Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR)

27 locally-led projects funded

Rural communities across Australia are sharing in $1,060,404 in grants for 27 projects that will help them access the resources they need to tackle the ongoing effects of the Big Dry thanks to FRRR’s award-winning grants program[1], Tackling Tough Times Together (TTTT).

Rural communities still tackling drought
William Creek Gymkhana Committee – TTTT Round 17 grant recipient

While water storage levels in the northern Murray-Darling Basin and northern Australia have improved, parts of south east Queensland and southern Western Australia still face serious or severe rainfall deficiencies[2]. Although other areas and states have had some rain, recovery from drought requires at least 18 months of average to above average rainfall. So much of the country continues to need support to tackle the impacts of the prolonged dry.

The 27 funded projects will help rural communities across Australia, from Charleville in Queensland, Moulamein in New South Wales, Keith in South Australia, to Manjimup in Western Australia, strengthen social connections, boost economic recovery, and build community and organisational capacity and disaster resilience.

Nina O’Brien, FRRR’s Disaster Resilience and Recovery Lead, said that on top of the effects of the drought, the ongoing impacts of the pandemic has seen volunteer fatigue emerge as a key priority in many places.

“For those areas still in drought, volunteers and local groups have had to find ways to sustain and engage the community,” Ms O’Brien explained.

“Maintaining this optimism and drive is no small feat, and we are pleased to be able to support the places and the people that are working to make their community thrive amidst the complexities of drought and the pandemic.

This includes groups like the Bundaleer Forest Community Areas Association in Jamestown, South Australia, who will be able to support their volunteers and boost economic sustainability by upgrading infrastructure and purchasing new equipment. The funding will provide equipment and storage areas needed to maintain the Maple and Pine event centre. The Bundaleer Forest project will provide strong, genuine and ongoing economic benefit, regardless of seasonal conditions, making Jamestown a more attractive place to live, work and play.

In New South Wales, Moulamein Community Development Incorporated has developed an inspiring project that will encourage tourism activity to the area through the restoration of the Werai Horse Stables and Moolpa Blacksmith shop in the Moulamein Heritage Village. The primarily volunteer-run organisation has been awarded a $149,930 grant for their initiative, which will boost the region’s economic recovery and build community wellbeing.

Some of the 27 projects awarded this round include:

  • Monaro Farming Systems CMC Incorporated, NSW – Building Resilient Relationships for Farmers – $29,610 – Help locals stay informed and connected through the delivery of workshops in the Monaro region.
  • Charleville & District Cultural Association Inc, QLD – Charleville Creative Lane 2021 – $20,000 – Encourage more local involvement in the community by delivering up to 30 creative arts workshops in Charleville.
  • Back to the Bush Festival Incorporated, QLD – Miles Back to the Bush Festival – It is the people that make it – $23,452 – Support opportunities for social and educational participation and address disadvantage caused by the drought, for children and young people of Miles, QLD through the delivery of the Back to the Bush Festival in September 2021.
  • Cadell Community and Tourist Association, SA – Cadell Op-Shop Amenities Block – $11,000 – Support volunteers at the community owned and operated Cadell Op-Shop by installing running water and an onsite toilet.
  • Shire of Manjimup, WA – Youth Engage and Empower Project – $60,000 – Support opportunities for social and educational participation through employment of a Project Facilitator to build local youth resilience and establish a youth council for the Shire of Manjimup.

Applications for the TTTT program are always open and groups in drought-affected areas are encouraged to apply for funding to help their community come together to tackle the drought. Grants are available for a broad range of grassroots, community-led initiatives that directly and clearly benefit local communities.

The cut-off dates for the next round of TTTT are:

  • 24 August 2021. (Note: Stage One for the $150,000 grant tier must be received by 12 August). Outcomes will be advised late November 2021.

Tackling Tough Times Together is possible thanks to the collaborative support of several donors, including the Australian Government which committed $15M to be distributed over three years. Generous contributions have also been made by Pratt Foundation, Stockland CARE Foundation, Paul Ramsay Foundation, The Snow Foundation, Tim Fairfax Family Foundation, Henroth Group and private donors from across the nation. To join these donors, and support grants like this through FRRR, you can make a tax-deductible donation here.

More information on the Tackling Tough Times Together grant program is available here.

The full list of grant recipients and their projects are below.

