Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR)
In the communities of the Southern Beaches in Tasmania, which are home to around 5,000 residents, Okines Community House supports local residents through a range of programs offering opportunities for connection, learning and support. At the side of the House, a three-square metre converted shed houses the Food Co-op, which has 120 members including 55 active volunteers, and is highly valued in the community.
The Co-op runs a food assistance program for families in need, including a Breakfast Club, and the school and other local organisations purchase food from the Co-op for their programs. It plays an important role in providing access to nutritious, organic, ethically and sustainably sourced food with minimal packaging at affordable prices. The location is very convenient too, but the space is small.
Despite the Co-op volunteers resourcefully using every nook and cranny in the small shed, the lack of space was still very limiting for this growing enterprise, with shoppers cramped and having to wait outside when queuing to pay and nowhere to store orders for pick up.
To allow the venture to grow, Okines Community House sought funding from the Strengthening Rural Communities program. Their application outlined a 2×4 metre extension to the shed that would be used for storage and display, with a local contractor enlisted to build the extension, and in-kind support from OCH and Co-op volunteers in site preparation and cleaning.
With a $10,000 grant funded by John T Reid Charitable Trusts, they set to work in early 2020, and despite the challenges of COVID-19 restrictions, finished the extension in July 2020.
Their new space is user friendly – shoppers move around with more ease, and volunteers can work without bumping into one another! This is an expansion of infrastructure that has improved the efficiency and experience of the enterprise for everyone involved.
Includes more than $600,000 for Black Summer bushfire recovery
Ninety locally-led initiatives that are set to strengthen remote, rural and regional communities across Australia are sharing in $1,057,044 in funding, thanks to FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) grant program.
The SRC program supports a broad array of projects that address locally determined needs and priorities of smaller remote, rural, and regional communities, including places impacted by the 2019-20 bushfires.
For communities affected by the Black Summer bushfires, 34 community-led projects are sharing $602,958 in grants through SRC’s Bushfire Recovery stream of funding. These grants range from $2,618 for a communications upgrade for the Rocky Glen community in New South Wales, to $25,000 for a project that will improve the safety and security of the community hall at Tamrookum in Queensland.
A further $454,086 in grants have been awarded through SRC’s Small & Vital funding stream to 56 projects that local communities have prioritised for their long-term viability and vitality. Funding ranges from $550 for an equipment safety upgrade for the Riding for the Disabled WA group at Mount Barker in Western Australia, through to $10,000 for a grief support program for young people in Drysdale, Victoria.
Natalie Egleton, CEO of FRRR, said FRRR is seeing a wide range of requests from across the country, reflecting the diverse needs in each place.
“Rural communities continue to inspire and move forward despite the numerous difficulties they’ve faced and the uncertainty ahead. They want something to hope for, to build towards, and we continue to be here to support and celebrate their achievements and are ready to walk with them through any challenges they may be dealing with, or to harness any opportunities they have in front of them.
“With COVID-19 restrictions still being unpredictable, we want groups to know that if you have received a grant from us and, for whatever reason, you have had to delay, postpone or cancel your project, please reach out to our team. We want to work with you to adapt or redefine your project so that the funding stays in your community,” Ms Egleton explained.
With the 2021-22 bushfire season approaching, disaster preparedness is key, especially for those communities devastated by the 2019-20 bushfires.
“Being better prepared means different things for different places. For some, this means improving access to community meeting places, for others it’s ensuring they have the proper equipment and training so that volunteers can protect and support their community through a disaster event. But for some places, preparedness means completely rebuilding community infrastructure that was lost due to the bushfires,” Ms Egleton said.
“We are pleased to be able to provide this support to the communities that have been affected by the fires. And we’ll continue to support them as time goes on and their needs evolve and change.”
Some of the 90 projects awarded include:
- Lions Club of Ulladulla Milton, NSW – FAB (Farmers at Burrill) – $14,896 – Boost local spending with improved marketing and entertainment at the farmers markets.
- Engawala Arts Centre Aboriginal Corporation, NT – Developing the Engawala Arts Centre – $8,595 – Facilitate the set up and development of an Arts Centre that will build tourism-based income in a very remote community.
- The Little Pocket Association, QLD – Resilience through Nature Play – $25,000 – Support children and young families to build resilience and disaster preparedness through nature play, storytelling and strengthening connection to place.
- Tatiara District Council, SA – Tatiara Multicultural Food Festival – $9,900 – Encourage whole community engagement and build cultural awareness through the delivery of a food festival.
- Swansea Primary School Parents and Friends Association, TAS – Nature Play for Rural Families – $10,000 – Strengthen community connection to the natural environment and enhance educational activities for school children through the development of a Nature Play Garden area.
- Lakes Entrance Mechanics Institute Management Committee Inc, VIC – Replacement of Furniture as part of Maintaining and Redeveloping the Lakes Entrance Mechanics Institute Hall – $17,249 – Provide a fit-for-purpose facility and help volunteers to support their community through the purchase of stackable chairs.
- Active Farmers Ltd, WA – Active Farmers Games WA – Increasing Awareness of the Link Between Physical Activity and Improved Mental Wellbeing – $6,340 – Encourage rural communities to be physically active and more connected with inaugural WA Active Farmers Games.
The SRC program is collaboratively supported by a number of generous donors, which are listed on FRRR’s website.
The next round of SRC applications is currently being assessed and will be announced in December. The current round is accepting applications until 23 November 2021, with funds to be awarded in March 2022.
More information is available on FRRR’s website – https://frrr.org.au/ strengthening-rural-communities/.
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.
Jump to: NSW | NT | QLD | SA | TAS | VIC | WA
Organisation | Project | Location | Grant | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NEW SOUTH WALES | ||||||
Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Mad Proppa Deadly Indigenous Corporation | ReVibe - Northern NSW Music Workshop Tour (Tamworth/Armidale) Inspire community to come together to celebrate culture through music writing, production and recording workshops. | Armidale | $25,000 | |||
Trustees of the Roman Catholic Church for the Archdiocese of Canberra & Goulburn as Trustee for Marymead Child and Family Centre | Rural Rugby: Resilient Recovery Encourage young people to be active and enhance their mental health and nutrition through a school based after-school rugby enrichment program. | Batehaven | $25,000 | |||
Campfire Co-op Ltd | Participatory Leadership Training for South Coast Bushfire Affected Communities Develop leadership skills by training community members in bushfire-impacted areas the Art of Hosting Conversations. | Bega Valley | $25,000 | |||
Southcoast Health and Sustainability Alliance | Power on the Move Boost the community’s ability to respond to future disasters by purchase of a mobile generator, to be made available free of charge for use by the community. | Bodalla | $25,000 | |||
Capital Region Community Services Limited | Bungee Youth Resilience Program in Braidwood Boost and strengthen the resilience of young people by running a creative art based program. | Braidwood | $21,432 | |||
Lions Club of Ulladulla Milton | FAB (Farmers at Burrill) Boost local spending with improved marketing and entertainment at the farmers markets. | Burrill Lake | $14,896 | |||
Comboyne Community Association Inc | Towards Opening Day Boost and strengthen the local economy by restoring the original farmhouse fireplace in the Comboyne Museum complex. | Comboyne | $9,200 | |||
Copmanhurst Pre-School Inc | Aboriginal Mural and Art Lessons Improve access to local recovery activities for children and families at Copmanhurst Preschool by providing a local Indigenous artist to offer Indigenous Art classes and a mural at the centre. | Copmanhurst | $3,750 | |||
Eden Community Access Centre Inc | Building Social Capital and Enhancing Social Outcomes Boost and strengthen the local economy by employing a Resilience and Recovery Officer to help find local solutions to bushfire recovery. | Eden | $25,000 | |||
Marine Rescue Merimbula Volunteer Marine Rescue NSW | Marine Rescue Merimbula Training Computer Boost capacity of Marine Rescue Merimbula to provide essential volunteer training through the purchase of computer equipment. | Merimbula | $5,000 | |||
Catholic Parish of St Mary's Star of the Sea Milton | Shoalhaven Rising from the Ashes - Stage 2 Boost the community’s bushfire recovery by hiring a coordinator to facilitate & create art-based community workshops. | Milton | $13,587 | |||
Salt Care | Warehouse Food Storage Expansion Support for individuals and families living with disadvantage through the purchase and fit out of additional warehouse storage for distribution of needed personal and household items. | Nowra | $24,600 | |||
Oberon and District Museum Society Inc | Fitout of New Forest and Timber Interpretive Center Boost local spending in Oberon by developing the Forest and Timber Interpretive Centre. | Oberon | $21,614 | |||
Pambula Chamber of Commerce & Associates Inc | Pambula Art Project - Stage 2 Boost and strengthen the local economy through creation and installation of art trail murals. | Pambula | $25,000 | |||
Borah Creek Public Hall Land Manager | Supply and Install Telstra and Optus YAGI Communications Systems in the Hall Improve the community's ability to communicate with the outside world in cases of emergency by installing a mobile phone signal boosting antenna. | Rocky Glen | $2,618 | |||
First Steps Count Incorporated | Many Hands Build, Create and Unite - Our Design Journey Encourage people to come together and celebrate through art workshops leading to a collaborative artwork. | Taree | $25,000 | |||
Manning River Aero Club Inc | MRAC Solar Boost the community’s ability to respond to future disasters by installing a solar power and battery system to provide a backup in case of power failures. | Taree | $25,000 | |||
One Vision Productions Limited | EMPOWER our Community Celebrate and cultivate a sense of identity and cultural connection for Indigenous youth through Caring for Country music and film workshops. | Tweed Heads | $25,000 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Bellingen Youth Orchestra Incorporated | Volunteer Management Strategy Increase the sustainability and profile of Bellingen Youth Orchestra and reduce volunteer fatigue through implementing a Volunteer Management Strategy and website. | Bellingen | $8,000 | |||
Berry Branch Country Womens Association of NSW | Community Craft Workshops for a Sustainable Future Boost creativity, connection and support for local artists by providing a series of sustainable craft workshops. | Berry | $3,300 | |||
Forbes Public School P&C Association Inc | Wiradjuri Mural Project at Forbes Public School Enhance community connection and cultural identity through Forbes Public School students painting a mural with local Wiradjuri Indigenous artist. | Forbes | $5,000 | |||
Adavale Lane Community Centre Incorporated | Light Up and Cool Adavale Lane Community Centre Increase community usage and functionality by lighting up and cooling down the Adavale Lane Community Hall. | Goonumbla | $10,000 | |||
Mona Magazine Western Riverina Arts Inc | Mona Women's Magazine - Second Edition Enhance rural women's identity, wellbeing and sense of place by printing the 2nd edition of Mona Magazine, paying for the contributors' pieces and contributing to wages for the editorial staff. | Leeton | $10,000 | |||
Boori Dreaming Womens Group | Awakening the Dream Increase cultural identity and creativity through purchasing sewing machines, equipment and craft supplies for Boori Dreaming Women's Group. | Narrandera | $2,860 | |||
Umina Beach Branch Country Womens Association of NSW | Build Accessible Ramp New entry and accessible bathroom with one accessible toilet and second toilet plus a shower. Increase accessibility of the Umina Beach CWA hall by installing a wheelchair accessible ramp. | Umina Beach | $4,325 | |||
Tharpa Choeling Incorporated | Red Rattler Community Garden Increase community participation and connection by converting a vintage train carriage into a new community garden. | Wellington | $9,247 | |||
Circartus Incorporated | Governance Guidance and Review Enhance community connection and creativity by engaging an industry- experienced governance consultant to ensure the sustainability of Circartus. | Wingham | $9,750 | |||
Woodstock Branch Country Womens Association of NSW | Improving Our Street Cred Increase community participation and functionality through the refurbishment of the Woodstock Branch CWA hall. | Woodstock | $9,865 | |||
NORTHERN TERRITORY | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Engawala Arts Centre Aboriginal Corporation | Developing the Engawala Arts Centre Facilitate the set up and development of an Arts Centre that will build tourism based income in a very remote community. | Engawala | $8,595 | |||
West Daly Regional Council | Wadeye, Nganmarriyanga and Peppimenarti Annual Clean-up Day Reduce health and safety risks via a Community Clean Up Day to remove rubbish in remote communities. | Wadeye | $7,578 | |||
Wagait Shire Council | Wagait Youth Program Encourage young people to be physically active and participate in community activities, with Youth Group excursions and skateboard clinics. | Wagait Beach | $6,000 | |||
