Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR)
Kowanyama is a small, very remote town in the Gulf Country in QLD and it ranks as one of Australia’s most socially and economically disadvantaged communities.
Sadly, the community has experienced a disproportionate amount of sorrow and trauma in recent years, yet it has limited places for families and community groups to safely meet and hold traditional gatherings, eat together or hold community events.
But that’s changed thanks in part to a $10,000 Strengthening Rural Communities grant. A new communal fire pit, picnic table and shelter against harsh weather conditions have been built. The people of Kowanyama now have a place to socialise and connect, which is a critical part of fostering wellbeing and strengthening the community.
This project was led by Out There Kowanyama (OTK), a dynamic, volunteer-run organisation that works to create hope and opportunity in the remote community by empowering youth with various projects and activities. OTK has a strong understanding of the community’s needs, and this project was an expansion of the community park and picnic area they had previously developed.
Although the pandemic caused a delay in completing this project, the new amenities were successfully installed by 2021 and the community reaction has been wonderful.
OTK Treasurer, Lara Wieland, shared the following with us:
“This is a place we could come and relax and get away from things when we’re stressed.”
“This could be a neutral place for mediations.”
“Counsellors could use this to catch up with people who don’t want a home or clinic visit.”
“We will hold our next women’s group here.”
“What a great place to come and hold an event. I especially like the firepit.”
“People can gather here in the shade after funerals or christenings and the old people will have somewhere shady to sit.”
Tomaree Neighbourhood Centre Inc (TNC) set out to build the economic and cultural sustainability of the Worimi Indigenous Community through a free, culturally safe workshop where participants were able to connect with culture through story and art.
Born out of a collaboration between Tomaree Neighbourhood Centre and Koori Colours Art Gallery in Tanilba Bay, the ‘Adult Indigenous Art and Cultural Canvas Workshop’ project was supported by a $6,407 grant, awarded through the Small and Vital stream of the Strengthening Rural Communities grant program.
While the workshop’s primary audience was Indigenous members, it was inclusive to all in the hopes of building a stronger social fabric in the community. There were 50 attendees, including Deputy Mayor Leah Anderson and Warlga Ngurra Women and Children’s Refuge committee member Aunty Mook (Delece Manton).
The two-day workshop was facilitated by Worimi artist Jason Russel, who inspired members to infuse their unique stories into artistic creations. Jason provided teachings on symbols, the stories behind them, and traditional methods of painting used by Worimi people.
The project culminated in an exhibition on 1 March, 2024, at Tomaree Library and Community Centre. Opened by Jason with a welcome to country in traditional Gathang language and smoking ceremony, the exhibition displayed all participants’ artworks and gave the wider Port Stephens community an opportunity to meet the artists and hear the stories behind their work.
TNC reported that they were proud to successfully provide a supportive and inclusive space for people to create, heal, yarn, and connect to culture. ‘Through the sharing of culture, we are contributing to closing the gap on a grassroots level.’
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In 2013, a group of like-minded and passionate home economics teachers in Western Australia got together to create an organisation focused on training and assisting young people to develop career pathways in the education, food and hospitality industries.
The group, called Live To Tell Your Story Inc (LTTYS), runs an annual program called Prepare Produce Provide Djinda Ngardak. This culinary program first launched in 2017 and offers First Nations youth (aged 15-17 years) the opportunity to attend a life-changing, week-long camp that shines a light on First Nations culture and connection to land and food. Attendees from across WA are trained and mentored by some of WA’s top chefs. The program celebrates culture, food and storytelling, as well as developing skills primarily linked to employment pathways.
LTTYS received a $10,000 Strengthening Rural Communities Grant to assist in delivering a revised version of Djinda Ngardak alongside the 2023 Desert Dust Up. This annual event brings together eight schools from the Ngaanyatjarra Lands in the Goldfields-Esperance region of Western Australia for three days of activities.
The theme for the program was “Let’s Power-up for Dust Up”. In adapting to the requirements of Desert Dust Up, LTTYS worked closely with the Ngaanyatjarra Lands Schools leadership team, staff and cultural leaders to prepare nutritional meals, access local food sources and create a culturally responsive ‘food skills’ development program to complement both the social and educative aims of Desert Dust Up. The model combines traditional cooking practices with contemporary recipes and styles.
Over 17 days, the Prepare Produce Provide Djinda Ngardak team delivered workshops at seven campuses across Ngganyatjarra lands. Students and staff were active participants and there was a noticeable increase in school attendance as their trip progressed. The workshops were guided by Indigenous Elders and chefs using gathered bush ingredients and provided an insight into ancestral culinary heritage. Evening sessions were also held to support and educate teachers in the delivery of food-related workshops that they could incorporate in their classroom teaching. Additional community members, including police, nurses, Elders and rangers, also participated in the delivery of the workshops.
In addition to teaching the basics of food hygiene and nutrition, and being mentored by industry professionals, the culinary workshops delivered a range of other soft, transferrable skills, as well as sharing and exchanging cultural knowledge, skills and traditional practices, storytelling and enhancing culinary skills.
The program culminated in the delivery of healthy lunchboxes for participants at the 2023 Dust Up. Across the three days of events, more than 4,000 pieces of food were cooked and served to over 350 guests in the local and wider communities. The meals reflected learnings and the work achieved from the workshops on the Lands.
While the 2023 Djinda Ngardak Dust Up program was deemed an outstanding success, it certainly wasn’t without its challenges such as shifting timelines, changing numbers for catering and food supplies either missing or simply not available.
Catherine MacDougall, founder of LTTYS, said that the support from FRRR has provided an opportunity to build networks with additional community members that will be called upon for 2024 Dust Up.
“Relationships are key to the sustainability and growth of the program. FRRR has provided support funds to enhance the Dust Up program, originally developed to address the large issue of food insecurity in remote regions of Western Australia. Dust Up is now a significant program for the LTTYS organisation. It reflects the passion and dedication of our team.”
FRRR and Charter Hall are pleased to announce the expansion of their partnership, signing a three-year agreement to drive further investment in disaster preparedness and recovery efforts across remote, rural and regional communities. The funding will be distributed through FRRR’s flagship Strengthening Rural Communities small grants program.
![Two yellow aeroplanes](https://frrr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Friends-of-Tenterfield-Aerodrome_Fire-Bosses-scaled.jpg)
Natalie Egleton, FRRR’s CEO, said that with rural communities increasingly at the forefront of the impacts of climate change, it’s more important than ever that communities can access flexible funding to support preparedness efforts, especially in smaller remote, rural and regional communities.
“We’re grateful for this commitment from Charter Hall, as it means that there will be more funding to empower local communities to shape and lead their preparedness, disaster recovery and resilience building projects in a way that makes the most sense in their community.
“After decades of working alongside remote, rural and regional communities, we know that no two are the same. Our small grants program has proven a critical source of funding, as it’s always open and ready when the time is right. For some, it’s helped them purchase emergency equipment or upgrade the place of last refuge so it’s safe, accessible and fit for purpose; for others, it’s supported a whole of community planning process, while for others it’s enabled leadership and local capacity development.
“With Charter Hall’s support, we will be able to support more communities be better able to respond to whatever comes their way. We also look forward to sharing the importance of this kind of support among their networks and colleagues,” Ms Egleton said.
Natalie Devlin, Charter Hall’s Chief Experience Officer, commented on the importance of its partnership with FRRR in having an enduring impact on its communities.
“At Charter Hall we have always focused on actively partnering for mutual success. Our approach to community investment is no different, focusing on creating lasting change by partnering where we can make the most difference to individuals and communities. We are pleased to be expanding our partnership with FRRR, ensuring relief and recovery solutions are funded in the community to deliver the greatest community benefit.
“Through this partnership, we will enable local people and organisations to shape and lead their disaster relief, recovery and resilience building processes. Having worked with FRRR since 2020, we have seen first-hand the difference they can make through their local understanding, and connection to grassroots organisations that often can’t access support otherwise.”
The first grants to be made with Charter Hall’s support was announced 30 April 2024.
Rural community groups and not-for-profit organisations that want to apply to the Prepare & Recover stream can find out more on FRRR’s website.
The list of Charter Hall-funded grant recipients and their projects are below.
Organisation | Project | Location | Grant |
---|---|---|---|
ADRA Wauchope Community Connect led by ADRA Wauchope Community Connect Adventist Development and Relief Agency Australia Ltd | ADRA Wauchope Community Connect Support bushfire recovery by purchasing a food trailer to continue delivering a food service to vulnerable local residents. | Wauchope, NSW | $25,000 |
Courabyra Public Hall Land Manager | Courabyra Hall Storage Infrastructure Contribute to bushfire preparedness and increase capacity to serve as a central resource hub by building new storage areas for food, perishables, and additional safety equipment. | Courabyra, NSW | $20,237 |
Friends of Tenterfield Aerodrome Inc | Tenterfield Aerodrome Disaster Resilience Project Enhance bushfire preparedness by constructing a shed to store aerodrome maintenance and firefighting equipment. | Tenterfield, NSW | $10,000 |
Narooma Surf Life Saving Club Inc | Video and Audio Conferencing System Enhance bushfire recovery and improve communication during emergencies with a new by video and audio conference system at Narooma Surf Life Saving Club. | Narooma, NSW | $1,500 |
Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Council | Wujal Wujal Prepare and Recover Project Build preparedness for future climate related disasters in a community impacted by Cyclone Jasper by purchasing emergency generators, lighting, portable cooking equipment and swags. | Wujal Wujal, QLD | $25,000 |
Freycinet Volunteer Marine Rescue Association Inc | PE-ER: Protective Equipment - Efficient Radio Support community safety and enhance organisational capacity during emergencies by upgrading communication equipment and protective clothing. | Swansea, TAS | $9,968 |
St Helens Marine Rescue Association Incorporated | Marine Rescue Capability Extension Strengthen capability of an emergency service and support the work of volunteers through the upgrade of telecommunication equipment and safety jackets. | St Helens, TAS | $7,260 |
Funding to meet the local needs and connect communities
One hundred and twenty-nine community groups across remote, rural and regional Australia are sharing nearly $1.4 million in grants through FRRR’s flagship Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) program.
![Family of four leaning on wire fence in front of the Glastonbury Hall.](https://frrr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/SRC-Glastonbury-4-3.png)
Awarded via three streams of funding, SRC grants support small and vital projects, like upgrades to the community pool in Cummins, SA; COVID recovery projects, such as creating an arts and cultural precinct in the remote community of Tully, QLD; and disaster preparedness or recovery initiatives, like providing culturally informed, trauma-responsive community healing days for the flood-affected community of Lismore, NSW.
