boorowa communities to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of Environmental Theatre performances, information sessions and creative workshops with Wiradjuri artist Jodie Monday across three days to facilitate professional, social and community connection to build an understanding of drought and climate change associated risks. | Crookwell and Boorawa | $15,864 | |||
| Narromine Business Collective | Rural Women in Business Luncheon Support the Narromine community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of a luncheon for local women with an interest in business that will facilitate initiatives to strengthen the capacity, capability and coordination of professional, social or community networks. | Narromine | $19,500 | |||
| Watershed Landcare Group Inc | Conversations for Change – Creating Opportunities to Build Drought Resilience Through Regenerative Farming Practice Support Gulgong and surrounding communities to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of a series of community discussions around the changing climate and innovations in regenerative farming, facilitating field days, conferences, forums, summits and seminars that facilitate professional, social and community connection to build understanding of drought and climate change associated risks. | Gulgong | $18,500 | |||
| West Hume Landcare Inc | Bush Bound: Walk, Ride and Move Through Burrumbuttock's Back Roads Support the Burrumbuttock community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of a field day event, sharing locally relevant drought impacts and preparedness information, promote local services and provide opportunity to connect with Country, facilitating the delivery of field days, conferences, forums, summits and seminars that facilitate professional, social and community connection to build understanding of drought and climate change associated risks. | Burrumbuttock | $20,000 | |||
| Western Murray Land Improvement Group Inc | Murray Connect Hub Support Barham and surrounding communities to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of Murray Connect Hub, a community information and drought preparedness and services website, which will facilitate small-scale community infrastructure projects to improve connectedness, wellbeing and facilities. | Barham | $19,660 | |||
| QUEENSLAND | ||||||
| Dawson Catchment Coordinating Association Inc | Community Wellness: Strengthening Resilience Together Support the Injune and surrounding community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of a community wellness project, by facilitating field days, conferences, forums, summits and seminars that enhance professional, social and community connection to build an understanding of drought and climate change associated risks. | Injune | $20,000 | |||
| GroWQ Association Inc | Rural First Aid Training Support Western QLD communities to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of remote first aid training throughout western QLD, facilitating initiatives to improve skills and capacity in community risk management, planning and project delivery. | Muttaburra, Barcaldine Longreach, Isisford, Jundah, Winton, Boulia, and Birdsville | $20,000 | |||
| Lowood & District Memorial Bowls Club Inc | Audio Visual Upgrade Support the Lowood community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery and installation of updated audio-visual equipment at the Lowood Bowls Club, facilitating small-scale community infrastructure projects to improve connectedness, wellbeing and facilities. | Lowood | $19,999 | |||
| Macintyre Ag Alliance Inc | Drought Ready, Together: Connection at the 2025 Agribusiness Summit Support Goondiwindi and surrounding communities to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of the 2025 Agribusiness Summit, which will deliver field days, conferences, forums, summits and seminars that facilitate professional, social and community connection to build understanding of drought and climate change associated risks. | Goondiwindi | $11,946 | |||
| South Myall Catchment Landcare Group Inc | Developing Grazing Management Systems to Prepare for Drought Support the Toowoomba and surrounding communities to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of two workshops and two field days to promote grazing systems, facilitating field days, conferences, forums, summits, and seminars that facilitate professional, social and community connection to build understanding of drought and climate change associated risks. | Peranga | $10,170 | |||
| Stanthorpe Agricultural Society | Stanthorpe Showgrounds Livestock Yard Water Infrastructure Improvement Project Support the Stanthorpe and surrounding communities to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of upgrades to the livestock water infrastructure at the Stanthorpe Showgrounds, facilitating small-scale community infrastructure projects to improve connectedness, wellbeing and facilities. | Stanthorpe | $20,000 | |||
| Tara & District Family Support Committee Inc | Preparing SWAN Network for Future Drought Support the communities of Southwest QLD to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through an updated Regional Drought Network Plan for all Neighbourhood Houses across the region, facilitating initiatives to strengthen the capacity, capability and coordination of professional, social or community networks. | Chinchilla, | $12,279 | |||
| SOUTH AUSTRALIA | ||||||