QUEENSLAND | ||||||
Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
The Little Pocket Association | Resilience through Nature Play Support children and young families to build resilience and disaster preparedness through nature play, storytelling and connection to place. | Beechmont | $25,000 | |||
Wildlife Noosa Ltd | Noosa Bushfire Readiness & Myna Bird Project Support recovery from bushfires and volunteer training through purchase of a vehicle and equipment to improve disaster preparedness and conservation efforts. | Cooran | $12,248 | |||
Charters Towers State Emergency Service Queensland Fire and Emergency Services | Ladder Racks for Operational Response Vehicles Support volunteers' safety and capacity to respond to emergencies through provision of ladder racks on response vehicles. | Pentland | $5,680 | |||
Tamrookum Memorial Hall Incorporated | Hall Restoration Increase safety and support recovery through upgrade of community owned hall. | Tamrookum | $25,000 | |||
Tin Can Bay Community and Mens Shed Incorporated | Storage Shed Support community recovery and wellbeing through purchase of a storage shed for materials and equipment. | Tin Can Bay | $15,336 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Atherton Performing Arts Inc | Atherton Performing Arts Lighting Equipment - New Lighting Desk Console Expand the use of the Atherton Performing Arts theatre by installing a new lighting console. | Atherton | $7,997 | |||
Barcaldine Rugby League Football Club Inc | "Bluey Live!" Kids' Concert, Meet & Greet Strengthen social connection and encourage culturally vibrant communities through a "Bluey Live!" kids' concert for the remote community of Barcaldine and surrounds. | Barcaldine | $10,000 | |||
Beeron Road Country Club Inc | Beeron Road Country Club Community Hub Development Grow ways to support the community through refurbishment of a disused school into a vibrant rural Community Hub. | Beeron | $10,000 | |||
Selectability Ltd | Selectability Mental Health Toolbox Improve mental health of remote communities by developing an online training course to strengthen community capacity to identify and support one another. | Cloncurry | $9,775 | |||
Cooktown School of Art Society Inc | Computer System Plus Reception Area Upgrade Strengthen and increase volunteer capacity and access to online training, by installing a new computer system and reception desk. | Cooktown | $10,000 | |||
Gloucester Sports and Recreation Ass Inc | Outdoor Theatre Promote recovery centre and encourage people to come together by installing an outdoor venue screen and projector. | Hideaway Bay | $10,000 | |||
Malanda Chamber of Commerce Incorporated | Malanda’s Adventure Park Encourage children's development and increase community connection through installation of a fence around a new adventure playground. | Malanda | $10,000 | |||
Gidgee Healing Mount Isa Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services Limited | Women's Group Boost social inclusion and wellbeing through delivery of a monthly Women's Group for Indigenous women in Mount Isa. | Mount Isa | $10,000 | |||
Highways and Byways Ltd | Seeds of Connection - Healing and Belonging Through Culture Enhance cultural identity, resilience and wellbeing of Indigenous children and their families in Roma by providing a two week cultural immersion program for 7-12 year olds. | Roma | $9,740 | |||
Care Balonne Association Inc | Provide Safe Accessibility Services to Care Balonne Clients and Staff Improve the use and accessibility of the Care Balonne community hub through toilet facility upgrade. | St George | $10,000 | |||
Texas Show Society | Upgrade to Showground Facilities Increase amenity and participation in community events by providing a grandstand for the Texas Showgrounds. | Texas | $10,000 | |||
SOUTH AUSTRALIA | ||||||
Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Adelaide and Hills Koala Rescue - 1300KOALAZ Incorporated | Vegetation Regeneration Planting Conserve native habitat and support recovery from 2019 bushfires through the restoration of bushland. | Cudlee Creek | $24,289 | |||
Edithburgh Football Club and Sports Assoc | Community and Sporting Clubs Working to Improve Community Safety Improve a location that provides refuge in times of emergency through the installation of water tanks. | Edithburgh | $22,090 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Andamooka Progress and Opalminers Association Inc | Community Facility Rationalisation & Development Project – Upgrade 'Old Community Church' to Passive Recreation Facility Encourage community engagement and social wellbeing by enhancing facilities. | Andamooka | $10,000 | |||
Tatiara District Council | Tatiara Multicultural Food Festival Encourage whole community engagement and build cultural awareness through the delivery of a food festival. | Bordertown | $9,900 | |||
Cummins & District Enterprise Committee | Winter Wonderland - Platform for Success Improve an organisation’s ability to support the community and strengthen the town's revenue through developing a storage shed used for the Cummins Christmas display. | Cummins | $4,140 | |||
Bedford Kadina Bedford Phoenix Incorporated | Kadina Pergola and Deck for Supported Employees Expand supported employment opportunities for people living with a disability in Kadina through the construction of pergola and deck. | Kadina | $10,000 | |||
The Food Embassy Incorporated | Supporting Citizens in Creating Local and Sustainable Food Systems Provide opportunities for local people to gain knowledge about growing and consuming healthy foods, through the delivery of the Food Matters program in Strathalbyn and Milang. | Strathalbyn | $9,585 | |||
TASMANIA | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Lions Club of Lilydale Incorporated | Lilydale Men's Community Shed Support volunteer skill development and encourage social interaction, through the establishment of a Men's Shed in Lilydale. | Lilydale | $10,000 | |||
Freycinet Volunteer Marine Rescue Association Inc | Putting You Through Now! Boost safety and disaster preparedness by installing telecommunications hardware at a remote Marine Rescue facility. | Swansea | $2,244 | |||
Swansea Primary School Parents and Friends Association | Nature Play for Rural Families Strengthen community connection to the natural environment and enhance educational activities for school children through the development of a Nature Play Garden area. | Swansea | $10,000 | |||
Coastal FM Inc | Development of Recording Studio Improve connection to community and broaden the capability of a community-run radio station through establishing a recording studio. | Wynyard | $5,000 | |||
VICTORIA | ||||||
Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Bright Spring Festival Bright and District Chamber of Commerce Incorporated | Bright Spring Festival Drive-In Movie Boost a community festival by providing a family-friendly activity and support recovery from the 2019/2020 bushfires by holding a drive-in movie night. | Bright | $5,000 | |||
Cassilis Recreation Reserve Committee of Management | Living it Up Increase opportunities to support local connectedness and recover from the 2019/2020 bushfires through the delivery of a whole community music event. | Cassilis | $4,290 | |||
Lakes Entrance Mechanics Institute Management Committee Inc | Replacement of Furniture as part of Maintaining and Redeveloping the Lakes Entrance Mechanics Institute Hall Provide a fit-for-purpose facility and help volunteers to support their community through the purchase of stackable chairs. | Lakes Entrance | $17,249 | |||
Traralgon Men's Shed and Woodworking Inc | Mallacoota Picnic Tables and Benches Increase connection to place and build community partnerships through the provision of outdoor furniture for Mallacoota township. | Mallacoota | $20,000 | |||
Mitta Valley Community TV Inc | Mitta Valley Community Translator Project Provide reliable communication transmission and safeguard the community through the upgrade of telecommunications equipment in a remote valley. | Mitta Mitta | $10,000 | |||
1st Myrtleford Scout Group The Scout Association of Australia Victorian Branch | Community is Key Provide a refuge in times of emergency and boost an organisation's capacity to offer a fit for purpose space through the upgrade of facility. | Myrtleford | $24,954 | |||
Ramahyuck District Aboriginal Corporation | Ramahyuck Connection through Art Project Promote local culture, and support health and social recovery post-bushfires for First Nations people through painting the exterior of the Ramahyuck District Aboriginal Corporation building. | Sale | $8,910 | |||
Community Centre Swifts Creek Inc | Roofing Rescue Improve the amenity of a community centre and create a safe, fit-for-purpose environment through the upgrade of a roof. | Swifts Creek | $21,660 | |||
Wyeeboo Recreation Reserve | Wyeeboo Recreation Reserve - Water Tank Increase preparedness for future disaster events through the provision of a water tank. | Tallangatta Valley | $19,555 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
East Gippsland Ceramic Group Inc | Firing Up Encourage development of skills and social connection through the purchase of a pottery kiln and wheels. | Bairnsdale | $10,000 | |||
Bendigo Queer Film Festival | Bendigo Queer Film Festival Post-COVID Relaunch Foster mental health and celebrate local culture and identity for a marginalised group through the delivery of a community film festival. | Bendigo | $6,565 | |||
Wombat's Wish | Post-Camp Counselling Sessions Increase opportunities for bereavement support and improve the health, wellbeing and education outcomes for young people through the initiation of a grief support program. | Drysdale | $10,000 | |||
Everton Primary School | Assisting with Cost of Construction of Outside Decking Encourage community gathering, and children's learning and development by installing decking at the local primary school. | Everton | $10,000 | |||
Mittagundi Outdoor Education Centre | A Sustainable Kitchen for Mittagundi: Providing Life-Changing Experiences for Young People Increase connection to the environment and enhance educational experiences for young people through the upgrade of a communal kitchen. | Glen Valley | $3,200 | |||
Eventide Lutheran Homes | Golf Buggy Funding Support health and wellbeing and encourage positive ageing, through the purchase of a mobility aid. | Hamilton | $10,000 | |||
The Trustee for The MAC Trust | The Mac Goes Online Strengthen opportunities for employment, education and social engagement by providing an electronic ticket system for a community-run cinema. | Mansfield | $9,000 | |||
Murtoa College | Murtoa College in Full Swing Encourage youth engagement and improve health and wellbeing through the installation of specialised playground equipment for senior students. | Murtoa | $10,000 | |||
Murtoa's Big Weekend Shared Learning & Activities Murtoa Incorporated | ‘Light Up’ Murtoa’s Big Weekend in 2021 Support Murtoa township's economic recovery and strengthen social engagement through the delivery of a community festival. | Murtoa | $10,000 | |||
Repair Cafe Bellarine Bellarine Training and Community Hub | Repair Cafe Bellarine Increase reach of a repair cafe service through the development and delivery of social media and marketing. | Ocean Grove | $2,515 | |||
Romsey Neighbourhood House Inc | YOUTHINK Expand employment opportunities for youth by purchasing a barista machine for hospitality training. | Romsey | $9,145 | |||
Surf Coast Energy Group (SCEG) | Spring Creek Sustainable Futures - Surf Coast, Victoria Boost the community’s ability to learn about conservation management and increase connection to place through the delivery of community engagement workshops. | Torquay | $9,930 | |||
Yarrawonga Neighbourhood House Inc | Connecting our Community through Education and Information Enhance the delivery of first aid training programs and encourage further education, by purchasing appropriate equipment that reflects real-life medical trauma. | Yarrawonga | $9,406 | |||
WESTERN AUSTRALIA | ||||||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Albany Youth Support Association | Safe Space for Homeless Youth to Sleep in Swags Increase access to temporary housing for young people sleeping rough by enclosing verandah at emergency accommodation facility. | Albany | $7,230 | |||
Live To Tell Your Story Inc | Djinda Ngardak - Making it My Business Promote healthy lifestyles and improved health and wellbeing while growing opportunities for Indigenous students to pursue careers in hospitality, with week-long cooking skills camp. | Albany | $10,000 | |||
Enterprise Partnerships WA Limited | Piriwa Place Making Project Support economic opportunities for Indigenous women while increasing access to affordable clothing with expansion of innovative Op Shop project. | Balgo | $10,000 | |||
Jarlmadangah Burru Aboriginal Corporation | Cultural Centre Entrance Improvements Increase comfort and amenity through refurbishment of Cultural Centre’s entrance with installation of a shade sail. | Derby | $9,196 | |||
Greenbushes Community Resource Centre | The New You - Working Through Change And Loss Help people to recover and adapt through delivery of workshop on coping with change and loss. | Greenbushes | $1,650 | |||
Marble Bar Primary School | STEM Education Increase engagement in school in remote community through provision of virtual reality equipment to enhance innovative digital arts program. | Marble Bar | $9,958 | |||
Riding for the Disabled WA Plantagenet Group Inc | Equipment Maintenance and Safety Support riding program for children with a disability, with OH&S upgrade of trailer used for transporting riding equipment. | Mt Barker | $550 | |||
Nungarin Heritage Machinery & Army Museum Inc | Aunty Jim's (re) Store Enhance authentic historical shop display within the Nungarin Machinery & Army Museum, with new linoleum floor coverings. | Nungarin | $6,500 | |||
Active Farmers Ltd | Active Farmers Games WA - Increasing Awareness of the Link Between Physical Activity and Improved Mental Wellbeing Encourage rural communities to be physically active and more connected with inaugural WA Active Farmers Games. | Torbay | $6,340 |
In the East MacDonnell ranges of the Northern Territory, The Harts Range Amateur Race Club (HRARC) hosts a 73-year tradition – an annual bush sports weekend that attracts more than 2,500 visitors to this very remote community. It is one of few events that brings this extremely disadvantaged community together, to connect socially and facilitate community wellbeing.