FRRR received a record 450 applications for this round of SRC funding, requesting more than $4.5 million in grants for projects valued at more than $19 million. The team has worked hard to shorten the time between applying and awarding SRC grants, with these grants being awarded just nine weeks after the round closed.
Jill Karena, FRRR’s Place Portfolio Lead, says that there is an increasing need for FRRR to fill gaps in areas that may have previously relied on funding from government incentives or programs or support from local businesses.
“The SRC program is flexible and open year-round, meaning it can lean in when Government and other agencies lean out. This access to continued funding opportunities is especially vital in communities that are moving beyond the immediate threats and response to natural disasters and other shocks.
“This round, we have seen increased applications from the organisers of community events, such as local agricultural shows, as some local governments are reducing their annual funding support. We also saw increased funding requests from smaller more remote communities that are a seeking to boost the local economy by developing activities and events to encourage overnight stays from visitors who would otherwise pass through. We also noticed an increase in applications from fringe metro areas and inner rural communities, which seems to indicate that they too are facing diminishing funding opportunities,” she said.
Unmet need continues in small communities
In addition to the 129 initiatives awarded grants, there were a further 85 funding-ready projects, requesting more than $900,000, that FRRR did not have the funds to support. This highlights the importance of small grants to remote, rural and regional community groups and is why FRRR is seeking new partners so that the Foundation can fund more projects in the future.
“Given the uncertainty of the current financial landscape, groups have told us that they value having access to timely secured funding to support medium to long term goals, as well as initiatives that respond to present needs and priorities.
“These are the projects that create a sense of place and identity, and the people and organisations that make these inspiring projects happen need our support. SRC grants provide leverage as they demonstrate to other funders that the projects have value and are supported. But to be able to fund more of them, we need to bring in additional collaborative funders. So we invite all those who want to see a thriving remote, rural and regional Australia to join us to support local initiatives. They really do make a difference,” Ms Karena said.
The SRC program is collaboratively supported by donors, ranging from private individuals to larger foundations, who are acknowledged on the SRC program page.
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 20 - April 2024 | ||||||
NEW SOUTH WALES | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Arthur Butler Aviation Museum | ABAM Management Plan Create a management plan for the aerodrome to develop future facilities, enhancing Tooraweenah's appeal as a destination and boosting tourism. | Tooraweenah | $5,000 | |||
Colly Gamilaraay Indigenous Corporation | Collarenebri Community Cultural Festival Celebrate traditional and contemporary Aboriginal culture from across the region through a one-day multi-arts and sporting festival addressing cultural isolation. | Collarenebri | $9,500 | |||
Connecting With Bricks Inc | Mobile LEGO® Brick Pits Expand organisational capacity and provide equal access to educational and social enrichment tools with mobile Lego brick-building pits for hire by rural schools, libraries, and community groups. | Tintinhull | $10,000 | |||
Parkes & District Historical Society Inc | Wiradjuri Cultural Storage Facility and Workspace Create an engaging space to learn about Parkes' historical and cultural stories by purchasing a shipping container to showcase the extensive Wiradjuri artefact collection. | Parkes | $10,000 | |||
Southern Youth and Family Services Limited | Laptops for Learners - Cooma Enable disadvantaged homeless high school students in the Cooma area to fully participate in their school education by providing laptops to complete their studies. | Cooma | $10,000 | |||
The Trustee for The Salvation Army (NSW) Property Trust | Salvos Community Connect - Engagement Space Boost community connection by purchasing safe, accessible chairs for morning tea gatherings that engage isolated or lonely residents. | Goulburn | $5,000 | |||
Warren Chamber Music Festival Incorporated | Singing Your Stories | Collie | $10,000 | |||
Prepare & Recover - 2019/2020 Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Mann River Men's Shed Inc | Mann River Shed Electrical System Support bushfire recovery by installing electricity in the workshop building to make it fit for purpose as a Men's Shed, a community meeting space and shelter for future disasters. | Diehard | $25,000 | |||
Playability Incorporated | Creating an Inclusive Children's Playground Contribute to bushfire recovery by upgrading outdoor facilities to create an abilities and culturally inclusive children’s playground. | Eden | $9,000 | |||
ADRA Wauchope Community Connect led by ADRA Wauchope Community Connect Adventist Development and Relief Agency Australia Ltd | ADRA Wauchope Community Connect Support bushfire recovery by purchasing a food trailer to continue delivering a food service to vulnerable local residents. | Wauchope | $25,000 | |||
Courabyra Public Hall Land Manager | Courabyra Hall Storage Infrastructure Contribute to bushfire preparedness and increase capacity to serve as a central resource hub by building new storage areas for food, perishables, and additional safety equipment. | Courabyra | $20,237 | |||
Friends of Tenterfield Aerodrome Inc | Tenterfield Aerodrome Disaster Resilience Project Enhance bushfire preparedness by constructing a shed to store aerodrome maintenance and firefighting equipment. | Tenterfield | $10,000 | |||
Nambucca Valley Radio led by Nambucca Valley Radio Radio Nambucca Inc | Tewinga Community Centre Disaster Preparedness Project Enhance bushfire preparedness by purchasing essential disaster equipment and providing emergency training for volunteers and the community. | Tewinga | $16,615 | |||
Narooma Oyster Festival Limited | Feasibility, Best Practice, Economic Impact Study and Business Case Proposal Enhance organisational capacity in a bushfire-impacted community by engaging industry experts to research and advise on a sustainable self-funding business model for Farmgate and Shellor Door Oyster education and tasting centre. | Narooma | $25,000 | |||
Narooma Surf Life Saving Club Inc | Video and Audio Conferencing System Enhance bushfire recovery and improve communication during emergencies with a new by video and audio conference system at Narooma Surf Life Saving Club. | Narooma | $1,500 | |||
Social Justice Advocates of the Sapphire Coast Incorporated | Social Justice Advocates Youth Convenor: A Dedicated Mission Engage a young person to lead workshops and collaboration with diverse young people to build on the youth-focussed bushfire recovery work to address other local l social justice issues | Bega Valley | $24,309 | |||
Southcoast Health and Sustainability Alliance | Heatwave and Wood Smoke Haven Anglican Church Batemans Bay: Stage 2 Enhance bushfire preparedness by installing hybrid solar technology, ensuring continuous power during grid outages for the building to operate as a bushfire and extreme weather refuge. | Batemans Bay | $24,952 | |||
Surf Life Saving Lower North Coast Branch Incorporated | 4WD to Maximise Emergency and Disaster Response Capability Contribute to bushfire preparedness and recovery by purchasing a 4WD vehicle for the Surf Life Saving Lower North Coast Branch to maximise emergency and disaster response capability. | Taree, Hallidays Point | $25,000 | |||
Tabulam Public Hall Reserve Land Manager | Laptop and Printer Acquisition Streamline evacuation centre operations during disasters with a new laptop and printer. | Tabulam | $1,995 | |||
The Valley Centre for Environmental Education and Research Incorporated | Heart & Humility - Supporting the Creation of a Cultural Fire Hub Facilitate two workshops to establish a community-driven cultural fire hub, promoting cultural burning, and emphasising knowledge transfer and leadership roles for Elders. | Singleton | $10,000 | |||
Prepare & Recover - 2022 Flood Recovery | ||||||
Backtrack Works Ltd | Disaster Recovery Response Crews Boost flood recovery and preparedness by upskilling young people as a fast response resource in times of natural disaster. | Tenterfield | $25,000 | |||
Ettrick Hall Committee Incorporated | The Safe Hub Boost flood preparedness by purchasing a generator for the Safe Hub. | Ettrick | $1,810 | |||
Hillston Creative Arts Council Incorporated | Red Dust and Paddy Melons Community Gallery Re-stumping and stabilisation project Support repairs to a community-owned heritage gallery and information centre damaged by severe weather and floods. | Hillston | $25,000 | |||
Northern Rivers Community Healing Hub | Healing Hub : Wellness Wednesdays Provide culturally informed, trauma-responsive community healing days for flood-affected individuals over seven months in a supportive environment. | Lismore | $25,000 | |||
Proprietor Bundgeam Pre-School Inc | Bundgeam Prepared and Safe Enhance the existing community disaster safe space by purchasing a defibrillator, upgrading pumps for flood mitigation, and fireproofing the building. | Grevillia | $15,000 | |||
The Colony Bees Association Inc | Pollinate Country Establish and maintain 30 new beehive nesting sites to restore pollination to native plants and crops affected by recent floods. | Lennox Head | $8,800 | |||
Tyalgum District Community Association Inc | Improving Safety Through Communication Improve communication for flood preparedness and recovery by installing a mobile repeater, linkage repeater and solar charge system. | Tyalgum | $22,605 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
Big Brothers - Big Sisters Australia Limited | Big Brothers Big Sisters Tumut Address isolation, loneliness and disengagement of young people after the pandemic through training 10 new volunteer mentors for the Tumut Big Brothers Big Sisters program. | Tumut | $10,000 | |||
Community Resources Limited | Helping Hands – Community Outreach Project Ameliorate post-pandemic isolation experienced by seniors by employing a short-term coordinator and two staff members to facilitate a welfare and education outreach program. | Forster | $8,328 | |||
Coonamble Golf Club Ltd | Little Links: A Playful Oasis at Coonamble Golf Club Enhance social cohesion and provide a safe and family-friendly place to gather in a remote region post-COVID-19 through the construction of a playground at a community hub. | Coonamble | $9,928 | |||
Edward River Art Society Incoporated | Riverbend Gallery Encourage visitation and boost community engagement with visual arts and culture post-pandemic with marketing support for exhibitions and events at a community gallery. | Deniliquin | $8,750 | |||
Eurobodalla Chamber Orchestra | Enhancing Public Performance Enhance the post-pandemic capacity of a chamber orchestra to perform at outdoor venues through the purchase of robust music stands and sheet music covers. | Batemans Bay | $2,748 | |||
Fungi Feastival Association Incorporated | Fungi Feastival 2024 Unite diverse sectors of the community, reduce social isolation, and encourage tourism post-pandemic through the hosting of the expanded Fungi Feastival with expert guest speakers. | Batemans Bay | $8,000 | |||
Grafton Community Shed Incorporated | Machinery Upgrade Increase organisational capacity, reduce social isolation and encourage new membership of a community shed by purchasing new woodworking and metalworking equipment. | Grafton | $5,000 | |||
