Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR)
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.
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.
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 |
In this quarter’s update for FRRR’s partners and supporters, we’ve featured an East Gippsland project that provides a clever resource for community recovery, and you’ll find an interesting conversation with a new supporter in the climate solutions space, Hand Heart Pocket – which is the charitable arm of the Queensland Freemasons.
Also in this edition:
- Insights from FRRR’s team as we network, travel and deliver programs
- Our Progress – Q1 FY 2023/24
- Learn about Fundraising Accounts from OurSchool’s Caroline Milburn
- Details of all our latest reports and thought pieces.
Continued demand for small grants to support local initiatives
More than 150 not-for-profit organisations (NFPs) in rural regions across Australia are sharing $1,579,380 in grants for projects that will strengthen their communities.
Awarded through FRRR’s flagship Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) program, the grants will fund projects that address a range of diverse needs, including fostering community connectedness and wellbeing, as well as supporting ongoing COVID and disaster recovery and preparedness.
The 151 grants range from $750 for a lawn mower to help local volunteers prepare the community for future bushfires, to $25,000 for a “Get Started Emergency Preparedness” program to empower people with disabilities through tailored disaster readiness education and planning.
Jill Karena, FRRR’s Place Portfolio Lead, said that the Strengthening Rural Communities program has been a consistent support for local NFPs in rural places, helping to fill funding gaps needed to get projects off the ground or sometimes bring them to conclusion.
“FRRR’s small grants have supported rural Australia for the past 23 years. Within our Strengthening Rural Communities program alone, we have awarded nearly $18 million in small grants since 2019 and the program’s flexibility is one of the key reasons why it continues to be so popular.
“Flexible funding means that we can support projects that meet a wide range of needs, reflecting what the community sees as a priority. For some, this may be a new roof for the town hall, for others it may be an event to bring people together, and for others it could be mental health first aid training.
“Virtually every part of Australia is recovering from one or more disasters, from the pandemic to floods, bushfires or drought – and many have experienced successive or even overlapping events. The cumulative effect means that even within the same region, there are people working to respond and support recovery, while others are putting planning and training in place to build their resilience and prepare for the next, inevitable, event.
For example, in Shepparton, local groups are working to address different community needs and, collectively, help their community to recover, grow and thrive.
“Shepparton Foodshare is one of the NFPs supporting their community’s recovery. The organisation will use a $25,000 grant to purchase a refrigerated delivery truck, which will boost organisational capacity so that they can provide food relief to those impacted by the flooding that the region experienced in September 2022. Meanwhile, the Goulburn Valley Woodworkers will use their $10,000 grant to strengthen social connections that have been challenged by COVID lockdowns. The NFP wants to build the capacity of its volunteers by providing a safe gathering space with concrete flooring that has been sealed and finished. North Shepparton Community & Learning Centre is also helping to strengthen connections for diverse communities by using their $10,000 grant to deliver creative workshops and an exhibition.
“Grassroots organisations, which are often led by volunteers, play an important role in the vitality of rural Australia, because they drive the projects that maintain and sustain their communities. But to do this, they need funds. We’re honoured to play a small part in helping rural Australia thrive and we encourage others to join with us to support local initiatives that really do make a difference,” Ms Karena said.
Some of the projects funded in this round of SRC grants include:
The SRC program is collaboratively supported by donors, ranging from private individuals to larger foundations, who are acknowledged on the SRC webpage. 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 four times a year. Local NFPs 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.
To support grants like this through FRRR, make a tax-deductible donation at frrr.org.au/giving/.
The full list of grant recipients and their projects are below.
Organisation | Project | Location | Grant | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SRC Round 18 - November 2023 | ||||||
NEW SOUTH WALES | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Age of Fishes Museum Incorporated | Playground Equipment for the Age of Fishes Museum Purchase 'Big Blue' engineering blocks as playground equipment for the museum to enhance hands-on STEM education for children and visitors. | Canowindra | $9,000 | |||
Arts-Upper Hunter | First Stories - First Nations Tales from the Hunter Document and present two local Indigenous connection to country stories through live performance and video shared on the Upper Hunter Arts & Cultural Trail website. | Dungog | $10,000 | |||
Boggabri Women's Shed | Sewing Room Build connections, skills and confidence for isolated local women by investing in sewing machines and equipment for group activities and skill building. | Boggabri | $1,900 | |||
Lansdowne Public Hall Reserve Land Manager | Air Conditioners for the Lansdowne Community Hall Boost organisational capacity to support arts and cultural events at the Lansdowne Hall by installing two air-conditioners to improve comfort for volunteers and hall users. | Lansdowne | $6,600 | |||
Leaderlife Limited | LeaderLife Cooking Outdoors: Let's Grow Purchase an outdoor BBQ and meat smoker to support healthy eating and cooking education for at-risk young people using local produce. | Dubbo | $10,000 | |||
Old Bar Soldiers' Memorial Hall Inc | History Preservation at Old Bar Soldiers Memorial Hall Preserve the history of the Taree region with cenotaph restoration, a new flagpole, time capsule repair, cabinetry for memorabilia, and creation of a red poppy garden with reflection benches. | Old Bar | $10,000 | |||
The Youth Impact Foundation Ltd on behalf of The Catalytic Impact Institute | Youth Accountability Project - Moree Stories Support engagement with young people by young people on the Young Accountability Project's Impact Board to define 'what good looks like' in their communities and how young people engage in community life. | Moree | $10,000 | |||
Valmar Support Services Limited | Be Bus Aware Modify the steps, handrails and interior of the community bus to improve the ability for aged care clients to access services. | Griffith | $10,000 | |||
Prepare and Recover - 2019/2020 Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Arts North West Inc | Walcha Creative Wayfinding Build a bushfire-impacted community’s sense of place and cultural tourism by enhancing the 'Open Air Gallery' with plaques to honour the artists and their local stories. | Walcha | $10,000 | |||
Bega District Volunteer Rescue Group Incorporated | Update Vertical Rescue Gear Enhance disaster preparedness and safety of rescue volunteers by purchasing equipment for vertical rescues. | Bega | $2,070 | |||