| Coomandook Area School | Roots & Rise: Cultivating Resilience Support regional South Australian school children from the Murraylands and Riverland, and Eyre Peninsula regions to share their common experiences of drought through the delivery of the three-day Cleve Area Schools Inquiry Convention, facilitating initiatives to strengthen the capacity, capability and coordination of professional, social or community networks. | Cleve | $15,024 | |||
| WoTL Ltd | Building the Capacity of Women to Thrive and Nurture Themselves, Family and Community During Times of Drought Support the Murray Mallee community of SA to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the support of women to participate in personal development focussing on skills, strengths and personal resilience, facilitating professional, personal and leadership-related development and learning to support drought preparation. | Jabuk | $17,350 | |||
| Yaninee Public Hall Inc | Toward the Ton Support the Yaninee community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of a weekend community event celebrating 100 years of the Yaninee Hall, engaging participants in a range of activities that build cohesion, by facilitating small-scale community infrastructure projects to improve connectedness, wellbeing and facilities. | Yaninee | $13,105 | |||
| TASMANIA | ||||||
| The Derwent Catchment Project Inc | Resilient Pastures, People and Networks Support the Upper Derwent Catchment community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of three field tours focussed on mitigating drought impact and increasing climate resilience and a social networking event that will facilitate field days, conferences, forums, summits and seminars that facilitate professional, social and community connection to build understanding of drought and climate change associated risks. | Hamilton | $18,300 | |||
| Big Hart Inc | Watershed ‘Just Feasts’ Program Support the Wynyard community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of six workshops and community feast events that develop knowledge of drought resilience food systems and food topics, facilitating field days, conferences, forums, summits, and seminars that facilitate professional, social and community connection to build understanding of drought and climate change associated risks. | Wynyard | $20,000 | |||
| VICTORIA | ||||||
| Maffra Men's Shed Inc | Amenities Block Refurbishment Support the Maffra community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of upgrades of the toilet block at the Maffra Men's and Women's Shed, facilitating small-scale community infrastructure projects to improve connectedness, wellbeing and facilities. | Maffra | $20,000 | |||
| Warrnambool Coastcare Landcare Network Inc | Building Climate Resilience and Increasing Productivity and Biodiversity on Farms in Southwest Victoria Support the Warrnambool and surrounding communities to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of two workshops and two field days targeting multispecies pastures, revegetation and water management topics and will facilitate field days, conferences, forums, summits, and seminars that facilitate professional, social and community connection to build an understanding of drought and climate change associated risks | Warrnambool | $20,000 | |||
| Yea Community Service Group Inc | Drought Resilient Gardening Project Support the Yea community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of enhancements to the Yea Community Centre Community Garden and deliver community workshops targeting gardening in a changing climate, facilitating small-scale community infrastructure projects to improve connectedness, wellbeing and facilities. | Yea | $18,227 | |||
| WESTERN AUSTRALIA | ||||||
| Goldfields Nullarbor Rangelands Biosecurity Association | A Pastoral Business Toolbox for the Southern Rangelands Pastoral Industry Support the Goldfields Nullarbor community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of two workshops focussing on pastoral drought resilience that will facilitate field days, conferences, forums, summits, and seminars that facilitate professional, social and community connection to build an understanding of drought and climate change associated risks. | Kookynie | $20,000 | |||
| Shire of Bruce Rock | Cultivating Resilience: Establishing a Community Drought-Resistant Garden Support the Bruce Rock community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, drought impacts through the creation of a drought-resilient community garden and a community planting day that will facilitate small-scale community infrastructure projects to improve connectedness, wellbeing, and facilities. | Bruce Rock | $20,000 | |||
| Shire of Westonia | Westonian's Working Together Towards Community Resilience Support the Westonia community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of two community events that will facilitate initiatives to strengthen the capacity, capability and coordination of professional, social or community networks. | Westonia | $20,000 | |||
| The Country Womens Association of Western Australia Inc - Darkan Branch | Wellbeing for Women Support Darkan and surrounding communities to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought by delivering a one-day workshop that will provide physical and mental education, support and resources for women in the district, facilitating field days, conferences, forums, summits, and seminars that will facilitate professional, social and community connection to build an understanding of drought and climate change. | Darkan | $20,000 | |||
| Stream 2 | ||||||
