Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR)
In many aged care facilities social isolation among elderly residents has been an ongoing battle, especially during COVID, as restrictions and lockdowns prevented family and friends visiting loved ones for almost two years. Luckily for the residents of Eventide Lutheran Homes (ELH) in Hamilton, Victoria, the future is now looking decidedly more social.
Thanks to a $10,000 Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) grant supported by Ian Rollo Currie Foundation, ELH was able to purchase a golf buggy that has been assisting with the transport of residents with mobility and sight issues around the facility. This has been especially useful for building social connection among residents who previously may not have engaged with organised activities due to the difficulty of getting around.
The golf buggy has three seats available to move the residents around in a comfortable and protected way across the facility, including the gardens, the golf course, and any other location the residents wish to visit.
The purchase of the buggy has been an absolute success for not only the residents, but for the staff and volunteers as well. After 18 months of almost constant lockdowns, the volunteers and social activities staff have been very excited to see more activities in the facility and to see the enjoyment of the residents. Staff members have also been seen taking more ownership over projects and events within the facility.
In one instance, a resident was taken for a drive around a nearby golf course where he had previously played golf with a handicap of four for 50 years. He was visibly moved by the experience of visiting the golf course once again.
The buggy arrived at Eventide on the 8 November 2021 and was christened with a celebration morning tea and rides for residents outside. Unfortunately, the weather was not so kind, and the rides had to be cut short. But since then, the buggy has been moving people around the grounds with no issues.
“Apart from the obvious enjoyment of the residents it was exciting to see different staff members taking ownership and being part of the project. After 18 months of almost constant lockdown, none or very few volunteers and few social activities staff were very excited to have social activities in the facility and see the enjoyment of the residents. This had a positive effect on staff and they are busy planning events for the buggy.
Visitors who have been prevented from freely seeing their loved ones for almost 2 years have been excited and engaged in the project and will be able to take their loved ones for rides outside.”
Palm Island (Bwgcolman) lies north of Townsville, off the east coast of Northern Queensland. The mostly First Nations community experiences chronic social and economic disadvantage, the ongoing impact of historical factors and events, discrimination and lack of support in the justice system and lack of access to (or ineffective) diversionary programs.
The Palm Island Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) was established in 2004, and works closely with the Indigenous Programs Development Unit, government agencies, community organisations and members to provide a range of programs that respond to issues faced by the community. The PCYC is well placed to partner with sporting and other local organisations to provide access to sporting and recreational opportunity for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, as they are one of the only positive and neutral organisations where people can safely engage in positive and healthy ways.
Following extensive interactions and consultations within the community, PCYC Palm Island, in partnership with Indigenous Basketball Australia (IBA), delivered a 3×3 Street Hustle basketball tournament within the Palm Island community. The aim was to support physical and mental health, encourage community connection, achievement, pride and wellbeing in one of the most vulnerable communities of Australia. The tournament provided a platform for people of all ages, particularly young people, to participate in an organised and nationally endorsed tournament. It also contributed towards closing the gap for people on the remote Palm Island. Participants received online player profiles and rankings, providing them with the foundation to move on to additional tournaments.
In addition, PCYC Palm Island partnered with IBA to deliver school-based basketball development clinics with the two schools on Palm Island. This allowed young people to experience invaluable mentoring interactions with Joel Khalu (Basketball Queensland, IBA, and NBL Mackay Meteors coach) and Australian Olympian Annie Le Fleur (FIBA, WNBL, WNBA, Australian Women’s Team and Olympian). In total 441 students (231 girls, 210 boys) participated in the three coaching clinics, and 96 children and 48 adults competed in the Community 3×3 Basketball Street Hustle competition.
Despite experiencing a series of delays due to COVID and staffing issues, Phil Schulz, CEO of PCYC Palm Island, said that the program provided a foundation from which young people can build as they move on to greater challenges in sport and in life. It also provided community members with much needed social connection opportunities and the ability to participate in an activity that supports physical as well as mental wellbeing. This was all made possible thanks to a $10,000 Small & Vital grant from FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities program, funded by the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation.
“It was fantastic to get such quality mentors to deliver our program, and the kids were extremely engaged and excited to be involved to learn new skills. The competitions held were excellent in bringing the community together.
“Having such terrific mentors as Joel Khalu and Annie Le Fleur delivering this program with an extraordinary high level of passion and enthusiasm [was amazing]. They took the time to make sure all the kids got involved to realise levels of potential they possessed. Feedback from both schools was excellent with both requesting this become a yearly interaction.
”Importantly, the program also enhanced Palm Island PCYC’s relationships within the community and its ability to provide support and programming for young people, improve community partnerships and enhance the capacity of young people to participate in and lead future programs.
Take a look at the kids in action and listen to how the Basketball Queensland Indigenous Pathways Program (BQIPP) is making a positive impact on the local community!
More than half of the funding to go towards bushfire recovery
Sixty-seven projects across remote, rural and regional Australia will share in $776,583 in grants thanks to FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) program.
These projects are grassroots initiatives run by organisations led by local people that will strengthen their communities and have direct benefits for those living in them.
In this round of funding, 26 of the projects receiving funding support ongoing recovery from the 2019/20 Black Summer bushfires. These initiatives, which will share $444,552, include purchasing fit-for-purpose health equipment for three divisions of St John Ambulance NSW – all of which were directly involved in the 2019/20 Black Summer bushfire response.
There are also 41 projects being funded through the Small & Vital stream of the SRC program, which will share in a total of $332,031. These grants range from $1,455 to upgrade the NSW It’s Heaven website to make it more accessible for those who have a disability, to a $10,000 grant for the Northern Australian Aboriginal Charitable Trust that will help to deliver three new, free-of-charge laundromats to remote Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory.
Jill Karena, Place Portfolio Lead at FRRR, said that a noticeable trend emerged in this latest round of applications.
“Interestingly, we saw a strong interest for community gardens in this round. With the cost of living rising on top of the food shortages that are happening as a result of the pandemic and natural disasters like drought and floods, there are growing concerns in rural areas about food security and the lack of access to nutritious, affordable food.
“This is why flexible programs like SRC are crucial. The funding from this program can be used where community leaders see the greatest need. Our climate and our economy are rapidly evolving and these grants can be used to support a broad range of community-led, grassroots initiatives that are helping to address very current issues in real time,” Ms Karena said.
Some of the 67 projects funded include:
- OpenField Arts Festival Inc – Berry, NSW – OpenField Arts Festival – Facilitate community and social connection through a multidisciplinary arts festival. $10,000 (Bushfire Recovery)
- Riding for the Disabled in the Top End – Palmerston, NT – Optimisation of Volunteer Management at Riding for the Disabled in the Top End – Improve the management, rostering and training of volunteers by installing a database program and employing a volunteer coordinator. $9,948 (Small & Vital)
- Girls from Oz Ltd – Kowanyama, QLD – Helping to Keep Language Alive in Kowanyama – Support language revitalisation and student engagement through a performing arts project in a remote school. $9,212 (Small & Vital)
- Fat Farmers: Rural Health Initiative Incorporated – Cummins, SA – Eyre Peninsula Expansion Project – Enhance physical and mental health by promoting a community fitness group at a local social event. $8,500 (Small & Vital)
- Fingal Valley Neighbourhood House – St Helens, TAS – Building Blocks: Play and Learn Together – Support delivery of playgroups, early learning and parenting support programs in rural areas through the purchase of a vehicle. $25,000 (Bushfire Recovery)
- Dunsborough Yallingup Chamber of Commerce – Dunsborough, WA – DYCCI Skills Development and Capacity Building Workshops 2022/23 – Boost and strengthen the local economy by running a series of workshops to help community members improve their business skills. $9,994 (Small & Vital)
- Country Fire Authority Corryong Country Fire Brigade (CFA) – Corryong, VIC – Corryong Fire Station Kitchen Modernisation – Improve capacity of Corryong Fire Brigade to support bushfire recovery and preparedness by upgrading kitchen. $24,040 (Bushfire Recovery)
A full list of grant recipients is available on FRRR’s website.