Country Womens Association of NSW on behalf of Eden Branch | CWA 70th Birthday Kitchen Upgrade | Eden | $10,000 | |||
Eden Tourism Incorporated | Lake Curalo Interpretative Bird Signage Enhance a locally significant environmental site and tourism icon impacted by the 2020 bushfires by installing interpretative signage. | Eden | $3,500 | |||
Edgy Art Incorporated | Beauty from the Ashes - Transformation Through Fire! Foster community cohesion and healing after the 2019/20 bushfires and revitalise the local creative sector through a series of community bronze casting workshops using fire to create lasting, beautiful objects. | Tanja | $23,700 | |||
Friends of Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden | Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden Wellness Walk Increase wellbeing in a bushfire-impacted community by enhancing connection with nature through creating a NatureFix trail with local cultural information in the botanic gardens and an app with guided audio wellbeing activities. | Batemans Bay | $14,950 | |||
Greater Hume Shire Council on behalf of Holbrook Community Gardens | Holbrook Community Gardens Contribute to bushfire recovery by hosting workshops, outings and events for the broader community to connect with gardening groups and local community gardens. | Holbrook | $9,760 | |||
Kandos Rylstone Men's Shed Inc | Test n Tagging Support bushfire recovery and organisational sustainability by training two Kandos Men's Shed members to test and tag electrical donated items for the community charity shop. | Kandos | $2,607 | |||
Mountains Youth Services Team Inc | Blue Mountains Water Tank Murals Empower young people to contribute to bushfire recovery and a culturally vibrant community through designing and painting two murals on Rural Fire Service water tanks, alongside local artists to celebrate the landscape and local Indigenous culture. | Mount Tomah | $22,150 | |||
Nambucca Valley Phoenix Limited | Café Upgrade - Creating a Safe and Inclusive Workplace Enhance bushfire recovery, economic strength and job opportunities for people with disabilities in Bowraville, by investing in equipment and infrastructure upgrades at the Phoenix Café to improve workplace safety and inclusivity. | Bowraville | $25,000 | |||
Narooma Men's Shed Inc | Furniture for Place of Last Resort Enhance organisational capacity to support bushfire recovery by purchasing stackable chairs to optimise functionality of the Narooma Men's Shed refuge facility. | Narooma | $7,102 | |||
Naughty Noodle Fun Haus Incorporated | CRM - Connecting Young People, Families, Facilitators, Volunteers and Donations Boost organisational capacity to meet the post-bushfire exponential growth of a development and social connections program for young people in and around Gosford and improve participant and volunteer experience and security by implementing a Customer Relationship Management program. | Gosford | $14,700 | |||
Taree Rural Fire Brigade | Thermal Imaging Camera for Taree Rural Fire Brigade Enhance firefighting preparedness, rescue operations and first responder’s safety with a thermal imaging camera for use during bushfires, structure fires, motor vehicle accidents and ground / land search. | Taree | $10,934 | |||
Tenterfield Autumn Festival Incorporated | Tenterfield Autumn Festival & Eat Street Create economic and social benefits in a bushfire-impacted community by supporting family focused events at the Tenterfield Autumn Festival. | Tenterfield | $25,000 | |||
The Men's Table Limited | Ripple Effect - Regional Communities of Connected and Contributing Men Strengthen men's capacity for mutual support and community service in a bushfire-affected area by co-designing a series of workshops with local Men's Tables. | Batemans Bay | $10,000 | |||
Upper Lachlan Landcare Incorporated | Moving Better Grazing Practices into the Spotlight Enhance the area’s bushfire resilience by creating opportunities for local farmers with expertise in resilient grazing practices to inspire other landholders to adopt best practice pasture management. | Crookwell | $9,780 | |||
Wards River Rural Fire Brigade | Improved Team Connectivity and Insight into Fire Behaviour Enhance responder safety, wellbeing and understanding of fire behaviour by purchasing a thermal imaging camera and fitting fire vehicles with Cel-Fi signal boosters. | Wards River | $9,615 | |||
Prepare & Recover - 2022 Floods | ||||||
Bundjalung Tribal Society Ltd | Connect Culture Through Art Rebuild the Lismore Aboriginal community post-floods through Aboriginal-led art and cultural workshops that have healing weaved through the programming. | Lismore | $24,055 | |||
Community Broadcasting Association of Australia Limited | Sustaining Community Radio Stations in Rural Australia Survey 350 rural community radio stations to assess needs, resilience and support required to increase their sustainability after the floods and for future disasters. | Balranald | $10,000 | |||
Federal Community Centre Incorporated | Emergency Radio Support System Boost emergency communication capabilities and enhance flood preparedness by purchasing and installing UHF radios and aerials and delivering radio communication equipment training to volunteers and community members of the Federal, Goonengerry and Eureka Community Resilience Team. | Federal | $10,000 | |||
Gundagai Neighbourhood Centre Inc | Car for a Cause Address the increased demand post-flood for transport services to enable vulnerable residents to access services by purchasing a vehicle. | Gundagai | $25,000 | |||
Isolated Children's Parents Association of NSW Incorporated on behalf of Isolated Children's Parents Association - Walgett Branch | Garden Day ICPA 2024 Enhance flood recovery and future disaster preparation through events and speakers at Isolated Children’s Parents Association Garden Day, enhancing climate-related knowledge and strengthening social connections and mental wellbeing. | Walgett | $20,000 | |||
Mingoola Hall Management Committee | Supply and Installation of a Solar Powered UHF CB Repeater Resourcing the Mingoola community to respond to and recover from natural disasters by purchasing a solar-powered UHF CB repeater to maintain communication during floods and other emergencies when internet and phone lines are down. | Dumaresq Valley | $25,000 | |||
Shedding Community Workshop Inc | Shedding Community Workshop Enhance organisational capacity to expand trauma-informed community counselling, services and facilities to meet the increasing and evolving community needs post 2022 floods. | Mullumbimby | $25,000 | |||
The Heartland Foundation Ltd | Self-watering Community Wicking Gardens Enhance organisational capacity to support flood recovery by constructing 50 wicking gardens to grow fresh vegetables for the Heartland Foundation's mobile community food pantries, benefiting 1,120 families weekly. | Freemans Waterhole | $10,000 | |||
Tweed Shire Council | Culture Dose for Kids Support flood recovery with an 8-week arts program for 9-12-year-olds with mild anxiety, while parents join parallel sessions to build social connections and boost self-confidence. | Murwillumbah | $10,000 | |||
Volunteer Marine Rescue NSW | Personal Locator Beacons Strengthen flood recovery and preparedness and enhance safety for Marine Rescue Iluka Yamba Rescue Vessel crew members by purchasing Personal Locator Beacons. | Yamba | $11,985 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
Bundarra P&A and Rodeo Society Inc | 2024 Bundarra Show Sustain the Bundarra Show Society and enable delivery of the Show 2024 post-pandemic by supporting core event costs. | Bundarra | $10,000 | |||