| NSW Far West | ||||||
| Baaka Cultural Centre Wilcannia Aboriginal Corporation | Artist in-Residence Drop-in Studio Support Wilcannia and surrounding communities to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of and the fit-out of an Artist-in-Residence studio for broad community use to facilitate small-scale community infrastructure projects to improve connectedness, wellbeing and facilities. | Wilcannia | $50,000 | |||
| Broken Hill Community F M Association Inc | Drought Resilient Community Radio Transmission: Far West NSW Support Broken Hill, Menindee and surrounding communities to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of broadcasting infrastructure upgrades and dust proof cabinetry at 2Dry FM’s community radio stations that will facilitate small-scale community infrastructure projects to improve connectedness, wellbeing and facilities. | Broken Hill, Menindee | $42,893 | |||
| Contact Inc | Empowering Remote Far-Western NSW: Uniting Communities for Drought Resilience Through Strengthened Connections and Networks Support communities across Far West NSW to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of eight community connection events focussed on connecting communities to services across the region and facilitating initiatives to strengthen the capacity, capability and coordination of professional, social or community networks. | Ivanhoe, Louth, Pooncarie, and Tibooburra | $49,969 | |||
| Isolated Children's Parents Association of NSW Inc | Kick Start Decisions and Reboot Connections: Learn to Dance in the Dust Support the Far West NSW region to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought by delivering eight facilitated workshops focused on increasing social wellbeing and drought preparedness initiatives across the region that will facilitate initiatives to improve skills and capacity in community risk management, planning and project delivery. | Hatfield, Lightning Ridge, Pooncarie, and Tibooburra | $49,000 | |||
| Milparinka Sporting Club Inc | New Amenities Support the Milparinka and unincorporated area of the Far West NSW community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of a new amenities facility at the Milparinka Sporting Ground that will facilitate increased community connection and networking in the area by increasing the usage of the grounds. | Milparinka | $50,000 | |||
| NT Arid Lands | ||||||
| Centralian Land Management Assn Inc | Stories of Resilience - Preparing for the Future by Learning from the Past Support communities in Central Australia to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the development of a series of podcasts and videos that build awareness of drought resilience through producer stories, to facilitate professional, social and community connections to build an understanding of drought and climate change associated risks. | Alice Springs, Central Desert Regional Council area, MacDonnell Regional Council Area | $50,000 | |||
| Landcare NT Inc | Building Governance, Resilience and Operational Sustainability of Community Landcare across the NT Support 22 Landcare-based organisations in the Northern Territory to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought by strengthening and streamlining their administrative efficiency through the creation of a fixed-term coordinator role supporting the development of a shared ‘corporate administration’ model, and facilitate initiatives that strengthen the capacity, capability and coordination of professional, social or community networks. | Palmerston | $50,000 | |||
| NT Tablelands | ||||||
| Jawoyn Association Aboriginal Corporation | The Gawk Gawk (Clean Water) for Wellbeing Project Support the Barunga community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through a range of community activities that improve connectedness, wellbeing and access to shared knowledge of water awareness using culturally led approaches to facilitate development and learning initiatives to facilitate professional, personal and leadership-related development and learning to support drought preparation. | Barunga | $50,000 | |||
| Katherine Town Council | Resilience and Wellbeing in Tough Times Support the Katherine community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of three facilitated workshops for women focussing on social resilience topics, resources and three months of extended online support sessions that facilitate field days, conferences, forums, summits and seminars that to facilitate professional, social and community connection to build an understanding of drought and climate change associated risks. | Katherine | $32,258 | |||
| Northern Territory Farmers Association Inc | Mental Health First Aid / Accidental Counsellor Training Support communities in Northern Australia (NT and WA) to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through blended mental health first aid and accidental counsellor training for staff of four agricultural membership organisations, with face-to-face components delivered in Darwin, Broome and Kununurra, to support initiatives to improve skills and capacity in community risk management, planning and project delivery. | Katherine | $49,665 | |||
| Mimal Land Management Aboriginal Corporation | Strong Women for Healthy Country Forum 2024 Support the Northern Territory community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through enabling 50 Indigenous women in land management to attend the 2024 Strong Women for Healthy Country Forum and will facilitate including field days, conferences, forums, summits, and seminars that facilitate professional, social and community connection to build understanding of drought and climate change associated risks | Crab Claw Island | $50,000 | |||
