Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR)
Grantham, a quiet township nestled in Queensland’s Lockyer Valley, is no stranger to adversity. Known to many across Australia as the face of severe floods in January 2011, Grantham carries the weight of a single devastating event. But to those who call it home, Grantham is much more than its disaster history. It’s a place of rich heritage and extraordinary resilience.
Thanks to a $9,980 grant from FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities program, funded by Hand Heart Pocket – The Charity of Freemasons Queensland, the town has taken a small but powerful step to shift its narrative. Grantham District Community Inc used the funds to commission The Grantham Storyboard in a heartfelt, community-led initiative aimed at preserving and celebrating the town’s deep and diverse history.
Installed under the shade structure in McGarva Park on William Street, the three double-sided storyboards span 183 years of history, capturing Grantham’s journey from 1841 through to 2024. Featuring historical images, key events and powerful storytelling, the panels serve as a living tribute, not just to what has been lost, but to everything that’s been achieved, endured and rebuilt.
While the 2011 floods are part of that story, they are not the whole story. As the community gathered memories, photographs and moments to include, the focus remained clear: to honour the evolution of the township and remind residents that it was and is so much more than a single flood.
The project itself became a symbol of unity. When the park’s old and flood-damaged equipment was earmarked for removal, locals came together in March 2023 to preserve what they could. That momentum carried into a dedicated working group of twelve passionate residents who steered the vision for the storyboards. They consulted widely with locals, curated images and shaped a narrative that captured Grantham’s tale.
Support from the Lockyer Valley Regional Council made the installation possible, and the storyboards were brought to life by Prographics, a local family-run business. Their work, along with custom marketing materials, helped promote the opening of the installation in December 2024. This was a significant a moment of celebration and Mayor Tania Milligan and MP Jim McDonald were in attendance alongside the community.
Since its unveiling, the storyboard has done more than educate visitors; it’s sparked conversations and created connections. Newer residents have been astonished by the township’s heritage, while long-time locals have found fresh pride in sharing their memories.
Given the town’s relocation, creating a new centre of gravity for communal life has been invaluable. The installation at McGarva Park has become that focal point – a shared space for reflection, connection and healing.
The Grantham Storyboard is a testament to community strength, to the power of coming together and to the importance of owning and reshaping our own stories. The project is a reminder that for disaster-impacted communities, identity is something they can reclaim and celebrate.
This story was submitted as part of FRRR’s 25th birthday celebrations.
“From the first time we contacted FRRR to inquire about a grant, we felt supported by an intelligent, insightful and caring organisation of real people. The website information itself was informative and all-encompassing, but the people who helped us by phone were considerate, encouraging and resourceful. They went out of their way to ensure that applications were submitted correctly and the follow-up reviews were helpful. The human element that we encountered at FRRR was reassuring. We felt understood and ‘on the same wavelength’. Unlike some other funding bodies, our need to re-build our community after the disaster of COVID, by prioritising our need to rebuild social capital was recognised by FRRR. It was clear reading the FRRR community grant guidelines that our project, which relied upon educating and connecting different social groups and cultures to locate vulnerable and isolated people was “in sync” with FRRR values. We felt trusting – and trusted. This inspired our volunteers to work hard to reach high standards. To us, FRRR was far more than a reactive funding source. It was a beacon of “best practice” in all ways needed by remote, rural and regional communities where our needs locally are very different – and sometimes far more urgent – than other places.
Elizabeth Mitchell, Ex-Secretary
FRRR appreciated our need to reach deeply within our grassroots – to get people talking together and sharing ideas – at the very coalface. FRRR addresses regional issues holistically and recognises the importance of our community’s non-profit efforts to assess what we must do to inspire good change at the community level. The empowerment that we have felt has been outstanding, and every person who was involved in our MHFA project who has gone on to carry the FRRR values forward to other community groups has experienced personal growth, while developing new and transferable skills. For us, the FRRR-granted money has been a gift that has gone on giving! Donors to FRRR should be pleased and proud to know that their donations have been well-spent. Congratulations, FRRR, on your 25th anniversary. You will continue to be a blessing to both old and new and evolving communities in a way that is unique and highly respected – and to us, irreplaceable”
“FRRR funding helped us to provide Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training to maximum class sizes of 25 people in each session. We held a two-day training session initially to cover the Core Course in late 2023, followed by two optional one-day sessions to cover Gambling and Suicide in early 2024. All classes were fully booked. We had very high levels of interest from health service workers, especially multicultural health workers and also interested community members, which created a wide range of insights and discussion.
Our classes included people from India, Pakistan, Malaysia, China, Vietnam, Poland and the Philippines. We were able to share stories from our different cultural communities and hear entirely new perspectives, especially when discussing stigma-related issues like Gambling and Domestic Violence. Feedback received after the training ended was very positive. People reported increased confidence and empowerment in holding difficult social conversations that they had avoided previously. Many were grateful to meet new friends with whom they have since engaged socially.
We offered free lunches and morning tea to all participants, for all training sessions. Special dietary requirements like Halal, vegetarian, gluten and dairy-free were all catered for, so everyone felt equally respected and included. Eating together created welcoming, inclusive breaks and people who would likely not have met otherwise all relaxed and got to know each other.
From those first two days, many firm, ongoing friendships evolved. Two social / learning activities were held later in 2024 to attract more community members and provide more opportunities for course participants to meet and engage over Morning Tea, while listening to “special interest” experts. One activity covered “Making Latrobe Valley Bee-Friendly” and the other included a presentation on “Turning Upcycled Clothing into Funky Wearable Art”.
In 2025, these same topics were incorporated into another community project because they were popular and had attracted so much interest in the 2023/2024 MHFA project. MHFA course participants cooked and served multicultural foods for these events, and new networks were formed that are still expanding.
As a non-profit community association, Living Well Yallourn North Inc could never have afforded to fund the Mental Health First Aid Australia courses that have since impacted so many local people. The prime MHFA project goals were to inform, raise awareness, and connect potentially vulnerable and isolated people from diverse groups in Latrobe Valley. Since the training, several people have joined and connected with three important multicultural community groups: International Women’s Group, Filipino Seniors Carers Support Group of Gippsland, and United Muslim Sisters of Latrobe Valley.
MHFA participants have joined a social networking group, Latrobe Women Creating Conversations and our local food security action group, Food For All Latrobe Valley, to become active committee and general members. Two other Latrobe Valley sustainability and art projects, Celebrating Permaculture and Conference of the Birds, have been supported by a new band of multicultural MHFA volunteers.