Hope Bathurst Incorporated | HopeCare Community Garden Expansion Build organisational capacity of a community garden and improve access to fresh food post-COVID-19 through establishing new fruit trees and raised garden beds. | Bathurst | $9,732 | |||
Lions Club of Boorowa Inc | New Storage Shed - Stage 1 Support the operation of an increasingly busy, volunteer-run driver reviver van by laying a concrete slab for the van storage shed. | Boorowa | $8,440 | |||
Molong Historical Society Incorporated | Upgrade of Artefacts Storage Facility Encourage visitation post-pandemic through upgrading an artefact storage facility to effectively house museum exhibits and allow the acquisition of further items. | Molong | $10,000 | |||
Moree Plains Shire Council | Fanny Lumsden's Country Hall's Tour Enhance community morale and recovery post-pandemic and inspire local musicians by facilitating the visit of Fanny Lumsden’s Country Halls Tour to a small remote community. | Garah | $3,000 | |||
Nimbin Health & Welfare Assoc Inc | Nimbin Mental Wealth Expo '24 Increase awareness of mental health services and enhance wellbeing post-pandemic through hosting an inclusive interagency Mental Wealth Expo. | Nimbin | $7,200 | |||
RiverSmart Australia Limited | A Better Path to WOW Relaunch Increase tourism and the safety of post-pandemic visitors by building a concrete coach-disembarking point and accessible pathway. | Warren | $10,000 | |||
Skillset Limited | Career Connections Pilot a workplace learning program by connecting year 10 students with businesses for work placement opportunities addressing barriers faced by disadvantaged students post-pandemic. | Bathurst | $9,992 | |||
Tamworth Regional Craft Centre Incorporation | Tamworth Regional Craft Centre Incorporation (TRCCI) Accessibility ramp to club house Build an accessible and compliant ramp to encourage increased participation in activities at a community arts centre. | Tamworth | $9,000 | |||
The Rotary Club of Uralla Incorporated | Bundarra Garden Festival Enhance community reconnection, tourism, and economic recovery post-pandemic through promoting and creating signage for a garden festival. | Bundarra | $4,000 | |||
Tumbarumba Men's Shed Inc | Spindle Moulder Purchase install and commission fit-for-purpose woodworking equipment to enhance a the Men’s Shed ability to safely recycle bushfire-recovered and salvaged timber for use in community projects after COVID-19. | Tumbarumba | $3,446 | |||
NORTHERN TERRITORY | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Marrakai Volunteer Bushfire Brigade Incorporated | Enhancing Prescribed Burn Capabilities: ATV Buggy Acquisition Project Purchase a specialised all-terrain vehicle to support volunteers to increase the number and safety of prescribed burns to protect the community. | Marrakai | $10,000 | |||
The Trustee for Karrkad-Kanjdji Trust | Warddeken and Walaaybaa Ranger Exchange Enhance community capacity for cultural and environmental preservation by sharing knowledge across Indigenous Ranger groups through a ranger exchange. | Mamardawerre | $40,500 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
Enterprise Learning Projects | Impact North Cowork Upgrades for Community Events Support remote Indigenous entrepreneurs and organisations to connect and learn post-pandemic by purchasing outdoor furniture, equipment, and signage to establish a culturally appropriate events and meeting space. | Darwin | $9,693 | |||
QUEENSLAND | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Burdekin Woodcrafts Association Incorporated | Provide Additional Storage Area for Burdekin Woodcrafters Support the purchase and fit out of a storage facility for donated wood, increasing the groups’ capacity to support community initiatives and reducing environmental waste. | Ayr | $9,450 | |||
Clermont Kindergarten Day Care Centre Association Incorporated | Kindy Gym / Obstacle Course Project Provide outdoor play facilities for preschool children, supporting the development of physical skills, coordination, and balance. | Clermont | $10,000 | |||
Etheridge Cares Inc | Mowers to Maintain Yards for Seniors Purchase mowing equipment to provide at-home mowing services for elderly residents, supporting them to live independently in the community. | Georgetown | $9,426 | |||
Isisford Primary P&C Association | Dancing Lessons in the Dirt and Dust Foster community connection by providing after-school dance lessons for children in an isolated community, culminating in a public performance. | Isisford | $6,000 | |||
Millmerran Academy of Performing Arts Inc | What's the MAPA Support a series of creative arts workshops and events to foster youth engagement with the arts, improving social outcomes and youth resilience. | Millmerran | $10,000 | |||
Peak Crossing Public Hall Association Incorporated | Perimeter Fence Around Peak Crossing Public Hall Install a perimeter fence around a public hall to create a safe and welcoming space that will facilitate increased community use. | Peak Crossing | $10,000 | |||
QCWA Branch Jackson | Back Yard Blitz Undertake landscaping works to improve safety and amenity of a local CWA hall, ensuring the community has access to a comfortable and safe gathering space. | Jackson | $9,900 | |||
Returned & Services League of Australia (Queensland Branch) Gin Gin Sub-Branch Inc | New Fridge for Gin Gin RSL Sub Branch Replace worn out and inefficient fridge at the local RSL to ensure the safe storage of food for social events and activities that connect elderly residents. | Gin Gin | $2,750 | |||
Returned & Services League of Australia (Queensland Branch) Wondai Sub-Branch Inc | Maintaining Wondai RSL Sub Branch Memorial Park Purchase a ride-on mower to enable older volunteers to maintain a local memorial park that Council has handed over to the group to manage for community use. | Wondai | $9,000 | |||
Prepare & Recover - 2022 Flood Recovery | ||||||
Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Council | Wujal Wujal Prepare and Recover Project Build preparedness for future climate related disasters in a community impacted by Cyclone Jasper by purchasing emergency generators, lighting, portable cooking equipment and swags. | Wujal Wujal | $25,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
Artworks Granite Belt Inc | Upgrade of Facility Boost the capacity of a volunteer-run community cafe to provide training and employment opportunities post-pandemic by upgrading commercial kitchen equipment. | Stanthorpe | $8,437 | |||
Babinda Community Kindergarten Inc | Meeting Place Reduce social isolation post COVID-19 by creating an inclusive outdoor community meeting space protected from the elements by a gazebo. | Babinda | $10,000 | |||
Mt Perry Show Society Inc | Mt Perry Showgrounds Maintenance and Upkeep Support the post COVID-19 development of a site for community events and a new caravan park by purchasing a ride-on lawn mower. | Mount Perry | $10,000 | |||
Noorama Sports and Recreation Centre Inc | Kitchen Renovations Reduce social isolation in a very remote community post-COVID 19 by upgrading kitchen facilities at their only community hub. | Noorama | $10,000 | |||
Rathdowney and District Memorial Grounds Association Incorporated | Telehealth Room Provide discreet access to vital healthcare and social-support services post-pandemic by creating a private, dedicated telehealth room at a community hub in an isolated regional area. | Rathdowney | $10,000 | |||
Ravenshoe Community Centre Inc | Ravenshoe Community Garden Strengthen social connection, provide access to fresh food, and sustain the work of volunteers at a community garden after the pandemic through the purchase of a trailer and improved garden soil. | Ravenshoe | $6,000 | |||
Stella Community | Bowen Community Garden Support the creation of a new inclusive community garden to provide access to fresh food and encourage social cohesion post-pandemic through the purchase of raised garden beds, soil, and garden equipment. | Bowen | $8,000 | |||
The Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre Incorporated | Community Skills Boost Facilitate a low-cost leadership program to support members of community organisations in the social service sector to build skills and capability to address local challenges post-pandemic. | Hervey Bay | $7,850 | |||
Theodore Early Childhood Centre Association Inc | TECCA Bonanza Project Support community reconnection, economic recovery, and organisational sustainability post-pandemic by holding a family-friendly rodeo event. | Theodore | $9,988 | |||
Tully Arts and Cultural Precinct led by Tully Arts and Cultural Precinct Tully Support Centre Inc | Tully Arts and Cultural Precinct - Community Consultation and Planning (TACP-CCP) Support the creation of an arts and cultural precinct in a remote community post-COVID-19 by engaging the community in developing a strategic plan. | Tully | $10,000 | |||
SOUTH AUSTRALIA | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Cummins Memorial Recreation Centre Inc | Cummins and District War Memorial Swimming Pool Redevelopment Support community wellbeing and water safety with upgrades at a remote community pool that offers vital learn-to-swim programs. | Cummins | $10,000 | |||
Inman Valley Community & Memorial Hall Association Incorporated | Keep Us Cool at the Inman Valley Memorial Hall Increase hall usage by installing a split system to provide a comfortable, safe, and welcoming community meeting space. | Inman Valley | $10,000 | |||
Mintaro Progress Association Inc | Mintaro Seniors a Connected Community Foster social connections and increase community wellbeing and resilience by providing a series of activities and workshops for older people. | Mintaro | $4,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
Balaklava Town Hall Management Committee Incorporated | Sound Upgrade Stage 2 Bolster post-pandemic organisational recovery and improve community access to the arts by upgrading audio equipment to provide quality sound at a community theatre and concert venue. | Balaklava | $10,000 | |||
Carrackalinga Board of Management | Improving Functional Use of Carrickalinga House Senior Citizens Facility Encourage greater use of a community facility and increase safety, hygiene, and accessibility post-pandemic through floor resurfacing and installing a commercial-grade benchtop dishwasher. | Victor Harbor | $10,000 | |||
Milang and District Community Association Incorporated | Lakeside Butter Factory Cafe & Catering Social Enterprise Boost the capacity of a new social enterprise cafe to provide training and employment opportunities in the community post-pandemic through the purchase of commercial kitchen equipment. | Milang | $9,778 | |||
Riding for the Disabled Association SA Inc | Revival of Riding for The Disabled on the Yorke Peninsula Support the re-establishment of a Riding for the Disabled group closed due to lack of volunteers post-pandemic through fortnightly transport of horses to provide social and therapeutic activities for those living with disability. | Kadina | $10,000 | |||
Southern Yorke Peninsula Community Hub Incorporated | Supporting our SYP Community Foster life-long learning, community resilience and cohesion post-COVID-19, through a series of digital literacy workshops and technical assistance for disadvantaged community members. | Yorketown | $10,000 | |||
TASMANIA | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Brighton Community Food Hub | Expansion Project - Food to Families Enhance the capacity of a growing emergency food relief program by upgrading equipment and covering volunteer travel costs to aid vulnerable residents. | Brighton | $10,000 | |||
Dignity Supported Community Gardening Inc | DIGnity Gardening Sessions Improve health and wellbeing outcomes through a therapeutic gardening program supporting vulnerable, marginalised and socially isolated community members. | Dodges Ferry | $9,240 | |||