| WA Great Southern | ||||||
| Borden Pavilion Committee Inc | Through the Lens: Our Fragile Environment and Economy Through the Eyes of our Local Community Support the Borden community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through repairs and upgrades of flooring at the Borden Pavilion and the delivery of a photography workshop, enabling community members and students access to creative outlets to build drought awareness and facilitates professional, social and community connection to build an understanding of drought and climate change-associated risks. | Borden | $30,290 | |||
| Gnowangerup Aboriginal Corporation | Carrying Insights of Cool Burning: Noongar Techniques and Fire Mitigation Strategies in a Drying Climate Support the Gnowangerup community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the provision of firefighting equipment and specialised training to enable sharing of local Noongar fire mitigation and cool burn techniques, and strengthen the capacity, capability and coordination of professional, social or community networks. | Gnowangerup | $49,350 | |||
| Katanning's Piesse Park Community Inc | Shady Places & Food Security Support the Katanning community be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through creating shaded areas and installing a water-efficient community garden in Katanning’s Piesse Park, enabling the sharing of relevant knowledge in readiness for drought to facilitate professional, personal and leadership-related development and learning to support drought preparation. | Katanning | $13,829 | |||
| Katanning Land Conservation District Committee | Bringing EcoWeek Back to Reconnect and Strengthen the Katanning Community Support the Katanning community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of an EcoWeek program with the theme ‘Stronger for the Dry’, that includes a range of events and workshops related to building drought awareness and resilience that facilitate professional, social and community connection to build understanding of drought and climate change associated risks. | Katanning | $39,510 | |||
| Porongurup Community Association Inc | Porongurup Hall Kitchen Renovation Project Support the Porongurup community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the renovation of the Porongurup Hall kitchen to support capacity to host activities and facilitate the use of small-scale community infrastructure projects to improve connectedness, wellbeing, and facilities. | Porongurup | $50,000 | |||
| Southern Dirt Inc | Cultivating Sustainable Futures: Building Long-term Drought Resilience Through Grower Group-led Educational Initiatives Support Kojonup and surrounds to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of soil health education sessions for local school children focussed on building long-term drought resilience and to build an understanding of drought and climate change associated risks. | Kojonup | $49,208 | |||
First round of Small Network Grants benefit 29 NFPs
FRRR has awarded $737,774 in Small Network Grants to 29 not-for-profit organisations (NFPs) working in remote, rural and regional Australia for projects that will strengthen the capacity and capability of their communities to prepare for, and be resilient to, the impacts of future droughts.
The Small Network Grants program is supported by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund through the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative.
Funded projects are diverse, including a Mental Health forum in Junee, NSW; a series of community connection and education events in Alice Springs, NT; a portable toilet to support small-scale community infrastructure projects in Boonah, QLD; a demonstration day for the new digital weather station and soil probe network in Kingscote, SA; Accidental Counsellor training for the Tasmanian community of Triabunna; a Field Day for local secondary students in Birchip, VIC; and a series of natural resources management and drought education sessions in the Great Southern WA region of Kendenup.
Nina O’Brien, FRRR’s Disaster Resilience and Recovery Lead, said strong interest in the program indicates that organisations and local leaders are actively seeking ways to inspire their communities to connect, communicate and strengthen social capital, so they can better withstand the impacts of future drought.
“Most of the applications we saw in this round of the Small Network Grants program were for projects designed to improve communication, social connection and collaboration within and between communities, as a way of strengthening and preparing for drought.
“Far North West Joint Organisation’s Drought Resilience Community Action Group is a great example of this type of initiative. With a $50,000 grant, the Action Group will help the communities of Bourke, Brewarrina, Walgett and Cobar to increase knowledge and resource sharing and promote collaboration, so that the NSW Far West region can be better prepared.
“More than half of the applications we received have never been funded by FRRR. This means we are reaching grassroots organisations and responding to the increased priority around drought preparedness in many remote, rural and regional communities, many of which are still recovering from other climate-related disasters like cyclone and flooding.