The SRC program is collaboratively supported by many generous donors, which are acknowledged on FRRR’s website.
This program always accepts applications and thanks to recent support from the Australian Government, there is now a COVID-recovery stream – Rebuilding Rural Communities. Local NFPs and community groups are encouraged to review the expanded 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 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NEW SOUTH WALES | ||||||
Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Cobargo Wellness Group | Ginger the Frog Community Arts Project Tour Support children and families impacted by bushfires to process complex emotions resulting from trauma through performance, storytelling and mindfulness. | Coffs Harbour | $19,500 | |||
Container of Dreams Ltd | Container of Dreams Lockup Workshop Expand the capacity to provide affordable housing and workshop space for bushfire-affected communities by building a shed. | Drake | $25,000 | |||
Gwymac Incorporated | Fostering Inclusive, Friendly, Stronger and More Resilient Communities in Small Rural Towns Strengthen community recovery and improve health and social wellbeing outcomes and connection through creative workshops. | Bonshaw | $25,000 | |||
Nambucca Valley Phoenix Limited | Fostering Recovery and Resilience through Creative and Connected Communities Increase capacity of arts organisation to build sustainability and delivery of projects in bushfire-impacted areas through employing a coordinator. | Bowraville | $25,000 | |||
Kendall Community Centre Reserve Land Manager | Kendall's Co-working Hub Strengthen community recovery and improve health and social wellbeing outcomes and connection through creative workshops. | Kendall | $6,713 | |||
Northern NSW Helicopter Rescue Service Limited | Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service Annual Volunteers Conference – Narrabri Support volunteers of Northern NSW Helicopter Rescue to connect with one another through attending an annual conference. | Narrabri | $9,710 | |||
OpenField Arts Festival Inc | OpenField Arts Festival Facilitate community and social connection through a multidisciplinary arts festival. | Berry | $10,000 | |||
Sanctuary Point Men's Shed Inc | Extension to Existing Men's Shed | Sanctuary Point | $19,263 | |||
South East Arts (NSW) Inc Navigate Arts | Regeneration Roadtrip Promote healing through reconnection to Country in bushfire-impacted communities with an interactive road journey and map. | Bungendore | $25,000 | |||
Southcoast Health and Sustainability Alliance | Bushfire and Heatwave Haven ‐ Batemans Bay Uniting Church Facility Support establishment of a heatwave and bushfire haven by upgrading toilet, shower and storage amenities. | Batemans Bay | $24,080 | |||
St John Ambulance Australia (NSW) | Building Emergency Response Capabilities Support volunteer emergency responders to increase preparedness for natural disasters through purchase of equipment. | Armidale | $20,228 | |||
Tenterfield Players Incorporated | "Let There Be Light" Expand capacity of a bushfire-impacted town by boosting ability to host local stage productions through purchase of portable lighting. | Tenterfield | $9,670 | |||
The Circle Foundation Cooperative Ltd | Singing for Health, Wellbeing and Recovery Enhance social connection, health and wellbeing through a community choir program. | Moruya | $24,239 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Equine Angels | Horses 4 Healing Youth Project ‐ Horses Helping Humans Program ‐ Byron Shire Engage disadvantaged young people to participate in an equine therapy program to build resilience and emotional wellbeing. | Mullumbimby Creek | $8,492 | |||
It's Heaven Incorporated | Upgrade www.itsheaven.org Platform Increase inclusiveness through upgrade of an inclusive tourism website, designed to provide accurate and easily accessible information for travellers with a disability. | Shoalhaven | $1,455 | |||
Quandialla Soldiers Memorial Hall Incorporated | Quandialla Soldiers Memorial Hall Mural Increase tourism and commemorate history within the local community by painting a large mural on the hall depicting the area's history, development and attractions. | Quandialla | $6,875 | |||
Weemelah Hall | BBQ Cover and Lighting Project Increase community involvement and engagement, by installing shade and lighting over the BBQ area. | Weemelah | $8,880 | |||
Woodstock Progress Association | Let's Tell Some Stories! Enhance visitor engagement and improve connections within the existing community, by developing information boards that tell the stories of significant Woodstock locations. | Woodstock | $10,000 | |||
Young Public P&C Association | Endemic Showcase Garden, Aboriginal Yarning Circle, and Outdoor Classroom at Young Public School Create an inspiring and inclusive space with an endemic garden and yarning circle where Aboriginal students can come together to connect with each other and Elders. | Young | $10,000 | |||
NORTHERN TERRITORY | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Atyenhenge‐Atherre Aboriginal Corporation | Alternative Education Program (AEP) ‐ An Alternative Curriculum for Remote School Engagement Encourage disengaged young people to re‐engage in their education via a culturally appropriate life skills program. | Santa Teresa | $10,000 | |||
First Nations Bushfood & Botanical Alliance Australia Ltd | First Nations Bushfood and Botanical Alliance Australia ‐ Remote Digital Connectivity Support First Nations Leaders to promote Indigenous economic interest and initiatives through investment in digital capability. | Alice Springs | $9,654 | |||
Northern Australian Aboriginal Charitable Trust | Remote Laundries – Stage Three Improve health and social wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal people in remote communities, by providing access to free specialised washing machines that destroy scabies mites. | Ngukurr | $10,000 | |||
Riding for the Disabled in the Top End | Optimisation of Volunteer Management at Riding for the Disabled in the Top End Improve the management, rostering and training of volunteers by installing a database program and employing a volunteer coordinator. | Palmerston | $9,948 | |||
QUEENSLAND | ||||||
Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Tannymorel Hall Committee Inc | Painting the Tannymorel Hall Roof Foster connection to place and community pride by painting the Tannymorel Hall roof, championing the community’s social, economic and tourism aspirations. | Tannymorel | $9,690 | |||
Tin Can Bay Community and Men’s Shed Incorporated | Storage Shed Support community recovery and wellbeing through purchase of a storage shed to securely house materials and equipment. | Tin Can Bay | $4,000 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Audrey's Angels of Hope | Computing for Compassion Ease administration tasks for volunteers who support cancer sufferers and their families with purchase of a printer and computer. | Ingham | $2,800 | |||
Banana Shire Community Arts Assoc Inc | Restore, Refurbish, Revive: Reconnecting Community Part Two Build community connectivity, participation and capacity through the installation of a split system air conditioner and table / chairs. | Biloela | $10,000 | |||
Blackall Cultural Association Incorporated | Bushman's Artisan Gallery Project Foster and strengthen local engagement with the arts by refurbishing and extending a gallery. | Blackall | $10,000 | |||
Charleville & District Community Support Association Incorporated Charleville Blue Light Association (Charleville Police) | Safer Driving Skills on Outback Queensland Roads: Better Drivers; Safer Roads; Employment Opportunities Provide young people in a remote area with access to a supervised driver training and education program, to increase road safety awareness and reduce road accidents. | Charleville | $10,000 | |||
Community for Coastal & Cassowary Conservation Inc | Historical Photographic Exhibition in Mission Beach - Echo of the Past Increase awareness of environmental issues through recent history with an exhibition of photographs of local historical significance to the Mission Beach area. | Mission Beach | $8,925 | |||
Eacham Historical Society Incorporated | Computers and Archive Map storage Help local community retain and access region’s history with investment in IT and storage cabinet. | Malanda | $7,842 | |||
Girls from Oz Ltd | Helping to Keep Language Alive in Kowanyama Support language revitalisation and student engagement through a performing arts project in a remote school. | Kowanyama | $9,212 | |||
Herbert River Men's Shed Inc | Men’s Shed Equipment Upgrade Strengthen the capacity of local people to connect with each other and respond to community need, by upgrading the equipment of a Men’s Shed. | Ingham | $9,600 | |||
Kilkivan & District Community Care Association Inc | Expanding the Home of the KilkiVAN Boost the ability of residents to live well in place while ageing, by purchasing equipment to expand community support services. | Kilkivan | $10,000 | |||