The Club’s facilities are also used for Central Land Council meetings, consultations, and community events. But the canteen, which is run by Isolated Children’s and Parents Association, was in much need of repair. The Club received $10,000 through the Strengthening Rural Communities program, thanks to the support of the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation. They used the funding to purchase two domestic rangehood exhaust fans plus fittings, and for a roof spinning ventilator for over the BBQ area. In addition, they were able to attract in-kind support from other organisations, members and volunteers in the community, enabling a full upgrade to the canteen. Mark Coffey, the Club’s Public Officer, reported that the project brought together volunteers, most of whom live more than two hours away, local businesses and the Atitjere community for a project that will provide an improved working environment for the community for many years to come.
“For everyone, COVID-19 has made this year a challenge, so it was great to be able to form such a good partnership between HRARC, Scope and FRRR, which made this project so much easier to deliver especially for our volunteers. “We are proud that this kitchen upgrade will ensure a modern and more functional kitchen for years to come.”
Mark Coffey, HRARC Public Officer
Funding awarded for 33 recovery-focused projects
Through its Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) program, FRRR has awarded $637,908 in grants for 33 initiatives prioritised by local communities to support their recovery from the 2019/2020 summer bushfires.
The SRC program’s Bushfire Recovery stream is collaboratively funded and supports projects that are led by local people and address local recovery needs. The grants awarded will help promote the healing and renewal of these impacted places.
In this round of Bushfire Recovery funding, grants range from $2,500 to encourage locals to participate in recovery activities at the Maclean Spring Festival in NSW, through to $25,000 for the installation of local fauna sculptures that will increase connection to place and enhance public spaces in Marlow, Victoria.
Natalie Egleton, CEO of FRRR, said that the Foundation continues to support communities recovering from disaster, because it knows recovery is a long-term process that is unique for each affected place.
“Many impacted communities have faced multiple disasters beyond the bushfires, including COVID-19 and floods. The pandemic has made recovery all the more challenging for these regions. For community organisations, it’s hampered their capacity to deliver services that they would otherwise be providing to help their communities heal.
“Many groups have worked hard to support locals in safe and responsive ways but understandably, local volunteers are pretty worn out. In response, we have awarded a number of grants for projects that will relieve volunteer-fatigue and alleviate the pressures that many volunteer-led groups are dealing with.
“Recovery is a complex process that really hinges on local people coming together to support one another, to share and heal. We continue to see strong demand for projects that provide a safe space for communities to gather and connect by investing in local community assets and infrastructure.
“We are also seeing attention focused on more vulnerable members of the community, with local organisations using grants for projects that address the recovery needs of age-based groups, gendered groups and Indigenous groups,” Ms Egleton said.
Some of the 33 Bushfire Recovery projects awarded include:
- Australian Outward Bound Development Fund Pty Limited, Tharwa ACT – Rebuilding from the Heat – $22,367 – Improve preparedness for future disasters at Australian Outward Bound’s Tharwa site through the renewal of aged firefighting and maintenance equipment.
- Lansdowne Hall Reserve Trust, Lansdowne NSW – Ride on Mower for Lansdowne Community Hall – $5,107 – Reduce volunteer fatigue and increase preparedness for future fires through the purchase of a ride on mower for the Lansdowne Hall.
- Rathdowney and District Memorial Grounds Association Incorporated, QLD – Natural Disaster Preparedness – Electrical masterplan for emergency response facilities – $13,420 – Enhance community activities and support community preparedness for future emergency evacuations by developing an electricity supply masterplan for the Memorial Grounds.
- Kingscote Mens Shed Inc, Kingscote SA – Connection Through Activity for Men Living on Kangaroo Island – $3,683 – Increase opportunities to support local connectedness and social recovery, through restoration of a local historic Wharf Trolley.
- Bemm River Progress and Improvement Association Inc, VIC – Bemm River Men’s Shed Upgrade – Toilet and Kitchen – $16,422 – Boost community recovery and connection through upgrades to the Men’s Shed toilet and kitchen facilities.
In total, this round of SRC awarded $1,589,612 in grants across three streams – Small & Vital, Larger Leverage and Bushfire Recovery. The 112 projects funded will help build the resilience and long-term vitality of smaller remote, rural and regional communities across Australia.
A full list of SRC grant recipients across all three streams of funding is available here.
The SRC program is collaboratively supported by a number of generous donors, which are also listed here.
The current round is accepting applications until 24 August 2021, with funds to be awarded in December 2021.
Funding awarded for 112 locally-led projects
FRRR has awarded $1,589,612 in grants for 112 projects that will help build the resilience and long-term vitality of smaller remote, rural and regional communities across Australia, through its Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) program.
The SRC program is collaboratively funded, and its broad scope enables smaller remote, rural, and regional communities to receive funding for a wide range of initiatives that are led by local people and address local needs. The awarded grants will give these rural places a boost to achieve long-term viability and vitality.
This round of SRC includes funding across three streams – Small & Vital, Larger Leverage and Bushfire Recovery grants. Grants range from $323 for first aid and snake bite kits for the Harts Range Amateur Race Club in remote Northern Territory, through to a $25,000 grant to support healing and the preservation of culture by providing the opportunity for Kullilli people to travel to Thargomindah in Queensland and be on Kullilli country to celebrate NAIDOC Week.
For regions continuing to recover and renew following the 2019/2020 bushfires, grants range from $2,500 to encourage locals to participate in recovery activities at the Maclean Spring Festival in New South Wales, through to $25,000 for the installation of local fauna sculptures that will increase connection to place and enhance public spaces in Marlow, Victoria.
Natalie Egleton, CEO of FRRR, said this round of SRC has seen rural communities across Australia seek funding for inspiring initiatives that build community resilience and support individual and community health and wellbeing at a local level.
“Many communities have been impacted by multiple disasters, including the recent flooding in NSW and parts of QLD. For these regions, economic recovery from the disasters has been severely challenged by COVID-19. For community organisations, the pandemic has hampered fundraising efforts and their capacity to provide services. Understandably, local volunteers are pretty worn out. In response, we have awarded a number of grants for projects that will relieve volunteer-fatigue and alleviate the pressures that many volunteer-led groups are dealing with.
“Rural communities gain strength and vitality when locals have places to gather and connect, so it’s not surprising that we continue to see strong demand for projects that build community resilience by investing in local community assets and infrastructure, particularly the maintenance of community halls. And, as gathering restrictions ease, we are seeing more requests for work on outdoor spaces and for community events, as people come together to strengthen community engagement and participation,” Ms Egleton said.
The Small & Vital grants stream provides funding of up to $10,000 for local initiatives that enhance the wellbeing, strength and resilience of rural communities. This round of SRC has seen 52 projects in places across all States and Territories sharing in a total of $356,342 in Small & Vital grants.
Larger Leverage grants provide funding of up to $25,000, generally for remote or very remote parts of Australia. The larger grants are intended to help overcome logistical barriers that can limit the opportunity for multifaceted projects in these regions. A total of $595,362 has been awarded to 27 projects through the Larger Leverage stream.
This round the Bushfire Recovery stream awarded a total of $637,908 in grants to 33 initiatives designed to help seed and strengthen the recovery of communities impacted by the 2019/2020 summer bushfires. Further information on these Bushfire Recovery projects is available here.
Some of the 79 Small & Vital and Larger Leverage projects awarded include:
- Cootamundra Development Corporation Limited, Cootamundra NSW – Capable Coota! – $3000 – Help volunteer organisations in Cootamundra to attract high quality executive members by providing Governance training.
- Circulanation Ltd, Borroloola NT – Indigenous Entrepreneurship Facilitators Training Manual – Language Translation – $10,000 – Support Indigenous women to develop entrepreneurship and employability through translation of facilitator’s training manual into Kriol language to enable locally-led delivery of the training program.
- MultiSkill Centre Ltd, Cloncurry QLD – Work-it-out Room – $9,910 – Improve access to social and physical wellbeing opportunities for disadvantaged youth in remote township by provision of an exercise room.
- Wudinna RSL Memorial Kindergarten, Wudinna SA – Wudinna RSL Memorial Kindergarten – $25,000 – Provide pre-school children access to safe, sun-smart outdoor educational play areas by building a permanent roof structure.
- Derwent Valley Community House Inc, New Norfolk TAS – Blair Street Community Facilities – $10,000 – Boost the use of a Community House through an upgrade of facilities.
- Barengi Gadjin Land Council Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC, Wail VIC – Educate, Regenerate and Inspire – Dalki Garringa Arboretum Biodiversity Program – $25,000 – Strengthen connection to local culture through the development of a First Nations educational project.
- Environs Kimberley, Broome WA – Strengthening the Kimberley Community Seedbank: a sustainable social enterprise – $24,995 – Build Indigenous business skills and support a sustainable bushfoods industry through establishment of two seed collecting enterprises.
The SRC program is collaboratively supported by a number of generous donors, which are listed here.
The current round is accepting applications until 24 August 2021, with funds to be awarded in December 2021.
The full list of grant recipients and their projects are below.
Jump to : ACT | NSW | NT | QLD | SA | TAS| VIC | WA
Organisation | Project | Location | Grant | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY | ||||||
Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Australian Outward Bound Development Fund Pty Limited | Rebuilding from the Heat | Tharwa | $22,367 | |||
NEW SOUTH WALES | ||||||
Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Argents Hill Hall Nambucca Valley Council | Resilience Through Food and Cooking - Restoring Argents Hill Hall Kitchen Increase local capacity to support recovery activities and increase preparedness for future disasters, through an upgrade to the kitchen at Argents Hill Hall. | Argents Hill | $24,979 | |||
Ashby Community Centre and Public Recreation Reserve Land Manager | Ashby Hall Reserve Solar Installation Ensure viability, increase preparedness for future disasters and reduce the impact of climate change through the installation of a solar system for the Ashby Community Centre. | Ashby | $14,550 | |||
Community College-Northern Inland Inc | The Barraba Community News Increase the viability of local communications post bushfires, through purchase of equipment to support publication and delivery of community newsletter. | Barraba | $22,471 | |||
Habitat for Humanity Australia as the Operator of a PBI | Safer Together: Community Bushfire Recovery and Resilience in the Blue Mountains and Southern Highlands Regions of NSW Boost recovery and preparedness for bushfires through coordination of community rebuilding, fire reduction and educational events. | Blue Mountains | $25,000 | |||
Bobin School of Arts Incorporated | Revamping our Kitchen to Meet Community Demand Strengthen the capacity of Bobin Hall, a key asset throughout the Black Summer bushfires, via the second-stage upgrade of its kitchen. | Bobin | $13,928 | |||
Jumbunna Community Pre-school & Early Intervention Centre Incorporated | Bonalbo Preschool Community Strengthening Increase community engagement and strengthen children's recovery through the installation of a natural playground and facilitating community events. | Bonalbo | $10,000 | |||
Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens Limited | Purchase of a Truck to do the Heavy Lifting Increase volunteer capacity to manage botanic gardens, through purchase of a utility vehicle to transport water and materials. | Bowral | $25,000 | |||
Nambucca Valley Phoenix Limited | The Phoenix Depot - Building Community Resilience Build community resilience, recovery and involvement through provision of a teacher, equipment and tools for the establishment of a community facility. | Bowraville | $25,000 | |||
Buxton Community Association Incorporated | Toilet Block Restoration Increase the functionality of the Buxton Hall through the upgrade of the toilet facilities, incorporating wheelchair access and a change table for families. | Buxton | $20,000 | |||
Cobargo Wellness Group | Ginger The Frog Community and Professional Arts Project – A Children's’ Bushfire Recovery Project Enhance the recovery of youth and families in remote areas of Bega Valley and Eurobodalla Shires, through the delivery of a therapeutic arts program. | Cobargo | $25,000 | |||
Cooma Chamber of Commerce Incorporated | Cooma So Much to Love Increase promotion of Cooma region through development and delivery of the "So Much to Love" social and paid media campaign. | Cooma | $25,000 | |||