Of the original 25 people who participated in the MHFA training, we know of 17 who have since engaged with and assisted other community organisations. At least 400 meaningful opportunities for networking and overcoming social barriers have been achieved in Latrobe Valley by that group of 17 people alone.
Because we wanted to attract and engage with isolated, vulnerable people in Latrobe Valley in a socially welcoming but educational environment, our need to provide food for both morning teas and lunches for guests at our social / learning events was significant. Unlike some other Latrobe City funders, FRRR provided funds for catering that made such events possible. It is factual that none of that information-sharing, networking, and connection would have been possible without the caring, supportive and generous help of FRRR.”
Living Well Yallourn North’s vision for the future
“By 2050, we envision WRNA as a nationally recognised organisation that continues to foster inclusivity, support and connection within communities. We hope to continue to make more co-designed events for young people, by young people. Our goal is to build a network of strong partnerships, ensuring that everyone – regardless of background or circumstances – feels heard, valued and supported. These are the small stepping stones we wish to achieve to ultimately create a long-lasting movement for disability justice in regional Australia.
Latrobe Valley is going through a very rough transition in 2025. It is negatively impacting our levels of mental and physical health and wellbeing. The need for change has caused high levels of anxiety, tension, disagreement and division in our already disadvantaged community. Existing industries are closing; made worse by the closure of local retail businesses. Both economic and social deficits have become more acute because of the cost-of-living crisis and global uncertainty. There is a heightened demand for increased education about the crises that too often confront people, and we must learn to face and deal with them proactively.
Mental Health First Aid training helps our community members to seek out and connect more meaningfully, to avoid needless social upheaval and tragedy. By 2050, we hope that MHFA training will no longer be needed. Our region will no longer be going through this unsettling transition. New industries will provide longer-term career satisfaction and job security for our residents, particularly our youth and young families. Our levels of health and wellbeing will be long-lifted. There will be a new sense of pride within Latrobe Valley, with people feeling less isolated, less lonely but happier and more connected. Wind turbines and solar panels will provide energy and “nuclear” debates will be long forgotten. Latrobe City will be clean, green and sought after as a destination to live in, work in and visit. Harmony will reign, and hopefully, we will travel to Melbourne by ‘fast train’.”
Located in the Indian Ocean, far off the WA coast, Christmas Island is known for its diversity of wildlife, coral reefs and cultures. With an ageing population, predominantly made up of Australians with Chinese or Malay heritage, many elderly residents live alone or with primary carers who work away from home. Limited access to public transport means that this demographic has become isolated and lonely – a feeling compounded in the last few years by the confusing and upsetting COVID restrictions.
The Shire of Christmas Island, in collaboration with Indian Ocean Territories Health Services, is the only organisation offering valuable programs to support the wellbeing of the island’s senior community.
These programs include the Stay on Your Feet program on Friday night’s, an initiative by the Australian Health Department designed to help seniors maintain balance and confidence through activities like Tai Chi, dance and aerobic exercises.
A respite program at the Senior Citizens Centre is another avenue for providing engagement activities such as games, arts, crafts and music to foster social interaction and mental stimulation.
In 2022, The Shire received an $8,979 Strengthening Rural Communities grant through the Rebuilding Regional Communities stream, which funded by the Australian Government to support COVID recovery, to enhance and expand their programs and activities on offer to the community.
The respite sessions at the Senior Citizens Centre are now more vibrant than ever, with new arts and craft materials bringing creative activities like clay moulding, painting and crafting to life. A newly installed arcade table featuring 60 classic games adds a fun, social element while also helping to sharpen cognitive skills.
Meanwhile, the Stay on Your Feet program has been revitalised with fresh exercise equipment, including exerciser steps and pool noodles, which replace the worn-out gear and add variety to workout options. Grant funds also went towards the development of bright new program t-shirts, giving participants a sense of belonging and appreciation for their group and wider community.
Challenges are always involved when delivering an initiative in a very remote location such as Christmas Island, particularly when it comes to the cost of freight and couriers to deliver new products. The Shire reported that every purchase was made with careful deliberation, ensuring the most value was attained from the grant.
It is clear that the senior community on Christmas Island looks forward to the Shire’s activities every single week. With their new and exciting additions, The Shire continues to create enriching and inclusive programs that support seniors in staying active, connected and inspired.
Rural communities set to benefit from multi-year partnership
FRRR and Colonial Foundation today announced a three-year partnership that will see $3 million invested in supporting remote, rural and regional communities to strengthen their digital skills and resources.
The funding will go a significant way to addressing the shortfall in funding requests that FRRR has seen from community groups in remote, rural and regional communities for its most in-demand and flagship program, Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC).
Natalie Egleton, FRRR’s CEO, said that small grants are critical to remote, rural and regional communities and one of the areas in highest demand for grants is around digital connectivity.
“Through FRRR’s SRC program, we provide support to some of the smallest, most remote communities in Australia. These places experience the greatest digital inequity, which is why offering flexible funding to strengthen the digital skills, confidence and safety of these places is critical.
“These funds will enable more locals to get online, build social connections and access services, information, education and employment through training. Additionally, it will assist in enhancing digital connectivity by funding infrastructure when needed.
“We are also grateful that Colonial’s support will enable FRRR’s team to spend more time on the ground, in community coaching, listening, learning and connecting groups across the country facing similar challenges,” Ms Egleton said.
Andre Carstens, CEO of Colonial Foundation, said that the Foundation is committed to advancing regional and rural Australia and shares FRRR’s commitment to empowering remote, rural and regional communities to be vibrant, resilient and sustainable.
“The digital divide between remote, rural and regional communities and their metro counterparts has a significant impact on the prosperity and wellbeing of people in these places.
“We are thrilled to be able to partner with FRRR to offer targeted yet flexible funding to help reduce this gap in digital literacy, services and skills and enhance connectedness, capability and resilience.
“Rural people deserve the opportunity to build technical skills and knowledge so they can improve their quality of life and the way they engage both locally, and with the broader world. This tangible support of local not-for-profit groups will help provide better access to services, information, education and employment,” Mr Carstens said.
Applications for the next round of the SRC program, which will include these additional funds, will open at the end of March, with funds awarded in late August 2025. FRRR welcomes additional contributions to its collaboratively funded SRC program. For more information, contact FRRR’s Partnerships team on 03 5430 2399 or email [email protected].