Freycinet Volunteer Marine Rescue Association Inc | PE-ER: Protective Equipment - Efficient Radio Support community safety and enhance organisational capacity during emergencies by upgrading communication equipment and protective clothing. | Swansea | $9,968 | |||
Huon Valley Police & Community Youth Club Inc | Community Café Skill development for disengaged and at-risk young people through the establishment of a youth led café at local community centre. | Huonville | $10,000 | |||
St Helens Marine Rescue Association Incorporated | Marine Rescue Capability Extension Strengthen capability of an emergency service and support the work of volunteers through the upgrade of telecommunication equipment and safety jackets. | St Helens | $7,260 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
Folk Federation of Tasmania Incorporated led by Mount Roland Folk Federation | Mount Roland Folk Festival 2024 Increase community engagement post-pandemic by collaborating with the local school, and by offering free and discounted concerts featuring local and emerging artists. | Sheffield | $5,000 | |||
Mount Roland Land Care Inc | Reconnecting Kentish: Building Organisational Capacity Develop organisational and volunteer capacity post-pandemic via the delivery of first aid, traffic management and mental health training and the purchase of appropriate PPE and tools. | Sheffield | $8,097 | |||
The Derwent Catchment Project Inc | Hamilton Resource Centre Upgrade Enhance connectivity, boost organisational capacity, and improve a collaborative space post-COVID-19 by installing video conferencing equipment in a community resource centre. | Hamilton | $10,000 | |||
VICTORIA | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Strzelecki Public Hall Incorporated | Heating for Our Hall Increase the use of the community hall by installing a climate control split system to make the meeting space more comfortable, safe, and welcoming. | Strzelecki | $10,000 | |||
Ararat Men's Shed Inc | Metal Lathe Improve older men's mental health by purchasing equipment to encourage new members, enhance shed skills and provide a greater community service. | Ararat | $7,800 | |||
Benalla Health | Benalla Grow Your Own Establish a network of community worm farms to provide compost for a sustainable community food garden supporting vulnerable residents. | Benalla | $10,000 | |||
Birchip Neighbourhood House Inc | Connecting and Learning: Food, Fun and Fellowship Enhance senior citizens' health and social wellbeing and foster intergenerational connections by hosting 10 monthly community lunches in Birchip. | Birchip | $6,400 | |||
Friends of Morwell National Park Inc | Feeling Chirpy: A Bird Book for Morwell National Park Enhance community connections, social wellbeing and understanding of local biodiversity by creating a citizen-led, plain-English, local bird guidebook. | Jeeralang Junction | $5,000 | |||
Maffra Golf Club | Clubroom Renovation Boost opportunities for social connection in a community meeting space by upgrading furniture and re-painting a function room hired for training activities, functions, and events. | Maffra | $10,000 | |||
Numurkah Community Learning Centre Inc | Growing Community Improve the viability of the community hub’s food garden with new equipment and greenhouse, ensuring year-round produce to provide local access to nutritious food via a food relief pantry. | Numurkah | $8,342 | |||
Tatura Civic Halls Committee Incorporated | Keep the Power Safe and On Create a safe and compliant space for meetings and activities by upgrading the electrical system at the community owned Tatura Civic Hall Complex. | Tatura | $7,000 | |||
Tyntyndyer Homestead Incorporated | Ride-on Mower Enhance tourism and cultural awareness of Watti Watti First Nations and colonial history by purchasing a mower to assist volunteers to maintain the visitor precinct grounds. | Beverford | $7,699 | |||
U3A Colac Otway Incorporated | Filipino Cultural Event Foster opportunities for cross-cultural connection and enhance older people’s social wellbeing through a Victorian Seniors Festival community meal event in Colac. | Colac | $2,500 | |||
Yarrawonga Mulwala Men's Shed | Future Building Enhance a volunteer program for men's physical and social health by purchasing machinery for workshop expansion and new chairs for meetings and activities. | Yarrawonga | $5,073 | |||
Yea Agricultural Pastoral and Horticultural Society | New Water Supply Improve access to water for users of the reserve by installing new water outlets, supporting tourism, social connection, and community safety. | Yea | $5,698 | |||
Prepare & Recover - 2019/2020 Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Cabbage Tree Public Hall | Emergency Equipment Shed: Construction and Completion Boost disaster preparedness and bushfire recovery capacity by installing a storage shed for emergency equipment at a public reserve. | Cabbage Tree Creek | $22,694 | |||
Duduroa Dhargal Aboriginal Corporation | Ryans Lagoon Wetlands – Caring and Reviving Culture and Country Hub Strengthen bushfire preparedness and improve safety by purchasing a ride on mower to maintain scrub and grassland on nationally significant wetlands. | Bonegilla | $25,000 | |||
Swifts Creek Recreation Reserve Committee of Management | Maintenance of the Swifts Creek Recreation Reserve Enhance disaster readiness and volunteer support in a bushfire-affected shire by purchasing a ride-on mower to maintain a reserve and safeguard a community space. | Swifts Creek | $25,000 | |||
Warrigunya Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation | Maintaining Warrigunya Against Potential Fire Threats Improve disaster preparedness in a bushfire impacted region and support skill development by purchasing a tractor and slasher to maintain grassland. | Darriman | $24,700 | |||
Prepare & Recover - 2022 Flood Recovery | ||||||
RFDS Community Transport, Rochester led by RFDS Community Transport, Rochester Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (Victorian Section) | Volunteer Engagement and Community Recovery Enhance volunteer support and health outcomes for flood-impacted residents by engaging a program support worker to coordinate medical appointments via the RFDS transport program. | Rochester | $25,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
Threatened Species Conservancy Inc | Enhancing Mallee Emu-Wren and Mallee Bird Conservation Support community reconnection post-pandemic, by delivering interactive community information sessions on conserving habitats for the Mallee Emu-Wren and other threatened Mallee birds. | Mildura | $10,000 | |||
Avenel Active | Avenel 'Get Me to the Shops' Community Transport Project Reduce social isolation, increase independence, and enhance wellbeing post-pandemic by providing weekly volunteer-assisted bus shopping trips for residents who are elderly, frail or with restricted mobility. | Avenel | $4,200 | |||
Beaufort Agricultural Society Inc | Enhance Storage for the Beaufort Show Sustain community events post-COVID-19 and improve participant and volunteer safety by installing roller doors on a storage area and agricultural show livestock shed. | Beaufort | $10,000 | |||
Bella A'Capella led by Bella A'Capella Echuca-Moama Arts Initiative | Spring Sing Workshop Support post-pandemic creative recovery of Northern Victoria's community choirs, enhancing greater group connection, by facilitating a singing workshop in Echuca. | Echuca | $2,253 | |||
Gargarro Botanic Garden Ltd | Mower for Gargarro Botanic Garden Improve safety and workload of volunteers’ post-pandemic by purchasing a reliable ride-on mower to maintain grounds and boost visitation of a garden complex in Girgarre. | Girgarre | $10,000 | |||
Gnarly Neighbours | Social Enterprise Fit-Out Increase opportunities for disadvantaged young people to build skills, knowledge, and connection post-pandemic through a fit-out at a social enterprise to create a skate store, coffee area and chill space. | Seymour | $10,000 | |||
Hindmarsh Shire Council | Reconnecting Small Communities through Films and Music Enhance reconnection opportunities post-pandemic for seniors with limited capacity for travel through a series of film screenings and concerts being held in their own community. | Dimboola | $10,000 | |||
Kiewa Valley Community Garden led by Kiewa Valley Community Garden Lions Club of Upper Kiewa Valley Inc | Kiewa Valley Community Garden Inclusive Seating Project Increase opportunities for projects, activities, and social connection post-pandemic by providing durable seating and tables at a community garden hub. | Tangambalanga | $9,754 | |||
Melville Forest Community Centre Inc | Melville Forest Hall Restoration & Refresh Enhance a community hub through paint, flooring, and air-conditioning upgrades to create a welcoming and financially sustainable venue for events and activities that encourage post-pandemic reconnection. | Melville Forest | $10,000 | |||
Murtoa’s Big Weekend Event Committee led by Murtoa’s Big Weekend Event Committee Murtoa Events Incorporated | Murtoa - A Land of Wonder Foster social connection tourism and creative COVID-19 recovery by enabling local artists to collaborate with the community to create a lakeside lighting installation for Murtoa’s Big Weekend event. | Murtoa | $10,000 | |||
RDA - Swan Hill led by RDA - Swan Hill Riding for the Disabled Association of Victoria Inc | Fencing Upgrade Project Boost the capacity of the organisation to provide safe therapeutic equestrian activities post-pandemic through essential fencing upgrades at their site located next to a busy highway. | Swan Hill | $9,304 | |||
St Mary's Primary School Parents and Friends Association led by St Mary's Primary School Parents and Friends Association Sea Lake | St Mary's Sea Lake Gala Day Encourage community connection and address social and geographical isolation post-pandemic by reviving an inclusive Gala Day, providing entertainment and activities for all ages. | Sea Lake | $7,000 | |||
Trafalgar Holden Museum Inc | Holden Heritage Centre Display Cabinets Sustain the Holden Heritage Centre and their work post-pandemic, encouraging greater visitation to the area by installing display cabinets to securely exhibit and preserve artefacts. | Trafalgar | $10,000 | |||
Wangaratta Symphony Orchestra Incorporated | Wangaratta Sounds Under Light - Shining a Light on Regional Music! Promote social connection and support creative recovery post-pandemic by facilitating a unique concert and light show at an iconic local cathedral during the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues. | Wangaratta | $10,000 | |||
Wollangarra Inc | A Strong and Trained Volunteer Team Reignite a program at a youth education centre post-COVID-19, boosting organisational capacity through training activities to increase volunteers’ knowledge and skills. | Licola | $10,000 | |||
WESTERN AUSTRALIA | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Collie Men's Shed Inc | Lean-to and Wood Storage Area Build an all-weather working and wood storage area to enable members to work safely on outdoor projects. | Collie | $10,000 | |||
Dandaragan Community Centre ManagementCommittee Incorporated | Storage Cupboards for Change Rooms Install storage at local community centre to increase community use and flexibility of the space. | Dandaragan | $10,000 | |||
Friends of Bibbawarra Bore Aboriginal Corporation | Bibbawarra Bore Reconciliation and Land Care Project Support development of an ecotourism business case for locally led restoration of historic hot springs. | Carnarvon | $10,000 | |||
Lower Coastal Community Association Inc | Lower Coastal Community Bus Establish an accessible and affordable community bus service in an area without existing public transport. | Guilderton | $5,000 | |||
Society of Kimberley Indigenous Plants and Animals led by Society of Kimberley Indigenous Plants and Animals Environs Kimberley | Home for SKIPA Support the development of an indigenous plant nursery, enhancing volunteer capacity to rehabilitate local environments. | Broome | $10,000 | |||