Muttaburra Community Development Association Inc | Union Hole Camp - Shearers' Strike Boost tourism and commemorate the Great Shearers' Strike of 1891 with installation of a large sculpture. | Muttaburra | $10,000 | |||
SOUTH AUSTRALIA | ||||||
Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Port Vincent Progress Association Inc | Upgrade Projector and Sound System at the Port Vincent Institute Restore communications and build capacity to host community activities at the Port Vincent Institute Hall through upgrading audio visual equipment. | Port Vincent | $10,000 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
District Council of Streaky Bay | The 'Developing Community Leaders and Capacity through Equipping our Volunteers' Program Develop volunteer capability and build leadership skills by providing a not-for-profit operations training program designed to upskill volunteers. | Streaky Bay | $10,000 | |||
Fat Farmers: Rural Health Initiative Incorporated | Eyre Peninsula Expansion Project Enhance physical and mental health by promoting a community fitness group at a local social event. | Cummins | $8,500 | |||
Goolwa Surf Life Saving Club Incorporated | Expansion of Lifesaving Capabilities at Goolwa Surf Life Saving Club Boost the organisation’s capability to deliver surf life‐saving services by purchasing new equipment. | Goolwa | $10,000 | |||
Keyneton Soldiers' Memorial Hall Inc | Keyneton Soldiers' Memorial Hall ‐ Accessibility Upgrade to Supper Room Entrance Provide a safe environment for volunteers and visitors through the upgrade of Keyneton Soldiers’ Memorial Hall’s supper room entrance. | Keyneton | $9,677 | |||
TASMANIA | ||||||
Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Broadmarsh / Elderslie Progress Association Inc | BEPA Water Tanks Improve essential facilities of community hall by installing water tanks to enhance capacity for bushfire preparedness and recovery. | Broadmarsh | $9,995 | |||
Fingal Valley Neighbourhood House | Building Blocks: Play and Learn Together Support delivery of playgroups, early learning and parenting support programs in rural areas through the purchase of a vehicle. | St Helens | $25,000 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Southern Midlands Council | Encouraging Active Ageing Encourage social connection amongst Southern Midland Council’s ageing population by hosting four activities developed by community members. | Oatlands | $10,000 | |||
VICTORIA | ||||||
Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Bairnsdale Neighbourhood House Inc | Rural Minds Mental Health Workshops Boost and strengthen mental health and wellbeing in the Bairnsdale community through the provision of workshops. | Omeo | $10,000 | |||
Bemm River Recreation Reserve Committee of Management Incorporated | Encouraging Connectedness Rejuvenate a place of gathering by replacing an old barbeque with a new community barbeque. | Bemm River | $13,563 | |||
Country Fire Authority Corryong Country Fire Brigade (CFA) | Corryong Fire Station Kitchen Modernisation Improve capacity of Corryong Fire Brigade to support bushfire recovery and preparedness by upgrading kitchen. | Corryong | $24,040 | |||
Destination Gippsland Ltd | Event School Foster the planning of rural and regional community events by employing a project manager. | Mallacoota | $25,000 | |||
Ensay Mechanics Institute Reserve Inc | Ensay Community Hall Revitalisation ‐ Kitchen Equipment and Outdoor Seating Upgrade Project Enhance social cohesion, connectedness and wellbeing by upgrading kitchen facilities and outdoor dining area of the Ensay Community Hall. | Ensay | $25,000 | |||
Mount Beauty Cricket Club Inc | Safe, Supportive and Social Spaces Expand capacity of volunteers to maintain valued community outdoor open spaces through purchase of a large area mower. | Mount Beauty | $25,000 | |||
Myrrhee Primary School Breath Circle | Myrrhee School Mental Health and Wellbeing Program Promote improved health and wellbeing for children through school incursions on mindfulness and movement. | Myrrhee | $9,900 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Buxton Progress Assoc Inc | Building Buxton Strategy Consultation Boost organisational and volunteer capacity through community consultation and development of a strategic plan for a local progress association. | Buxton | $9,451 | |||
Committee for Maryborough | Creating a Vibrant Community ‐ Phase One: Planning Facilitate networking and opportunities for intergenerational collaboration through story telling in the Central Goldfield Shire. | Bealiba | $8,000 | |||
Country Fire Authority | Hose Drying Rack Support volunteer safety and build organisational capacity through the installation of a hose drying rack at Arcadia Fire station. | Arcadia | $3,960 | |||
Flowerdale Community House Inc | Flowerdale Community Garden Project Enhance health, wellbeing, and connectedness of the community through building a community garden. | Flowerdale | $10,000 | |||
Highlands Community Hall Committee Inc | Highland Hall going Forwards Strengthen local capacity and skills through governance and strategic planning workshops and support. | Highlands | $10,000 | |||
Kilmore District Men's Shed Inc | Shade Sail Promote social connections in older age groups and protect physical health through the installation of a shade sail. | Kilmore | $8,206 | |||
Lions Club of Benalla Inc | Toilet Facilities in the Benalla Lions Shed Boost volunteer engagement and provide an inclusive and comfortable facility through the installation of accessible toilet amenities. | Benalla | $10,000 | |||
Millewa Advisory Group | Millewa Silo Art Boost tourism and strengthen the local economy by establishing silo art installations in Werrimull. | Werrimull | $8,000 | |||
Southern Otway Landcare Network Inc | Shrub Club Community Nursery Bench Restoration Improve the safety of volunteers through installing new potting benches at a community‐run nursery. | Apollo Bay | $3,320 | |||
St Arnaud Neighbourhood House Inc | Community Vegetable Garden Improve nutrition of low‐income residents through the installation of a community garden. | St Arnaud | $7,300 | |||
Tri Gym Inc | Strengthening Our Community - Healthy Body and Mind Support better health and wellbeing outcomes by enabling older community members to access local pilates classes. | Marysville | $4,450 | |||
UCA Queenscliff Point Lonsdale | "Clearing the Air" - Installation of Air Purifiers in Public Spaces Encourage people to come together safely by installing air purifiers in a community hall and meals space. | Queenscliff-Point Lonsdale | $7,990 | |||
United Way Glenelg Victoria Incorporated | Winter Care Packages Reduce social isolation and decrease financial pressures for aged residents with provision of care packages. | Portland | $5,000 | |||
View Street Public Hall Committee | New Window in the Kitchen of the West End Hall (Castlemaine) Increase the comfort of hall users and lower greenhouse gas emissions by installing double glazed windows that will moderate the temperature inside the View Street Public Hall. | Castlemaine | $2,000 | |||
Woorak Community and Land Management Group | Internet Connection and Data Projector Increase functionality of hall with provision of projector and internet connections to enable video conferencing, workshops, on-line training and presentations. | Woorak | $2,500 | |||
WESTERN AUSTRALIA | ||||||
Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Denmark Community Resource Centre Inc | Distributed 15 ‐ Dance in Porongurup Cultivate connection to environment, climate action and climate hope through creative workshops and performance. | Porongurup | $9,961 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Dunsborough Yallingup Chamber of Commerce Inc | DYCCI Skills Development and Capacity Building Workshops 2022/23 Boost and strengthen the local economy by running a series of workshops to help community members improve their business skills. | Dunsborough | $9,994 |
In this quarter’s update for FRRR’s donor partners, read about:
- Ngketya Nwernaka Ilkerta Mparetyeka: an innovative grassroots language revival program in Central Australia
- Progress Report
- Insights from the bush
- Donor spotlight: The Macdoch Foundation
- Community Partner Spotlight: Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship (ACRE)
- Partnering opportunities: Private Ancillary Funds
The FRRR team recently received some lovely feedback from the Management Committee of The Lakes Entrance Mechanics Community Hall. In 2021, they applied for a Strengthening Rural Communities grant to make upgrades to the community hall. Here’s what they had to say…
The Lakes Entrance Mechanics Hall Management Committee is delighted to announce that the new chairs, purchased with the support of a grant from the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR), have arrived and are ready to use.