FRRR awards grants to more than 80 community groups and NFPs
More than 80 community groups across remote, rural and regional Australia are sharing $827,253 in grants thanks to FRRR’s flagship grants program, Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC).
The funding will be used by grassroots not-for-profit organisations (NFPs) for a wide range of initiatives that celebrate, strengthen and support their rural communities to be more vibrant, resilient, sustainable places to live.
Nearly $560,000 has been awarded through SRC’s Small & Vital (S&V) stream and will support 67 projects that create inclusive and accessible community spaces, provide mentoring and training and learning opportunities, improve employment prospects, or offer people the chance to connect and engage with others and their wider community.
The Prepare & Recover (P&R) stream of the program has awarded nearly $270,000 to 17 initiatives that build community resilience, preparedness and capacity to mitigate the impact of future extreme weather events, as well as support medium to long-term recovery in regions impacted by previous disasters, such as the 2022 floods and the Black Summer bushfires.
Jill Karena, Head of Granting at FRRR, said the SRC team is continually inspired by the strength and resilience of the NFPs dedicated to helping remote, rural and regional communities thrive.
“What makes rural communities amazing are the people that live there. These places are filled with locals working hard to keep community spirit alive and willing to step up to see their region navigate the highs and lows that come with living in the country. We see our role as walking beside them and empowering local groups to lead the projects they know will have a real impact.
“Small grants really do make a big difference and FRRR’s SRC program is so popular because it offers flexible small grants year-round to remote, rural and regional communities in all states and territories.
“Take for example the Forest Heritage Centre in Dwellingup, WA. With a Small & Vital grant of less than $1,500, the Centre will modernise the local gallery and gift shop’s point of sale system. This isn’t much funding but by updating their system, the Centre can look after the volunteers that help to keep the doors open, as well as encourage people to visit and spend money in the region.
“We’re also funding activities that bring people and resources back into country towns, helping these communities stay vibrant and sustainable. Places like Goulburn, NSW, where a $4,000 Small & Vital grant will help to upgrade infrastructure and host community workshops on environmental sustainability at the Goulburn Farmers Market.
“After supporting communities impacted by disasters for the past 25 years, we also know just how important flexible recovery and preparedness funding is, because communities’ needs change over time. By using a medium to long-term recovery lens, we’re able to support projects that strengthen the social fabric of a community through preparedness, capacity and resilience-building activities.
“Although it’s been five years since the 2019/2020 bushfires, the Eurobodalla community in NSW is still healing. Our Prepare & Recover grants allow us to continue supporting places like Eurobodalla, when other funders have moved on. This round, we’ve granted $10,000 to help the Shire Council run a 10-week cultural and personal development program to help connect socially isolated First Nations young people within the region.
“Our grants are often just one part of the bigger picture in terms of getting projects off the ground. But we know that this funding is often a crucial catalyst, encouraging further investment in local solutions. For example, the 84 projects we’ve supported in this round of SRC, are worth over $2.67 million.
“Demand for funding continues to grow, as the cost of living and operational expenses rise, government priorities shift, and the impacts of climate change and disasters evolve.
“To meet this demand, FRRR needs the support of the philanthropic and corporate sectors. A collaborative effort is needed to empower rural communities to lead a vibrant and sustainable future,” Ms Karena said.
The SRC program is collaboratively supported by donors, ranging from private individuals to larger foundations, who are acknowledged on the FRRR website.
If you would like to help, you can donate at www.frrr.org.au/donate.
FRRR always accepts applications to this program, which awards funds around four times a year. Local not-for-profit organisations 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.
The full list of grant recipients and their projects are below.
| Organisation | Project | Location | Grant | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SRC Round 23 - March 2025 | #colspan# | #colspan# | #colspan# | |||
| NEW SOUTH WALES | #colspan# | #colspan# | #colspan# | |||
| Small & Vital | #colspan# | #colspan# | #colspan# | |||
| 3rd Space Mob Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation | Baryulgil Cultural Garden Project Re-invigorate connection to culture through young people growing and learning about bush tucker and bush medicine. | Baryulgil | $6,539 | |||
| Cobargo Quaama Business Recovery Group Incorporated | Business Catch-Up Evenings Build business alliances that increase social connection in Cobargo by establishing a regular business catch-up event. | Cobargo | $3,870 | |||
| Condobolin and District Landcare Management Committee | Remote Rural First Aid Awareness in Condobolin Increase community safety in a remote area through first response First Aid and CPR training for locals. | Condobolin | $9,450 | |||
| Corowa and District S.H.E. Shed Inc | Cultivating Connections and Forging Friendships Build membership of a SHE Shed by increasing the range of tools and creating usable outdoor space. | Corowa | $6,748 | |||
| Country Womens Association of NSW | Upgrading Our Hall Boost community access and use of the hall by installing lighting, painting and undertaking repairs. | Woodstock | $6,250 | |||
| Dalaigur Pre-school and Children's Services Aboriginal Corporation | Growing Spaces Provide sensory developmental resources to boost social and emotional wellbeing of vulnerable children. | Kempsey | $7,590 | |||
| Grow the Future Limited | Growing Youth, Growing Sustainability Improve employment outcomes for young people through a vocational training and mentoring program. | Bega | $9,984 | |||
| International Volunteers for Peace Inc | Goulburn Farmers Market - Core Infrastructure and Targeted Workshops Encourage local sustainable food production through upgrading market infrastructure and community workshops on environmental sustainability. | Goulburn | $4,000 | |||
| Let's Dance Carinda Tribute Committee Incorporated | Keep Dancing in Carinda, the Yearly David Bowie Music Event Engage community and visitors in an event to commemorate the local filming of an iconic music video. | Carinda | $10,000 | |||
| Mainly Music (Australia) Limited | Moree East Public School Mainly Music Program Build school readiness for vulnerable children through weekly interactive music sessions. | Moree | $7,585 | |||
| Mungindi Machinery Display Reserve Land Manager | A Helping Hand for Mungindi's History Park Increase tourism in a very remote community through improving promotional materials and storage in the park. | Mungindi | $9,186 | |||