Early Links Inclusion Support Service Incorporated | Kurri Kurri - Start your Engines Enhance delivery of supportive services to vulnerable populations following disaster, through the creation of a sensory room. | Kurri Kurri | $14,241 | |||
Friends of the Labyrinth - a standing sub-committee of Kyogle Community Economic Development Committee Kyogle Community Economic Development Committee | Kyogle Harmony Labyrinth: A Special Place for Healing, Celebration and Personal Reflection Ensure sustainability and build community resilience, recovery and connection through installation of an irrigation system to maintain the Kyogle Harmony Labyrinth. | Kyogle | $19,661 | |||
Lansdowne Hall Reserve Trust | Ride on Mower for Lansdowne Community Hall Reduce volunteer fatigue and increase preparedness for future fires through the purchase of a ride on mower for the Lansdowne Hall. | Lansdowne | $5,107 | |||
Maclean Branch Country Womens Association of NSW | Maclean Spring Festival and Scarecrow competition Enhance a local festival and encourage participation in recovery activities, through delivery of a community scarecrow making competition. | Maclean | $2,500 | |||
Tarana Volunteer Bushfire Brigade | Fast Track Truck Driver Training Reduce the burden on Tarana Volunteer Bushfire Brigade volunteers by providing professional HR driving lessons for 10 long term volunteers, in order for them to become fire truck drivers. | Tarana | $15,000 | |||
Larger Leverage | ||||||
Coleambally Townlife Committee Murrumbidgee Council | Coleambally Community Garden Grow community involvement and build resilience through the provision of a shed and fence to support the establishment of a new community garden in drought impacted Coleambally. | Coleambally | $14,450 | |||
RiverSmart Australia Limited | WOW - Improving Access and Inclusion for the Elderly and Vulnerable Groups Improving access for visitors to the Window on the Wetlands through the installation of a sensored automatic sliding door and some additional concrete pathways. | Warren | $13,085 | |||
Manning River Agricultural and Horticultural Society Taree Incorporated * | Activity & Storage Shed Build community connection and resilience through construction of a community meeting place. | Taree | $25,000 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Berry and District Historical Society Incorporated | Renovation of the Berry Museum's Maid's Room Enhance community identity and awareness of local culture through upgrades to the local museum. | Berry | $5,430 | |||
Cootamundra Development Corporation Limited | Capable Coota! Help volunteer organisations in Cootamundra to attract high quality executive members by providing Governance training. | Cootamundra | $3,000 | |||
Australian Agricultural Centre Limited | Host an Educational Astronomy/Agriculture/Wellbeing Event in Partnership with National Science Week 2021 Provide educational events about the links between agriculture, culture and astronomy through the delivery of the STEMConnect 2021 event for up to 1000 people. | Crookwell | $9,556 | |||
Kiama Community Radio Incorporated | Equipping Kiama Community Radio Volunteer Presenters Help Kiama Community Radio commence broadcast to their community via the purchase of technical equipment and provision of training for volunteers. | Kiama | $8,874 | |||
Gunawirra Limited | Art Therapy to Heal Indigenous Minimbah Children Strengthen cultural identity and improve the wellbeing of Indigenous children through the provision of art supplies, murals, recordings, dance circle and natural fibres to support a Creative Arts Therapy Program. | Minimbah | $9,603 | |||
Tooraweenah P. A.& H. Association Inc | Tooraweenah Pasture Day Strengthen community connectivity and engagement through the delivery of the Torweenah Pasture Day event. | Tooraweenah | $2,950 | |||
Woodstock Progress Association | What's WHAT in Woodstock! Increase community participation and encourage tourism through installation of a community noticeboard and local signage upgrades. | Woodstock | $5,710 | |||
NORTHERN TERRITORY | ||||||
Larger Leverage | ||||||
NT Writers Centre Inc | NT Writers Festival in Alice Springs, 26-29 August 2021 Encourage people to come together and celebrate story telling though hosting the NT Writers Festival. | Alice Springs | $24,500 | |||
Pertame School | “Ngketya Nwernaka Ilkerta Mparetyeka”: Making Our Language Strong. Pertame Master-Apprentice Project Retain Pertame Indigenous Language by passing down oral langauge skills with train the trainer Master-Apprentice language program for remote Arrente community. | Alice Springs | $25,000 | |||
Yipirinya School Council Inc | Establishing a Family/Community Centre of Engagement to Increase Access to Parents, Carers and Families Children's Education Through Building a Vibrant Aboriginal Educational Community at Yipirinya School Increase engagement with families and broader community to build stronger educational supports for Indigenous students at Yipirinya School. | Alice Springs | $25,000 | |||
Outback Alliance Ninti One Ltd | Building the Capacity of the Outback Alliance Strengthen the capacity of the Outback Alliance to advocate for Outback Australia with policy makers through resourcing and support to formally establish the entity. | National | $25,000 | |||
LiteHaus International Inc. | Digital Inclusion Program - Ngukurr School Help students to have access to technology and the internet with the purchase of fifty refurbished computers for very remote school. | Ngukurr | $12,000 | |||
Ngaruwanajirri Inc | Ngaruwanajirri Facilities Upgrade Improve Ngaruwanajirri Arts Centre’s safety by replacing wiring and switchboards and expand use of centre by upgrading air-conditioners. | Wurrumiyanga | $23,000 | |||
Tracks Inc | Dhilala Walu – In The Now Enhance senior citizen health and vitality through a dance program that builds social connection and celebrates Indigenous culture. | Yirrkala | $25,000 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Circulanation Ltd | Indigenous Entrepreneurship Facilitators Training Manual: Language Translation Support Indigenous women to develop entrepreneurship and employability through translation of facilitator's training manual into Kriol language to enable locally led delivery of the training program. | Borroloola | $10,000 | |||
Harts Range Amateur Race Club Inc | First Aid Kits Increase community safety with provision of first aid and snake bite kits at remote community sporting complex. | Harts Range | $323 | |||
St John Ambulance Australia (NT) Inc | Volunteer Equipment Kit Upgrades for Katherine Rodeo and Campdraft Event Health Services Improve safety and comply with new COVID-19 infection control guidelines by updating St John Ambulance Resuscitation First Aid Kit Bags. | Katherine | $10,000 | |||
QUEENSLAND | ||||||
Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Capricorn Film Festival Inc | SHARKO. Inspire, Connect, Assist Support mental health recovery, engaging men through a documentary to then participate in mental health and wellbeing workshops. | Gladstone Central | $25,000 | |||
Laidley Community Centre Inc | Improvements to Community Facility to Increase Capacity Enhance recovery activities delivered at the Mulgowie Hall, increasing comfort and amenity through installation of air conditioning and replacement of aging picnic tables. | Mulgowie | $25,000 | |||
Rathdowney and District Memorial Grounds Association Incorporated | Natural Disaster Preparedness - Electrical Masterplan for Emergency Response Facilities Enhance community activities and support community preparedness for future emergency evacuations by developing an electricity supply masterplan for the Rathdowney Memorial Grounds. | Rathdowney | $13,420 | |||
Larger Leverage | ||||||
Towers Players Inc | Paving the way for Volunteers Strengthen and increase community participation in the Arts by upgrading performance facilities. | Charters Towers | $25,000 | |||
Kullilli Bulloo River Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC | Dika-gala punu ŋali yanta-gala - ‘We are going back to Country’ Support healing and the preservation of culture through the provision of accomodation, transport and meals at inaugural Back to Country event for the Kullilli people during a NAIDOC Week. | Thargomindah | $25,000 | |||
Royal Life Saving Society Queensland Inc | SwimWest Improve safety and awareness by implementing a drowning prevention initiative across the remote Shire of Winton. | Winton | $25,000 | |||
The Youth Network NQ Inc * | Lids4Kids Social Enterprise Support climate resilience and economic recovery from floods and COVID-19, by contributing to machinery for the expansion of the Lids4Kids social enterprise. | Townsville | $25,000 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Alpha District Tourism & Development Assoc. Inc. | History Signs for Pine Hill Cemetery and Alpha Old Cemetery Boost economic development and tourism and enhance community identity through installing historical signage at the Pine Hill Cemetery and Alpha Old Cemetery. | Alpha | $6,420 | |||
Banana Shire Community Arts Assoc Inc | Restore, Refurbish, Revive: Reconnecting Community Encourage social interaction and promote cultural activity by restoring the community Arts building. | Biloela | $9,405 | |||
Lions Club of Cecil Plains Inc | Portable PA System Enhance community activities and increase access through provision of audio equipment for local Lions Club. | Cecil Plains | $4,707 | |||
MultiSkill Centre Ltd | Work-it-out Room Improve access to social and physical wellbeing opportunities for disadvantaged youth in remote township by provision of an exercise room. | Cloncurry | $9,910 | |||
QCWA Branch Esk | Painting Exterior of the Esk QCWA Hall Owned by ESK QCWA Branch Increase community pride and support local recovery through refurbishment of the Esk CWA hall. | Esk | $8,000 | |||
Gympie & District Landcare Group Incorporated | New Trailer Improve native flora and fauna along the Mary River through provision of a new trailer to support control of invasive weeds. | Gympie | $5,000 | |||
Atherton-Herberton Historic Railway Inc | Access for All Expand the use of the Atherton Historic Railway through provision of an all-access pathway and ramp. | Herberton | $2,960 | |||
Innisfail Community Band Incorporated | Broadening the Performance Impact and Capability of the Innisfail Community Band Encourage people to come together and interact as a community by providing equipment to support COVID safe music events provided by the Innisfail Community Band. | Innisfail | $4,228 | |||
Johnstone Region Landcare Group Inc | Essential Equipment Upgrade for Community Group Activities Boost volunteer support and retention through upgrading equipment and kitchen appliances for rural landcare group. | Innisfail | $4,000 | |||
Kalbar Progress Association Inc | Light Up Kalbar Christmas Tree Boost community connection and identity by installing a new outdoor Christmas tree and decorations to be displayed annually during the Kalbar Light Up Festival. | Kalbar | $10,000 | |||
Taabinga State School Parents and Citizens Association | Extension of Play Area Encourage children to be active and families to be involved in their education through improving the outdoor play area at Taabinga State School. | Kingaroy | $10,000 | |||
QCWA Branch Abergowrie & Long Pocket | Take Your Seat Ladies Increase community participation and amenity through the provision of new seating at the community hall. | Long Pocket | $9,660 | |||
Monto State Primary School P&C Association | Building a Love of Reading in Childhood School Based Project Increase student engagement and learning outcomes by providing new reading materials at Monto State Primary School. | Monto | $3,000 | |||
North Burnett Community Service Inc. | Mundubbera Community Garden Group Encourage community resilience and involvement through forming a community garden group; including establishment of a garden, launch and a series of events. | Mundubbera | $6,974 | |||
Peak Crossing State Primary School P & C Association | Production of Commemorative Book to Mark the 150th Anniversary of Opening of Peak Crossing State Primary School and Restoration of a World War I Honour Board Destroyed in a Fire Enhance community identity and improve educational outcomes through publishing a commemorative book and restoring honour board to celebrate 150 years of Peak Crossing State Primary School. | Peak Crossing | $9,492 | |||
Theodore Early Childhood Centre Association Inc. | Xtreme 1 Servo Bulls N Barrels Bonanza 2021 by Theodore Early Childhood Centre, Supply of Ambulance, Security, Lighting and ATM Onsite for Event Encourage community connection and support economic recovery by providing safety, security and other event enhancements for the “Bulls N Barrels Bonanza” annual community event. | Theodore | $5,500 | |||
SOUTH AUSTRALIA | ||||||
Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Advance Kingscote Progress Association | Igniting Kingscote Through Art Enhance economic and social recovery, through installation of silo art attraction at the entrance of Kingscote. | Kingscote | $25,000 | |||
Kingscote Mens Shed Inc | Connection Through Activity for Men Living on Kangaroo Island Increase opportunities to support local connectedness and social recovery, through restoration of a local historic Wharf Trolley. | Kingscote | $3,683 | |||
Foodbank of South Australia Inc | Foodbank SA Bush Fire Zone Food Relief Program Increase access to food for disaster impacted residents, through supporting Foodbank SA to purchase additional supplies. | Lobethal | $25,000 | |||
Larger Leverage | ||||||
Wudinna RSL Memorial Kindergarten | Wudinna RSL Memorial Kindergarten Provide pre-school children access to safe, sun-smart outdoor educational play areas by building a permanent roof structure. | Wudinna | $25,000 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Cradock Heritage Group The Flinders Ranges Council | Cradock Memorial Garden Bore Water Treatment Encourage people to come together by enhancing an outdoor community space. | Cradock | $3,270 | |||
Cummins Community Garden Cummins Memorial Recreation Centre Inc | Cummins Community Garden - Social Hub Encourage community wellbeing and engagement by enhancing facilities. | Cummins | $7,160 | |||
Joanna Community Hall Inc | Renovation Rescue - Joanna Hall Kitchen Boost the use of a community hall through the upgrade of a kitchen and improving facilities. | Joanna | $10,000 | |||
Regional Development Australia Yorke and Mid North Inc | Peterborough Community Enterprises - Retail Coffee and Training for the Community Bakery Support youth engagement and skill development by initiating a social enterprise that will deliver workforce training. | Peterborough | $10,000 | |||