The Lakes Entrance Mechanics Institute Hall is the hub of community events. Ceremonies, celebrations, meetings, community clubs, federal and state elections, breakfasts, parties, dances, concerts and bingo all take place within its four walls.
Our old chairs were dilapidated, heavy, hard to stack, hard to move, and took up half of our storage space. Committee spokesperson Pennie Anderson is delighted. “I love these chairs’, she said.
“They are lightweight, ergonomic and stack easily on specially designed trolleys, so a whole stack of 20 can be moved by an average sized person. They take up half the space of the old ones in the storeroom”.
Purchased locally from Workplace Systems in Bairnsdale, the chairs have been met with approval from the regular hall users. Below are some of the comments from community members:
“They are awesome– very easy to move and set up for our productions” – Di Dixon, President, Lakes Entrance Amateur Dramatic Society
“We found the handling of the chairs a much easier exercise all round. Also, when chairs were moved around during the meeting there was not the annoying scraping noise on the floor” – Stan Barker, President, Lakes Entrance Garden Club
“They look very smart and are much quieter on the floor” – Bingo, Lions Club
Since 2006, the Tablelands community in Far North Queensland has experienced three cyclones, floods in 2015, bushfires in 2018 and higher than average monsoonal rains – and the impacts of climate change will likely increase the frequency, duration and severity of these weather patterns and natural disasters over time. With such a small population, this community must be largely self-reliant when it comes to initial disaster responses. So, they need to ensure they are ready when the next disaster strikes.
Thanks to the support of a private donor, the Tablelands Regional Council was awarded a $25,000 grant through FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) program to run a series of free workshops across the shire. Presented in partnership with Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, these programs were designed to better prepare residents before and during disasters and build resilience for the recovery process.
Seven different workshops were delivered, including First Aid training, Psychological First Aid training, Leadership in Disasters Workshops, Exercise Ready2Respond and Queensland Disaster Management Arrangements (QDMA) training. The workshops aimed to support inclusive and resilient communities, build community capacity and cultivate integrated health and wellbeing. They also helped prepare the community for the impacts of climate change, including more intense weather events in future years.
The funding made it possible for 270 people across the region to participate in the training. In particular, the realistic, scenario-based Community Disaster Team exercise helped the community prepare for the upcoming disaster season. The workshops provided valuable ideas to help families, homes and businesses recover from adversity and many community members provided positive feedback.
Officer in Charge of the Atherton Queensland Ambulance Service, Terry Cumming, felt the training had not only better informed the Atherton community but also alleviated the pressures on Emergency Services during a disaster.
“The effort of getting our community involved in training, and capacity building can only strengthen community resilience and help all emergency services in times of need.”
The Dongara Patchwork Club meet in the WA fishing town of Port Denison, which is located almost four hours north of Perth. Every three years, the club hosts a ‘Hanging of the Quilts’ event to exhibit new works completed by club members and the event draws tourists into town, supporting the local arts economy.
In October 2019, the Dongara Patchwork Club used a $4,403 Strengthening Rural Communities grant to fund the event. The grant was used to support venue hire, catering, printing, raffle tickets and advertising. The club members transformed the stadium at the Rec Centre into a Quilters Haven for the day and created ‘themed rooms’ that helped visitors to get inspired, be introduced to the craft or just to appreciate the talents of the local quilters.
The event featured quilts that had never been displayed, as well as demonstrations, art displays, raffles, quality market stalls, and a vintage car display that was located adjacent to the building. The 2019 ‘Hanging of the Quilts’ event also provided an opportunity for other local community groups to get involved, with the Veteran Car Club, Dongara Denison Art Group, Geraldton Spinners/weavers and Lace Makers and the Pottery Club participating along with local producers who showcased their wares.
Not only did the event drive local arts tourism but the community also reported an increase in creative expression, strengthened social connectivity and reduced social isolation. The funds raised at the festival were enough to cover the groups running costs and their work within the community for the next three years.
Gooniyandi Country
The town of Yiyili is located six hours east of Broome in the heart of the Kimberley region. At the town school, 90% of the time, fewer than one third of students are in attendance. This is often due to young people being impacted by intergenerational trauma and grief, family and domestic violence and drug and alcohol abuse, all of which are contributing to poor mental and physical health in the youth of Yiyili.
With engagement in education and work steadily decreasing, last year the Yiyili Aboriginal School decided to start ‘BikeRescue’, a program where young people could attend multiple workshops each week to refurbish and repair second-hand bikes.
Supported with a $25,000 Strengthening Rural Communities grant, funded by John T Reid Charitable Trusts, the training was carried out by Youth Councillors, as well as bicycle maintenance and refurbishment specialists. During the sessions, the students were taught how to adjust gears, fit new brakes, clean and maintain bikes and organise the workshop to function more efficiently. There was also a strong focus on self-management, resilience and self-regulation.
At the end of the program, the students sold the bikes to give them an understanding of how to run a small business. As an added benefit, this meant that there were affordable bikes available to children and adults in the community. The students that participated in the program were also allowed to each keep a bike for themselves.
As a result, the young people were really proud of the bikes they had managed to rescue, and of having invested their time and energy into a productive project. By participating, they also strengthened their community connections and developed more positive attitudes towards school and work.
As an added bonus, community members have been employed by the school on a casual basis to help students run the bicycle repair workshop and the Yiyili community group have secured funding to continue running the program.
117 community-led projects funded
One hundred and seventeen projects set to strengthen small remote, rural and regional communities across Australia have received a much-needed boost, with the community-driven initiatives sharing in $1,382,453 in grants.
Funded through FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) program these grants support projects led by local people in small communities throughout the country.
In this round of funding, 59 Black Summer bushfire recovery initiatives are sharing $894,313 in grants for recovery and preparedness projects. This includes expanding the iconic Horsepower Highway tourist trail to kickstart Gnowangerup’s local economy in WA by adding two new installations, and installing a kitchen at the Big Swamp Community Centre in Coomunga, SA to support the community during future bushfire events.
There are also 58 projects spread across Australia sharing in $488,140 in this round of grants through the Small & Vital stream. These grants range from $1,595 to improve internet access for the local museum and its volunteers in Chiltern, VIC, through to a $10,000 grant for filmmaking workshops in Wilcannia, NSW.
Jill Karena, Place Portfolio Lead at FRRR, said that as COVID lockdown restrictions have eased and communities adapt to a new COVID normal, people are eager to connect, engage, celebrate and recover, but they are also keen to ensure that their community is stronger and more resilient for what may come.
“Our Heartbeat of Rural Australia study last year highlighted that among the biggest challenges for people was not being able to connect, so it was no surprise that many of the applications we saw in this round of SRC were about bringing people together. This ranges from making facilities more comfortable and welcoming, such as air conditioners or new furniture, to better IT equipment, internet connections or communication tools to engage with their communities. We have also seen some wonderful arts-based projects, which again bring people together, especially for those who were affected by the Black Summer bushfires.