| Nambucca Riverwatch Incorporated | Citizen Science Volunteering Skills Project Build volunteer skills and participation in environmental monitoring of the Nambucca River. | Bowraville | $9,393 | |||
| Outback Arts Incorporated | Hello, Coonamble! Foster community and cultural connection through developing 20 local’s personal stories into community performances. | Coonamble | $6,150 | |||
| Relationships Australia Canberra and Region Incorporated | Gardening & Healthy Living - Youth Mental Health Initiative Deliver food education and gardening workshops for young people and a “bush tucker” garden developed with local Indigenous services. | Narooma | $8,000 | |||
| Trangie Local Aboriginal Land Council | Bellies and New Life Project An art project to connect pregnant women to community, combined with maternal health check-ups. | Trangie | $10,000 | |||
| Warren Health Action Committee Incorporated | Calara House Riverside Grill & Chill BBQ Establish an outdoor area, garden and BBQ at an aged care facility to encourage social interaction. | Warren | $9,298 | |||
| Prepare & Recover - General Disaster Preparedness & Recovery | #colspan# | #colspan# | #colspan# | |||
| Connecting Communities Australia Ltd | Yacaaba Head Restoration Stabilisation Project + Fire Breaks in Pindimar In consultation with local First Nations Rangers and volunteers, develop native plantings, fire breaks and trails to improve the stability and resilience of the Yacaaba Spit landscape and mitigate future bushfire impact. | Hawks Nest | $23,400 | |||
| The Elands Community Health & First Aid Centre Incorporated | Developing Essential Services for Elands & Surrounds Community Safer Place Ensure the Elands Community Health Centre’s continuing designation as a Community Safer Place by increasing water and power security to support vulnerable locals during disaster events. | Elands | $20,580 | |||
| Prepare & Recover - 2022 Flood Recovery | #colspan# | #colspan# | #colspan# | |||
| North Coast Radio Incorporated | Increase Transmission Power Enhancing Capacity, Capability and Long-term Viability Increase capacity, reach and long-term viability of a vital emergency communication service by completing the transmission upgrade with the purchase and installation of an antenna system. | Lismore | $10,500 | |||
| NSW Women in Dairy | NSW Women in Dairy Bale Up Conference Connect, support and empower flood-impacted women with workshops, training and events on health, goal setting, communication and dairy technical knowledge. | Kingscliff | $10,000 | |||
| Rainbow Region Community Farms Incorporated | Future Proofing Water Infrastructure at the Lismore Community Garden Replace water tanks lost in the 2022 floods to ensure water security for the Lismore Community Garden that provides fresh food for those in need and a space for social connection. | Lismore | $25,000 | |||
| Prepare & Recover - 2019/2020 Bushfire Recovery | #colspan# | #colspan# | #colspan# | |||
| Burragate Rural Fire Service | Flooring for the Burragate Fire Shed Increase community use and comfort of the Fire Shed by upgrading floor coverings. | Burragate | $9,000 | |||
| Eurobodalla Shire Council | Our Generation - Fit to Flourish Connect socially isolated First Nations young people with a ten-week cultural and personal development program. | Moruya | $10,000 | |||
| How Art Bemboka Community Hub Inc | Bemboka Winter Solstice Women's Dinner Reduce isolation for women impacted by the 2019/20 bushfires through an annual social dinner. | Bemboka | $2,541 | |||
| Marlee Rural Fire Brigade | Marlee Brigade Improvements Increase volunteer capacity and experience by purchasing a battery starter pack and a car fridge. | Marlee | $2,249 | |||
| Native Animal Education Sanctuary Limited | Potoroo Palace Resilience and Preparedness Program Build and support ongoing wildfire conservation operations and disaster preparedness for bushfire impacted Bega Valley with a community education and volunteer program providing opportunities for NDIS participants, students and job seekers. | Bega Valley | $25,000 | |||
| NORTHERN TERRITORY | #colspan# | #colspan# | #colspan# | |||
| Small & Vital | #colspan# | #colspan# | #colspan# | |||
| Hermannsburg Potters Aboriginal Corporation | Hermannsburg Potters Urgent Infrastructure Upgrade Support the social and economic wellbeing of a very remote community by upgrading the local art centre’s septic system, allowing a facility that is a cornerstone of the local economy and community life to reopen. | Hermannsburg | $35,000 | |||
| Yandamah Indigenous Corporation | Ngurra Kurlu: Warlpiri Digital Culture Project Strengthen and preserve Warlpiri culture by recording Elders knowledge and stories in digital content that is accessible, engaging and connects with the next generation. | Lajamanu | $10,000 | |||
| Prepare & Recover - Ex Tropical Cyclone Ellie & Associated Flooding | #colspan# | #colspan# | #colspan# | |||
| Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association (Aboriginal Corporation) | Strong Signals: First Nations Emergency Network Strengthen disaster preparedness and connectivity in four very remote First Nations communities impacted by ex-Tropical Cylone Ellie by supplying mobile journalist kits and training in emergency communications for local reporters. | Tennant Creek | $16,367 | |||
| QUEENSLAND | #colspan# | #colspan# | #colspan# | |||
| Small & Vital | #colspan# | #colspan# | #colspan# | |||
| Alpha District Tourism & Development Assoc. Inc | New Seating for the Main Street of Alpha and Giant Game Support older residents to engage in town life and promote inter-generational engagement with new seating and novelty games for the main street of a very remote community. | Alpha | $8,676 | |||
| Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Incorporated | Counting People Creates Opportunities and Awareness Install a series of people counters across a volunteer-developed and run rail trail, providing an evidence base for future investment in the rail trail and in local communities. | Mundubbera | $4,162 | |||
| Cherbourg Historical Precinct Group Incorporated | Greening The Ration Shed Museum - A Place to Gather Purchase a ride-on mower and brush cutter to support the grounds maintenance of a museum used by the community and tourists. | Cherbourg | $10,000 | |||
| Cooloola Coast Medical Transport Inc | Office Equipment & Storm Preparation Support volunteers to provide an essential medical transport service for their community by replacing outdated IT equipment and repairing a damaged storage room roof. | Tin Can Bay | $8,600 | |||
| Eromanga District Rodeo Association Incorporated | Eromanga Rodeo Kitchen Facility Upgrades Enhance capacity of multiple community groups to host events by upgrading kitchen electrical systems and appliances at a key facility in a very remote community. | Eromanga | $10,000 | |||
| Eungella Community Development Association Inc | Coffee Corner Enhance local markets, provide barista training for volunteers, and encourage social connection by establishing a commercial-standard coffee station at a local community hall. | Eungella | $10,000 | |||
| Goondiwindi & District Historical Society Inc | Customs House Celebrates 50 Years: Hands On Heritage Fair Enhance inter-generational knowledge-transfer and social connection by supporting older volunteers to share their skills with a series of lost trades workshops and the launch of a military display. | Goondiwindi | $10,000 | |||