“We look forward to seeing how these projects help community groups be better connected, informed and resourced in the next drought,” Ms O’Brien said.
Applications for Round 2 of Small Network Grants are open now and close 26 March 2024, with recipients announced in June 2024.
Potential applicants are encouraged to watch this recorded webinar to learn more about the program and the eligibility requirements: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DHpeNQqPeI.
For more information, including the list of eligible LGAs, and to apply, visit: https://frrr.org.au/small-networks-grants.
The full list of grant recipients and their projects are below.
| Organisation | Project | Location | Grant | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Networks Grants Round 1 - March 2024 | ||||||
| Stream 1 | ||||||
| NEW SOUTH WALES | ||||||
| Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Fund Ltd | Community Capacity Building Drought-Ready Workshop Support the Batlow community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of a two-day workshop focused on skills development and increasing awareness of drought and drought preparedness activities for up to 20 emerging leaders across the community. This will enable the development and learning initiatives to facilitate professional, personal and leadership-related development and learning to support drought preparation. | Batlow | $16,169 | |||
| Far South Coast Dairy Development Group Inc | Autumn Break: Supporting Community in Tough Times Improved communication, social connection, and collaboration within and between communities to support drought preparedness and improved implementation of place-based practices by communities to build and enhance resilience to drought. | Bega | $20,000 | |||
| Junee Community Centre Inc | Drought Resilience - Junee Mental Health Forum Support the Junee community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of a Mental Health forum, that will facilitate professional, social and community connection to build an understanding of drought and climate change associated risks. | Junee | $15,600 | |||
| Karuah & Great Lakes Landcare Inc | Preparing for Drought Support the Stroud community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of two one-day workshops providing education and demonstration in drought preparation for mitigating the impacts of dry spells, facilitating professional, social and community connection to build an understanding of drought and climate change associated risks. | Stoud | $20,000 | |||
| Murdi Paaki Regional Rugby League Council Inc | CCC Community Wellbeing Project Condobolin Support the Condobolin community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of a Mentally Fit Classroom Initiative and community engagement dinner, enabling the facilitation of professional, social and community connection to build understanding of drought and climate change associated risks. | Condobolin | $15,695 | |||
| Southern New England Landcare Ltd | Community Connection for Outlying Areas Support the Walcha and Billy Creek / Hernani communities to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of six community events to bring people together, meet neighbours, strengthen networks and increase knowledge and capacity around drought preparedness. | Walcha and Billy Creek | $19,984 | |||
| Western Rural Connect Inc on behalf of Narromine Small Business Network | Rural Women in Business Luncheon Support the Narromine community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of a luncheon for local women with an interest in business that will facilitate professional, social and community connection to build understanding of drought and climate change associated risks. | Narromine | $20,000 | |||
| QUEENSLAND | ||||||
| Boonah & District Landcare Association Inc | Portable Toilet Project Support the Boonah community to be more prepared for and resilient to the impacts of drought through the purchase of a portable toilet to use at events enabling small-scale community infrastructure projects to improve connectedness, wellbeing and facilities. | Boonah | $6,008 | |||
| Mitchell & District Landcare Assoc Inc | An Honest Look at Drought - A Hard Day's Work Support the Tooloombilla, Mitchell and Dunkeld communities to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of three, guided workshops in three communities which will include wellbeing and support professionals and government agencies to strengthen the capacity, capability and coordination of professional, social, or community networks. | Tooloombilla, Mitchell and Dunkeld | $6,285 | |||
| SOUTH AUSTRALIA | ||||||
| 54 31 Collective Inc | The 5431 Connect, Create, Celebrate Project Support the Orroroo community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of a series of resilience-building workshops and a Rural Women’s celebration event to strengthen the capacity, capability and coordination of professional, social or community networks. | Orroroo | $17,630 | |||
| Agriculture Kangaroo Island Inc | On Farm Decision Making Resources & Demonstration Day Support the Kangaroo Island community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the development of training resources and the delivery of a demonstration day for a new digital weather station and soil probe network, to improve skills and capacity in community risk management, planning and project delivery. | Kingscote | $13,830 | |||