“Underlying most of the requests however is a desire to be stronger in the future – to be more resilient. Sadly, some of those communities that are receiving grants, have felt the effects of another disaster. For those who have to put their projects on hold because of the floods, we understand. FRRR will be here to work with you, and if there is now a higher priority for your community, do get in touch as we are keen to assist,” Ms Karena said.
Some of the 117 funded projects include:
- Richmond Valley Council – Rappville, NSW – Supporting Community Recovery by Honouring Rappville’s Military History – Commemorate sacrifices of Rappville community with replacement of WWI, WWII and Vietnam War Honour Rolls destroyed in fires. $25,000 (Bushfire Recovery)
- Red Dust Role Models Limited – Nauiyu, NT – Red Dust Community Art Collaboration – Strengthen community and support healing with the creation of three murals celebrating and connecting community to culture. $5,000 (Small & Vital)
- Muckadilla Community Association Inc – Muckadilla, QLD – All-abilities Access to Muckadilla Community Hall – Provide access to the Muckadilla Community Hall for all by installation of a disability access ramp and safety handrails. $10,000 (Small & Vital)
- Peterborough History Group SA Incorporated – Peterborough, SA – Wiring Upgrade for YMCA – Provide a safe environment for volunteers and support visitor engagement through the upgrade of electrical wiring. $10,000 (Small & Vital)
- Seymour Community Action Group Inc – Seymour, TAS – Seymour Community Wetland Restoration and Reclassification Project – Support volunteers to restore natural habitat and strengthen community connection to the environment through the development of a weed eradication project. $10,000 (Bushfire Recovery)
- Brookton Community Inc – Brookton, WA – White Goods for New Shared Buildings – Increase community participation and capacity by fitting out kitchens in two new shared community buildings. $7,370 (Small & Vital)
- Corryong College & Corryong Neighbourhood House Inc – Corryong, VIC – Enabling digital storytelling in the Upper Murray – Support college students to recover from a natural disaster through creative storytelling and technical skill development. $16,671 (Bushfire Recovery)
A full list of grant recipients is available on FRRR’s website.
The SRC program is collaboratively supported by many generous donors, which are acknowledged on FRRR’s website.
This program always accepts applications and thanks to recent support from the Australian Government, there is now a COVID-recovery stream – Rebuilding Rural Communities. Local NFPs and community groups are encouraged to review the expanded 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 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NEW SOUTH WALES | ||||||
Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Adelong Patrol and Agricultural Society Inc. | Adelong Show: Bringing us Together Boost community connectedness and recovery from natural disasters by providing entertainment at Adelong Show event. | Adelong | $5,000 | |||
Black Head Surf Life Saving Club Inc. | Expansion of Disability Program and Inclusive Beach Access Support community bushfire recovery by expanding inclusive access for all, for beach attendees and surf life saving volunteers with the purchase of specialized equipment. | Hallidays Point | $10,470 | |||
Braidwood Community Arts Association Inc. | The Sustainable Farmedian Support capacity building and recovery of natural disasters by creating a documentary of Black Summer through experience of a sustainable farmer. | Braidwood | $24,840 | |||
Bundjalung Tribal Society | Youngman Creek Rehabilitation Volunteer Wellbeing Program Promote connection of place and culture, as well as rejuvenating and strengthening volunteerism through providing training and tools to support community recovery. | Alstonville | $9,997 | |||
Burra District Bushfire Brigade | Burra Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade Pergola Increase capacity for response to fire attacks via improving volunteers and firefighters' recuperation during rest breaks with building a pergola and providing shade for meal breaks. | Burra | $17,771 | |||
Burringbar School of Arts | Replacement of 15 Step Treads for Rear Stairway Access Strengthening disaster preparedness by rejuvenating place of gathering and mitigate safety risks by repairing stair treads of local community hall. | Burringbar | $8,284 | |||
CTC Robertson Inc. | Installation of Automatic Doors at CTC Near Disabled Access Supporting community recovery by enabling easier access to community building with removal of old heavy doors and replacement with automatic sliding doors. | Robertson | $6,180 | |||
Eden Creek Fairymount Preschool Inc. | Improved Space for Families and Children of Kyogle Encourage children's learning and development by increasing preschool space with building refurbishment that will support town recovery. | Kyogle | $25,000 | |||
Eurobodalla Shire Council | Eurobodalla Shower + Laundry Project for People Experiencing Homelessness Support community bushfire recovery by installing pay-wave system at three laundromats and provide vouchers through homelessness service providers. | Batemans Bay | $25,000 | |||
Fling Physical Theatre Inc. | Refurbishment of New Premises for FLING Physical Theatre to Deliver Inspiring Cultural Activity to the Region Encourage youth to be active and explore their creative potential through dance and performance with conversion of building to an inclusive dance studio space following the events of the Black Summer bushfires. | Bega | $25,000 | |||
Horse Sense for Humans Open Harts Inc. | Wellbeing With Horses Enable people to develop stress relieving, mental health and wellbeing techniques via equine assisted therapy sessions to support community recovery. | Mogendoura | $18,200 | |||
Kyogle Writers Festival Kyogle and District Arts Council | Kyogle Writers Festival 2022 (KWF2022) Boost local economy and support literary development with funding guest speakers for the Kyogle Writers Festival to support town recovery. | Kyogle | $10,000 | |||
Lawrence Historical Society Inc. | Fit Up for the Future To support community bushfire recovery with the restoration of historical artefacts and passing on woodworking and metal work skills to volunteers at the Lawrence Museum. | Lawrence | $7,796 | |||
Marlee Rural Fire Brigade | Marlee Fire Station Facilities Upgrade Provide a safe place for RFS staging areas and the small community of Marlee to evacuate to in the event of an emergency, with upgrade of facilities at the Marlee Fire Station and Hall complex. | Marlee | $11,600 | |||
Merriwa Preschool and Activity Centre Inc. | Forty for Flooring Improve hygiene and create a healthy play space by replacing ash impacted carpet with vinyl flooring at Merriwa Preschool & Activity Centre to support community recovery. | Merriwa | $25,000 | |||
Monaro Community Radio | Installation of a Solar PV system for Monaro Community Radio - 2MNO Support community recovery and to reduce 2MNO community radio's power bills and lower greenhouse gas emissions with installation of a 3.3kW solar system. | Cooma | $8,145 | |||
Mt Wilson and Mt Irvine Historical Society Inc. | Mount Wilson Historical Village Walk & Digital Archive Support community bushfire recovery by encouraging visitors and new arrivals to appreciate local history and understand the characters who have made the community what it is, with digital app featuring 22 local stories. | Mount Wilson | $10,000 | |||
Nambucca Valley Phoenix Ltd | Phoenix Rising - Fostering Resilience through Creative Communities Support and enhance community recovery through creative community activities with replacement of ageing ceramic kiln, flue and corroded roof. | Bowraville | $25,000 | |||
One Vision Productions Ltd. | MPOWER Online Education Engagement and Mental Health Toolkit and Mobile App Youth mental health and wellbeing support with tailored 12 month program in three schools and production of videos for subscription website service to support community recovery. | Clarence Valley | $25,000 | |||
Raise the heART Ltd. | Raise the heART - A Creative Arts Mental Health Project for 16-17 year-olds and the Broader Community Support bushfire recovery in the community by encouraging youth to participate in a year-long arts program, via creation of a youth-led theatrical performance, a youth wellbeing forum and a pop-up art exhibition. | Byron Bay | $10,000 | |||