Jump to: NSW | QLD | SA | WA

OrganisationProjectLocationGrant
NEW SOUTH WALES
Up to $150,000
Moulamein Community Development IncorporatedMoulamein Heritage Village Stage Two
Enhance economic recovery and renewal through the restoration of the Werai Horse Stables and Moolpa Blacksmith shop in the Moulamein Heritage Village.
Moulamein$149,930
Up to $60,000
Monaro Farming Systems CMC IncorporatedBuilding Resilient Relationships for Farmers
Help locals stay informed and connected through the delivery of Building Resilient Relationships for Farmers workshops in the Monaro region.
Cooma$29,610
Up to $20,000
Dunoon Men's Shed IncorporatedModelling the Renewable Energy Lifestyle
Support climate resilience and sustainability of the Dunoon Men’s Shed by installing solar power with a battery back-up system.
Dunoon$20,000
Crescent Head Community Hall CommitteeInterior Refurbishment of Crescent Head Community Hall
Encourage better use of the community hall by repairing and restoring the interior to make the community space more comfortable and welcoming.
Crescent Head$14,133
Macleay Choristers IncorporatedMacleay Choristers Piano Grant
Enhance cultural activities that increase local connectedness, through purchase of a piano for local choir and wider community.
Kempsey$10,790
QUEENSLAND
Up to $60,000
Texas P-10 State School Parents and Citizens AssociationTexas State School Middle School Playground Facility
Encourage children’s learning and development through play by installing play equipment for grades 3-6.
Texas$60,000
South Burnett Mountain Bike Club IncorporatedGordonbrook Dam Mountain Bike Park
Support eco-tourism opportunities to strengthen the local economy through construction of a mountain bike track at Kingaroy.
Kingaroy$49,654
Friends of the GalleryBooringa Action Group IncorporatedBooringa Fire and Water Festival
Boost and strengthen the local economy with the Fire and Water Festival.
Mitchell$41,653
Swan Creek School of Arts Committee IncorporationSwan Creek Hall Floor Replacement
Increase safety and amenity at local meeting space, through upgrading the flooring at Swan Creek Hall.
Swan Creek $41,501
Thallon Progress Association IncorporatedSculptures in the Scrub - Thallon Art History Trail
Boost and strengthen the local economy and increase connection to place through development of a sculpture trail in Thallon.
Thallon$35,876
Roughlie Community Centre IncorporatedShaded Outdoor Area
Increase local capacity to support community activities and connectedness, through construction of an outdoor meeting area at Roughlie Community Centre.
Roma$34,000
Amiens History Association IncorporatedMulti-function solar shed and access pathways
Boost and strengthen the organisation’s capacity and sustainability by constructing a multi-purpose shed with solar panels at the Aththe Amiens Legacy Centre.
Amiens$32,659
Back to the Bush Festival IncorporatedMiles Back to the Bush Festival – It’s the people that make it
Support opportunities for social and educational participation and address disadvantage caused by the drought, for children and young people of Miles, QLD through the delivery of the Back to the Bush Festival in September 2021.
Miles$23,452
Up to $20,000
Charleville & District Cultural Association IncorporatedCharleville Creative Lane 2021
Encourage more local involvement in the community by delivering up to 30 creative arts workshops in Charleville.
Charleville$20,000
Farm 2 Fork Collective IncorporatedFuture Proofing the Farm 2 Fork Collective
Boost and strengthen organisation and volunteer capacity with professional development to ensure growth and sustainability.
Kingaroy$19,475
Killarney Bowls Club IncorporatedPurchase New Kitchen Appliances
Improve volunteer vitality and organisational resilience by replacing appliances at the Killarney Bowls Club.
Killarney$16,100
C&K Middlemount Community Childcare Centre
The Creche and Kindergarten Association Limited
C&K Middlemount’s Solar-wise Childcare Project
Support climate resilience and the sustainability of the community childcare centre through the installation of solar panels.
Middlemount$9,626
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Up to $60,000
Milang & District Historical Society IncorporatedThe Port Milang Museum Upgrade
Increase volunteer safety and comfort at Milang Museum and Men's Shed, through building repairs.
Milang$57,090
Bundaleer Forest Community Areas Association IncorporatedStorage and Equipment for Efficient and Sustainable Volunteer Management of Newly Opened Event Centre Maple & Pine, Bundaleer, SA
Reduce volunteer fatigue and boost the sustainability of the Maple and Pine community centre through purchase of equipment.
Jamestown$56,210
Keith Golf Club IncorporatedKeith Golf Club Renovations - Stage 2
Improve the comfort, amenity and function of the local community meeting area, through upgrade to Keith Golf Club building.
Keith$52,883
Bute 2000 Onwards Committee
Barunga West Council
Bute's "Beaut" Silo Art Project
Boost and strengthen the local economy through silo art at Bute.
Bute$49,915
Riverland Connect Association Enhancement of Paringa Silo Art
Enhance the silo art attraction at Paringa, through installation of lighting and sheds for shelter.
Paringa$36,645
Up to $20,000
Purnong District Hall IncorporatedUnderpinning
Grow community resilience and secure the future of the Purnong District Hall for generations with infrastructure works.
Purnong$18,200
Guyra Garden Club Guyra Spring Flower Festival 2021 - Memorial Avenue & Mandala GardenBoost and strengthen the local economy with the Guyra Spring Flower Festival 2021 including a Memorial Avenue and Mandala Garden to honour service people.Guyra$50,000
Cadell Community and Tourist AssociationCadell Op-Shop Amenities Block
Support volunteers at the community owned and operated Cadell Op-Shop by installing running water and an onsite toilet.
Cadell$11,000
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Up to $60,000
Shire of ManjimupYouth Engage and Empower Project
Support opportunities for social and educational participation through employment of a Project Facilitator to build local youth resilience and establish a youth council for the Shire of Manjimup.
Manjimup$60,000
The Moore Catchment Council (Inc)Building a BIG Carnaby's Black Cockatoo Sculpture in Moora
Enhance local tourism and diversify economic opportunities at Moora, through construction of large sculpture featuring the Carnaby Black Cockatoo.
Moora$60,000