Country Life Compassion | Volunteer Training Support volunteer skill development by delivering a training workshop designed to enhance community engagement. | Strathalbyn | $3,450 | |||
Walker Flat and District Progress Association Inc | Purchase of Tipper Trailer Improve the organisation’s ability to support and service the community through the purchase of a fit for purpose trailer to be used for conservation and recycling programs. | Wongulla | $5,605 | |||
TASMANIA | ||||||
Larger Leverage | ||||||
Impression Bay Community Development Association Inc | Opening up Access to the Premaydena Heritage Garden Encourage people in the community to access a heritage garden through the construction of an all-abilities pathway. | Premaydena | $25,000 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
King Island Natural Resource Management Group Inc | Website Rebuild and Refresh Strengthen community connection to the natural environment and provide conservation information through the development of a website. | Currie | $3,625 | |||
George Town Neighbourhood House Inc | Community Garden Improve access to healthy food and educational activities by developing a community garden project. | George Town | $10,000 | |||
Derwent Valley Community House Inc | Blair Street Community Facilities Boost the use of a Community House through an upgrade of facilities. | New Norfolk | $10,000 | |||
Wynyard Volunteer Marine Rescue Surf Life Saving in Tasmania Inc | Expansion of First Aid Capabilities at Wynyard Volunteer Marine Rescue Improve community safety and wellbeing through expansion of training and lifesaving equipment. | Wynyard | $9,873 | |||
VICTORIA | ||||||
Bushfire Recovery | ||||||
Gippsland East Local Learning & Employment Network | Learn at the Hub Increase access to skill development and training that supports employment, through engaging a coordinator to initiate programs at the newly established Bairnsdale Hub. | Bairnsdale | $25,000 | |||
The Beechworth Chaingang Inc | Beechworth Mountain Bike Park Trail Expansion Feasibility Study and Plan Increase local volunteer capacity to progress expansion of bike trails around Beechworth through development of a feasibility plan. | Beechworth | $5,760 | |||
Bemm River Mens Shed Bemm River Progress and Improvement Association Inc | Bemm River Mens Shed Upgrade - Toilet and Kitchen Boost community recovery and connection via upgrades to the Men's Shed toilet and kitchen facilities. | Bemm River | $16,422 | |||
Corryong & District Memorial Public Hall Inc | Steps to Renewal Increase local pride and connection to place through repairs to the historic stair case at Corryong hall. | Corryong | $25,000 | |||
Destination Gippsland Ltd | Event School Strengthen economic recovery and social engagement in bushfire affected communities through event coaching. | Buchan | $25,000 | |||
Mallacoota and District Business and Tourism Association Inc | Connecting Business Owners Increase capacity and capability of local businesses to recover post-Black Summer bushfires through training and networking activities. | Mallacoota | $25,000 | |||
Mallacoota and District Historical Society Inc | Native Bush Food Walk Increase connection to place and restore the local environment, through establishment of a native bush food walk around the Mallacoota Museum. | Mallacoota | $25,000 | |||
Marlo Ratepayers and Residents Association | Snowy Estuary Sculptures Increase connection to place and enhance public spaces, through the installation of local fauna sculptures in public spaces. | Marlo | $25,000 | |||
Moyhu Recreation | Greasy Inclusion Improve facilities that support local connectedness and delivery of activities through, upgrade inadequate infrastructure at Moyhu Recreation Reserve. | Moyhu | $13,819 | |||
Upper Gundowring Recreation Rooms Inc A 8466 | Upgrades to Upper Gundowring Hall Improve the accessibility and amenity of the community meeting place via upgrades to the community hall. | Upper Gundowring | $25,000 | |||
Larger Leverage | ||||||
Bendigo Foodshare | Mission Possible: A Sustainable New Home for Bendigo Foodshare Enhance food security and wellbeing of communities through the installation of renewable energy at the Foodshare warehouse. | Bendigo | $25,000 | |||
Central Highlands Rural Health | Beds Ain't Beds Improve comfort and safety for aged care residents through the provision of specialised beds. | Creswick | $25,000 | |||
Darlingford Upper Goulburn Nursing Home | Living Well in the Fourth Age - Comfort, Dignity and Connections Boost the health and wellbeing of nursing home residents and respite patients by purchasing specialised diagnostic and mobility equipment. | Eildon | $19,598 | |||
Zoe Support Australia | The Wheels on the Bus Go Round & Round Improve access to educational and social programs for young mothers and their children by providing a reliable transport service via the purchase of a vehicle. | Mildura | $25,000 | |||
Mumbannar Recreation Reserve | Renew the Loo Stage 4 Encourage greater access to a community gathering space by providing an all abilities bathroom and accessible entrance ramp. | Mumbannar | $12,915 | |||
Redbank Public Hall Reserve Committee of Management | Water Storage for Township Bushfire Protection Increase preparedness for future disaster events through the installation of a water tank. | Redbank | $16,600 | |||
Woods Farming & Heritage Museum Inc. | Cooling and Heating for our Future Boost the use and comfort of a community museum through the installation of a climate control system | Rupanyup | $14,219 | |||
Tarwin Lower Mechanics Institute Committee of Management Inc | Tarwin Lower Hall Rejuvenation Support connectivity and community engagement through the upgrade of weatherboards at a well utilised hall. | Tarwin Lower | $25,000 | |||
Barengi Gadjin Land Council Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC | Educate, Regenerate and Inspire - Dalki Garringa Arboretum Biodiversity Program Strengthen connection to local culture through the development of a First Nations educational project. | Wail | $25,000 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Avenel Active | Digital Literacy Skills Program for Seniors - Be Connected Improve connections and skills in older people by providing a digital literacy hub and training. | Avenel | $8,354 | |||
Kooyoora Women's Network Inc | Bridgewater Railway Station - Community Food Garden Foster knowledge and improve access to healthy food by establishing a community garden precinct. | Bridgewater On Loddon | $10,000 | |||
The Pebble Church Heritage Association Inc | Rain Water Tank Project Encourage the expanded use of a community venue through the installation of a water tank. | Carapooee | $1,995 | |||
Health Futures Australia Ltd | S.H.I.F.T Healthy Lunch Kitchen Enhance food security for school children via new kitchen equipment to produce healthy lunches. | Daylesford | $10,000 | |||
Kooreh Soldiers Memorial Hall Committee St Arnaud Community Resource Centre Inc | 2021 Kooreh Soldiers Memorial Hall External Painting Upgrade Expand the use of the community hall and preserve the facility by painting the hall exterior. | Kooreh | $3,606 | |||
Maldon Museum and Archives Association Inc | Delivering our History Increase volunteer capacity by investing in shared community equipment. | Maldon | $5,690 | |||
Gippsland Employment Skills Training Inc | Digital Literacy and Call Centre Customer Service Training Upgrade Expand employment opportunities for job seekers by purchasing technology for digital literacy training. | Moe | $1,938 | |||
Moorngag Public Hall and Recreation Reserve | Painting and Heating of Community Hall Encourage people to come together by improving the comfort and amenity of a public hall. | Moorngag | $8,249 | |||
The Scout Association of Australia Victorian Branch | Projector and Screen Support lifelong learning and skills in younger people through the purchase of audio-visual equipment for training and educational activities. | Rainbow | $1,955 | |||
Rupanyup Public Hall Committee | Rupanyup Hall Curtain Replacement Strengthen community connection and engagement through improvements to a well utilised public hall. | Rupanyup | $10,000 | |||
Sandy Point Community Power | Purchase and Installation of Energy Storage Batteries at the Sandy Point Community Centre Boost safety and disaster preparedness by installing a solar battery storage system at the local community centre. | Sandy Point | $9,800 | |||
Trentham Neighbourhood Centre Inc | Trentham Youth Group - Creating Emerging Community Leaders Encourage youth engagement and improve social wellbeing by establishing a youth group. | Trentham | $10,000 | |||
WESTERN AUSTRALIA | ||||||
Larger Leverage | ||||||
Environs Kimberley | Strengthening the Kimberley Community Seedbank: a Sustainable Social Enterprise Build Indigenous business skills and support a sustainable bushfoods industry through establishment of two seed collecting enterprises. | Broome | $24,995 | |||
Kununurra Agricultural Society Inc | Heads Up and Smile, it's Showtime! Build a healthy, connected community via children's activities and workshops that increase attendance and encourage more local involvement in the local Agricultural Show. | Kununurra | $20,000 | |||
Small & Vital | ||||||
Augusta & Districts Community Childcare Centre Inc. | Improve the Educational Resources of our Community Childcare Centre for 0-12 year olds, with a Unique Focus on Intergenerational Activities and Nature Play Grow enrichment opportunities for early childhood development by providing nature based play equipment at new and only long day care childcare service in Augusta. | Augusta | $10,000 | |||
Kununurra Toy & Puzzle Library | Toy Rejuvenation Project 2021 Support rejuvenation toy library's favourite toys, reducing landfill, with purchase of tools and equipment for toy fixing and repairs program. | Kununurra | $2,070 | |||
Lake Grace CWA | Refurbishment of CWA Lake Grace Expand the use of local facilities and improve ambience and comfort of CWA Hall with refurbishment of building. | Lake Grace | $10,000 | |||
Dismantle | Meaningful Engagement for Youth in Remote Indigenous Communities Build school engagement through delivery of interactive bicycle re-building program that helps students master technical prowess, engineering, mathematics and physical skills. | Yiyili, Mueller Ranges | $5,000 | |||
* These grants align to specific donor preferences. |
FRRR has awarded $642,481 in grants for 36 projects that will help seed and strengthen the recovery of regions impacted by the Black Summer bushfires, through its Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) program.
The bushfire recovery stream provides grants up to $25,000 for projects that promote community healing and the renewal of remote, rural, and regional communities following the 2019/2020 bushfires.
Grants range from $2,953 to help the New South Wales’ Burragate community prepare for future disasters, through to a $25,000 grant to increase access to mental health support for community members across five bushfire impacted communities in South Australia.
Natalie Egleton, CEO of FRRR, said that over the past year rural people have demonstrated the true meaning of resilience and determination and continued to find ways of addressing the needs of their communities.
“Recovery in bushfire-affected regions has been hampered by COVID-19 restrictions, but local organisations are still seeking to do what they can to meet the local priorities in their community.
“This round we saw an increase in requests to fund projects that will provide access to services and activities as impacted communities begin to resume normal activities and reconnect one year on from the fires. This includes Tenterfield in NSW, where a series of creative workshops will support the social and mental health of locals.
“Improving and repairing infrastructure is also an important part of the recovery process for many of these communities. These meeting places, like Katanning’s central shopping precinct in Western Australia and the local Hall in Charleston, South Australia, played a vital role during the bushfires, providing the community with a safe place to gather during the fires, or as a space to gather in order to reconnect and seek support after the disaster,” Ms Egleton explained.
Some of the 36 projects awarded include:
- Bermagui Preschool Co-operative Society Limited, NSW – The Cobargo/Bermagui Growing-Growers Project 2021 with Cost Georgiadis & Paul West – $25,000 – Increase social connectedness and local food security, through delivery of collaborative preschool garden activities and Costa Georgiadis events.
- Stanthorpe and Granite Belt Community Radio Association Inc, QLD – Stanthorpe Community Radio Transmission Equipment – $9,773 – Increase communication of local news, events and emergency information, by supporting the establishment of a community radio station.
- Penneshaw Progress Association Inc, SA – Penneshaw Town Hall Evacuation Centre – Catering Facilities – $25,000 – Increase preparedness for future disaster events by upgrading the kitchen at the Penneshaw Town Hall.
- Corryong Neighbourhood House Inc, VIC – Giving Youth a Voice – $25,000 – Increase youth representation in community recovery and development, through employment of youth workers to support youth leadership in the Upper Murray.
- Shire of Katanning, WA – Vibrant Katanning – $22,000 – Support economic and social recovery, through upgrading Katanning’s central shopping precinct.
The SRC program is collaboratively-funded and offers two streams of funding. In addition to the $642,481 in bushfire recovery funding, $420,003 in grants has been awarded via the program’s Small & Vital grants stream.
The SRC program is collaboratively supported by a number of generous donors, which are listed on FRRR’s website – https://frrr.org.au/funding/place/strengthening-rural-communities/.
The next round of SRC applications is currently being assessed and will be announced June 2021. The current round is accepting applications until 25 May 2021, with funds to be awarded in December
Visit here for more information on FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities program and other grant programs to support communities before, during, and after a natural disaster or drought, and build communities’ climate resilience.
To support grants like this through FRRR, make a tax-deductible donation at frrr.org.au/giving/.
A full list of grant recipients and their projects are below.