Prepare & Recover - 2022/2023 Cyclone & Flooding Recovery | ||||||
Marra Worra Worra Aboriginal Corporation | Preparing and Protecting Fitzroy Crossing Enhance disaster preparedness with back-up emergency food supplies for remote communities in a region severely impacted by Cyclone Ellie. | Fitzroy Crossing | $24,500 | |||
Prepare & Recover - 2021 Cyclone & Flooding Recovery | ||||||
Kalbarri Men's Shed Inc | Constructing a Community Garden Establish a community garden as part of a new multi-use facility, fostering social connections and community resilience in the recovery from Cyclone Seroja. | Kalbarri | $9,800 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
Bridgetown's Grumpy Old Men Inc | Upgrade Dust Extraction System Strengthen organisational capacity to provide safe working conditions and attract new men’s shed members post-pandemic, by purchasing mobile dust extractors for use with woodworking equipment. | Bridgetown | $5,096 | |||
Great Southern Community Legal Services | Great Southern Community Legal Service Digital Enhancement Project Improve the post-pandemic capacity of a community legal service to provide video-based legal consultations by furnishing three hybrid meeting spaces. | Albany | $8,160 | |||
Leeman Green Head Community Resource Centre Incorporated | Resilient Roof Restoration: Safeguarding Community Resources Sustain the work of a community resource centre experiencing increased demand for its services post-COVID 19 by undertaking essential roof repairs. | Leeman | $10,000 | |||
Pemberton Youth Emergency Service Cadets | Pemberton Youth Emergency Services Development Project Boost organisational and volunteer capacity post-pandemic by equipping the Youth Emergency Services cadet program with appropriate PPE and storage equipment. | Manjimup | $10,000 | |||
Ravensthorpe Wildflower Show Inc | Celebrating Together - Finding Out More Support community reconnection and upskill volunteers post-pandemic by facilitating a native wildflower show opening and holding a series of free community flora identification workshops led by a botanist. | Ravensthorpe | $5,000 | |||
Shire of Dalwallinu | Dalwallinu Community Celebration Enhance post-pandemic economic and social recovery in a remote community by hosting a community celebration at the culmination of Wattle Week to boost overnight stays and social connections. | Dalwallinu | $9,659 | |||
Shire of Kondinin | Hyden Railway Barrack Restoration Enhance community spirit and tourism post-COVID-19 by providing interpretive signage to complete the restoration of the town's oldest intact building which has been relocated to a prominent new site. | Hyden | $5,100 |
- BEFORE
Morawa, a small town in Western Australia’s wheatbelt, lacks recreational and social opportunities for families with young children. With no cafes, the Morawa Playgroup, run for the last 40+ years, by mums (and the odd dad) serves as the primary gathering space for parents and caregivers seeking connection and support. However, Morawa Playgroup’s outdoor area was uninspiring, with a dying lawn and hard claypan soil.
Recognising the need for a vibrant outdoor space, the mums of Morawa Playgroup embarked on a project to transform their drab outdoor area into a nature playground. Collaborating with a local landscape designer, they developed a comprehensive plan to:
- Remove the old, inefficient irrigation system and replace it with a waterwise garden;
- Create a nature play space featuring sensory boxes, timber bridges, and a creek bed;
- Install shade sails to provide relief from the scorching sun and enhance the usability of the outdoor area;
- Establish seating areas for parents to connect and support each other while their children play.
The project unfolded over three years and received a boost from an FRRR grant of $9737, funded by Raine & Horne Foundation.
The completion of the project in September 2023 marked a significant milestone for Morawa Playgroup and the broader community. It’s now the only nature play space in the Shire, which spans 190km2, offering children and parents a welcoming and engaging environment. The shaded, waterwise garden has transformed the outdoor area, allowing children to play outdoors year-round and fostering a sense of connection among families.
Beyond the immediate benefits to the playgroup, the project’s impact extended to Morawa District High School, where reduced water bills freed up funds for educational resources. The positive effects of green spaces on mental wellbeing were evident at the opening of the new play space, signalling a brighter future for the community.
Despite the challenges of being a small, low socio-economic town, the project demonstrates the power of grassroots initiatives to improve quality of life. Morawa Playgroup’s success serves as a testament to the community’s resilience and determination to create a better future for its children and families.
Youngman Creek rehabilitation volunteer wellbeing program
The Namabunda property, situated in what was once the Big-Scrub subtropical rainforest covering over 75,000 Ha of the Northern Rivers, has degraded over the past 30 years – since its days as a lychee farm due to a lack of maintenance.
Bundjalung Tribal Society (BTS) is primarily a housing organisation providing social housing for the Aboriginal community in and around Lismore in northern NSW. They inherited the property and have spent many years, with volunteer support, trying to rehabilitate it to use for cultural activities and ecological preservation, planting bush tucker and medicines, running training and capacity building programs. Despite their efforts, setbacks like bushfires and the COVID pandemic have hindered progress. Community engagement, vital for sustaining the project, has waned due to volunteer fatigue and lockdown restrictions. BTS see the degradation of the Youngman Creek on the property as symbolic of the broader environmental and social challenges facing the community.
The group sought funding to help mobilise the community and resource them with support and infrastructure, expert training and capacity building to rehabilitate the Creek.
“By rehabilitating the creek, we rehabilitate ourselves and our community.”
With a grant of $9,997, supported by GlobalGiving, the group hosted a series of events at Namabunda which attracted significant community participation, including:
![](https://frrr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Bundjalung-1-771x1024.jpg)
- Build community cohesion through shared activities and cultural workshops.
- Provide training in bush regeneration and ecosystem management for volunteers, especially in photographic monitoring of weed removal and tree planting;
- Offer wellbeing support and workshops led by qualified counselors to address the emotional toll of recent challenges.
- Deliver Bundjalung cultural and ecological knowledge workshops, installing didactic signs about the work to increase awareness and use of Bundjalung ecological knowledge and language, and explaining and demonstrating the value of a healthy waterway ecosystem to neighbouring landowners.
These events will integrate practical activities, such as weeding and planting, with educational sessions on assisted native regeneration techniques. A focus on the Youngman Creek watershed aligns with the project’s theme of “renewal” and underscores the interconnectedness of environmental and community resilience.
Moving forward, Namabunda serves as a model for holistic, community-driven land management that nurtures both people and the environment.
“The thing we are most proud of is the sense of belonging and identity that we have generated through this project in response to the fires, pandemic and then the floods. The thing that was most successful is the deeper engagement between Bundjalung people and non-Indigenous people. The connections that we have built up over the last 18 months is really beautiful to see”.
![Audiologist conducting a hearing test.](https://frrr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Telethon-Speech-Hearing-Web.png)
Thanks to a $8,904 SRC grant supported by the Sidney Myer Fund, Telethon Speech & Hearing Inc was able purchase cutting edge screening technology to streamline its early detection and surveillance of hearing loss at early childhood centres and primary schools across the Pilbara, Kimberley and Wheatbelt regions of WA. Many children in these regions are at risk of developing chronic ear health conditions, which impact all facets of their life including social, behavioural and academic performance, if not addressed early.
The HearX apps and four digital devices have enabled screening and clinical hearing tests to be undertaken in a faster, more reliable way. The software supersedes traditional devices, so that ear screenings can be conducted with a tablet. This was particularly important for Telethon when its regular ear health clinics had to be cancelled due to COVID and a major flood in Onslow. Fortunately, Telethon’s locally based team was able to upskill early years educators, teachers and nurses to undertake the screenings and Telethon’s audiologists could then analyse data and generate reports remotely.
“We have since integrated a tele-health component into our audiology service offerings, allowing our locally based teams to screen children and liaise with our Perth audiology team in real time. This has allowed us to diversify our service delivery modalities, ensuring more frequent hearing supports than would otherwise be on offer pre-COVID.”
The beautiful Mid-North Coast of NSW is Gumbaynngirr country, with 15,000 Aboriginals living across the region. COVID had significant impacts on the health and wellbeing of local Gumbaynngirr women in particular: local services found it difficult to meet the needs of community, while research conducted with Gumbaynnggirr people on the ramifications of COVID reported that the restrictions on social connection had serious negative impacts on social and emotional wellbeing and overall health.
![](https://frrr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/SRC-RRC-Happy-Boxes-Project-Ltd-Web.png)
Based in Toormina at the southern end of Coffs Harbour, Happy Boxes Project Ltd aims to alleviate barriers to accessing self-care items for Aboriginal women in remote communities by providing packages of self-care products such as soap, deodorant, and shampoo – otherwise known as ‘Happy Boxes’). Recognising the impacts that COVID-19, Happy Boxes capitalised on their connections to the local community to significantly scale up services and programs at their new community hub: Nyami Gawbarri (Women Gathering).
Nyami Gawbarri was able to support local community members to volunteer their time in the space to pack Happy Boxes for remote communities. Together they were able to pack and distribute 689 Happy Boxes to 22 remote communities throughout Australia. This meant that at least 689 women didn’t have to go without essential hygiene products.
In addition, the Happy Boxes team hired a number of local Aboriginal women to provide programs for hub users and consequently the hub went from being open one day per week to five days, offering programs on topics ranging from cultural meditation, Aboriginal art and cooking, to a five-week program called ‘Mob Radio’ – teaching local teenagers how to be radio presenters.
Critical health services that have traditionally had social barriers to access, such as cervical screening programs, also ran out of the hub. Another outcome of being open five days per week was the creation of an Intensive Support Reintegration Program for teenagers consistently being suspended and disengaged from school. Local schools are now referring their students to Nyami Gawbarri as the organisation can provide a culturally-safe space to spend their suspension, giving back to the local and national communities.