Bowning Public School and Citizens' Association | Celebration of 175 Years of Bowning Public School Boost post-COVID-19 tourism and community connection through the Back to Bowning Weekend, celebrating 175 years of the local public school. | Bowning | $10,000 | |||
Glenreagh Timber Festival Incorporated | Festival Coordinator Sustain a community-run festival and enhance community engagement post-COVID-19 through recruiting a festival coordinator. | Glenreagh | $10,000 | |||
Karuah Progress Association Inc | Karuah Community Website Enhance recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic by developing a town promotion and community information website. | Karuah | $9,500 | |||
Kyogle Together Incorporated | Kyogle Repair Cafe Enhance post-pandemic community connections through increasing space in the Repair Cafe for social interaction. | Kyogle | $10,000 | |||
Numeralla & District Activities Incorp | Air Conditioning at the Numeralla Hall Improve volunteer and hall users’ comfort post-COVID 19 by installing reverse-cycle air conditioning. | Numeralla | $9,673 | |||
River Tribe Inc | Wytaliba Rising - HeartBeat Restore the town's cultural life and tourism after COVID-19 by purchasing industry standard drum kits for live concerts. | Diehard | $10,000 | |||
The Returning Indigenous Corporation | Bundjalung Postpartum Care Program Enhance COVID-19 recovery for Indigenous families on Bundjalung Country through a culturally appropriate 6-week postpartum care program. | Lismore | $10,000 | |||
Towns With Heart Incorporated | Kurri Kurri Nostalgia Festival Enhance COVID-19 recovery and encourage social connection with an inclusive community Rock N Roll nostalgia festival. | Kurri Kurri | $10,000 | |||
Wiradjuri Condobolin Corporation Limited | Miima Warabinya - Skyfest 2024 Celebrate Wiradjuri cultural sky lore, reduce social isolation after COVID-19 through the Miima Warribinya Skyfest astronomy festival. | Condobolin | $9,922 | |||
NORTHERN TERRITORY | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Mataranka Primary School | Ninja Obstacle Course Playground Encourage students' learning and development with outdoor play equipment that stimulates and challenges older children. | Mataranka | $10,000 | |||
Prepare & Recover - 2022 Floods | ||||||
Victoria Daly Regional Council | Hoops4Health - Re-empowering Young People in Kalkarindji Build the flood-affected community’s ability to provide trauma-informed youth support through basketball activities for mental health and leadership growth. | Kalkarindji | $9,500 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
Camp Quality Limited | Cancer Education Program Regional Tour Sustain the work of the organisation post-pandemic to enhance the wellbeing of children affected by cancer by delivering educational puppet shows in remote schools. | Katherine | $10,000 | |||
QUEENSLAND | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Central Highlands Water Sports Club | Education and IT Training to Improve Volunteer Capabilities Improve the club’s ability to support and service the community through the purchase of a new computer. | Emerald | $4,874 | |||
Childcare Leadership Alliance Incorporated | Care to Lead Cultivate local leadership and retain skilled early childhood educators in the Isaac region with a place-based professional development program. | Moranbah | $10,000 | |||
Eacham Community Help Organization Inc | Generator for Emergency Use Boost the community's ability to respond to future disasters by purchasing a generator for publicly-accessible back-up power. | Malanda | $7,020 | |||
Mission Beach Historical Society Inc | Improving the Digital Capabilities and Social Capital of the Society Enhance organisational capacity and community awareness of Mission Beach's First Nations culture and colonial history by upgrading IT equipment and creating a virtual museum website. | Mission Beach | $5,882 | |||
Mornington Shire Council | Mornington Community Library Books Support community education and development by providing books for the newly built library. | Gununa, Mornington Island | $9,886 | |||
Proston Men’s Shed Inc | Air Conditioning for the Proston Men's Shed Expand the use of the shed by installing a split system to make the community meeting space more comfortable and welcoming. | Proston | $9,311 | |||
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services on behalf of State Emergency Service - Alexandra Bay Group | Construct Road Crash Rescue Training Pad Reduce need for frequent excessive travel by volunteers to regional training facilities by building a local training site for skills development and regular practice. | Diwan | $9,790 | |||
Queensland Police-Citizens Youth Welfare Association | Modelling Wellbeing via Basketball Support young people’s learning and development through play by training local referees and hosting the first tournament. | Aurukun | $10,000 | |||
Prepare and Recover - 2019/2020 Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Baptist Church Warwick | Interior Painting of Community Hall Revitalise a bushfire-impacted community meeting space by re-painting the 112-year-old hall. | Warwick | $7,980 | |||
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services on behalf of State Emergency Service - Crows Nest Group | Working Safely at Heights Develop volunteers’ ability to support the community in emergencies by purchasing a training mannequin and a stand area light for night activities. | Crows Nest | $2,371 | |||
Prepare & Recover - 2022 Floods | ||||||
Macintyre Ag Alliance Inc | Uniting Goondiwindi Region for Social and Mental Wellbeing Enhance the flood-affected region’s wellbeing by integrating specialists within the local agribusiness conference. | Goondiwindi | $5,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
Cape York Health Pty Ltd | Wellbeing and Resilience: Safeguarding Vulnerable Communities Support the organisation's efforts post-pandemic to improve student immunisation access and health equity by procuring mobile refrigeration units for vaccine transport to remote communities. | Coen | $9,449 | |||
Charleville & District Cultural Association Inc | Stitching Together the Threads of Time Encourage post-COVID-19 community connection through creative activities by purchasing a quilting machine. | Charleville | $10,000 | |||
Goondiwindi Pastoral and Agricultural Society | Wired for Success Sustain the work of showground volunteers post-pandemic by installing permanent underground power for safety and to lighten volunteer workload. | Goondiwindi | $5,084 | |||
Injune Arts Inc on behalf of Remapping Mitchell Arts Collective | Remapping Mitchell Arts Collective Project Enhance post pandemic-recovery and access to the arts by creating an interdisciplinary collaboration of regional artists, exhibited both virtually and across the community. | Injune | $9,953 | |||
Pomona and District Kindergarten Association Incorporated | New Playground Encourage children’s learning and development through play following COVID-19 by upgrading the local kindergarten’s playground equipment. | Pomona | $10,000 | |||
Wallumbilla Agricultural & Pastoral Association Inc | Catering for Connection in Wallumbilla Enhance post-pandemic community connections by upgrading showground kitchen equipment. | Wallumbilla | $10,000 | |||
Wonga Beach Primary P&C Association | Wonga Beach Community Hub Promote post-pandemic social connection by equipping the school as a community hub with a defibrillator and outdoor entertaining equipment. | Wonga Beach | $9,658 | |||
SOUTH AUSTRALIA | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