| Coonalpyn Golf Club Inc | The Club in the Scrub Support the Coorong community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the installation of a new roof on the Coonalpyn Golf Clubhouse, a small-scale community infrastructure project to improve connectedness and wellbeing. | Coonalpyn | $9,800 | |||
| District Council of Orroroo Carrieton | Orroroo Community Church Hall Upgrades for Family Day Care Support the Orroroo community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through minor infrastructure works to the Community Church Hall so that it can be used as a family daycare and family-friendly community venue enabling small-scale community infrastructure projects to improve connectedness, wellbeing and facilities. | Orroroo | $20,000 | |||
| TASMANIA | ||||||
| Rural Alive & Well Inc | Drought Resilience and Suicide Prevention for Rural Communities Support the communities of Smithton and Wynyard in the North / Northwest Tasmania region to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of early intervention mental health training enabling initiatives to strengthen the capacity, capability and coordination of professional, social or community networks. | Smithton and Wynyard | $18,000 | |||
| Spring Bay Suicide Prevention Network | ACT - Accidental Counsellors Together Support the Triabunna community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through Accidental Counsellor training and other activities that improve skills and capacity in risk management and overall community wellbeing. | Triabunna | $7,425 | |||
| VICTORIA | ||||||
| Birchip Cropping Group Inc | BCG Main Field Day Secondary Student Stream Support the Birchip community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the participation of secondary students from the North Central Local Learning and Employment Network (NCLLEN) cluster along with farmers, agronomists, and industry representatives at the Main Field Day in Birchip to help strengthen the capacity, capability and coordination of professional, social or community networks. | Birchip | $19,130 | |||
| Common Ground Project | Community Drought Preparedness Network Support the Freshwater Creek community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the development of a local Community Drought Preparedness Network, expanding into outer regional communities across the farming district to strengthen the capacity, capability and coordination of professional, social or community networks. | Freshwater Creek | $20,000 | |||
| Rural Business and Community Ltd | Shared Shops Trail Support the Donald, Hopetoun, Boort and Quambatook communities to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the establishment of a Shared Shops Trail for up to six Shared Shops to strengthen the coordination of professional, social or community networks. | Donald, Hopetoun, Boort and Quambatook | $20,000 | |||
| WESTERN AUSTRALIA | ||||||
| Facey Group | Regional Resilience Support communities of the Wheatbelt South region to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of a community event that facilitates professional, social and community connection to build an understanding of drought and climate change-associated risks. | Wickepin | $20,000 | |||
| Stream 2 | ||||||
| NSW Far West | ||||||
| Far North West Joint Organisation | Drought Resilience Community Action Group Support the Bourke, Brewarrina, Walgett and Cobar communities to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the creation of a Drought Resilience Community Action Group subcommittee that aims to strengthen coordination of local organisations and services, increase knowledge and resource sharing and promote collaboration to be better prepared for future drought in Far West NSW. | Bourke, Brewarrina, Walgett and Cobar | $50,000 | |||
| Mallee Sustainable Farming Inc | Crossroads: Developing Leadership Skills for Rural Women in Isolated Areas of Far-Western NSW Support the Wentworth and Pooncarie communities to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of a tailored leadership initiative for women strengthening the capacity, capability and coordination of community networks. | Wentworth and Pooncarie | $50,000 | |||
| NT Arid Lands | ||||||
| Kulgera Gymkhana Club Inc | Custom Made Cool Room Support the Kulgera community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the purchase of a portable cool room with trailer to improve connectedness, wellbeing and usage of local facilities. | Kulgera | $27,159 | |||
| Landcare NT Inc | The Arid Lands Agricultural Community Connections Project Support the community of the Arid Lands region to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of a series of four, day-long community events that facilitate professional, social and community connection to build understanding of drought and climate change associated risks. | Alice Springs | $50,000 | |||
| The Arid Lands Environment Centre | Project Manager for the Arid Lands Environment Centre and Alice Spring Community Gardens Network Support the Alice Springs community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the engagement of a Project Manager, enabling initiatives to strengthen the capacity, capability and coordination of two community gardens. | Alice Springs | $50,000 | |||
| NT Tablelands | ||||||
| Charles Darwin University | Building Social Drought Resilience Among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Groups in Katherine Support communities of the Katherine region to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of three drought resilience focussed workshops and support resources that facilitate professional, social and community connection to build an understanding of drought and climate change associated risks. | Katherine | $44,300 | |||