Jump to: NSW | QLD | SA | VIC | WA
Organisation | Project | Location | Grant | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NEW SOUTH WALES | ||||||
Bega Valley Meals on Wheels Co-operative Ltd | Bega Valley Mobile Community Freezer Increase food security, including for future disasters, through the purchase of a mobile freezer. | Bega | $16,000 | |||
Bermagui Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Inc | Keeping Bermagui Connected & Safe Boost communication capacity during and before natural disaster disasters through the purchase of wireless computer and printer equipment, and re-establishing signage for the 17km Heritage Trail. | Bermagui | $15,373 | |||
Bermagui Pre School Co-operative Society Limited | The Cobargo/Bermagui Growing-Growers Project 2021 with Costa Georgiadis & Paul West Increase social connectedness and local food security in fire-affected community, through delivery of collaborative preschool garden activities and Costa Georgiadis events. | Bermagui | $25,000 | |||
Burragate Rural Fire Service | Office Equipment for the Burragate Fire Shed Boost the community's ability to prepare for future disasters by purchasing computer and office supplies to support Burragate Rural Fire Service. | Burragate | $2,953 | |||
Delegate Progress Association Inc. | Recovery BBQ Support community connection and recovery by installing an electric barbeque at Memorial Park to host community barbeques and debrief events for the bushfire-affected community. | Delegate | $15,000 | |||
Eden Mountain Bike Club IncEden Community Access Centre Incorporated | Eden Mountain Bike Trails Design a community-driven mountain bike trail in the Eden region to support economic recovery, through development of Environmental Impact Study and Concept Plans. | Eden | $25,000 | |||
Eungai Hall Section 355 Committee of ManagemenNambucca Valley Council | Kitchen Upgrade for Community Use and Resilience Expand the use of the Community Hall by upgrading the kitchen facilities to allow for more community events and activities to occur. | Eungai Creek | $12,441 | |||
Ewingar TheatricksClarence Valley Council | Theatrical Production Support the community's recovery by bringing people together to deliver a locally-set play. | Ewingar | $14,460 | |||
Glen Innes Severn Council | Wytaliba Rises Sustainable Community Music Events Encourage people to come together and support recovery by providing equipment for music events. | Die Hard Wytaliba | $9,267 | |||
Glenrac Incorporated | Providing Homes for our Hollow Nesting Species Encourage local species back to their habitat following the bushfires, through the creation of nesting boxes at facilitated workshops. | Glen Innes | $19,756 | |||
Granite Borders Landcare Committee Incorporated | Reconnecting Communities - Workshops Focusing on Health and Wellbeing for Fire-Affected Villages in the Tenterfield LGA Reduce social isolation and support community recovery, through the delivery of workshops in remote towns across the Tenterfield Shire. | Tenterfield | $25,000 | |||
Lawrence Historical Society Incorporated | Workshop for Sharing, Supporting and Skills Support community recovery and increase volunteer engagement at Lawrence Historical Society by building a new workshop shed. | Lawrence | $15,820 | |||
Make a Difference PMQ Incorporated | M.A.D. Mobile Food Van Increase capacity to support outreach to homeless and vulnerable populations in fire-affected communities, through fitout of a mobile food van and construction of an event stage. | Port Macquarie | $25,000 | |||
Make It Tenterfield Incorporated | Creativity Abound Workshops Support social and mental health recovery through the delivery of creative and supportive community-based workshops. | Tenterfield | $24,000 | |||
Marlee Rural Fire Brigade | Marlee Safer Place Upgrade Increase preparedness for future disasters, through upgrade to central meeting space to create a Neighbourhood Safer Place for the community. | Marlee | $15,205 | |||
Mingoola Hall Management Committee | Bringing Mingoola Community Together to Celebrate our Uniquely Beautiful Environment Strengthen community connection and recovery in Mingoola via the delivery of the inaugural Mingoola Big River Picnic event. | Mingoola | $10,000 | |||
Monaro Early Intervention Service Incorporated | Wheelchair Access to Sensory Garden Improved access to sensory garden to support wellbeing of children affected by fires, through construction of a ramp at early intervention service. | Cooma | $19,000 | |||
Nowendoc Ladies Auxilery | Keep us Fit and Healthy Increase health, wellbeing and individual recovery, through delivery of weekly exercise sessions for ageing community members in Nowendoc. | Nowendoc | $12,000 | |||
Nowendoc Memorial Hall Land Manager | Save us from Frosty Toes and Nose! Increase comfort and amenity at the Nowendoc Memorial Hall to support community recovery, through the installation of air conditioning. | Nowendoc | $25,000 | |||
Nymboida P&C Association | Establish a Nymboida Community Kitchen by Upgrading the Nymboida P&C Kitchen Facilities to Complement the Nymboida PS Community Vegetable Garden Increase capacity to cater for school and community recovery and preparedness activities, through the upgrade of the school kitchen/canteen area at Nymboida School. | Nymboida | $25,000 | |||
Rotary Club of GuyraGuyra Garden Club | The Guyra Spring Flower Festival 2021 incorporating a Memorial Avenue and a Mandala Garden Deliver the inaugural annual 'Guyra Spring Flower Festival' in 2021 and plant a Memorial Avenue and Mandala Garden to honour service people. | Guyra | $10,000 | |||
Wilsons Creek Community Hall Inc | Prepare, Respond and Recover - Wilsons Creek, Huonbrook, & Wanganui Increase preparedness for future disasters through resourcing and upgrading the local hall as a local evacuation centre. | Wilsons Creek | $23,078 | |||
Wingham Showground Land Manager | Acknowledging our Heritage, Respecting our Future Strengthen sense of place and connectedness during recovery by erecting four billboards displaying historically significant photographs of the Showgrounds. | Wingham | $5,920 | |||
QUEENSLAND | ||||||
Atherton Men's Shed Incorporated | Enlarging Atherton Men's Shed Space Support local men, and projects benefiting the wider community, through expansion of Atherton Men's Shed workspace. | Atherton | $9,000 | |||
Charters Towers Rural Fire Brigade | Interactive Screen for Training Increased rural fire brigade's ability to deliver training and presentations, through the purchase of an interactive screen. | Charters Towers | $6,435 | |||
Creative Recovery Network | Disaster Ready Regions - CQRASN 'Shine Bright' Creative Recovery Training Boost community's ability to recover from disasters through creative recovery training for practitioners and community leaders. | Bundaberg | $20,000 | |||
Friends of Amamoor Inc | Amamoor Rest Room Upgrade Increase capacity to deliver community events and support local recovery via tourism, through upgrade of public toilets. | Amamoor | $10,000 | |||
Stanthorpe and Granite Belt Community Radio Association Inc | Stanthorpe Community Radio Transmission Equipment Increase communication of local news, events and emergency information, by supporting the establishment of a community radio station. | Stanthorpe | $9,773 | |||
SOUTH AUSTRALIA | ||||||
Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation Flinders Foundation | Mental Health First Aid Training - Kangaroo Island & Adelaide Hills Increase access to support for community members through the delivery of Mental Health First Aid Training to five bushfire impacted communities. | Lobethal | $25,000 | |||
Charleston Community Centre Inc | Establishing a Charleston Community Hub Increase use and amenity at the Charleston Hall to support recovery, through installation of air conditioning and upgrade to power supply. | Charleston | $25,000 | |||
Penneshaw Progress Association Inc | Penneshaw Town Hall Evacuation Centre Catering Facilities Increase preparedness for future disaster events by upgrading the kitchen at the Penneshaw Town Hall. | Penneshaw | $25,000 | |||
Rotary Club of Onkaparinga Inc | Onkaparinga Rotary Fencing Project Enable volunteers to support community recovery through the purchase of tools, materials, and equipment. | Lobethal | $25,000 | |||
VICTORIA | ||||||
Corryong and District Community Youthclub Inc | Refurbishment of the Corryong Youth Hall to Better Support the Community Increase amenity and security at Corryong community hall to support community recovery activities, through upgrade to meeting area and storage space. | Corryong - Upper Murray | $25,000 | |||
Corryong Neighbourhood House Inc | Giving Youth a Voice Increase youth representation in community recovery and development, through employment of youth workers to support youth leadership in the Upper Murray. | Corryong | $25,000 | |||
Upper Murray Innovation Foundation | Power to the People Boost and strengthen economic recovery and promote climate friendly travel, through installation of Electric Vehicle charger at Walwa. | Walwa | $25,000 | |||
WESTERN AUSTRALIA | ||||||
Shire of Katanning | Vibrant Katanning Support economic and social recovery, through upgrading Katanning's central shopping precinct. | Katanning | $22,000 |
Includes more than $640,000 to support 2019-20 bushfire recovery
FRRR has awarded $1,062,484 in grants for 85 projects that will help boost remote, rural and regional communities across Australia, through its Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) program.
The grants awarded will go toward a broad array of inspiring initiatives that will strengthen and build the long-term viability and vitality of smaller remote, rural, and regional communities across Australia, including projects to support community healing and renewal following the 2019/2020 bushfires.
Grants range from $2,700 to help the South Australian Beachport community access lifesaving equipment, through to a $25,000 grant to improve the security and amenities at the Corryong Community Hall in Victoria.
The SRC program is collaboratively-funded and offers two streams of funding. Small & Vital awards grants up to $10,000 for locally-led initiatives that build resilience and enhance the vibrancy of rural Australia by addressing the needs identified by the community. This round of SRC has seen 49 projects sharing in a total of $420,003 in Small & Vital grants.
The second stream provides grants up to $25,000 for projects designed to help seed and strengthen the recovery of regions impacted by the Black Summer bushfires. Thirty-six bushfire recovery initiatives have been awarded a total of $642,481 in this round of SRC grants.
Natalie Egleton, CEO of FRRR, said that over the past year rural people have demonstrated the true meaning of resilience and determination and continued to find ways of addressing the needs of their communities.
“The pandemic has highlighted that community groups need to be agile and able to adapt and respond to changing circumstances. To do this successfully, they need to be well resourced, with facilities, equipment and the right knowledge, skills and capabilities. The pandemic has also reinforced the importance of community-led initiatives that promote individual and community health and social wellbeing.”
“Several grassroots solutions designed to support these key initiatives and develop these vital skills have been awarded grants in this round of SRC, including the Oura Oura House – Interpretation Room project in Cygnet, Tasmania, which will strengthen connection to local Aboriginal culture, and in Biggenden, Queensland, the primary school is supporting student health and wellbeing through an amenities upgrade.
“Recovery in bushfire-affected regions has been hampered by COVID-19 restrictions, but local organisations are still seeking to do what they can to meet the local priorities in their community. This round we saw an increase in requests to fund projects that will provide access to services and activities as impacted communities begin to resume normal activities and reconnect one year on from the fires. This includes Tenterfield in NSW, where a series of creative workshops will support the social and mental health of locals.
“Improving and repairing infrastructure is also an important part of the recovery process for many of these communities. These meeting places, like Katanning’s central shopping precinct in Western Australia and the local Hall in Charleston, South Australia, played a vital role during the bushfires, providing the community with a safe place to gather during the fires, or as a space to gather in order to reconnect and seek support after the disaster,” Ms Egleton explained.
Some of the 85 projects awarded include:
- Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service Ltd, NSW – 35th Anniversary Celebration – $9,443 – Celebrate WAMS’ 35 years of service in the community by holding a series of events throughout 2021.
- Careflight Limited, NT – Obstetrics Training for CareFlight Flight Nurses – $8,800 – Improve safety and health outcomes for babies and mothers from remote communities with Midwifery Training for Careflight nurses.
- Stanthorpe and Granite Belt Community Radio Association Inc, QLD – Stanthorpe Community Radio Transmission Equipment – $9,773 – Increase communication of local news, events and emergency information, by supporting the establishment of a community radio station.
- Nipapanha Community Aboriginal Corporation, SA – Irish Well Hut Cultural Heritage Museum Development – $9,300 – Help people gain an awareness of local culture through the provision of display material for a museum.
- East Coast Regional Development Organisation Inc, TAS – Raising the Roof on the Bread Oven – $5,332 – Encourage people to come together by redeveloping a community gathering space.
- Corryong Neighbourhood House Inc, VIC – Giving Youth a Voice – $25,000 – Increase youth representation in community recovery and development, through employment of youth workers to support youth leadership in the Upper Murray.
- Fitzgerald Biosphere Group Inc, WA – Dancing in the Dirt Gala Ball – A Community Event – $5,000 – Build community wellbeing and strengthen mental health by supporting ‘Dancing in the Dirt’ Gala for small, drought stricken community.
The SRC program is collaboratively supported by a number of generous donors, which are listed here – https://frrr.org.au/funding/place/strengthening-rural-communities/.
The next round of SRC applications is currently being assessed and will be announced by June 2021. The current round is accepting applications until 25 May 2021, with funds to be awarded in September.
Visit here for more information on FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities program and other grant programs to strengthen local non-profits, community groups, volunteers, and to provide opportunities for skills, networks and leadership development.
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.