The Trustee for The Salvation Army (SA) Property Trust on behalf of Port Augusta Corps | Clean Hands and Hygiene in The Salvos Hub Improve participant safety and enhance organisational capacity at a community drop-in centre by upgrading the kitchenette facilities. | Port Augusta | $8,085 | |||
Prepare and Recover - 2019/2020 Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Australian Ocean Laboratory Limited | Technology and Ecology: Student and Community-led Oyster Reef Restoration Enhance connection to the environment and deepen understanding of biodiversity by implementing a student-led citizen marine science program. | Kingscote | $10,000 | |||
Brukunga Community Association Incorporated | Preserving Heritage and Enhancing Community Spaces: Transforming Brukunga Enhance opportunities for community connection and recovery in a bushfire-impacted region by upgrading a community hall and garden. | Brukunga | $24,487 | |||
Mount Torrens Soldiers Memorial Hall Incorporated | Community Hall Comfort for Connectedness and Recovery Increase opportunities for community connection and enhance the process of recovery after bushfires by installing heating and cooling at a community hub. | Mount Torrens | $22,380 | |||
Prepare & Recover - 2022 Floods | ||||||
Berri Regional Secondary College | Reconciliation Cultural Garden Support community recovery and foster connection to First Nations culture in a flood-impacted region by constructing a community cultural garden at a regional school. | Berri | $24,746 | |||
Lower Murray Vintage Engine & Machinery Club Inc | 2024 Lower Murray Heritage Rally & Tractor Pull Foster community connection and economic recovery in a flood-affected region by improving facilities for a historic tractor festival attracting statewide visitors. | Murray Bridge | $14,364 | |||
Mannum Progress Association | Restoration of Lighting in Mary Ann Reserve - Mannum Enhance opportunities for recovery and social connection in a flood-impacted town through installing solar lighting at a community reserve. | Mannum | $22,500 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
Blyth Community Hall Incorporated | Lights for Kitchen & Supper: Remove Obsolete Heaters and Fans Enhance safety and functionality of a community gathering place to support recovery from the pandemic by upgrading lighting, and heating and cooling. | Blyth | $800 | |||
Franklin Harbour Community Development Group Inc | Cowell Silo Art Viewing Area Reinvigorate tourism and boost the local economy following the pandemic through installing paths and signage at the silo mural viewing area. | Cowell | $8,381 | |||
Goyder Plains Carriage Driving Association Incorporated on behalf of Peterborough Rodeo Club | The 2024 National Carriage Driving Championships Boost economic recovery after the pandemic by upgrading the amenities block for the National Carriage Driving Championship and other community events. | Peterborough | $8,500 | |||
Open Space Contemporary Arts Inc | Kingston Weaving Promote social connection and support creative recovery after the pandemic by holding weaving workshops led by local First Nations artists and creating a public artwork. | Kingston | $10,000 | |||
Orroroo Swimming Club Incorporated | Solar Heating for Community Wading Pool Foster opportunities for community connection post-pandemic and enhance water safety by installing solar heating at a community pool. | Orroroo | $6,110 | |||
Port Vincent Progress Association Inc | Replacement of Curtains at Institute Hall Revitalise a community gathering place to enhance COVID-19 recovery by installing stage curtains and block out curtains at a local hall. | Port Vincent | $4,280 | |||
Quorn Men's Shed | Thicknesser-Planer for the Quorn Men's Shed Strengthen volunteer capacity and expand opportunities for social connection post-pandemic by acquiring equipment to bolster activities at a remote men’s shed. | Quorn | $4,852 | |||
The National Trust of South Australia on behalf of Kingston SE Branch | Telling the Whole Story Enhance cultural connections post-pandemic through installing seating and display lighting at an historic site. | Kingston | $8,971 | |||
The Laura Fair Inc | Acquisition of Outdoor Seating Support community connection after the pandemic by purchasing outdoor seating for local events and activities. | Laura | $4,590 | |||
The Port Germein Village Project Association Inc | Port Germein Village Project Revamp - Landscaping Stage 1 Support community connection post-pandemic by installing fencing and landscaping at a community gathering space. | Port Germein | $9,750 | |||
West Coast Youth and Community Support Incorporated | Stride Together Eyre Peninsula - Community Wellbeing Baton Relay Foster social connection and promote mental health and wellbeing post-pandemic by holding a community baton relay event. | Port Lincoln | $10,000 | |||
Yankalilla Youth Arts Incorporated | Mini Mag - Kid's Magazine Develop skills and support the creative recovery of young people from the pandemic by providing writing workshops and publishing magazines. | Yankalilla | $10,000 | |||
TASMANIA | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Clarendon Vale Neighbourhood Centre Inc | The Hub Enhance young people's mental health and wellbeing by providing equipment for indoor and outdoor activities at a new youth hub. | Clarendon Vale | $6,027 | |||
Cygnet Community Children’s Centre Inc | Old Schoolhouse Upgrades Support early learning, out-of-school programs and create a comfortable community space by replacing worn weatherboards, and installing blinds and an air conditioner. | Cygnet | $8,262 | |||
Mt Black Men Shed Incorporated | Safety First @ Mount Black Men Shed Boost volunteer membership and provide a safe workshop for participants by upgrading the shed’s electrical system. | Rosebery | $9,614 | |||
Prepare & Recover - 2022 Floods | ||||||
Mole Creek Swimming Centre Assoc Inc | Amenity Block Upgrade Enhance opportunities for community connection and recovery in a flood-impacted region through upgrading facilities at a community pool. | Mole Creek | $4,872 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
Cygnet Living History Museum Inc | Museum Refresh Celebrate and enhance connection to local history through purchasing archival safe cabinets for the display of cultural artefacts. | Cygnet | $10,000 | |||
Tasmanian Mountain Cattlemen's Association Inc | Get Back Together and Back on Track Rebuild community connections and boost the local economy post-pandemic by hosting a community festival. | Westbury | $10,000 | |||
VICTORIA | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Boolarra and District Historical Society Inc | Restoration of Cupboards - Boolarra Old School Museum Boost visitation and expand opportunities for learning and connection to local history by restoring damaged storage units at a community museum. | Boolarra | $3,465 | |||
Boort Resource and Information Centre | Gym Equipment Upgrade Enhance an exercise program for older people to boost health and social wellbeing by updating a worn gym station with new fit-for-purpose equipment. | Boort | $10,000 | |||
Castlemaine State Festival Ltd | Working Towards a More Reconciled Future: Castlemaine State Festival's RAP Journey Promote community understanding and engagement with the local First Nations culture through a Dja Dja Wurrung artist residency and the creation of public artwork. | Castlemaine | $9,800 | |||
Committee 4 Rochester Inc | Mural Park Enhancement Boost the local economy and enhance community pride by installing two mural stands as part of Rochester’s Mural Festival. | Rochester | $7,996 | |||