| Herberton Pocket Films (HCIA) | Meet Me - Moving from Rural Life to Aged Care Promote intergenerational connection and teach digital skills to young volunteers through producing a series of mini documentaries on rural community members transitioning into aged care. | Herberton | $4,700 | |||
| Innisfail Community Band Incorporated | Empowerment and Access to Musicality Enable a community band to support their local music scene by developing a website where local musicians can share music and promote local events. | Innisfail | $4,830 | |||
| Mornington Shire Council | Community Development: Developing Frisbee Golf on Remote Mornington Island Promote youth engagement, inter-generational connection and environmental sustainability in an isolated community by installing a frisbee golf course, with no-cost frisbees made from recycled materials. | Gununa | $10,000 | |||
| Muttaburra Stock Show Society | Music for Muttaburra: live music drawcard for 2025 Stock Show! Support organisational sustainability and social connection in a very remote community through opening night entertainment as a drawcard to increase numbers at a long-running community event. | Muttaburra | $10,000 | |||
| Noorama Community Group Inc | Noorama Recreation Grounds Lawn and Garden Establishment Project Increase community use and amenity of a remote public recreation reserve by establishing lawns and gardens. | Noorama | $10,000 | |||
| Palliative Care Queensland Inc led by Charters Towers Compassionate Communities | When Grief Comes Sit With Us - Empowering Grief Support Build skills and support for local palliative care volunteers through training and establishing a peer network across remote Queensland communities. | Charters Towers | $6,292 | |||
| QCWA Branch Mitchell | Keep Shady for Better Health Strengthen organisational capacity to provide all weather support for local events such as Christmas markets and community luncheons, by purchasing marquees. | Mitchell | $3,452 | |||
| Warwick & District Archers Association Inc | Toilet / Shower Facilities - Safe Access and Water Supply Upgrade Upgrade toilet and shower block and water supply at a community facility to build drought resilience and facilitate more diverse community use. | Warwick | $5,336 | |||
| Whitsunday Art Fusion (Art Whitsunday Inc) | Strengthening Community Cohesion and Wellbeing Through Creative Arts Engage isolated community members through the creative arts by co-designing, promoting and facilitating a series of workshops across outlying communities in the region. | Proserpine | $7,668 | |||
| Yamison Hall Recreation Grounds Association Inc | Wheels on Community Recovery Enhance a volunteer committee’s ability to undertake bushfire mitigation activities by purchasing a trailer to transport their ride-on-mower to secure storage. | Yamison | $5,830 | |||
| Prepare & Recover - General Disaster Preparedness & Recovery | #colspan# | #colspan# | #colspan# | |||
| Quilpie Cultural Society Inc | Recovery from the Drought Through Creativity Enhance resilience in a very remote drought-impacted community by providing a series of creative workshops to boost wellbeing and improve social connections. | Quilpie | $19,894 | |||
| SOUTH AUSTRALIA | #colspan# | #colspan# | #colspan# | |||
| Small & Vital | #colspan# | #colspan# | #colspan# | |||
| Australian Dental Foundation Incorporated | Healthy Smiles for Loxton Provide access to essential healthcare for vulnerable community members by equipping a mobile dental clinic with treatment materials to deliver a free service for an aged care and schools program in a disadvantaged area. | Loxton | $10,000 | |||
| Encounter Centre Inc | Community Garden Upgrade Provide a disability inclusive environment for health and social wellbeing activities by installing mobility-friendly pathways and garden beds for a community gardening program. | Victor Harbor | $7,803 | |||
| In Home Hospice Care Incorporated | Practical Skills - Carers Education Strengthen capacity and capability of non-paid carers of vulnerable community members by providing free workshops and opportunities to connect for people who provide palliative care. | Port MacDonnell | $9,881 | |||
| Karoonda and District Bowling Club Inc | Cooking Up Connections - Kitchen Upgrade Upgrade kitchen appliances to enhance club capacity to ensure volunteer safety and maintain strong community networks at a focal meeting place. | Karoonda | $10,000 | |||
| Mid North Arts (SA) - Burra CMC (Burra Community Management Committee Incorporated) | Back to Burra - 180th Celebration Boost visitation to a historic township, reduce social isolation and enhance community pride by hosting a parade and picnic commemorating 180 years of Burra. | Burra | $10,000 | |||
| Parrakie War Memorial Hall Incorporated | Repurpose for Social Connection Revitalise the local hall with a safe, accessible outdoor space by adding a concrete base, shed and covered annex for community activities, workshops and social gatherings, reducing social isolation and improving mental health and wellbeing in an isolated place. | Parrakie | $7,575 | |||
| Rotary Club of Bordertown Incorporated | Bordertown Patient Transfer Facility Install a water tank and plumbing in a new patient transport depot to help to ensure patient comfort and effective emergency service coordination. | Bordertown | $10,000 | |||
| Tatiara Retirement Village Soc Inc | An Open and Shut Case Improve access and safety of residents and visitors by installing an automatic door to the recreation centre, increasing accessibility and independence. | Bordertown | $10,000 | |||
| Wilmington Agriculture and Horticulture Society Incorporated | 2025 Show: Bringing Our Community Together Foster social cohesion and provide a fun family-friendly event for a community impacted by drought, by offering amusements and entertainment at an annual agricultural show. | Wilmington | $4,900 | |||
| Wudinna And District Bowling Club Inc | Cool Facility: Reverse Cycle Air Con Install an air conditioner to enhance sustainability, create a comfortable meeting space and boost community engagement in a remote community’s social hub. | Wudinna | $10,000 | |||
| Prepare & Recover - General Disaster Preparedness & Recovery | #colspan# | #colspan# | #colspan# | |||
| The Mount Remarkable Agricultural Society | Reliable, Sustainable Water Enhance bushfire and drought preparedness and improve organisational infrastructure by installing a solar operated water system at the Melrose Showgrounds. | Melrose | $25,000 | |||
| TASMANIA | #colspan# | #colspan# | #colspan# | |||
| Small & Vital | #colspan# | #colspan# | #colspan# | |||
| Geeveston Community Centre Inc | Undercover Community BBQ Area Foster social connection and support volunteer engagement by building an outdoor undercover BBQ area for youth programs, cooking projects and community activities. | Geeveston | $9,955 | |||
| Phoenix Community House Inc | The Gateway to Help and Support Enhance safety, usability and inclusivity and improve amenity through a landscape upgrade and new fence at the entrance to the community centre. | Currie | $8,090 | |||
| VICTORIA | #colspan# | #colspan# | #colspan# | |||
| Small & Vital | #colspan# | #colspan# | #colspan# | |||
| Banyena Community Hall Incorporated | Gutter and Downpipe Renewal Preserve an historic building and enhance community engagement by upgrading plumbing to improve water catchment and provide a comfortable meeting place. | Banyena | $8,100 | |||