Jump to: NSW | NT | QLD | SA | TAS | VIC | WA
Organisation | Project | Location | Grant | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NEW SOUTH WALES | ||||||
Bushfire Recovery Projects | ||||||
Bega Valley Meals on Wheels Co-operative Ltd | Bega Valley Mobile Community Freezer Increase food security, including for future disasters, through the purchase of a mobile freezer. | Bega | $16,000 | |||
Bermagui Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Inc | Keeping Bermagui Connected & Safe Boost communication capacity during and before natural disasters through the purchase of wireless computer and printer equipment, and re-establishing signage for the 17 km Heritage Trail. | Bermagui | $15,373 | |||
Bermagui Pre School Co-operative Society Limited | The Cobargo / Bermagui Growing-Growers Project 2021 with Costa Georgiadis & Paul West Increase social connectedness and local food security in fire-affected community, through delivery of collaborative preschool garden activities and Costa Georgiadis events. | Bermagui | $25,000 | |||
Burragate Rural Fire Service | Office Equipment for the Burragate Fire Shed Boost the community's ability to prepare for future disasters by purchasing computer and office supplies to support Burragate Rural Fire Service. | Burragate | $2,953 | |||
Delegate Progress Association Inc | Recovery BBQ Support community connection and recovery by installing an electric barbeque at Memorial Park to host community barbeques and debrief events for the bushfire-affected community. | Delegate | $15,000 | |||
Eden Mountain Bike Club Inc - Eden Community Access Centre Incorporated | Eden Mountain Bike Trails Design a community-driven mountain bike trail in the Eden region to support economic recovery, through development of Environmental Impact Study and Concept Plans. | Eden | $25,000 | |||
Eungai Hall Section 355 Committee of ManagemenNambucca Valley Council | Kitchen Upgrade for Community Use and Resilience Expand the use of the Community Hall by upgrading the kitchen facilities to allow for more community events and activities to occur. | Eungai Creek | $12,441 | |||
Ewingar Theatricks - Clarence Valley Council | Theatrical Production Support the community's recovery by bringing people together to deliver a locally-set play. | Ewingar | $14,460 | |||
Glen Innes Severn Council | Wytaliba Rises - Sustainable Community Music Events Encourage people to come together and support recovery by providing equipment for music events. | Diehard, Wytaliba | $9,267 | |||
Glenrac Incorporated | Providing Homes for our Hollow Nesting Species Encourage local species back to their habitat following the bushfires, through the creation of nesting boxes at facilitated workshops. | Glen Innes | $19,756 | |||
Granite Borders Landcare Committee Incorporated | Reconnecting Communities - Workshops Focusing on Health and Wellbeing for Fire-Affected Villages in the Tenterfield LGA Reduce social isolation and support community recovery, through the delivery of workshops in remote towns across the Tenterfield Shire. | Tenterfield | $25,000 | |||
Lawrence Historical Society Incorporated | Workshop for Sharing, Supporting and Skills Support community recovery and increase volunteer engagement at Lawrence Historical Society by building a new workshop shed. | Lawrence | $15,820 | |||
Make a Difference PMQ Incorporated | M.A.D. Mobile Food Van Increase capacity to support outreach to homeless and vulnerable populations in fire-affected communities, through fit-out of a mobile food van and construction of an event stage. | Port Macquarie | $25,000 | |||
Make It Tenterfield Incorporated | Creativity Abound Workshops Support social and mental health recovery through the delivery of creative and supportive community-based workshops. | Tenterfield | $24,000 | |||
Marlee Rural Fire Brigade | Marlee Safer Place Upgrade Increase preparedness for future disasters, through upgrade to central meeting space to create a Neighbourhood Safer Place for the community. | Marlee | $15,205 | |||
Mingoola Hall Management Committee | Bringing Mingoola Community Together to Celebrate our Uniquely Beautiful Environment Strengthen community connection and recovery in Mingoola via the delivery of the inaugural Mingoola Big River Picnic event. | Mingoola | $10,000 | |||
Monaro Early Intervention Service Incorporated | Wheelchair Access to Sensory Garden Improved access to sensory garden to support wellbeing of children affected by fires, through construction of a ramp at early intervention service. | Cooma | $19,000 | |||
Nowendoc Ladies Auxilery | Keep Us Fit and Healthy Increase health, wellbeing and individual recovery, through delivery of weekly exercise sessions for ageing community members in Nowendoc. | Nowendoc | $12,000 | |||
Nowendoc Memorial Hall Land Manager | Save Us From Frosty Toes and Nose! Increase comfort and amenity at the Nowendoc Memorial Hall to support community recovery, through the installation of air conditioning. | Nowendoc | $25,000 | |||
Nymboida P&C Association | Establish a Nymboida Community Kitchen by Upgrading the Nymboida P&C Kitchen Facilities to Complement the Nymboida PS Community Vegetable Garden Increase capacity to cater for school and community recovery and preparedness activities, through the upgrade of the school kitchen / canteen area at Nymboida School. | Nymboida | $25,000 | |||
Rotary Club of Guyra - Guyra Garden Club | The Guyra Spring Flower Festival 2021 incorporating a Memorial Avenue and a Mandala Garden Deliver the inaugural annual 'Guyra Spring Flower Festival' in 2021 and plant a Memorial Avenue and Mandala Garden to honour service people. | Guyra | $10,000 | |||
Wilsons Creek Community Hall Inc | Prepare, Respond and Recover - Wilsons Creek, Huonbrook, & Wanganui Increase preparedness for future disasters through resourcing and upgrading the local hall as a local evacuation centre. | Wilsons Creek | $23,078 | |||
Wingham Showground Land Manager | Acknowledging Our Heritage, Respecting our Future Strengthen sense of place and connectedness during recovery by erecting four Billboards displaying historically significant photographs of the Showgrounds. | Wingham | $5,920 | |||
Small & Vital Projects | ||||||
Burringbar Community Association Incorporated | Burringbar Village Community Plan - Priority Projects Build community capacity through the collective development of a Community Plan. | Burringbar | $8,934 | |||
Jiggi School of Arts Incorporated | Strengthen and Increase Community Participation by Upgrading Community Facilities Increase community participation via a kitchen upgrade to the Jiggi Hall. | Jiggi, Georgica, Mountain Top | $9,012 | |||
Carinda Hall Committee - Let's Dance Carinda Tribute Committee Incorporated | Cooling our Hall Increase the comfort and use of the Carinda Diggers Hall by installing six new fans. | Carinda | $10,000 | |||
Central West Leadership Academy Limited | Project Perseverance Enhance knowledge and capacity in STEM learning through free Space Science workshops to primary school students. | Dubbo | $7,650 | |||
Goolgowie CWACountry Womens Association of NSW | CWA Room Improvement Build community capacity through the refurbishment of the Goolgowi CWA hall. | Goolgowi | $9,033 | |||
Henty Public School Parents & Citizens Association | Henty Community Garden Empower the local school community through the development of a Community Garden. | Henty | $8,100 | |||
Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service Ltd | 35th Anniversary Celebration Celebrate WAMS' 35 years of services in the community by holding a series of events throughout 2021. | Walgett | $9,443 | |||
NORTHERN TERRITORY | ||||||
Small & Vital Projects | ||||||
NTSV - Careflight Limited | Obstetrics Training for CareFlight Flight Nurses Improve safety and health outcomes for babies and mothers from remote communities with Midwifery Training for Careflight nurses. | Darwin | $8,800 | |||
Hermannsburg Potters Aboriginal Corporation | Hermannsburg Potters Men's Development Project Develop income earning and self-employment opportunities in very remote community through provision of Men's Group Ceramics Workshops. | Hermannsburg | $9,850 | |||
Nhulunbuy Corporation Limited | Inspire Week: Health Services Career Pathways Festival for Young People in Nhulunbuy Upskill young people with first aid training and encourage youth to pursue employment opportunities in the medical sector with a Health Careers Expo for High School students. | Nhulunbuy | $10,000 | |||
The Castle Incorporated | Drovers Memorial Park Restoration Provide opportunities for remote community to gather through watering system for Drovers Memorial Park. | Newcastle Waters | $10,000 | |||
Wagait Arts Group Inc | May Art Month (Part of Wagait Arts Festival) Provide opportunity to participate in the arts through nine community arts workshops in the lead up to the Wagait Arts Festival. | Wagait Beach | $4,500 | |||
QUEENSLAND | ||||||
Bushfire Recovery Projects | ||||||
Atherton Men's Shed Incorporated | Enlarging Atherton Men's Shed Space Support local men, and projects benefiting the wider community, through expansion of Atherton Men's Shed workspace. | Atherton | $9,000 | |||
Charters Towers Rural Fire Brigade | Interactive Screen for Training Increased rural fire brigade's ability to deliver training and presentations, through the purchase of an interactive screen. | Charters Towers | $6,435 | |||
Creative Recovery Network | Disaster Ready Regions - CQRASN 'Shine Bright' Creative Recovery Training Boost community's ability to recover from disasters through creative recovery training for practitioners and community leaders. | Bundaberg | $20,000 | |||
Friends of Amamoor Inc | Amamoor Rest Room Upgrade Increase capacity to deliver community events and support local recovery via tourism, through upgrade of public toilets. | Amamoor | $10,000 | |||
Stanthorpe and Granite Belt Community Radio Association Inc | Stanthorpe Community Radio Transmission Equipment Increase communication of local news, events and emergency information, by supporting the establishment of a community radio station. | Stanthorpe | $9,773 | |||
Small & Vital Projects | ||||||
Act for Kids Limited | Specialist Abecedarian Playgroups Foster love of learning and prepare young children for school and beyond with specialist playgroups and parent support in Roma region. | Roma | $10,000 | |||
Augathella and District Progress Association Incorporated | Stories From the Grave: Reconnecting With Our Heritage to Develop a Sense of Place In Our Communities Increase community pride and resilience through local history project, mapping graves in the Augathella area. | Augathella | $6,359 | |||
Biggenden Primary P&C Association | Student Retreat for Everyday Living, Social and Emotional Support Support student health and wellbeing with refurbished school bathroom and upgraded kitchen appliances for school breakfast program. | Biggenden | $9,705 | |||
Central & Upper Burnett District Home for the Aged | Gunther Village Curtain Project Enhance environment and improve comfort in Gunther Aged Care Home with installation of new curtains. | Gayndah | $10,000 | |||
Central Highlands Science Centre Incorporated | Filling the Discovery Space Void Inspire students to engage with science and become the budding scientists and inventors of the future with new, educational science exhibit. | Emerald | $10,000 | |||
Chrrup Limited | Podcast Series: Community Driven Promote volunteering and community leadership through podcast series with local community champions. | Emerald | $5,000 | |||
Gympie Medical Transport Inc | Volunteer Services & Training Desk and Fleet Management Desk Support volunteers to provide seniors transport to medical services. | Gympie | $6,500 | |||
Longreach Regional Enterprise Incorporated | Longreach, 4730: Live, Work and Play Promote liveability and lifestyle opportunities in Longreach to attract new residents, via three promotional videos. | Longreach | $10,000 | |||
Mundubbera Baptist Church | Upgrade to Toilets Increase attendance at monthly market and other community events with upgrade of bathroom facilities to all abilities access. | Mundubbera | $10,000 | |||
National Trust of Australia (Queensland) Limited | James Cook Museum - Bama Dreaming Support a unique cultural and historical tourism experience, The Gaamay Dreaming Track, through interpretative signage at James Cook Museum. | Cooktown | $9,000 | |||
Queensland Police-Citizens Youth Welfare Association | Healthy Body, Mind and Life - Small Schools Provide educational opportunities to rural youth and support a smoother transition to High School for remote students with Life Skills program. | Mount Murchison | $10,000 | |||
Rattler Railway Company Ltd | Sustainable Stations Project Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and operational overheads of not-for-profit tourism venture, the Red Rattler Railway, providing social and economic benefits for the region. | Amamoor | $10,000 | |||
SOUTH AUSTRALIA | ||||||
Bushfire Recovery Projects | ||||||
Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation - Flinders Foundation | Mental Health First Aid Training - Kangaroo Island & Adelaide Hills Increase access to support for community members through the delivery of Mental Health First Aid Training to five bushfire-impacted communities. | Lobethal | $25,000 | |||
Charleston Community Centre Inc | Establishing a Charleston Community Hub Increase use and amenity at the Charleston Hall to support recovery, through installation of air conditioning and upgrade to power supply. | Charleston | $25,000 | |||
Penneshaw Progress Association Inc | Penneshaw Town Hall Evacuation Centre Catering Facilities Increase preparedness for future disaster events by upgrading the kitchen at the Penneshaw Town Hall. | Penneshaw | $25,000 | |||
Rotary Club of Onkaparinga Inc | Onkaparinga Rotary Fencing Project Enable volunteers to support community recovery through the purchase of tools, materials, and equipment. | Lobethal | $25,000 | |||
Small & Vital Projects | ||||||
Arno Bay District Bowling Club Inc | Barbeque Roof Expand the use of a community facility by installing a covered area in an outdoor space to make it more comfortable and welcoming. | Arno Bay | $9,526 | |||
Beachport Surf Life Saving Club Inc | Defibrillator at Council Toilet Block Help the community access lifesaving equipment through the purchase of a defibrillator. | Beachport | $2,700 | |||
Morgan Volunteer Support Group Inc | Meals on Wheels Support Vehicle Improve community health by supporting a volunteer meal service, through the purchase of a new vehicle. | Morgan | $10,000 | |||
Nharangga Aboriginal Progress Association Inc | Keeping it Safe in the Kitchen Improve the Association's ability to support and service the community, through a kitchen upgrade. | Moonta | $9,858 | |||