Richmond Valley Council | Supporting Community Recovery by Honouring Rappville’s Military History Commemorate sacrifices of Rappville community with replacement of WWI, WWII and Vietnam War Honour Rolls destroyed in fires. | Rappville | $25,000 | |||
Rotary Club of Pambula Inc. | Community Support and Recovery through Music and Entertainment Support community recovery and engagement via entertainment events across fire-affected communities using the Sapphire Entertainment Pod. | Tathra | $25,000 | |||
Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens Ltd. | Picnic Setting for the Community in a Safe Environment Create a quiet space in nature, for contemplation and social gatherings with addition of picnic tables at Botanic Gardens to assist community recovery. | Bowral | $25,000 | |||
Taylors Arm Hall Committee of Management Nambucca Valley Council | Taylors Arm Reunited - Kitchen Upgrade and Hall Interior Painting Support bushfire recovery by expanding the use of the community hall by painting hall interior, updating kitchen, and installing vermin proof cupboards to make the community meeting space more functional and suitable for holding workshops. | Taylors Arm | $16,950 | |||
The Lions Club of Tenterfield Inc. | Tenterfield Lions' Junior Choir Introduce children to the creative arts to foster a love of music and performing, with support for Children's Choir, following the Black Summer bushfires. | Tenterfield | $18,109 | |||
Tumut Regional Chamber of Commerce Inc. | Adventure Snowy Valleys Support bushfire recovery by diversifying local economy with the development of outdoor adventure tourism website. | Tumut | $25,000 | |||
UCA - Life Line Macarthur | Mental Health First Aid Training Build community capacity to support and respond to people experiencing stress and mental health problems with provision of mental health first aid training to support community recovery. | Wollondilly | $10,000 | |||
Yuin Folk Club Inc. | 2022 Cobargo Folk Festival: Festival Restart Event Producer Reduce volunteer burnout and support recovery from fires, through revitalisation and renewal of Cobargo Folk Festival. | Cobargo | $25,000 | |||
Z-Net Uralla Inc. | Uralla Working on Waste (Uralla-WOW) Build capacity of local community to mitigate climate change challenges and support recovery from fires, and build a connected supported sustainable community, with community-led waste reduction strategies. | Uralla | $19,970 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
A Sound Life Coonabarabran High School P&C Association | Sound Mentoring - Coonabarabran High School Inspire engagement and resilience by providing students of Coonabarabran High School with the transformative program 'Sound Mentoring'. | Coonabarabran | $9,900 | |||
Carcoar Village Assocation Inc. | Murals at the Belubula Increase opportunities for cultural connection and tourism through printing and installation of four murals by revered Indigenous artist Aunty Nyree Reynolds onto pylons on the Mid-Western Highway | Carcoar | $10,000 | |||
Contact Inc. | Making the Wanaaring Community Hub Happen Revitalise the very remote community of Wanaaring by supporting the development of a new community hub. | Wanaaring | $9,577 | |||
Forbes Public School P&C Association Inc. | Community Conservation Corner Increase community participation and resilience through supporting the establishment of a Community Conservation Corner at Forbes Public School. | Forbes | $10,000 | |||
Holbrook Community Garden Greater Hume Shire Council | Relocation of Holbrook Community Garden Increase usability and sustainability of a much loved community garden by providing new garden beds, watering system and fruit trees. | Holbrook | $8,555 | |||
Holbrook Meals on Wheels Service Inc. | Safe Food Service Boost food security and support the elderly to live independently by purchasing a freezer van for Holbrook Meals on Wheels. | Holbrook | $10,000 | |||
Macleay Valley Arts Council Inc. | South West Rocks Community Art Gallery Boost cultural vibrancy and tourism by supporting South West Rocks Community Art Gallery to display artworks from local and regional artists in a professional and engaging manner. | South West Rocks | $10,000 | |||
Murrumbidgee Landcare Association Inc. | Creating a Community Garden in Carrathool - Knowledge Sharing About People, Place and the Environment Promote environmental health and sustainability through bringing the community together to build a Community Native Garden. | Carrathool | $9,886 | |||
Shine for Kids | Belonging To Family Community Engagement Build a stronger social fabric by supporting Aboriginal people who are released from custody at the Mid-North Coast Correctional Centre to re-connect successfully with their families and community. | Kempsey | $9,950 | |||
Warren Chamber Music Festival Inc. | Oldies Only! Provide opportunities for social connection and cultural enrichment by supporting Warren Chamber Music Festival to deliver an "Oldies Only" music event for the elderly in Warren, NSW. | Warren | $5,095 | |||
West Darling Arts | Film Making Workshop for the Wilcannia Students Unlock opportunities for career pathways and increase cultural vibrancy through providing filmmaking workshops for students in Wilcannia. | Wilcannia | $10,000 | |||
NORTHERN TERRITORY | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Jawoyn Association Aboriginal Corporation | Reconnection through Songlines – Healing People, Healing Country Encourage youth involvement and grow cultural knowledge through three bush camps to learn and then perform two traditional Corroboree Dances - the Wanga and the Lirriga Dances. | Katherine | $10,000 | |||
Ngukurr Language Centre Aboriginal Corporation | Resourcing Equipment for Ngukurr Language Centre Help students and broader community to learn and retain traditional languages with the purchase of a printer for the Ngukurr Language Centre. | Ngukurr | $4,785 | |||
Red Dust Role Models Ltd. | Red Dust Community Art Collaboration Strengthen community and support healing with the creation of three murals celebrating and connecting community to culture. | Nauiyu | $5,000 | |||
The Trustee for Karrkad-Kanjdji Trust | Expanding Remote Bi-cultural Education Fostering connection to language and education on Country through the provision of IT at remote bi-lingual schools in Arnhem Land. | Manmoyi | $10,000 | |||
Tiwi Enterprises Ltd. | Essential Machinery and Equipment for Tiwi Enterprises Garden Maintenance Team Expand the services of a garden maintenance program to better protect the community against bushfires with purchase of whipper snippers and mower. | Wurrumiyanga | $10,000 | |||
QUEENSLAND | ||||||
Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Beaudesert Quilters Group Inc. | Quilters Crafting 4 Community Build capacity of local art and craft group by supporting attendance at specialised workshops and purchase of equipment upgrades to support community recovery. | Beaudesert | $5,500 | |||
Boonah & District Landcare Association Inc. | Website for Boonah and District Landcare Inc. Support community fire preparedness by broadening the networking reach and information sharing through developing online presence and website for Boonah and District Landcare. | Boonah | $9,525 | |||
Boonah Activity Shed Inc. | Construction Earthworks for New Activity Shed Supporting community bushfire recovery by supporting the foundational works for a community shed and gathering space, by providing earthworks equipment hire. | Boonah | $5,379 | |||
Destination Scenic Rim Inc. | Farm Gate Trail Empower community-led initiatives through providing event resources and entertainment for regional farm trail event to support community recovery. | Boonah | $25,000 | |||
Happy Chat Support Groups Queensland Inc. | Happy Chat Peer Support for Mental Health in Stanthorpe Strengthen mental health peer to peer support group by engaging with therapeutic services to support community bushfire recovery. | Stanthorpe | $6,400 | |||
Kanyini Connections Ltd. | Pony Tales Program Strengthen community recovery by enabling vulnerable children to improve their literacy skills by providing volunteer mentors with teaching resources. | Doonan | $2,000 | |||
Killarney Show and Rodeo Society Inc. | Purchase Lawn Mower Increase volunteer safety and bushfire preparedness through purchase of a ride on mower. | Killarney | $10,000 | |||