The impact that the project had was described by a local participant:
“The programs for these young women will positively change lives. Providing opportunities for connection and supporting our young women to develop their identity and sense of belonging will have such a huge life lasting impact for them, their families and our Community. Nyami Gawbarri is supporting the development of proud, determined and connected young Jindas.” ~ Anonymous
The level of need for Nyami Gawbarri, and the positive impact that the program of activities over the last twelve months has had for the hub has meant that Nyami Gawbarri is now evolving to become a separate entity and permanent community hub for Gumbaynnggirr women. Critically, throughout this period the project coordinator was able to secure government funding for their role, and hence will be able to continue Nyami Gawbarri’s commitment to provide a culturally-safe space and a plethora of programs beyond the completion of the FRRR-funded project.
Emma Sullings, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Boxes Project Ltd, explains the impact that this grant has had for the hub and the community:
“We are extremely proud of the establishment and succession of a community hub. Nyami Gawbarri stands as a testament to the significance of creating dedicated spaces for women to access a range of services and programs tailored to their unique needs. It is a symbol of community strength, unity and empowerment.”
This inspiring hub has capitalised on opportunity and scaled for the community good – and in the process, showcased how support for locally designed and led initiatives can have long-running positive outcomes. These impressive efforts were supported by a $50,000 grant from FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities – Rebuilding Regional Communities program, funded by the Australian Government.
Funding to strengthen infrastructure, resilience and communication networks
More than $1.5 million in grants has today been announced for 110 community groups across remote, rural and regional Australia through FRRR’s flagship Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) program.
![Group of people standing under a marquee behind a table full of handcrafted wares.](https://frrr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/SRC-R19-Inglewood-Lions-Club-Resized.png)
Awarded via three streams of funding – small and vital projects, COVID recovery and disaster preparedness or recovery – the grants will go toward initiatives that address a variety of diverse needs and local priorities, including infrastructure upgrades, strengthening resilience, addressing service gaps and growing networks.
The projects range from a winter-care program that will see support packs delivered to elderly residents of St Arnaud, VIC and a series of emergency bushfire preparedness workshops for the community of Batlow in NSW, to helping install silo art in Lameroo, SA as a way to reinvigorate tourism and enhance local sense of identity following the pandemic.
Jill Karena, FRRR’s Place Portfolio Lead, says that the diversity of requests once again highlights the importance of having a small grants program like SRC.
“The needs of remote, rural and regional communities differ, so it’s critical to be able to offer flexible funding like we do through this small grants program. It means that local groups can respond to local priorities in their communities.
“This round, projects ranged from domestic violence support and mentoring programs, to food security and tourism initiatives to help rebuild the local economy. There was really strong demand for support to enhance community infrastructure, particularly maintaining meeting places so people can come together and strengthen local connections, but we also saw a significant number of requests relating to increasing the reach and emergency communications capability of groups like community radio stations.
“We also saw a focus on infrastructure in the COVID recovery grants, with groups aiming to enhance community resilience in the face of disruptions, whether they be environmental or health related. Interestingly, we’re also supporting quite a few projects that help to rebuild connections within communities post COVID – especially in places that lots of people moved to during the pandemic. Alongside this, it’s wonderful to see more projects that are engaging Indigenous Australians.
“From a disaster perspective, it’s pleasing to be able to help organisations be proactive about their safety, strengthening communications and adding to the equipment available locally, so they’re not as reliant on SES or Government in the event of a crisis.
“These are the projects that create a sense of place and identity, and the people and organisations that make these inspiring projects happen need our support. To continue to do that, we need funds, so we invite all those who want to see a thriving remote, rural and regional Australia to join us to support local initiatives. They really do make a difference,” 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. This round there were a further 50 funding-ready projects, requesting more than $610,000, that FRRR could not support. We are urgently seeking new partners, so that we can fund more projects like these in the future.
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 19 - February 2024 | ||||||
NEW SOUTH WALES | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Camden Haven Historical Society Inc | Camden Haven Museum Lighting Upgrade Upgrade museum lighting to enhance visitor experience with improved historical displays, lower energy costs and boost financial sustainability. | Camden Haven | $6,903 | |||
Caragabal Public School P&C Association | Purchase of Vermin-Proof Shipping Container to Store Essential School and Community Supplies Foster community wellbeing and reduce economic losses by purchasing a vermin-proof shipping container to protect stored school and community supplies from damage. | Caragabal | $10,000 | |||
Coursing Park Tennis and Community Centre | Kitchen for the Coursing Park Tennis & Community Centre Install a kitchen for food preparation and storage to support a wider range of community events at the Centre. | Coursing Park | $10,000 | |||
Deniliquin Community Hub Inc | Deniliquin Community Hub Project Alleviate food insecurity by developing a food bank program with food storage, insurance, food stocks and volunteer training. | Deniliquin | $7,792 | |||
Glen Innes & District Historical Society | Upgrade of Community Facilities Install TV monitor, mobile stand and roller-blinds as part of an IT and infrastructure plan to enhance community use of the Potter Memorial building. | Glen Innes | $5,179 | |||
Home-Start National Inc | Breathe and Rebuild Project Provide practical parenting support and family case management by expanding coordinator hours to train additional volunteers, alleviating social isolation and addressing the needs of individuals and families through increased support. | Goulburn | $48,076 | |||
Moree Cultural Art Foundation Ltd | Creative Minds Happy Hearts Encourage new relaxation techniques and art participation by providing free art classes for individuals living with a disability or mental illness. | Moree | $10,000 | |||
Murrurundi Matters Inc | Provision of Speech Therapy to Murrurundi Primary School and Preschool Students Improve preschool and primary school children's speech development with 12 months of essential, otherwise inaccessible speech pathology services. | Murrurundi | $9,043 | |||
Naradhan Reserves Land Manager | Naradhan Public Hall Upgrade Improve hall maintenance and usability by sealing the eaves to exclude dust from the building. | Naradhan | $6,820 | |||
Red Rock Multi Use Centre Inc | Supply and Installation of External Shade Awnings Enhance the Centre's usability by installing adjustable exterior shade systems to three rooms on the western side of the building, creating several versatile spaces available for year-round hire. | Red Rock | $4,530 | |||
Stonewave Taiko Inc | Okina Mura: Big Village Develop and stage a musical show as a collaboration of local cultural groups with five free public performances across the Bega Valley. | Bega | $10,000 | |||
Prepare and Recover - 2019/2020 Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Brunswick Valley Landcare Inc | Junior Landcare in the Northern Rivers: Rejuvenation, Regeneration, Restoration Contribute to bushfire recovery by holding a networking event and eight Junior Landcare workshops for schools, fostering ongoing relationships with local Landcare groups. | Mullumbimby | $24,713 | |||
Social Justice Advocates of the Sapphire Coast Inc on behalf of Sapphire Coast Mens Circle | Sapphire Coast Men's Circle Strengthen bushfire recovery and men's mental health by conducting a weekly men's circle program to build healthy resilient relationships between men of all backgrounds. | Candelo | $7,800 | |||
Snowy Valleys Resilience Hub Inc | Using a BIG MAP to Assist Disaster Preparedness in Towns at Risk – Snowy Valleys Pilot Enhance bushfire preparedness with six interactive workshops, addressing neighbourhood safe places and emergency evacuation routes to support community-centred disaster preparedness. | Batlow | $25,000 | |||
UCA - Lifeline North Coast (NSW) | BBQ Trailer Project Boost recovery and preparedness in the bushfire-impacted North Coast region by purchasing a BBQ trailer to act as a mobile support unit and enhance annual community mental health engagement events. | Coffs Harbour | $25,000 | |||
Prepare & Recover - 2022 Flood Recovery | ||||||
Anglican Community Services | Preparedness Pack Project Build disaster preparedness capacity and strengthen the resilience of Moree Plains communities through an awareness campaign distributing waterproof preparedness packs at workshops and recovery events across the Shire throughout 2024. | Moree | $24,940 | |||
Byron Shire Council on behalf of Richmond Tweed Regional Library - Byron Bay Library | Young and Connected Develop the confidence and skills of flood-affected young people and build their leadership capacity by delivering youth led creative art workshops. | Byron Bay | $10,000 | |||
Container of Dreams Ltd | Community Kitchen, Food Pantry and Wellness Lunch Club Project Enhance disaster preparedness and bushfire recovery by upgrading kitchen facilities and building a storeroom and an all-weather eating area to support the growth of the Food Pantry and Wellness Lunch Club. | Drake | $25,000 | |||
Harrington Resilience Association Inc | Harrington Crowdy Head Neighbours Helping Neighbours Enhance community resilience and flood preparedness by establishing a network of neighbourhood groups using the Red Cross model for Community-led Resilience Teams. | Harrington | $10,000 | |||
Lismore City Council on behalf of The Lismore Quadrangle | Our Place, Our Species Enhance flood recovery through a First Nations-led wellbeing program featuring storytelling, education activities and tools for caring for the country during NAIDOC week to engage the community. | Lismore | $25,000 | |||
Minnie Water Progress Association | Renovation of Minnie Water Hall Kitchen Enhance flood recovery and preparedness by upgrading the kitchen of a hall used as a refuge during emergencies and a venue for community functions. | Minnie Water | $10,000 | |||
Rock Valley Hall Inc | Community Preparedness with Solar Power Enhance flood preparedness by installing rooftop solar panels and a lithium storage battery in the hall, enabling access to essential power and communication services during an emergency. | Rock Valley | $23,726 | |||
Stokers Siding / Dunbible Memorial Hall Inc on behalf of Stokers Siding Community Resilience Team (SSCRT) | SSCRT Community Connection Enhance local disaster response during floods and emergencies by purchasing a UHF Repeater station, 10 UHF Portable radios and a backup generator. | Stokers Siding | $25,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Large | ||||||
Murrah Hall Preservation Association Inc | Murrah Metamorphosis Outdoors: Stage 1 – Mini Amphitheatre Sustain the operations of the Murrah Hall and encourage community and cultural connection, and economic revitalisation post-pandemic with the construction of a mini amphitheatre. | Murrah | $49,372 | |||