[1] 2020 Australian Philanthropy Awards – Best Grant Program

[2] Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology. Drought Rainfall deficiencies and water availability. 10 May 2020. Retrieved from https://bit.ly/2I1PSqA.

29 projects funded to support drought-impacted communities

FRRR has awarded $1,264,396 in grants to 29 projects that will support communities across the country that are experiencing prolonged rainfall shortages. The funding is through its award-winning grants program[1], Tackling Tough Times Together (TTTT).

Tackling Tough Times Together
Quilpie Outback Fringe Festival

The grants will help drought-impacted regions access the resources needed to bring people together, so they can feel connected and supported. These places, like many parts of remote, rural and regional Australia, continue to face the real and persistent challenges caused by Australia’s Big Dry. Despite rainfall across some areas, these extended dry periods and long-term rainfall deficits may continue for some time.[2]

Nina O’Brien, FRRR’s Disaster Resilience and Recovery Lead, said that the TTTT program encourages communities experiencing the Big Dry to take the lead in their recovery and renewal.

Many places facing long-term rainfall shortages have seen their local economy hit. These resilient communities are finding ways to strengthen their economy and encourage local spending and tourism. For Orroroo Carrieton, the District Council is boosting the local economy by developing the Black Rock Wool Press Rotunda as a local attraction. The Rotunda will showcase local historic artifacts including the restored Black Rock Wool Press.

“Other places like Washpool in South Australia and Cecil Plains in Queensland, are renewing their regions by upgrading local facilities to give people a place where they can come together in safety and comfort.

“We are delighted to be able to award these grants to help turn local ideas into reality. We know it’s challenging to get these projects off the ground in the midst of a pandemic, especially when many are dealing with reduced local fundraising capacity, and fatigued volunteers.

“We want people experiencing drought to know that there is still funding available. TTTT is a flexible grant program specifically designed to support communities as they move to recovery. Our team will work with you to help make your project happen, even if it might look a bit different to what you’d initially planned, in light of COVID-19,” Ms O’Brien explained.

Some of the 29 projects awarded this round include:

  • District Council of Orroroo Carrieton, SA – Black Rock Wool Press Rotunda – $143,252 – Boost local economy and tourism opportunities by supporting the development of the Black Rock Wool Press Rotunda to showcase local historical artefacts including the restored Black Rock Wool Press.
  • ABC Foundation Limited, WA – AWRAE: Aboriginal Women’s Research Assistant & Evaluation Training Project – $60,000 – Create opportunities for Indigenous women of Carnarvon and surrounds to develop leadership skills by training them to research and evaluate projects delivered in Indigenous communities.
  • Gooloogong Historical Society Incorporated, NSW – Stage 1 – Restoration and revitalisation of Gooloogong’s meeting place – $59,752 – Reduce volunteer fatigue and increase community connections and sense of place by restoring the Gooloogong Clubhouse to house the Gooloogong Historical Society.
  • Drillham Primary Parents and Citizens Association, QLD – Along the Garden Path – $13,000 – Reduce social isolation and encourage people to come together and connect through a two-day creative arts workshop program.
  • Wheatbelt Business Network Incorporated, WA – Accredited Mental Health First Aid Training in the Wheatbelt – $26,300 – Develop community leaders’ skills and training to provide support for their communities by engaging them in Mental Health First Aid training.