Country Fire Authority on behalf of Warrenbayne CFA (Country Fire Authority) | Warrenbayne Spring Boost Enhance volunteer capacity and community safety by providing phone and IT equipment at a community hub to improve communications in a black spot area. | Warrenbayne | $5,381 | |||
Energy Innovation Co-operative Ltd | Energy Solutions for the Elderly - Korumburra Improve the wellbeing and resilience of an underserved community by providing an energy efficiency education program designed for elderly residents. | Korumburra | $9,900 | |||
Hamilton Community House Inc | Stepping Stones to Leaps and Bounds! Promote community connections and development of life skills through the delivery of a financial literacy program in Hamilton. | Hamilton | $10,000 | |||
Inglewood & Districts Health Service | New Gym Equipment Promote physical and mental wellbeing in an underserved community by purchasing gym equipment for an allied health program. | Inglewood | $9,966 | |||
Kilmore District Men's Shed Inc | New Tools Enhance the capacity of volunteers and boost mental health of older men by purchasing equipment for a men’s shed program. | Kilmore | $1,482 | |||
Lake Bolac Bush Nursing Centre Inc | Community Engagement Program Boost wellbeing and foster social connection by delivering an intergenerational program that brings together older community members and kindergarten students. | Lake Bolac | $10,000 | |||
Neighbourhood House Murchison (VIC) Incorporated | Establishing a Second Program Room for the Community Expand access to programs and services through the renovation of an unused space within a neighbourhood house to create a second program room. | Murchison | $10,000 | |||
Newborough Men's Shed | Dust Extraction for New Premises Support social wellbeing and provide a healthy environment for older people by installing safety equipment in a workshop. | Yallourn | $3,038 | |||
North Shepparton Community & Learning Centre Inc | Beyond Identity in Shepparton Expand opportunities for social connection for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) community members by providing creative workshops and an exhibition. | Shepparton | $10,000 | |||
Raillery Hub Inc | Raillery Hub Art Gallery Information Technology Network Upgrade Strengthen organisational capacity and volunteer skills by upgrading IT equipment for a community gallery and meeting space. | St Arnaud | $5,000 | |||
Talbot Arts and Historical Museum Inc | Preserving and Increasing Safe Access to Our Heritage Promote tourism in an underserved region and enhance access to an historic precinct by installing signage and an all-abilities ramp and paths. | Talbot | $10,000 | |||
Treble F Singers Incorporated | Purchase Portable Electric Piano: Bag, Stand and Stool Enhance community connection and social wellbeing for older people by providing musical equipment for a community choir. | Leongatha | $998 | |||
Uniting (Victoria and Tasmania) Limited | East Bairnsdale Community Hub Food Pantry Enhance skills and address food insecurity in an underserved region by providing emergency food relief and supplying ingredients for cooking classes. | Bairnsdale | $10,000 | |||
Prepare and Recover - 2019/2020 Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Albury Wodonga Regional Foodshare | Strengthening Preparedness through Community Connection Enhance organisation capacity and support bushfire recovery through website upgrades to improve information and resource sharing. | Wodonga | $25,000 | |||
Bendoc Progress Association Inc | Community Meeting Place Upgrade Enhance opportunities for connection and recovery in a remote bushfire-impacted region through upgrading furniture at a neighbourhood house. | Bendoc | $5,000 | |||
Bright Food Co-op Ltd | Manage and Grow the Bright Food Co-op Enhance organisational and volunteer capacity to provide affordable healthy food in a bushfire impacted region by installing an integrated and automated online ordering software platform. | Bright | $5,379 | |||
Country Fire Authority on behalf of Crowlands Fire Brigade | TV Connectivity Project Enhance volunteer capability and community bushfire preparedness by providing IT equipment for training and educational activities. | Crowlands | $2,570 | |||
Country Fire Authority on behalf of Landsborough Fire Brigade | Landsborough Fire Brigade Lawn Mower Project Strengthen bushfire preparedness and support volunteer capacity by purchasing a mower to maintain station grounds. | Landsborough | $750 | |||
Country Fire Authority on behalf of Mossi-Tambo Fire Brigade | Mossi-Tambo Fire Brigade Educational Garden Enhance a community hub and develop an educational resource in a fire-affected region by establishing a garden featuring fire-resistant plants at the Mossiface fire station. | Mossiface | $5,000 | |||
Goongerah Landcare Group | Safety Equipment and Tools for Goongerah Landcare Foster volunteer capacity and support environmental recovery post-bushfires through purchasing new tools and equipment for a weed eradication project along the Brodribb River. | Goongerah | $4,525 | |||
Indigo North Health Inc on behalf of Chiltern Neighbourhood House | Re-surfacing of Communal Area Enhance safety, access and recovery in a bushfire-affected area by constructing an all-ability path at a neighbourhood house and men’s shed. | Chiltern | $8,923 | |||
Merton Recreation and Memorial Hall Reserves Incorporated | Merton Community Skate Park Cultivate opportunities for social connection and wellbeing for young people in a region recovering from bushfire by constructing a skate park. | Merton | $10,000 | |||
Swifts Creek Bush Nursing Centre Inc | Restore, Repair and Paint Walls in Treatment Rooms Provide a safe and comfortable facility for delivering community health services in a bushfire-impacted region by upgrading treatment rooms. | Swifts Creek | $10,000 | |||
Tallangatta Agricultural and Pastoral Society Incorporated | Upgrade of the Old Ablutions Block Provide a safe community gathering place and prepare for future emergency bushfire events by upgrading bathroom facilities at the Tallangatta showgrounds. | Tallangatta | $25,000 | |||
Prepare & Recover - 2022 Floods | ||||||
Bendigo and District Aboriginal Co-Operative Ltd on behalf of Aunty Gals - Aboriginal Women's Group | Aunty Gals - Aboriginal Women's Group Support recovery of First Nations women and children impacted by floods through skills and wellbeing activities. | Echuca | $25,000 | |||
Gannawarra Shire Council | The Fire Garden Theatre Production - Gannawarra Enhance community recovery and cultural connection in a flood-impacted region through a First Nations theatre production. | Kerang | $25,000 | |||
Get Started Disability Support Australia Ltd | Get Started Emergency Preparedness: Empowering People with Disabilities Foster community empowerment and inclusive disaster resilience in a flood-impacted region by delivering disaster preparedness educational programs, training and peer support for disabled people. | Broadford | $25,000 | |||
Kerang and District Agricultural Society Incorporated | Replacing of Pavilion No 2 Roof Enhance opportunities for community connection and recovery from flood impacts by replacing the pavilion roof at the Kerang Showgrounds. | Kerang | $25,000 | |||
Kyabram Community & Learning Centre Inc | KCLC Community Kitchen Appliance Upgrade Foster volunteer capacity and expand food relief in a flood-impacted region by upgrading kitchen appliances at a neighbourhood house. | Kyabram | $10,000 | |||
Murrabit Advancement Association Inc | Creating a Family Hub at Murrabit Strengthen social connections and provide a safe gathering space following flood events by upgrading a community-owned building. | Murrabit | $25,000 | |||