Our Plan C Inc | Establishing a Network of Young Community Carers and Responders Reduce social isolation and support the wellbeing of young people impacted by COVID-19 by establishing a network of young community carers and responders in the Northern Rivers of NSW. | Lismore | $50,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
Bellingen Youth Orchestra Inc | Bellingen Youth Orchestra Post-COVID Junior Wind Ensemble Develop skills and support the post-pandemic creative recovery of young people in a woodwind music program by supporting the employment of a skilled ensemble leader. | Bellingen | $10,000 | |||
Bowraville Communication Technology Centre Inc | Security for Volunteers and Increased Community Safety Sustain volunteer capacity and safety post-pandemic by installing a modern security camera system with recording capability at a community technology centre. | Bowraville | $5,168 | |||
Cooma Pastoral and Agricultural Association Inc | Securing the Future of Cooma P&A Association Project Increase the sustainability of a Show society post-COVID-19 through the purchase of kitchen equipment for events and for hire by other groups. | Cooma | $2,500 | |||
Equine Angels | Horses 4 Healing Youth Project Improve self-esteem and social engagement in young people experiencing homelessness or housing instability post-COVID-19 through an award-winning Equine Assisted Learning program. | Byron Bay | $9,830 | |||
Fling Physical Theatre Inc | Regional Tour of My Black Dog – Supporting the Mental Health of Regional Youth Support youth mental health in regional NSW post-pandemic through the delivery of a performance, film and workshop program encouraging constructive discussions about mental and emotional wellbeing. | Bega | $10,000 | |||
Great Lakes Womens Shelter Inc | Domestic and Family Violence Outreach Worker Address an identified community need and support the work of a women's shelter post-pandemic by employing a skilled domestic and family violence outreach worker. | Forster-Tuncurry | $10,000 | |||
Lions Club of Werris Creek Inc | Refurbish and Revitalise a Community Street Stall / Kiosk Enhance recovery from the pandemic and encourage reconnection by refurbishing a popular street stall where residents and community groups can display, sell or donate home-grown produce to locals and tourists. | Werris Creek | $4,500 | |||
Murwillumbah Community Centre Inc | Murbah Youth Fest 2024 Foster connections and participation and reduce social isolation in young people after COVID-19 through an inclusive community-led festival to be held in Youth Week. | Murwillumbah | $10,000 | |||
Namatjira Haven Ltd | Namatjira Healing and Reinvigoration Day 2024 Encourage healing, boost community connection and celebrate First Nations' culture post-pandemic through an inclusive open day and festival. | Alstonville | $10,000 | |||
New England Conservatorium of Music Ltd | NECOM Music Outreach Program Enhance the COVID-19 recovery of young people attending remote and regional schools through music education and cultural experiences presented by professional musicians. | Armidale | $10,000 | |||
Riverina Readers Festival Inc | Riverina Readers Festival Encourage social connection and reinvigorate cultural interests post-COVID-19 by hosting the inaugural Riverina Readers Festival. | Wagga Wagga | $10,000 | |||
The Hayland Gathering | The Hayland Gathering Support community reconnection and economic recovery post-pandemic by holding a community Scottish Highland-themed festival. | Hay | $10,000 | |||
Wollombi Valley Progress Association Inc on behalf of Greater Wollombi Valley Community Resilience Network | GWVCRN – Building Community Resilience Increase resilience and reduce social isolation after COVID-19 through a series of community connection events encouraging community networks, volunteering and capability development. | Wollombi | $9,916 | |||
NORTHERN TERRITORY | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Middle Point School | Mindfulness Project – Kitchen & Sensory Garden Expand hands-on learning and enrichment opportunities for students experiencing educational disparity by building a garden for use as a teaching space. | Middle Point | $10,000 | |||
MJD Foundation Ltd | Installation of Ramp at 'The Bush Shop' Support dignified independent living for residents with minimal mobility by providing all abilities access to a local supermarket. | Angurugu | $10,000 | |||
Tarntipi Homelands Aboriginal Corporation | Fire Management for Tarntipi Bush Camp, Tiwi Islands Build preparedness of a local social enterprise, improving safety of people and country with the purchase of portable fire-fighting equipment. | Wurrumiyanga | $9,715 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Large | ||||||
Gupulul Marayuwu Aboriginal Corporation | Gupulul Marayuwu Homeland Commercial Kitchen Facility Project Set up a commercial kitchen in a remote First Nations community to enhance post-pandemic recovery, improve employment opportunities and provide meals and social connection to vulnerable community members. | Ramingining | $50,000 | |||
Yuendumu Women's Centre Aboriginal Corporation | Active Women's Centre Increase the capacity of the Women's Centre to service the community post-pandemic through the employment of a short-term project officer to facilitate the organisation's healthy eating program, community laundry and culture and language activities. | Yuendumu | $10,000 | |||
QUEENSLAND | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Cherbourg Historical Precinct Group Inc | Restoring and Expanding: Creating Safe Keeping Promote truth telling and educate visitors by renovating the Boy’s Dormitory for use as a storage space, preserving the heritage building and creating capacity for the museum to rotate displays. | Cherbourg | $10,000 | |||
Hughenden Show Society Inc | 2024 Hughenden Show Improve amenities and volunteer operating conditions at the showground by upgrading cold storage equipment from eskies to a fridge. | Hughenden | $5,066 | |||
Ironpot Hall Association Inc | Upgrade of the Ironpot Hall Kitchen and Supper Room Improve community safety and compliance with food handling regulations by replacing the Hall’s worn vinyl flooring. | Ironpot | $10,000 | |||
QCWA Branch Killarney | Restoration of the Kitchen Increase hall use and ease volunteer working conditions with the installation of dishwasher and new oven. | Killarney | $2,900 | |||
Torres Strait Kaziw Meta Inc | Bright Futures Tutoring Initiative: Empowering Torres Strait Islander Youth Enhance educational outcomes and promote positive role modeling by piloting an after-hours mentoring / tutoring program for boarding school students. | Thursday Island | $10,000 | |||
Prepare & Recover - 2019/2020 Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Baffle Creek Mens Shed Inc | Baffle Creek Men's Shed Water Assist Build an off-grid community’s preparedness to fight fires with the purchase of a trailer and pump to transport water. | Baffle Creek | $8,849 | |||
Prepare & Recover - 2022 Flood Recovery | ||||||
Mary Valley Rail Trail Association Inc | Purchase of Electric Cargo Trike Improve volunteers and visitors’ safety by purchasing a trike to transport equipment to undertake flood repairs and mitigation works on the trail. | Imbil | $7,520 | |||
Tagalaka Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC | Tagalaka Food Resilience Project Ensure food security for residents during flood-related isolation by purchasing a trailer-mounted chiller to access more affordable and healthier bulk buying options. | Croydon | $16,853 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Large | ||||||
Grow Glenmorgan Inc | Glenmorgan Shop Shaded Alfresco Area With Solar Foster community connection post-pandemic through the construction of outdoor shaded meeting space at the community owned store, along with installing a solar system to reduce costs and sustain its operations. | Glenmorgan | $46,432 | |||
Hungerford Sports Association Inc | Campground Amenities at Ross Wallace Sports Ground Enhance post-pandemic recovery in a remote community by installing tailored amenities at the campground to boost overnight stays, social connections, and tourism | Hungerford | $50,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
Biggenden and District Agricultural and Pastoral Society Inc | Up In Lights Enhance communication and recovery post-pandemic by installing an interactive sign and noticeboard at the showground to promote local information and events. | Biggenden | $9,000 | |||
Broxburn Music Club | Professional Sound and Lighting for the Broxburn Talent Quest Promote social connection and support creative recovery post-pandemic by providing professional standard sound and lighting at a local talent quest. | Broxburn | $5,990 | |||
Community Support Centre Innisfail Inc | Community Champions Reignite a volunteer program post-COVID-19 through a series of events, activities, and training sessions to boost participation and build capacity and skills. | Innisfail | $8,000 | |||
Creative Connections Whitsunday Inc | Proserpine Hinterland Festival Support community connection and wellbeing post-pandemic by delivering interactive festival activities raising awareness of the iconic and endangered local rock wallaby. | Proserpine | $8,257 | |||
Goombungee Public Hall Inc | Goombungee Animals Foster social connection, reinvigorate a meeting space and aid creative recovery after the pandemic by hosting community art and music workshops to create public art pieces for the venue. | Goombungee | $10,000 | |||
Herberton Mining Museum History Association Inc | Reviving Heritage, Building Resilience: The Herberton Mining Museum Expo 2024 Revitalise tourism and sustain the museum’s work post-pandemic by obtaining equipment and promotional material to host an immersive local mining era expo. | Herberton | $6,800 | |||
SOUTH AUSTRALIA | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Blinman Progress Association Inc | Storage, Conservation, Supply: Hall Rainwater Create a functional and welcoming space for the community by installing a new rainwater tank system at Blinman Hall. | Blinman | $9,450 | |||
Lucindale Community Economic Development Board Inc | Lucindale Community Hub Air Conditioning and Insulation Support community wellbeing through the installation of air conditioning and ceiling insulation in a new community hub. | Lucindale | $9,700 | |||
Prepare and Recover - 2019/2020 Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Edithburgh Football Club and Sports Association | Chair Replacement Enhance organisational capacity to support bushfire preparedness by providing stackable chairs at an emergency refuge facility. | Edithburgh | $25,000 | |||
Prospect Hill Community Association Inc | Prospect Hill Assist: Disaster Readiness Communications Project Support emergency preparedness by purchasing communications and safety equipment to enable outside contact and community information sharing during disaster events. | Prospect Hill | $9,195 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Large | ||||||
Community House Port Lincoln Inc | Shelter from the Storm Sustain the work of a community house facing increased demand for support from people affected by homelessness post-pandemic by undertaking essential roof repairs on a transitional house. | Port Lincoln | $20,000 | |||
Lameroo Forward Inc | Enliven Lameroo – The Lameroo Silo Art Project Reinvigorate tourism and enhance local sense of identity following the pandemic by installing silo art to create a permanent cultural tourism asset in the heart of town. | Lameroo | $50,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
Keith Golf Club Inc | New Tables and Chairs for Keith Golf Club Community Function Centre Revitalise opportunities for social connection post-pandemic by providing new seating and tables at a community hub. | Keith | $10,000 | |||
Paint the Town REaD Ltd | Books for Bedtime Improve language and literacy skills in young children and reinstitute family reading routines post-COVID-19 through a supported Books for Bedtime program. | Murray Bridge | $10,000 | |||