Rotary Club of Beaudesert Inc. | Acquire Lawn Mowing and Grounds Maintenance Equipment and Storage to Enhance Places Where Communities Gather Enhance capacity of volunteers and community spaces by purchasing garden maintenance equipment and storage to support recovery within the community. | Beaudesert | $4,597 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Atherton Tablelands SAO Cycle Riding Tablelands Outdoor Recreation Association Inc. | The Seven Sisters Trail - Stage One Boost tourism and build on the community's sense of place by providing informative, interpretive and safety signs for the Seven Sisters Trail in Yungaburra. | Yungaburra | $8,000 | |||
Bowen Old People's Home Society | Our Yarning Circle Enhance residents’ opportunities to connect with their culture, each other and the wider community by installing a Yarning Circle at Murroona Gardens aged care facility. | Bowen | $8,000 | |||
C&K Jellybean The Creche and Kindergarten Association Ltd. | Reviving Our Outdoor Learning Program at C&K Jellybeans Support lifelong learning by replacing worn out outdoor children's equipment and provide new outdoor tables and mats for children to enjoy meals and activities outside the classroom. | Alpha | $6,497 | |||
Creative Country Association Inc. | Point of Sale (POS) Equipment Support the establishment of the Murgon Creative Centre by providing Point of Sale equipment and volunteer T-shirts. | Murgon | $10,000 | |||
Eacham Community Help Organisation Inc. | Tech Training for Volunteer Tutors Accelerate digital access and inclusion for vulnerable and disadvantaged community members by training volunteers to provide technological support. | Malanda | $3,980 | |||
Gayndah and District Tennis Association Inc. | Upgrade Outdoor Furniture and Clubhouse Appliances Increase useability and functionality of the Gayndah and District Tennis Club by contributing to upgrading outdoor seating and purchase of new appliances. | Gayndah | $4,000 | |||
Gungarde Community Centre Aboriginal Corporation | Cooktown Youths Super Heroes Develop youth life skills and reduce harms related to alcohol, drugs and bullying by supporting the delivery of the Cooktown Youths Super Heroes program. | Cooktown | $8,500 | |||
Hope Reins Inc. | Connecting Communities, Strengthening Lives: The Horse Ride from Gympie to Longreach Strengthen community resilience and social inclusion through supporting a mental health awareness program. | Nanango | $10,000 | |||
Innisfail & District Men's Shed Inc. | Fence Repairs at the Innisfail & District Men's Shed (IDMS) Encourage community cohesion and increase functionality of the Innisfail & District Men's Shed by repairing the boundary fence. | Innisfail | $7,000 | |||
Maleny and District Men's Shed Inc. | Provision and Installation of a Water Tank and Pump for the New Community Shed for Maleny Men’s Shed Build capacity to support volunteer membership and strengthen community connections through the installation of a water tank. | Maleny | $3,000 | |||
Muckadilla Community Association Inc. | Disability Access to Muckadilla Community Hall Provide access to the Muckadilla Community Hall for all by installation of a disability access ramp and safety hand rails. | Muckadilla | $10,000 | |||
Numabulla Men's Shed Inc. | Numabulla Men's Shed Development Foster community engagement and connection through the renovation of a new facility for Numabulla Men's Shed. | Brooloo | $10,000 | |||
Performing Arts (Goondiwindi) Inc. | Gundy Gathering Build resilience and encourage participation in the arts by contributing to provision of youth performing arts boot camp, Gundy Gathering. | Goondiwindi | $4,690 | |||
SOUTH AUSTRALIA | ||||||
Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Big Swamp Community Centre Inc. | Upgraded Kitchenette Area Build capacity to support community during bushfire events through the installation of a kitchen at a community centre. | Coomunga | $21,025 | |||
Charleston Community Centre Inc. | POWERING Our Community Resilience Provide a fit for purpose emergency support facility and improve comfort of a community hall through the installation of a diesel run generator unit to support community recovery and preparedness. | Charleston | $25,000 | |||
Jabuk Community Hall Inc. | Mowing Down the Burden Support bushfire preparedness and increase community safety through purchase of a ride on mower. | Jabuk | $9,999 | |||
Price Soldiers Memorial Hall | Price Soldiers Memorial Hall Kitchen Upgrade Increase community connection and disaster preparedness by improving kitchen facilities at a community gathering space. | Price | $20,339 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Blanchetown District Hall Inc. | Health and Wellness for Women Boost health and social wellbeing of women in Blanchetown, through the continuation of a physical fitness class. | Blanchetown | $7,870 | |||
Community Care and Transport Inc. | Cloud Based Fully Integrated Telephone System Boost an organisation’s capability to support community health and wellbeing, through the upgrade of a telephone system. | Minlaton | $10,000 | |||
Crystal Brook Community Men's Shed Inc. | Responsible Power Solutions for the Crystal Brook Community Men's Shed Establish cost effective, environmental practices while supporting community health, through the installation of a solar storage system at a Men’s Shed. | Crystal Brook | $10,000 | |||
Peterborough History Group SA Inc. | Wiring Upgrade for YMCA Provide a safe environment for volunteers, supporting visitor engagement through the upgrade of electrical wiring. | Peterborough | $10,000 | |||
TASMANIA | ||||||
Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Seymour Community Action Group Inc. | Seymour Community Wetland Restoration and Reclassification Project Promote community bushfire recovery by supporting volunteers to restore natural habitat and strengthen community connection to the environment through the development of a weed eradication project. | Seymour | $10,000 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Geeveston Community Centre Inc. | Scrubby Hill Farm Amenity Improvements Enhance food security, provide employment opportunities, and support the health and wellbeing of communities through the development of a micro-farm project. | Geeveston | $9,419 | |||
The RESEED Centre Live Well Tasmania | YOUth LEADing Tasmania (YLT) 2022 Support youth engagement and build leadership skills through a facilitation training program encouraging young people to challenge world issues. | Penguin | $10,000 | |||
VICTORIA | ||||||
Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Albury Wodonga Regional Foodshare | FoodShare Cloud Project Support community recovery by boosting organisational capacity of a food relief organisation through implementing a customer relationship management system. | Wodonga | $9,944 | |||
Bairnsdale Recycling Enterprise Inc. | Bairnsdale Repair Café: Reaching Out Foster opportunities for social connection and skill development for bushfire-impacted communities across East Gippsland. | Bairnsdale | $18,873 | |||
Better Place Australia | Watercolor Workshops for Recovery, Reconnection & Referral Encourage people to come together to recover from bushfires and gain access to support services through creative arts workshops. | Benambra | $25,000 | |||
Bright Court House Committee of Management | Bright Court House Portable Staging Upgrade Supporting local arts events through the purchase of a portable stage for indoor and outdoor productions, to support community recovery. | Bright | $10,000 | |||
Bright Croquet Club Inc. | New Tables and Chairs for Club House Provide a fit-for-purpose facility and support community connectedness and bushfire recovery through the upgrade of furniture. | Bright | $2,500 | |||
Cabbage Tree Public Hall | Governance Training for Cabbage Tree Creek and Bemm River Foster a more participative community and improve organisational capacity in two local committees through the delivery of governance training in the bushfire-affected area. | Cabbage Tree Creek | $6,115 | |||
Corryong College Corryong Neighbourhood House Inc. | Enabling Digital Storytelling in the Upper Murray Support college students to recover from a natural disaster like bushfire, through creative storytelling and technical skill development. | Corryong | $16,671 | |||
Deddick Valley Isolated Community Group Inc. | Building Healthy and Resilient Communities Through Service Equity Building capacity to access healthcare in remote bushfire-impacted areas through a research and pilot program in far East Gippsland. | Tubbut | $24,680 | |||