Shepparton Foodshare Incorporated | Shepparton Foodshare Food Rescue Truck Boost organisational capacity to provide food relief in a flood-impacted region through the purchase of a refrigerated delivery truck. | Shepparton | $25,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
Beechworth Biennale Incorporated | Beechworth Biennale Boost economic and cultural recovery after COVID-19 by holding a festival showcasing public art installations at 15 key locations throughout Beechworth. | Beechworth | $10,000 | |||
Buninyong Community Facility Management Committee Inc | Chair Replacement Revitalise opportunities for social connection post-pandemic by providing new seating at a community hub. | Buninyong | $9,600 | |||
Edenhope Men's Shed | A New Wood Lathe for Edenhope Men's Shed Build social connections and increase opportunities for engagement after COVID-19 by purchasing equipment for a community men’s shed. | Edenhope | $8,013 | |||
Gippy Rocks Incorporated | Gippy Rocks Festival Support community reconnection and economic recovery post-pandemic by holding a community festival. | Sale | $6,000 | |||
Goulburn Valley Woodworkers Incorporated | Clubroom Recovery Renovations Strengthen social connection and volunteer capacity after the pandemic through upgrading flooring at a community shed. | Shepparton | $10,000 | |||
Highlands Community Hall Committee Inc | Main Hall Acoustic Panel & Insulation Encourage more community events to boost social connection post-pandemic by improving acoustics and ambience at a community hub. | Highlands | $10,000 | |||
Horses For Hope Limited | Helping Horses for Hope Reach the Communities in Need Sustain an organisation’s capacity to provide mental health support post-COVID-19 by enhancing a horse float to operate as a mobile counselling space. | Mooroopna | $10,000 | |||
Jamieson Community Group and Associated Bodies Incorporated | Jamieson Community Hub Landscape Design Plan – Community Garden and Arts Precinct Build community resilience and support opportunities for social connection after COVID-19 by developing plans for a community garden and arts precinct. | Jamieson | $8,060 | |||
Kaniva Agricultural and Pastoral Society Incorporated | Art and Photography Enhance volunteer capacity and promote connection to culture post-COVID-19 by purchasing display boards for art and photography. | Kaniva | $7,500 | |||
Lake Goldsmith Hall Committee | Back to Lake Goldsmith and Stockyard Hill - Celebrating 160 Years Rebuild social connections post-COVID-19 with whole-of-community events celebrating the district’s 160th anniversary. | Lake Goldsmith | $8,450 | |||
Lockington Bowls Club Incorporated | Club Room Upgrades for Energy Efficiency Foster opportunities for social connection and support the work of volunteers after COVID-19 through upgrades to heating and cooling at a vital community hub and meeting space. | Lockington | $9,091 | |||
Maldon Neighbourhood Centre Inc | Children's Playground Equipment Boost social connection and wellbeing of young children and their families post-COVID-19 by purchasing playground equipment for a neighbourhood centre. | Maldon | $3,000 | |||
Mount Wallace Hall and Reserve Incorporated | Mt Wallace Community Hall Improvement Project Strengthen opportunities for community connection after the pandemic through roof and ceiling repairs and installing a shade structure at a community hall. | Mount Wallace | $7,290 | |||
Natimuk Agricultural and Pastoral Society Inc | Natimuk Showground Community Recreation Reserve Master Plan Build organisational capacity and resilience post-COVID-19 by engaging a consultant to prepare a site master plan to address future needs of the facility for community events and activities. | Natimuk | $10,000 | |||
Newstead 2021 Inc on behalf of Newstead Community Garden | Garden Rehabilitation and Reinvigoration Sustain volunteer capacity and safety post-pandemic by upgrading garden equipment and pathways. | Newstead | $9,503 | |||
Purnim Recreation Reserve | Upgrade Pavilion / Kitchen Items Strengthen social connection and sustain the work of volunteers after the pandemic through upgrading equipment and kitchen whitegoods at a community reserve. | Purnim | $4,000 | |||
Red Gum Festival Development Group Incorporated | Workshops Marquee Reduce social isolation and foster a stronger, more resilient community post-COVID-19 through the facilitation of community workshops and purchase of equipment for a biennial festival. | Cavendish | $10,000 | |||
Regional Victorians of Colour Inc | Rebuilding Strength and Community Through Shared Tables Foster opportunities for cross-cultural connection and capacity building post-pandemic through multicultural community meal events and workshops in three towns. | Kyabram | $10,000 | |||
WESTERN AUSTRALIA | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Enterprise Partnerships WA Limited | Piriwa Placemaking Project Part 4 Enhance the Piriwa Hub's community support capabilities by adding an extra shipping container for improved storage and service capacity. | Balgo | $10,000 | |||
Nungarin Heritage Machinery & Army Museum Inc | Magic of Mosaic Improve volunteer management of historic collections by digitising materials onto an online platform. | Nungarin | $3,000 | |||
Rebuilding Regional Communities - Micro | ||||||
Beacon Progress Association | Beacon Barracks are GO! Improve access to social and creative activities post-pandemic by removing asbestos from a repurposed community arts space. | Beacon | $10,000 | |||
John's Vision Inc | Mobile Eyecare Service Support COVID-19 recovery and resilience with a mobile optometry service offering affordable eyewear to vulnerable and homeless people. | Bunbury | $10,000 | |||
Mullewa Community Resource Centre Inc | Melodies, Mates & Mental Health 2024 Boost reconnection of the community after COVID-19 through monthly concerts that also connect people with mental health services. | Mullewa | $5,870 | |||
Share & Care Community Services Group Incorporated | Mobile Financial Counselling Service Help vulnerable residents reduce post-pandemic debt by expanding intensive financial counselling to additional Wheatbelt communities. | Dalwallinu | $10,000 | |||
Tom Price Community Garden Inc | User-Friendly Garden Beds Enhance post-pandemic recovery and all-abilities social connection through community gardening by raising garden bed heights. | Tom Price | $4,998 |
It’s not often that a toilet block is a tourism drawcard for a community, but that’s just what this project has achieved.
The Snowtown Centenary Park Inc oversees the grounds at North Terrace, Snowtown, 145 km north of Adelaide in SA. They’ve been on a mission to improve the facilities and, over the past 10 years, have extended the football change rooms, built a skate park and recently renovated the interior of the toilet block.
The outside of the toilet block however, still left a lot to be desired – a dull and dirty bessa block structure, with no visual appeal. It was truly a ‘blank canvas’.
An SRC grant for $10,000, funded by a private donor, enabled the Park Committee to engage a professional artist to paint a mural on all four walls, to brighten the centrally located facilities.
The mural has transformed the dull façade of the Centenary Park amenities block with vibrant images of bird and animal life. It is now regularly admired by locals and visitors to Centenary Park. With animals and objects of every letter of the alphabet to find and discover, it’s great for people of all ages, from young children looking for animals, teenagers posing for photos and adults enjoying the beautiful artwork. This mural is bright and colourful and a wonderful sight for tourists calling in off the highway and visitors to the region.