Nipapanha Community Aboriginal Corporation | Irish Well Hut Cultural Heritage Museum Development Help people gain an awareness of local culture through the provision of display material for a museum. | Nepabunna | $9,300 | |||
TASMANIA | ||||||
Small & Vital Projects | ||||||
Derwent Valley Arts Inc | Travelling Arts in the Derwent Valley Encourage people in the community to access arts events by purchasing a portable all-abilities toilet. | New Norfolk | $10,000 | |||
East Coast Regional Development Organisation Inc | Raising the Roof on the Bread Oven Encourage people to come together by redeveloping a community gathering space. | Triabunna | $5,332 | |||
South East Tasmanian Aboriginal Corp | Oura Oura House - Interpretation Room Strengthen connection to local culture through the development of an Aboriginal history and philosophy program. | Cygnet | $7,824 | |||
VICTORIA | ||||||
Bushfire Recovery Projects | ||||||
Corryong and District Community Youthclub Inc | Refurbishment of the Corryong Youth Hall to Better Support the Community Increase amenity and security at Corryong community hall to support community recovery activities, through upgrade to meeting area and storage space. | Corryong - Upper Murray | $25,000 | |||
Corryong Neighbourhood House Inc | Giving Youth a Voice Increase youth representation in community recovery and development, through employment of youth workers to support youth leadership in the Upper Murray. | Corryong | $25,000 | |||
Upper Murray Innovation Foundation | Power to the People Boost and strengthen economic recovery and promote climate friendly travel, through installation of Electric Vehicle charger at Walwa. | Walwa | $25,000 | |||
Small & Vital Projects | ||||||
Glenelg & Southern Grampians Local Learning & Employment Network | Support, Encourage and Inspire (Standing Tall, Future Leaders, Young Leaders) Grow ways to support the educational outcomes of disadvantaged and disengaged students by providing train-the-trainer workshops to teachers and mentors in the community. | Heywood | $9,960 | |||
Anam Cara House Colac Inc | Palliative Volunteer Support and Co-ordination Support volunteer engagement and skill through conducting online palliative care training via a community hospice. | Colac | $7,777 | |||
Derrinallum Park Inc | Picnic Tables Boost the use of a community reserve through the upgrade of worn-out seating, making the space comfortable and welcoming. | Derrinallum | $6,380 | |||
Drop In Centre - Wycheproof | Buloke Bright Sparks Help children have better access to social and educational opportunities by providing equipment for use in a program designed specifically to support them. | Wycheproof | $5,108 | |||
Indigo Valley Landcare Group Inc | Nature in the Neighbourhood Workshop Series Encourage community to be active and involved in local conservation through the delivery of a series of Landcare workshops. | Indigo Valley | $3,950 | |||
Inglewood & Districts Health Service | Enhancing the IDHS Residential Aged Care Outdoor Environment Improve health and wellbeing for residents of the local aged care hostel by providing an outdoor area that caters for people with specialised needs. | Inglewood | $10,000 | |||
Murray Human Services Inc | Kyabram Supported Employment Program Improve employment prospects for people living with a disability in Kyabram, by delivering a program that engages local representatives. | Kyabram | $8,951 | |||
Nagambie Healthcare Inc | Creating Moments that Matter - Connectedness in Regional Aged Care Improve the health and wellbeing of people in residential care through the development of an outdoor gathering space. | Nagambie | $10,000 | |||
Rushworth Community House Inc | Upgrade of Rushworth Community Garden Expand the use of a community garden by re-landscaping the area to allow people with mobility issues to gain access to plots. | Rushworth | $6,500 | |||
St Kilda Mums | Eureka Mums - Time to Grow Project Improve the organisation's ability to support and service the community through equipping a warehouse space that is used for material aid support. | Central Highlands Region (incl Ballarat) | $9,951 | |||
Stanhope Recreation Reserve Committee of Management | Stanhope Community Recreation Precinct Project Strengthen connectivity and engagement through the development of a recreation reserve, a well-utilised gathering space in the town's precinct. | Stanhope | $10,000 | |||
Taggerty Community Progress Group Inc | Easy Access for All Improve Taggerty Hub's ability to support and service the community through the installation of an all-abilities entrance. | Taggerty | $10,000 | |||
WESTERN AUSTRALIA | ||||||
Bushfire Recovery Projects | ||||||
Shire of Katanning | Vibrant Katanning Support economic and social recovery through upgrading Katanning's central shopping precinct. | Katanning | $22,000 | |||
Small & Vital Projects | ||||||
Bulyee Hall Committee | Staying Together Going Forward Improve amenities and strengthen social connection with kitchen refurbishment at Bulyee Hall. | Bulyee | $10,000 | |||
Director of National Parks - The Trustee for National Parks Conservation Trust | Christmas Island District School - Crab Cadets and Student Rangers Program Grow appreciation and interest in the local environment among young Christmas lslanders through innovative citizen science education program. | Christmas Island | $10,000 | |||
Fitzgerald Biosphere Group Inc | Dancing in the Dirt Gala Ball - A Community Event Build community wellbeing and strengthen mental health by supporting 'Dancing in the Dirt' Gala for small, drought-stricken community. | Jerramungup | $5,000 | |||
North Midlands Project Incorporated | Cooling The Exchange! Increase use of 'The Exchange' community hub through installation of air conditioners to combat extreme heat conditions. | Carnamah | $10,000 | |||
Yungngora Association Inc | Refurbishment of Yungngora Community Tele-Centre Enable access to the internet for education, online banking and emailing and through provision of computers for very remote community. | Yungngora Indigenous Community | $10,000 |
The Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) has entered a new three-year partnership with the Kellogg Australia Charitable Foundation (KACF).
Creating better days for Australians, Kellogg Australia is committed to tackling hunger and helping to create a more sustainable future for generations to come. Now, with the new partnership between KACF and FRRR, their combined efforts can help tackle hunger and build resilience in vulnerable rural and regional communities throughout the country.
Over the course of the partnership, KACF will donate $300,000 to support grants going towards low socio-economic regions in need, and disadvantaged communities facing high levels of food insecurity.
The funds will be part of FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities program, which aims to give small remote, rural and regional communities across Australia an opportunity to access funding to strengthen their vitality and resilience. Grants are flexible and respond to community-identified priorities, such as food security.
In addition to the KACF funding, Kellogg Australia has also put forward in-kind support in the form of food donations, as well as skilled and unskilled volunteering from its employees.
Esme Borgelt, Managing Director Kellogg Australia, said, “The last couple of years have seen so many of our communities facing increasingly difficult times. From droughts to bushfires to a global health pandemic, the impact on everyone has been significant, and those hardest hit have been our remote, rural and regional communities.
“Almost a quarter of Australians experiencing food insecurity live in regional or remote areas and the aim of the KACF partnership with FRRR is to provide support at a grassroots level to help these communities implement innovative, locally led solutions.”
With FRRR being the only national foundation centred on social and economic strength in remote, rural and regional Australia, the partnership will help to tackle food insecurity with the knowledge and experience of the local needs by local leaders on the ground.
Natalie Egleton, FRRR’s CEO, said, “It’s fantastic to see a leading global food manufacturer like Kellogg’s make it their overarching mission to leave a mark of meaningful difference. We are delighted to be partnering with them to ensure that support reaches vulnerable communities beyond metropolitan boundaries.
“While the grants will be awarded based on locally identified community priorities, there will be a focus on supporting food security initiatives and enterprises, food affordability and food access programs, as well as projects such as community gardens and school and educational food programs,” Ms Egleton explained.
Unlike most other youth music programs, CRASHENDO! Bairnsdale is not only about the tunes. Modelled after Venezuela’s National System of Youth and Children’s Orchestras and Choirs El Sistema Global, CRASHENDO! uses music education as a vehicle to help children develop their self-esteem, resilience, and social skills.
To support the purchase of new instruments and to help cover tuition fees, the CRASHENDO! team successfully applied to FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities program, receiving a $10,000 grant funded by The William Buckland Foundation (managed by Equity Trustees).
They sent us a detailed plan outlining how they planned to use the funds over the course of two years, and how excited they were to get on with their music classes, events, and other activities.
What they couldn’t have known, however, was that the years that followed – 2019-2020 – would be some of the most challenging years their community had ever experienced.
The CRASHENDO! program, which supports around 120 children in Bairnsdale and surrounds, had a great start to the year in 2019, with in-schools tuition, pre-orchestral, orchestra and early years programs in full swing. They also hosted several special events such as the Latrobe Orchestra Workshop and the Christmas Street Parade, both of which brought much joy to the community.
But as Christmas drew closer, so did the devastating bushfires that were already tearing through parts of NSW and VIC. And when the semester was set to begin again in the new year, the CRASHENDO! students had no school to return to.
The facilities, including all their instruments, were destroyed in the fires. Several families in the community had also lost their homes.
But despite these unimaginable challenges, children and tutors alike demonstrated once again the resilience and fighting community spirit we so often see in rural and regional Australia. The classes were moved to another school, and the children found some relief in returning to something familiar and normal – their music practice.
With support from their wonderful and engaging tutors, and by working together in groups, the children continued to develop both their musical skills and interpersonal skills.
But as we all know too well, 2020 brought with it its own set of challenges.
Soon after the COVID-19 virus reached Australian shores, life for the Bairnsdale community was once again turned upside-down. The community went through two remote learning periods (April – June and July – September), which meant all programs had to be moved online.
During this those unusual times, CRASHENDO! Bairnsdale Youth(ful) Orchestra (CBYO) reduced their sessions, halted expansion plans, and cancelled concerts and community performances.
The future was looking uncertain and bleak. But the CRASHENDO! team – both children and staff – were not about to give up that easily. They already knew the strength they had within them, especially when working together, so they kept their heads high, their Zoom cameras on and their smiles BIG – as they found new and engaging ways of delivering their programs.
Instead of having concerts, they produced videos. Instead of cancelling all Special Events, they scaled down the delivery time and incorporated video compilations. The creativity was flowing and proved to be a great learning experience across the board.
Watch a clip from the adorable video performance here.
“Although extremely challenging we have been extremely excited about the opportunity to learn new ways of delivering programs, administration and promotion,” Hilary Rigg, Crashendo! Bairnsdale Coordinator said.
She explained that while the number of participants decreased during online delivery, it also allowed them to widen the scope of musical styles and instruments on offer in the program, as well as the geographic area in which participants lived (across wider Gippsland and Melbourne). As tutors could dial in from anywhere, CRASHENDO! also grew their pool of highly skilled tutors, from areas including Melbourne, Geelong and even interstate.
“We have widened networks, forged new or deeper collaborations with other local musical groups and personnel, and kept musicians connected and playing. Hence, most importantly contributing to the well-being of our community!”
Hilary Rigg, Crashendo! Bairnsdale Coordinator
The need for the diversification of industry has been well known to the Northampton community for many years, given the heavy reliance on agriculture. Drought and unpredictable seasons have seen the withdrawal of many farming families, leaving an ageing population. Northampton has a median age of residents that is significantly older than the national average.
To address this issue, several community groups worked toward a common goal – to leverage the significant tourism potential of the town and bring in more visitors and diversify income. Northampton has a rich heritage, being one of only three towns in Western Australia to have attained the ‘Historic Town’ status. The development of an arts trail is a key feature of the plan, and the Northampton Friends of the Railway sought to add to it with the development and installation of a large 5m x 10m public sculpture.
They worked with local artists and steel masons to design and construct the steal art sculpture with the $3,500 Strengthening Rural Communities grant, thanks to funding from the Bertalli Family Foundation, which was specifically used for its final design and painting. The piece depicts the historic Gwalla railway precinct with all of the original buildings of the railway station, some of which no longer exist, and is located exactly on a section of the first Government Railway in Western Australia. It’s an important interpretive piece to showcase the former area, given the significant role that the railway played in the township’s mining and agricultural history.
This project brought together economic, heritage and artistic outcomes, celebrating and promoting a unique local history.