Great Alpine Gallery Inc. | The Voice of Video Encourage community to be active and creative, while recovering from disaster through a video sharing platform. | Swifts Creek | $3,729 | |||
Happy Valley Hall | Tank Fantasia Foster social connectedness and community cohesion through a mosaic arts project at the Happy Valley Hall to support community recovery. | Rosewhite | $4,500 | |||
Harrietville Historical Society | Revitalising Harrietville's Heritage Encourage visitation and strengthen the local economy through the installation of signage interpreting local history in Harrietville that will support bushfire recovery within the community. | Harrietville | $16,700 | |||
Jingellic Hub Inc. | Postcards From The Past @Jingellic & Postcards From The Past @Walwa Support bushfire recovery within the area by fostering community connection to local history and expand opportunities for tourists and visitors to the region. | Walwa | $25,000 | |||
Parklands Albury Wodonga Ltd. | Improving Accessibility to Upper Murray Historic Trestle Bridge Reserves Provide safe infrastructure for emergency services and the broader community through the upgrade of an historic trestle bridge to improve disaster preparedness. | Berringama | $21,000 | |||
The Man from Snowy River Bush Festival Inc. | Upper Murray Agricultural Field Days Strengthen community recovery and encourage people to come together and access support by enhancing entertainment at the inaugural Upper Murray Agricultural Field Days. | Corryong | $24,859 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Boolarra Men's Shed Inc. | Shed Extension Support men’s health and social connection opportunities through the expansion of the Boolarra Men’s Shed building. | Boolarra | $10,000 | |||
Boolite Recreation & Public Hall Reserve | Upgrade of Amenities Block Improve accessibility and amenities at a local hall and reserve through the installation of an all-abilities bathroom and toilet. | Boolite | $9,000 | |||
Carinya Lodge Homes Inc. | Carinya Dementia Care Enhance social wellbeing and health of people living in aged care by providing a dementia-specific interactive games program. | Korumburra | $10,000 | |||
Chiltern Athenaeum Museum | Extension of Data Cabling and Internet Connection from Chiltern Athenaeum Museum to the John McEwen Annexe Enhance an organisation's capacity to support volunteers and preserve local history through providing an internet connection. | Chiltern | $1,595 | |||
Cobram Community House Inc. | Community Kitchen Upgrade Expand the use of a community house by refurbishing a kitchen to increase the capacity to deliver educational and wellbeing activities. | Cobram | $10,000 | |||
Djerriwarrh Employment & Education Services Inc. | Moorabool TAC L2P Program Vehicle Replacement Upskill youth to improve access to employment, further education, and social services through the purchase of a vehicle for a learner driver program in the Moorabool Shire. | Moorabool | $10,000 | |||
Dunolly & District Neighbourhood Centre Inc. | Dunolly Neighbourhood Centre Backyard Rejuvenation Increase community learning opportunities by installing shade sails in an outdoor area at the Dunolly & District Neighbourhood Centre. | Dunolly | $6,096 | |||
Fight Cancer Foundation Ltd. | Shepparton Accommodation for Regional and Remote Cancer Patients Support rural community members to access vital medical treatment through the establishment of affordable outpatient accommodation. | Shepparton | $10,000 | |||
Hallston Mechanics Institute Inc. | Hallston Hall Door and Window Replacement - Repair and Paint Expand the use of a community owned hall and preserve the district's history through the replacement of timber windows. | Hallston | $7,706 | |||
Hopetoun and District Men's Shed Hopetoun & District Neighbourhood House Inc. | Replacement of Asbestos Shed Provide a safe environment, creating opportunities for men to engage and support skill development by installing a new shed and undercover work area. | Hopetoun | $9,550 | |||
Jarvis Creek Landcare Group Mitta to Murray Landcare Inc. | Revitalisation of the Jarvis Creek Community Strengthen community connection and volunteer engagement through the restoration of the Jarvis Creek Hall. | Jarvis Creek | $10,000 | |||
Lions Club of Katamatite Inc. | Katamatite Lions Silo Art Project Strengthen cultural connection and the local economy through the installation of two art trail murals in Katamatite. | Katamatite | $9,667 | |||
Minyip and District Historical Society Inc. | Replacement of Heritage Plaques in Minyip Celebrate local culture, and boost community engagement and tourism in Minyip by installing historic plaques within the township. | Minyip | $4,700 | |||
Moorabool Shire Council | Power Back Up for STAND Project Sites Increase community safety and disaster preparedness through the purchase of batteries to support satellite infrastructure. | Dunnstown | $4,640 | |||
Murtoa and District Historical Society Inc. | Murtoa Museum Website Design & Build Increase access to local history, support volunteers and boost community participation by establishing a website. | Murtoa | $9,362 | |||
Tarnagulla Urban Fire Brigade Country Fire Authority | Solar and Battery Installation at Tarnagulla Urban Fire Brigade Boost a fire brigade’s ability to respond to future disasters by installing a solar power and battery system to provide a backup in case of power failures. | Tarnagulla | $10,000 | |||
Trust for Nature (Victoria) | Fostering Local Community Connection with Nature - Henriksen Sanctuary, Apollo Bay Increase community wellbeing and connection with nature through the construction of pedestrian tracks at a significant conservation reserve. | Apollo Bay | $10,000 | |||
Winchelsea Community House Inc. | Expansion into Shire Hall Improve employment opportunities for youth through the purchase of new kitchen equipment for a community café. | Winchelsea | $9,000 | |||
Yackandandah Creek Landcare Group Kiewa Catchment Landcare Groups Inc. | Connecting Community with Wetlands for Wellbeing, Culture and Learning Boost the community’s ability to learn about conservation management and increase connection to place through the development of wetlands. | Yackandandah | $5,750 | |||
WESTERN AUSTRALIA | ||||||
Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Denmark Community Foundation (WA) Inc. | Denmark Community Foundation Next Steps - A Transition Towards Building Capacity and Operational Potential Building organisational capacity and a strong bushfire resilient local community through the development of a strategic plan for the Denmark Community Foundation. | Denmark | $10,000 | |||
Katanning and Districts Pool Association Inc. | Pool Hall Revamp Support community bushfire recovery by providing a safe space for youth and community support clients to connect and socialise by installing a kitchen for meal preparation. | Katanning | $10,000 | |||
North Stirlings Pallinup Natural Resources Inc. | Fire Brigade & Landcare Representation on the Horsepower Highway Strengthen and kickstart the local economy impacted by bushfires by expanding an iconic tourist trail with two new installations. | Gnowangerup | $11,666 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Beemurra Aboriginal Corporation | Yued Youth & Astronomy Project on Yallalie Downs Encourage Indigenous youth's education and leadership skills through attending astronomy camps on Country. | Dandaragan | $10,000 | |||
Brookton Community Inc. | White Goods for New Shared Buildings Increase community participation and capacity by fitting out kitchens in two new shared community buildings. | Brookton | $7,370 | |||
Murlpirrmarra Connection Ltd. | Indigenous Tennis and Learning Program Increase educational outcomes for Indigenous youth by providing tennis clinics and educational support. | Wiluna | $10,000 | |||
Red Shed - Derby Women's Collective Shire of Derby West Kimberley | Red Shed: Derby Women's Collective Community Hub Enhance women's access to skills development opportunities through training opportunities and upgrades to their new facility. | Derby | $10,000 |
In this quarter’s update for FRRR’s donor partners, read about:
- Flood recovery – how you can help
- The long and short of bushfire recovery – FRRR’s approach to recovery following the Black Summer bushfires
- Case study: Recovery in action in mighty Mallacoota
- Insights from the bush
- Donor spotlight: The Bertalli Family Foundation
- Progress Report
- Partnering opportunities: Victorian expansion of disaster resilience
- Community partner spotlight: The Next Economy