“So many people have stopped to admire the artwork and we have had an increase in caravan visitors to the park … the mural has had a positive impact on the image of the whole town. The toilet block looks amazing. Before it was dull and boring, now it is bright, vibrant and interesting.”
Project Manager and Committee member Bernie Altmann.
Originally a resting place for passing drovers, Foster is a small town just north of the Gippsland coast. Like much of regional Victoria, Foster was hit hard by COVID, with long-lasting economic, health and social outcomes. Impacts on social connection, the need to provide food relief for the community, and the reduced ability for community groups to fundraise were all felt strongly by the volunteers at Manna Community Garden.
Established 22 years ago, Manna Community Garden strives to improve food security and social wellbeing in the community. Working closely with Manna Gum Community House, community lunches are held and meals are provided for people in need of support. Demand for these lunches and meals was heightened during the pandemic and continues today, with the need exacerbated by escalating cost-of-living pressures. The two organisations also work together to provide assistance and information via workshops on topics such as grafting and seed saving, and a community stall at the local farmers’ market.
The fire pit in the gardens is an important gathering place for community members. The facility hosts the local youth group, community lunches, evenings in the garden events and NAIDOC week activities.
Before the pandemic, fundraising efforts were underway to pay for desperately needed upgrades to the Manna Community Garden, including to the garden beds and the amenities around the fire pit. A large Christmas in July fundraiser had to be cancelled two days before it was due to be held due to lockdown orders and while local sponsorship allowed the garden upgrades to go ahead, the works around the fire pit remained unfunded. The seating was dangerous and needed replacing if the gardens were to continue to provide an important social space for the community.
The volunteers at Manna Community Garden applied for an FRRR grant to supplement their fundraising strategy and allow them to continue with these much-needed works. Through an Australian Government-funded SRC Rebuilding Regional Communities grant for $2,600, the fire pit seating was able to be upgraded. The community of Foster is now able to safely enjoy the gardens as a space to socialise, come together, learn and provide food relief for the town.
President of Manna Community Garden, Ms Juneen Schulz, explained the importance of the garden upgrades for reconnection:
“The space has provided a beautiful location for members of our community, especially our garden group, to connect. This is particularly important in the recovery from COVID-19, as it gives us a safe space to be together and rebuild our community.”
With the easing of COVID restrictions, Manna Community Garden has since joined together with other community gardens in the district to run annual events, bringing the wider South Gippsland and Bass Coast communities together and celebrating the benefits of growing locally. The first event, held in Foster in the newly renovated garden, attracted 60 guests and included workshops, guest speakers, and of course lots of beautiful locally grown produce!
“We wanted an inclusive day where community gardens across our slice of the universe could come together and discuss our favourite topics – growing food, looking after our hamlets and communities, sharing our knowledge.”
The neighbouring town of Meeniyan will host the next event, in what is hoped will be a long-running tradition – supporting communities that were badly impacted by COVID-19 to come together and encourage the health, economic, environmental, and social benefits of growing produce locally.
The work of Manna Community Garden shows that a small project can have a big, and long lasting, impact!
By Jill Karena, Place Portfolio Lead
Philanthropy invests significantly in communities by making grants right across Australia. In FRRR’s case, we are focused on supporting remote, rural and regional communities, especially grassroots organisations that often can’t access traditional philanthropy. However, there is no one-size-fits-all solution, which is why we offer a range of programs – some where we work deeply over multiple years through place-based initiatives to build the capacity of a group of local not for profits, and others where we work broadly through our small grants programs – offering up to $25,000, although most are around $10,000.
These small grants programs are our most in-demand which are well suited to co-funding approaches that enable collective contributions to achieve more together and create leverage for funders and communities. While not always ‘sexy’, the needs met through these grants address areas of disadvantage and basic quality of life in communities with little visibility to funders and policymakers. They range from upgrading toilets and kitchens, which improves accessibility of community facilities, to installing air-conditioners to manage climate extremes, and seed funding new ideas to stimulate new approaches to volunteering, health services, and disaster preparedness. Moreover, their value goes far beyond the dollars themselves. From more than 20 years of experience, we can safely say that in the case of many grassroots community groups, small is good.
Small grants, big impact
By their very nature, small grants are simpler to navigate and have lower barriers to entry, making them more appealing to a wider range of organisations. Some grant programs, like FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities, also offer expert support by phone or email, making the process even easier.
Small grants can be the straightforward and friendly ‘front door’ through which grassroots organisations can step to build their capability, connect their community and navigate and drive change. In fact, for many communities experiencing disadvantage, small grants are one of the few ways that they can get the resources and opportunities to launch new ideas or approaches in their communities. And they deliver far more than just money.
Dipping a toe in, learning as they go
For communities that have not applied for funding before, small grants build their experience and confidence in developing project ideas, applying for funding, project management, budgeting and meeting reporting requirements. In the last 12 months, more than a third of Strengthening Rural Communities grant applicants (503 organisations) were first time applicants. Even if they aren’t successful the first time around, constructive feedback, such as the detailed information we always offer to unsuccessful applicants, can give them the confidence to apply again.
Biting off just what they can chew
Many communities are great at developing a long-term vision for their community that might focus on local services, economic development, environmental sustainability or climate change adaption but much as they’d like to do so, it’s simply not possible to achieve everything at once. Small grants enable a community to tackle making those big changes one project at a time. This supports them to make incremental progress against their long-term goals, while the lower scrutiny and risk associated with a small amount of funding can be less anxiety-inducing for organisations who are new to grant seeking.
Attracting more funding
Securing their first small grant is a pivotal moment for an organisation. It’s not just about funding support – it is also a recognition of the value of an organisation’s work and its ability to contribute to their community’s future. Once they’ve been successful, it’s often a catalyst for aiming higher and developing self-belief and self-reliance to create positive change in their community.
Demonstrating that they can successfully manage their first small grant and deliver tangible results builds an organisation’s credibility and can help open the door to securing larger grants to scale-up their project or take on a more ambitious idea. Often, it’s also the vote of confidence that other donors need to see to also come in and support the group’s work.
Getting to work sooner
Small grants usually have shorter application and approval timelines and offer more flexibility to enable communities to tailor projects to meet local priorities and needs, or quickly respond to unexpected disasters and other shocks. Smaller grants also usually come with fewer restrictions and reporting requirements compared to larger grants, which can often make it easier to negotiate with the funder to adapt their project if conditions change.
Finding and piloting local solutions
The flexibility of small grants also encourages communities to experiment with local problem solving, potentially sparking new approaches that are scalable or portable to other communities. Often small grants are seed funding to pilot locally generated or adopted ideas that are not of interest to larger grant programs. Using small grant funding to demonstrate the viability of a community idea can generate the evidence needed to secure larger grants or other support to bring the idea to reality.