| Northern Territory Farmers Association Inc | Northern Australia Food Futures Regional Roadshow - Preparing For The Future Support the Mataranka community to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of a two-day roadshow with approximately 60 attendees that promotes drought preparedness using targeted engagement with agricultural stakeholders and the broader community to facilitate professional, social and community connection to build an understanding of drought and climate change associated risks. | Mataranka | $47,232 | |||
| WA Great Southern | ||||||
| Oyster Harbour Catchment Group Inc | Mega Community Toolbox: Improving the Community's Capacity to Connect Support the communities of the Great Southern region to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of natural resource management and drought-themed learning sessions enabling initiatives that strengthen the capacity, capability and coordination of professional, social and community networks. | Kendenup | $48,620 | |||
| Stirlings to Coast Farmers Inc | Fit for Farming - Building Social, Mental, Physical and Financial Fitness Support the Great Southern region to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through participation in physical health and wellbeing activities / events to strengthen the capacity, capability and coordination of professional, social and community networks. | Mt Barker | $31,525 | |||
| Wellstead Community Resource Centre | Choosing Wellness in Wellstead Support the Great Southern region to be more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought through the delivery of a range of learning and wellbeing focussed community activities to strengthen the capacity, capability and coordination of professional, social or community networks. | Wellstead | $33,382 | |||
$20,000 and $50,000 grants to strengthen networks and capabilities
FRRR is encouraging community organisations in agriculture-dependent parts of Australia to apply for the latest round of Small Network Grants for initiatives that build community preparedness and resilience to future drought.
The Small Network Grants program is supported by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund through the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative.
Grants are available through two Streams of funding for simple, one-off, or seed-type initiatives designed to strengthen local networks and capabilities of remote, rural or regional communities. Stream 1 offers grants up to $20,000 to all agriculture-dependent remote, rural or regional areas (except Stream 2 locations). Stream 1 has an indicative funding pool of $1,175,900[i]. Stream 2 grants of up to $50,000 are available for groups in the NSW Far West, NT Tablelands, NT Arid Lands, Northern Queensland Dry Tropics and WA Great Southern. An indicative funding pool of $1,296,350 is available for Stream 2[ii].
Nina O’Brien, FRRR’s Disaster Resilience and Recovery Lead, said preparing for the inevitable dry times ahead is critical, particularly for Australia’s agriculture-dependent regions.
“Our Small Network Grants program empowers local organisations to strengthen the social fabric of their town or locality by identifying and acting on their region’s drought preparedness priorities, at a grassroots level, in ways that best suit their communities.
“We look forward to seeing projects that will help community groups be better connected, informed, and resourced in the next drought,” Ms O’Brien said.
The Small Network Grants program can fund projects that fit into one of these five categories:
- Networks: Initiatives to strengthen the capacity, capability, and coordination of professional, social or community networks
- Community Events: Field days, conferences, forums, summits, and seminars that facilitate professional, social and community connection to build understanding of drought and climate change associated risks.
- Training: Initiatives to improve skills and capacity in community risk management, planning and project delivery in relation to drought.
- Community Infrastructure: Small scale community infrastructure projects to improve connectedness, wellbeing, and facilities.
- Development and Learning: Initiatives to facilitate professional, personal and leadership related development and learning to support drought preparation.
Applications are open now and close 26 March 2024, with recipients announced in June 2024.
Potential applicants are invited to watch this recorded webinar to learn more about the program and the eligibility requirements:
For more information, including the list of priority LGAs, and to apply, visit: https://frrr.org.au/small-networks-grants.
[i] Stream 1 – All LGA’s in an agriculture-dependent regional, rural or remote location (except Stream 2 locations). Priority will be given to locations where previous Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative activity has not been undertaken. An indicative funding pool of $1,175,954 is available for Stream 1. Applications up to $20,000 will be accepted.
[ii] Stream 2 – All LGAs from NSW Far West, NT Tablelands, NT Arid Lands, Northern QLD Dry Tropics and WA Great Southern regions only. An indicative funding pool of $1,296,352 is available for Stream 2. Applications up to $50,000 will be accepted.