| Bena Public Hall Incorporated | Replacement Split Air Con Install an air conditioner to improve sustainability, create a comfortable meeting space and boost community engagement at the only community hub in Bena. | Bena | $2,000 | |||
| Borodomanin Mechanics Institute | Ancona Prepare & Recover Project Enhance the capacity of a community facility to support older vulnerable residents by purchasing a generator for power back-up during outages. | Ancona | $3,300 | |||
| Fryerstown Community Reserve Committee of Management | Transition and Activation for a Vital Hub Maintain a community facility and strengthen neighbourhood connections by upgrading furnishings and website to promote local events, activities and workshops. | Fryerstown | $9,949 | |||
| Gunaikurnai Land & Waters Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC | 2025 NAIDOC Community Day Enhance access and community and cultural connections in a culturally safe space on Brayakaulung Country by providing transport and a marquee for a NAIDOC celebration featuring storytelling and educational activities. | Stratford | $10,000 | |||
| Jeparit Heritage Walk Committee | Jeparit Heritage Walk and Talk About Foster visitation and connection to history and expand educational enrichment for local students by purchasing and installing 40 interpretive signs along a heritage trail. | Jeparit | $10,000 | |||
| Loch Sport Community House Inc | Improve the Meeting Room and Kitchen Create a safe, accessible and comfortable meeting place for all, including older residents, by upgrading the electrical system, adding kitchen storage and repainting walls at Loch Sport Public Hall. | Loch Sport | $10,000 | |||
| Pennyroyal Hall Incorporated | Not Too Hot, Not Too Cold, Justtttt Right Install a climate control system to revitalise and increase usage of Pennyroyal Hall, providing a comfortable year-round gathering place. | Pennyroyal | $4,959 | |||
| Tarrawingee Community Hall Committee of Management | Heating the Tarrawingee Hall Increase the use of a facility that provides a social outlet for older people, by installing two split system units to make the space more comfortable and welcoming. | Tarrawingee | $10,000 | |||
| Wycheproof Community Resource Centre Inc | Buloke Expo & Central Mallee Roadshow Empower and support regional young people by hosting two primary prevention Youth Health Expo’s for Year 9 and 10 students, covering general health, mental health, drug & alcohol, respectful relationships and consent, increasing knowledge, networks, and practical learnings for better health and wellbeing outcomes. | Birchip | $10,000 | |||
| Prepare & Recover - General Disaster Preparedness & Recovery | #colspan# | #colspan# | #colspan# | |||
| Lockington and District Bush Nursing Centre Inc | Food Security for Our Community Enhance health outcomes for vulnerable community members in disaster-affected Lockington by providing emergency food relief and healthy eating initiatives via a local food share program. | Lockington | $25,000 | |||
| Peppin Hub Incorporated | Empowering Community Resilience: Equipping Our Future Strengthen bushfire preparedness and volunteer capacity by equipping an emergency response hub with a laptop and printer for improved operations. | Bonnie Doon | $4,205 | |||
| Prepare & Recover - 2022 Flood Recovery | #colspan# | #colspan# | #colspan# | |||
| Neighbourhood Collective Australia Ltd | The Story Exchange: Preparedness for Multicultural Communities Enhance the resilience, preparedness and recovery of multicultural communities in four central Victorian towns affected by the 2022 floods through the delivery of community-led storytelling workshops to foster two-way learning, connecting multicultural communities and emergency services. | Boort | $24,800 | |||
| Prepare & Recover - 2019/2020 Bushfire Recovery | #colspan# | #colspan# | #colspan# | |||
| McCormack Park Grounds Management Committee Inc | Maintaining a Safe Environment and Refuge Enhance bushfire preparedness and community safety by purchasing mowing equipment to maintain Merrijig's parkland, and guard a public reserve. | Merrijig | $16,000 | |||
| WESTERN AUSTRALIA | #colspan# | #colspan# | #colspan# | |||
| Small & Vital | #colspan# | #colspan# | #colspan# | |||
| Boab Festival At Derby | Boab Festival - Mardi Gras Opening Night Support stage costs at the opening event of the Boab Festival, promoting social connection in a very remote and sparsely populated community. | Derby | $5,000 | |||
| East Kimberley Chamber of Commerce and Industry Incorporated | Kununurra Community Working Hub Support the development of a co-work space by providing IT and kitchen equipment, enhancing opportunities for social connection, collaboration and entrepreneurship in a very remote community. | Kununurra | $2,500 | |||
| Forest Heritage Centre Inc | Modern Point of Sale System at Forest Discovery Centre Support volunteer experience, improve organisational capacity and enhance local economic development by purchasing a modern point of sale system for gift shop and gallery sales. | Dwellingup | $1,495 | |||
| Kununurra Picture Gardens Incorporated | Kununurra Picture Gardens Rejuvenation Project (KPGRP) Promote social engagement in a very remote community by upgrading the projector at a community-owned and volunteer-run outdoor theatre as part of a larger rejuvenation project. | Kununurra | $10,000 | |||
| Manjimup Community Resource Centre Inc | Digital Literacy Resilience and Empowerment in Manjimup Foster life-long learning, community resilience and cohesion by providing IT equipment for a digital literacy program targeting vulnerable community members. | Manjimup | $9,989 | |||
| Noongar Kaartdijin Aboriginal Corporation | Boorn and Boodja: Etching Culture into a Yarning Circle Advance opportunities to preserve and learn about First Nations culture by installing etched wooden seating for a yarning circle on a cultural trail. | Toodyay | $4,260 | |||
| Shire of Wiluna | Healthy Cooking in Wiluna Provide a community healthy cooking program in a very remote community to foster lifelong wellbeing. | Wiluna | $10,000 | |||
| Southern Edge Arts Incorporated | Southern Edge Arts Kwoorabup Circus Support a community-wide strategy to boost youth wellbeing through the provision of equipment, expert safety advice and marketing for the establishment of weekly circus workshops. | Denmark | $9,807 | |||
| The Cannery Arts Centre Inc | Gather & Grow: Social Gardening and Morning Tea at Forage Encourage social connection and improve food security in a remote community by providing equipment, materials and facilitation for an inclusive weekly gardening and morning tea program. | Esperance | $9,995 | |||
| Yarra Yarra Catchment Management Group Incorporated | Improving Capacity to Deliver Community NRM Projects Enhance organisational capacity and improve volunteer capability to deliver NRM projects by providing IT equipment, training and materials. | Perenjori | $9,570 | |||
Remote, rural and regional women truly are amazing, as are those who are metro-based and work and volunteer with our partners. While we recognise this every day, International Women’s Day (IWD) is the perfect opportunity to publicly celebrate and reflect on the incredible women who dedicate themselves to supporting their families, colleagues and communities.