“Thank you so much for providing the funds for this grant. This renovation has given Council initiative to support the Toy Library by maintaining the building so we can provide an inviting space and nurturing space for the community. The Toy Library has had many, many years of dedication by passionate volunteers to support and nurture the children of Tamworth and I think it deserves it!
When I started as president the library looked awful and didn’t reflect the commitment, love and pride that our small but dedicated group deserved. Now I feel like our space reflects our organisation. An important community organisation that cares and values the children, parents and carers of Tamworth and feels that learning through play is core to a child’s life and development! Another positive change is that the renovations have been a catalyst for council to complete much needed (and much requested) maintenance on the building by fixing gutters, replacing doors and cracked tiles and replacing the old sink and toilet.”
Tamworth Toy Library Incorporated
Connecting the Community
Small grants also offer a reason for different groups in the community to work together to develop and deliver projects that are meaningful and manageable. When community members, other community organisations and Local Government see the results from a small grant project that makes their community better, it is a great morale booster, and they are more likely to be motivated to get involved in future community initiatives.
“The event’s success lies in its ability to bring the community together, boost the local economy, and celebrate cultural heritage. The event provided a platform for residents to come together after the floods, share their experiences, and rebuild social connections. Through artistic workshops, events, and exhibitions, community members bonded over shared creative experiences, fostering unity and a sense of belonging.”
Arts Deloraine – festival / youth workshops (flood recovery)
Building local capacity
It’s not just the mere fact of offering smaller-value grants that makes an impact. It’s what those grants fund that also helps to build local capacity, especially in small communities or where a new group has formed. For example, many of the grants FRRR funds are about helping groups build their own capacity – whether that’s the likes of governance training or strategic planning support.
“The grant received for strategic planning has paid for itself many times over. We had members who had ideas in their head but didn’t know how to plan or implement them. Since receiving the grant, we’ve been able to increase attendance of our market to over 5000 visitors in November 2021! We’ve also been able to provide free stalls to local community groups to increase their outreach. This also has a flow on effect to small businesses in the town. The pub is booked out for lunch, little local businesses thrive due to the amazing success of the market.”
Rotary Club of Kinglake Ranges
Bigger is not always better
Often, we hear suggestions that larger grants are better – but the reality is that many of the most deserving groups in the smallest and most remote locations simply will not – or indeed simply are not able to – apply for many of those grant opportunities.
While it’s great to see larger grants made available to communities, especially through Government programs, it is critical that we not lose sight of how important small grants are in strengthening capability and capacity in remote, rural and regional communities. Small communities, as you might guess, are, well… small! This can make it hard to compete with larger communities, especially when it comes to demonstrating measures of impact which funders often ask for – small communities can’t point to economies of scale or large numbers of beneficiaries.
With fewer people to draw on, volunteers are often stretched and there are less likely to be paid resources or an experienced grant writer to chase high-value grants or manage large-scale projects. Groups often won’t apply because they don’t have the capacity to meet the reporting requirements or to manage the other governance expectations, such as the frequency of reporting or detailed probity plans. Even the prospect of managing large sums of money can be scary for a first-time grant applicant and some small communities can find it simply overwhelming!
What makes small grants so impactful in rural and remote Australia is their flexibility and relative simplicity, which means they’re more accessible and attractive to those communities that don’t have the resources to wrestle with the complexities of large grants. So we urge all those who are working so hard to grow the funds that are directed via the social sector to make sure that small grants continue to be a key stream of funding. If you’re funding large grants, consider coupling that with some smaller grant funding as well – they may well become organisations you’re able to fund in the future. Or, if you’re funding with a very tight focus, consider how small grants with more flexibility may bring unexpected pathways to that impact. Of course, we always welcome more partners for our collaboratively-funded Strengthening Rural Communities program, so get in touch if you’d like to know more.
Additional $150,000 per year going into canola-growing areas to support sustainability initiatives
FRRR has welcomed a three-year commitment from canola seed business, Nuseed, to support its flagship small grants program, Strengthening Rural Communities.
Announced at an event in Horsham on Wednesday 11 October, Nuseed Australia GM, Rachel Palumbo, said that with deep roots in rural communities, they wanted to give back to causes and organisations that are important to the farmers who invest in their seed, particularly around sustainability initiatives.
Ms Palumbo said, “Our team works hard to develop high-performing canola varieties for Australian farmers, and we know that we are successful because of the support we get in the local communities in which we operate. By partnering with FRRR we can support canola-growing communities in a tangible and significant way. The majority of our Nuseed team are also based in communities just like these, and see the benefits that community-focused projects can bring.”
“Nuseed is delighted to be adding our name to the list of organisations that are partnering with FRRR to ensure that funds get to the projects that really need support. Our funding will be directed at projects in canola-growing areas across the country that focus on sustainability related initiatives, in line with our strategic intent to provide plant-based solutions to some of food and fuel challenges we’re facing.”
Jill Karena, FRRR’s Place Programs Portfolio Lead, said the $150,000 annual donation will mean that many more community groups can invest in projects that they know will make a difference to the liveability and vitality of their communities.
“We are seeing more and more requests from community groups to help them respond to their changing needs, so it’s wonderful to be able to have dedicated funding available in canola-growing areas to be able to support these great projects.
“In some communities, that might look like installing air-conditioning in community owned buildings to reduce energy costs, providing sustainability focused education, undertaking tree planting, or waterway restoration initiatives. For other communities, it could be that the priority is to have a backup generator, solar panels or water tanks to ensure community gardens can be maintained.
“That’s the value of small grants programs like Strengthening Rural Communities. They are flexible and allow communities to get the funding to support the projects they prioritise, so we are really grateful for Nuseed’s support of this program. Our partnership will also mean that community groups get access to advice and support that builds their confidence and enables them to lodge a great application. We look forward to awarding many more grants thanks to their contribution,” Ms Karena said.
The Nuseed funding will be included in the next round of SRC, which is open now and will be announced by late February 2024. Community groups can already apply for SRC support, as this program is always open, with quarterly assessments. The program offers grants up to $10,000 through the Small and Vital stream for projects that strengthen community connections and meet local priorities.
In this quarter’s update for FRRR’s partners and supporters, we’re looking at how fundraising accounts, community foundations and small grants can enable grassroots groups to tackle local priorities, like Mparntwe Alice Springs Community Foundation – a new group whose first project was to bring back a printed weekly newspaper for the community! Also in this edition:
- read about the high value and high demand for our Small Grants programs
- learn about Engawala Art Centre’s journey to developing a physical space for painters
- Insights from FRRR’s team as network, travel and deliver programs
- Our Progress – Q4 FY 2022/23
- Partnering opportunities to activate great projects