Riverland Youth Theatre | The Alternative Club Foster reconnection opportunities for socially isolated young people post-pandemic through the creation of a facilitated safe creative space at a local theatre. | Renmark | $10,000 | |||
William Creek Gymkhana Committee Incorporated | William Creek Gymkhana Committee Audio Project Improve safety and reduce the workload of showground volunteers post-pandemic by purchasing a reliable, robust and compact audio system. | William Creek | $9,963 | |||
TASMANIA | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Turrakana Tasman Arts Inc | Turrakana Stories | Nubeena | $10,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Large | ||||||
ACTS Community Care Network Ltd on behalf of Copping Community Care | The Haven Project – Stage 1 Storage & Distribution Shed Support the construction of a distribution and storage shed for bulk food handling to sustain the work of an organisation facing a 625% increase in demand on their food relief services since the COVID-19 pandemic. | Copping | $49,540 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
Derwent Valley and Central Highlands Tourism Association Inc | Tasmanian Autumn Festival Support community reconnection, tourism and economic recovery post-pandemic by holding an Autumn festival. | New Norfolk | $10,000 | |||
VICTORIA | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Ballan & District Community House & Adult Education Centre Inc | Ballan Sustainable Food Hub Enhance organisational capacity to provide food relief to elderly residents through purchasing kitchen equipment and groceries for a community pantry. | Ballan | $10,000 | |||
Committee for Maryborough | Goldfields Community Festival 2024 Encourage awareness of available support and boost connections between under-served community members and social service providers in an isolated township by supporting a community festival in Maryborough. | Maryborough | $5,000 | |||
Euroa Historical & Genealogical Society Inc | Purchase Computers, Monitor and Uninterrupted Power Supply for Euroa Farmers Arm Museum Support the work of older volunteers by updating the IT equipment in a community museum. | Euroa | $2,461 | |||
Inglewood Community Neighbourhood House Inc | Computer Cafe Upgrade of Six Computers Strengthen operational capacity while supporting community members' education and employment opportunities by updating IT equipment for a community library. | Inglewood | $8,482 | |||
NCN Health | Social Prescribing Project Pilot Support mental and physical wellbeing by engaging a coordinator to establish a social prescribing pilot program, complementing clinical health activities though encouraging participation in a range of community sport and social activities. | Numurkah | $10,000 | |||
North East Multicultural Association Inc | Connecting Cultures Enhance wellbeing of CALD community members in Benalla by engaging a facilitator to link people to health services and social programs. | Benalla | $9,902 | |||
St Arnaud Neighbourhood House Inc | Winter Warmers Essentials Parcels Provide connection to service providers, cost of living relief and protection from a cold climate by delivering support packs to elderly residents through a winter-care initiative. | St Arnaud | $7,000 | |||
Prepare & Recover - 2019/2020 Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Blue Light Victoria Inc | DASH (Dynamic, Active, Safe and Healthy) Program for Remote Gippsland Schools and Community Support community recovery from bushfires and connect students to emergency support services through a school-based learning program focusing on community participation. | Tambo Upper | $24,485 | |||
Cassilis Recreation Reserve Committee of Management | Maintaining the Cassilis Recreation Reserve and Cassilis Cemetery Boost volunteer capacity and strengthen bushfire preparedness by purchasing a tractor to maintain a large recreation and memorial reserve. | Cassilis | $25,000 | |||
Longwood East Landcare Group Inc | Build Resilience, Support Volunteers with Safe Operating Equipment Enhance volunteer capacity to support bushfire preparedness by purchasing a ride on mower to maintain grassland. | Longwood East | $7,400 | |||
Towong Soldiers Memorial Hall Reserve Committee on behalf of Towong Community Recovery Committee | The Towong Wetlands Improvement Project Strengthen community connection to the environment and enhance bushfire recovery efforts through a weed eradication and earthworks project. | Towong | $9,000 | |||
Wodonga Institute of TAFE | Community Garden Boost health outcomes of a community recovering from bushfires and enhance student education in growing and cooking nutritious food through developing a community garden. | Wodonga | $13,475 | |||
Prepare & Recover - 2022 Flood Recovery | ||||||
Castlemaine District Radio Inc | MainFM Community Resilience Project Strengthen community engagement and improve disaster preparedness through emergency media training and external broadcast programs. | Castlemaine | $21,220 | |||
Echuca Moama Broadcast Service Inc | Move Radio Antenna to EMFM 104.7 Enhance flood preparedness and strengthen emergency communication capacity by relocating a community radio station transmitter to the new station premises. | Echuca | $15,000 | |||
Shepparton Search and Rescue Squad Inc | Computer Equipment Upgrade - Training Room & Divisional Command Point Enhance disaster readiness in a flood-affected shire and improve volunteer support by upgrading IT and communications equipment for the disaster operations unit. | Shepparton | $10,500 | |||
Wangaratta Landcare and Sustainability Inc | Maintaining Mullinmur Billabongs and the Education Hub Purchase tools and equipment to sustain a school education program and aid volunteers in restoring a flood-damaged wetland. | Wangaratta | $5,900 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Large | ||||||
Ensay Mechanics Institute Reserve Inc | Ensay Hall – Community Cafe Bathroom Upgrade Upgrade the bathroom facilities at a community hub to develop a welcoming, accessible and financially sustainable venue for events and activities and encourage post-pandemic reconnection. | Ensay | $49,750 | |||
Jamieson Community Group and Associated Bodies Inc | Jamieson Autumn Festival Revitalisation Expand a community Autumn festival to include evening events to encourage longer visitor stays, benefit local businesses and enhance post-pandemic economic growth and recovery. | Jamieson | $30,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
Autistic-led Regional Culture Arts Neurodiversity Education and Employment Inc | Neurokin Tour: Silent Disco & Access Mapping Reduce social isolation of people living with autism and neurodivergence that was heightened by the pandemic through a series of silent disco events across nine regional locations. | Yea | $10,000 | |||
Boolarra Folk Festival Committee | Old Boolarra Post Office Restoration Project Enhance post-pandemic organisational recovery and improve community access to the arts by upgrading and reconnecting electrical services in a restored community music venue. | Boolarra | $9,900 | |||
Forrest Primary School | Forrest Kitchen Garden Project Build community connections and improve resilience post-COVID-19 through establishing an inclusive kitchen facility and cooking program to complement an existing community garden. | Forrest | $5,046 | |||
G.R.A.I.N. Inc | The Things We Do For Love Enhance post-pandemic recovery and access to the arts by creating an interactive art-trail through Nathalia, culminating with an exhibition and community celebration event. | Nathalia | $10,000 | |||
Girgarre Development Group Inc | Rhythmic Resurgence: Girgarre Junkestra's Encore Performance Reconnect the community post-COVID-19 by revitalising the Girgarre Junkestra through a collaboration between renowned musician Graeme Leak and community members, culminating in a performance using ‘upcycled’ instruments created with local artisans. | Girgarre | $10,000 | |||
Hamilton-Coleraine Rail Reserve Committee Inc | Move, Saw and Wayfind – Improving Access, Maintenence and Safety on the Redgum Track Improve the productivity, safety and experience of reserve volunteers post-pandemic by purchasing a trailer, battery-powered chainsaw and signage for maintenance activities. | Hamilton | $8,066 | |||
Healesville Community Garden Inc | Infrastructure Improvements Build social connections and increase opportunities for engagement after COVID-19 by improving facilities at a community garden to increase amenity and accessibility. | Healesville | $10,000 | |||
Kiewa Catchment Landcare Groups Inc | Kiewa-Duduroa Dhargal Connection Through Traditional Practices Project Promote social connection, enhance community recovery and support cultural engagement after the pandemic by holding traditional practices workshops led by local First Nations Elders. | Mount Beauty | $10,000 | |||
Paynesville Business and Tourism Association Inc | FIRE and WATER – Our Place in the East Gippsland Winter Festival Boost economic and cultural recovery after COVID-19 by holding a winter festival showcasing lighting installations along the waterfront and community-made decorative lanterns. | Paynesville | $6,070 | |||
Paynesville Neighbourhood Centre Inc | Caring and Connected Communities: A Whole Community Approach Foster community resilience and cohesion through social support and a series of community connection activities including a sustainable cooking program and waste reduction workshops. | Paynesville | $9,003 | |||
Rosehaven Hospice Ltd | Rosehaven Hospice Volunteer Training Sustain the organisation’s capacity to provide palliative care support post-COVID-19 by upskilling volunteers through accredited training courses. | Mansfield | $8,825 | |||
Stuart Mill Progress Association | Blinds to Complete Hall Renovations Encourage community reconnection post-COVID-19 by installing new blinds at a local hall to improve user comfort and encourage more community events. | Stuart Mill | $1,540 | |||
Swan Hill Woodworkers Club Inc | Swan Hill Woodworkers Club Equipment Purchase Strengthen volunteer capacity and expand opportunities for social connection post-pandemic with a new laser cutting machine to bolster activities at a woodworkers’ club. | Swan Hill | $8,580 | |||
Yea & District Memorial Hospital | Physical Footpaths Foster opportunities for community connection post-pandemic and enhance health and wellbeing by placing inspirational exercise signage with interpretive QR codes on pathways in Yea and Alexandra. | Yea | $9,214 | |||
WESTERN AUSTRALIA | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Lake Grace Community Men's Shed | Youth Mentoring Promote positive role modelling and intergenerational connections for disengaged youth via welding classes, while building a local employment pathway. | Lake Grace | $6,500 | |||
Napier Progress Association Inc | Repairs to Napier Hall Roof Help locals stay connected by restoring the community hall’s roof. | Napier | $6,259 | |||
The Moore Catchment Council Inc | Improving the Capacity to Deliver Natural Resource Management Projects Improve the council’s ability to support citizen science projects and services for the community through the purchase of new laptops. | Moora & Moore River Catchment (eight shires) | $9,700 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
Boyup Brook Community Mental Health Action Team Inc | Rural Men's Resilience Project Engage and support rural men and teenage boys’ recovery post-pandemic through a series of mental health events to build resilience, connection and capacity. | Boyup Brook | $10,000 | |||
CWA Walkaway | Renovation Stage 5 – Patio & Paving Create additional activity space to promote social connection and sustain the work of volunteers post-pandemic by rebuilding the patio at a community venue. | Walkaway | $10,000 | |||
Yawuru Jarndu Aboriginal Corporation | Nagula Jarndu (Saltwater Woman) Couture Wedding Collection Enhance the recovery of First Nations women from COVID-19 by strengthening garment making skills and creating a wedding collection for unveiling at the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair’s Country to Couture showcase. | Broome | $10,000 |