At FRRR, we work with women every day, whether that be our wonderful team or by supporting projects led by women – some of which benefit their whole community, while others are designed for women. We see firsthand how their dedication, innovative thinking, compassion, expertise and endurance are creating a more vibrant and resilient remote, rural and regional Australia for us all.
This year’s theme for IWD is accelerate action. It calls for swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality and for increased momentum in addressing the systemic barriers and biases that women face, both in personal and professional spheres.
Below are several projects that we are proud to support that showcase the value of – and critical importance of – targeted action in communities in accelerating progress towards a more equitable tomorrow by empowering women today.
The Mallacoota Wilderness Collective: Digital Workshops for Women
By empowering isolated women with digital skills and confidence, Mallacoota Wilderness Collective Inc in eastern Victoria has improved access to technology for older women. They did this by creating a comfortable and supportive environment in which to learn and share.
In addition, there were more than 34 free workshops in technology, leadership, and online safety, coupled with younger women mentoring older and more vulnerable participants who were still feeling the impacts of bushfires. The drop-in IT help sessions were supported by a $9,804 Strengthening Rural Communities grant and fostered hands-on support, connection and independence among attendees.
The project involved tangible steps to improve an older generation of women’s digital literacy. By facilitating intergenerational learning, these workshops have helped to ensure that rural women of all ages feel empowered and confident in their use of technology sooner rather than later.
Enterprise Partnerships WA: Piriwa Placemaking Project
Enterprise Partnerships WA is a First Nations ally organisation, empowering remote First Nations women in the Kimberley through community-led enterprise, entrepreneurship and leadership initiatives. They used a $10,000 Strengthening Rural Communities grant to support The Piriwa Hub in Balgo, which provides a safe space for skills development, wellbeing support and cultural preservation.
The funds were used to purchase and transport a 20-ft watertight sea container from Kununurra to Balgo. Collaborating with Wirrimanu Aboriginal Corporation enabled Piriwa to obtain a land lease for the new container. The women of the Piriwa Hub were most proud of this collaboration and how it proves they have continued support from the local community.
The new storage container has been a game-changer, making it easier to manage donations, run the shop smoothly and cut down on waste. It has also boosted the women-led leadership team’s confidence in governance and negotiation. Through this project, Enterprise Partnerships WA is helping to drive change by creating opportunities for women to lead, learn and thrive, ensuring their voices and contributions shape a stronger, more inclusive Balgo.
In their final report they said: “The most successful achievement of this grant is the additional infrastructure it has provided to Piriwa to enable the women to continue their focus on young women, keeping culture strong and providing an op shop to the community.”
Wimmera Women Connect: Consolidating the way forward
After COVID, many women in the Wimmera region of Victoria faced isolation, increased domestic responsibilities and limited professional support. In 2022, Wimmera Women Connect was founded to combat these challenges, aiming to foster connections, reduce isolation and promote gender equality to support women in the community.
WWC used a $7,374 Strengthening Rural Communities Prepare and Recover grant to enhance their organisational capacity, so they could expand their reach and effectiveness. The funds were invested in strategic planning, digital resources, branding, leadership development, volunteer engagement and financial sustainability – all working to create a sustainable and well-resourced organisation that connects and empowers women in Wimmera.
The project supported a range of events that worked to elevate women’s voices and contributions in the community, including:
- Equity in the Wimmera – a panel discussion about cultures and drivers that contribute to gendered violence, and
- Not Just a Farmer – a frank and open discussion about one local woman’s quest to address rural mental health and suicide through an independently funded film she wrote, produced and starred in.
By fostering meaningful relationships and providing leadership opportunities, WWC is helping women build confidence, feel a sense of belonging and actively contribute to a more inclusive and supportive regional community.
The Nintirri Centre Incorporated: Midwife Services in the Inland Pilbara
Nintirri Centre is a not-for-profit located in Tom Price in the Pilbara region of WA. It iscommitted to supporting remote and rural women by delivering essential health, education and wellbeing services. Recognising the urgent need for accessible antenatal care in non-birthing towns like Tom Price and Paraburdoo, Nintirri launched a FIFO midwife program in 2022. The service ensures women, especially First Nations people living on Country, receive vital reproductive healthcare despite ongoing travel barriers exacerbated by the COVID pandemic.
A $10,000 Strengthening Rural Communities grant supported their initiative, enabling essential antenatal and postnatal care, including regular home visits. Without this kind of early intervention, many women in remote communities would face late diagnoses of complications, increasing risks to both mother and baby.
Nintirri’s FIFO midwife program is an essential step toward equitable healthcare for rural women and improving access to reproductive healthcare has always been, and continues to be for many, a crucial step towards gender equality. When women can safely navigate pregnancy and birth within their community, it not only reduces strain on local health services, but they experience better health outcomes, greater empowerment and improved family stability.
These four projects offer just a glimpse into the efforts underway – led by and for women across remote, rural, and regional Australia – to accelerate progress toward gender equality. We’re excited for the journey ahead and look forward to contributing to many more initiatives in the future.
This story was submitted as part of FRRR’s 25th birthday celebrations.
“We feel very grateful to have had the support of FRRR and for the work it does in generating and distributing financial support for regional organisations and communities.”
Natalie Woods, Grants and Fundraising Coordinator
“We have been fortunate to receive a number of grants through FRRR. In 2024, a Strengthening Rural Communities grant enabled us to provide six weeks of meal support to 10 Indigenous mothers and their families, relieving the financial burden and stress of the postpartum period, while also nourishing mother and baby and creating a strong health foundation. In the same year, an ABC Heywire grant supported the establishment of a pilot program to take disengaged high school Indigenous girls out of the classroom and out on Country once a week for eight weeks. The girls reconnected to Country, culture and community, learning about their traditional bush foods, how to grow them and how to cook them. This pilot program has gone on to be funded for 2025 and 2026, thanks to the early support of FRRR. In 2025, a grant from the In A Good Place program will support the delivery of four Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Community Days, providing free resources and support for maintaining good physical and mental health.
“Without this funding, we would not have been able to get both our Indigenous Postpartum Care Program and our pilot Doobai Youth Bush Food Program off the ground. We’re grateful for the trust that FRRR shows in us and the belief in our programs and the impact we have for our local Indigenous community here on Bundjalung Country (Northern NSW).”
The Returning Indigenous Corporation’s vision for the future
“In 2050, we hope we have a strong and resilient community on Bundjalung Country – where all people, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, are connected to Country, connected to each other and living healthy and resilient lives. We hope that the roles of women and mothers are valued and supported, and that our Matriarch Elders are given the support and care they deserve. We hope that everyone has access to strong local food systems, clean water and fresh air, and that our community has the strong social networks to support each other through times of disaster and crisis.”
The much-loved Bellingen Show has been held in the NSW Bellingen Shire every year since 1881. Its purpose is to entertain and educate the community, as well as celebrate the rural heritage of the Shire.
In 2022, the Bellinger River area was impacted by major floods, challenging the existing practices in rural agricultural shows. Unprecedented rainfall meant that the Bellingen Show hosted its first community event with no show rides. What initially appeared to be a huge problem became an opportunity to re-imagine the show and the entertainment it offers.
The Bellinger River Agricultural Society came up with the idea of an Artisan’s Tent for the 2023 event, a space where regional artists could display, sell and demonstrate techniques of their creative skills. A $10,000 Strengthening Rural Communities grant was used to hire the marquee, which hosted a variety of engaging and creative workshops for all ages and abilities.
Recognising that art therapy can support flood recovery, the Artisan’s Tent encouraged show-goers to come together and have fun with diverse arts and crafts, ranging from crochet and tapestry work, to creating a community mosaic mural of local snapping turtles that was later installed in town. Four large working Japanese textile looms onsite also enabled show visitors to weave their own unique piece of fabric. Overall, the Show committee engaged 15 artists from the area, including CALD and senior artists.
The Agricultural Society had hoped to offer an indigenous-led art workshop in the tent but the two artists that they reached out to were unavailable. Still wanting to arrange an offering from the Indigenous community, a smoking ceremony and welcome to country were organised and a local Indigenous music group performed on the Sunday, singing in the Gumbanyggirr language.
Susanne Lumsdaine, President of the Bellinger River Agricultural Society, said “The marquee space delivered a vibrant two days of free, hands-on activities for more than 4000 patrons attending the community event.”
The new Artisan’s Tent was a key contributor to the Bellinger River Agricultural Society winning the 2023 Ag Show’s NSW Innovation Award for their focus on sustainability and creativity – a fantastic achievement, as theirs was one of 192 regional agricultural shows involved.
This story was submitted as part of FRRR’s 25th birthday celebrations.
“As tourism development consultants who work with regional, rural and remote communities, we owe a great debt to FRRR – so many of the communities we support have received funding for a tourism development project from you – there’s even been some projects where we were hired with FRRR funding!”
Linda and Kushla, Tourism Development Consultants, Tilma Group Pty Ltd
“In 2023, we felt so inspired by business for good initiatives that tourism business owners were doing. We decided to start our own business for good initiative, and together while brainstorming what that could be, we decided there could be no better partner than FRRR – you’ve supported us and the communities we work for, and we want to support you! Making this decision brought us so much joy!
“Today, Tilma Group donates 1% of profits towards FRRR’s pool of funds. A personal concern is climate change, as we see its impacts in the communities we work with and in our industry, such as more extreme bushfires, floods and cyclones. While a festival that we supported took place, a bushfire started lapping the edge of town, and the event coordinators had to leave to fight the fire! Businesses we coach share their struggles with loss of visitors, such as the many Gold Coast business mentees who suddenly faced cancellations due to a flood in their busiest season.
“In the tourism industry, climate change is a major threat to business viability. For this reason, we’ve chosen to donate to FRRR’s Prepare and Recover grant, which helps regional communities adapt to future extreme weather events or recover from experiencing one. Anyone can join us in donating to FRRR here.”
This story was submitted as part of FRRR’s 25th birthday celebrations.
“Congratulations FRRR on 25 years of community support and grant making. First Steps Count has been fortunate to work alongside FRRR in the delivery of several grants over the last few years. FRRR recognises the value and the power of place-based, community-led projects, funding and supporting the hard work of people on the ground in rural and regional areas who have the passion and drive to make a difference for their communities. Thank you FRRR for your dedication to rural and regional communities and we wish you all the best for the next 25 years!”
Clare Brennan, Director
“First Steps Count received a $25,000 Investing in Not-for-Profit Capacity grant to engage the community with the co-design and development of our amazing centre for families with children aged 0-12. An additional Strengthening Rural Communities grant enabled us to engage with children and families local to the community to create artworks that feature on the internal and external walls at First Steps Count Child and Community Centre.
“Without FRRR funding, we would not have been able to work with an artist to coordinate the art project which enabled us to engage over 250 children and women in the community to create the art. The community’s involvement in the project has had a significant impact on their sense of belonging and ownership of the hub.
“We would also not have had sufficient resources to engage in genuine co-design to ensure that the way in which our hub operates truly meets the needs of the community.”
First Steps Count’s vision for the future
“Babies born today will be in their mid 20s in 2050. It is my hope that more of the children born today successfully finish their education and are supported by their families and community to engage in meaningful study, employment or work. It is my hope that more children have positive childhood experiences that ultimately influence the way they parent and manage relationships. It is my hope that the statistics show better developmental outcomes across all domains for children starting school.”