Applications for the TTTT program are always open and groups in drought-affected areas are encouraged to apply for funding to help their community come together to tackle the drought. Grants are available for a broad range of grassroots, community-led initiatives that directly and clearly benefit local communities.

The cut-off dates for future rounds are:

  • 24 May 2021. Outcomes will be advised late August 2021. (Note: Stage One for the $150,000 grant tier must be received by 13 April). Outcomes will be advised late November 2021.
  • 24 August 2021. (Note: Stage One for the $150,000 grant tier must be received by 12 August). Outcomes will be advised late November 2021.

Tackling Tough Times Together is possible thanks to the collaborative support of several donors, including the Australian Government which committed $15M to be distributed over three years. Generous contributions have also been made by Pratt Foundation, Stockland CARE Foundation, Paul Ramsay Foundation, The Snow Foundation, Tim Fairfax Family Foundation, Henroth Group and private donors from across the nation.

To support grants like this through FRRR, make a tax deductible donation here.

The full list of grant recipients and their projects are below.

Jump to: SA | NSW | QLD | VIC | WA

Organisation

Project

Location

Grant

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Up to $150,000

District Council of Orroroo Carrieton Black Rock Wool Press Rotunda
Enhance economic recovery and renewal through the development of the Black Rock Wool Press Rotunda showcasing local historical artifacts including the restored Black Rock Wool Press.
Orroroo $143,252
Wilmington Progress Society Incorporated Wilmington Community Multipurpose Gym Facility Project
Reduce social isolation by facilitating strong social cohesion and connections and increase organisational capacity through the construction of a multipurpose community facility.
Wilmington $108,367

Up to $60,000

Auburn Southern Gateway Committee
Auburn Community Development Committee
Auburn Southern Gateway
Enhance economic recovery and renewal through the installation of town entrance statement signage for the Auburn township in the South Australia Clare Valley.
Auburn $43,826
Washpool Hall Management Committee
Spalding District Incorporated
Washpool Hall Kitchen and Rear Lobby Revitalisation
Reduce volunteer fatigue and build the capacity of the Washpool Hall through the upgrade of the kitchen and rear lobby area.
Washpool $60,000

NEW SOUTH WALES

Up to $60,000

Gilgandra Museum and Historical Society Incorporated Experience our Amazing History @ Gilgandra Rural Museum
Reduce volunteer fatigue and build the capacity, capability and sustainability of the Gilgandra Museum and Historical Society Incorporated through upgrading the kitchen, exhibition/meeting room flooring, lighting, audio equipment and promotional brochure.
Gilgandra $50,909
Gooloogong Historical Society Incorporated Stage 1 – Restoration and Revitalisation of Gooloogong’s Meeting Place
Reduce volunteer fatigue and increase opportunity for community cohesion through
the restoration of the Gooloogong Clubhouse to house the Gooloogong Historical Society.
Gooloogong $59,752
Lower Lachlan Community Services Incorporated Roof Over Community
Support the capacity and sustainability of Lower Lachlan Community Services through the replacement of the roof.
Lake Cargelligo $50,000
Mandagery Public Hall Land Manager Improved Amenities for the Mandagery Hall
Build the capacity of the Mandagery Public Hall Land Manager with upgrades to the amenities with an Eco-Flo toilet system.
Mandagery $55,000

Up to $20,000

Coleambally Community Club Limited Installation of Tesla Battery for Solar Power Storage
Support climate resilience and sustainability of the Coleambally Community Club through the purchase of a Tesla power wall battery for excess power storage.
Coleambally $19,841
Tullera Community Hall Incorporated No Y17180 27  RAMP US UP
Reduce social isolation and support strong social cohesion and connection with an upgrade of a disabled access ramp at the Tullera Community Hall.
Tullera $18,000

QUEENSLAND

Up to $60,000

Bloomin Beautiful Blackbutt Festival Incorporated Blackbutt Arts Strategy, Big Avocado and Arts Project Officer: Towards a Strategic Future
Support stronger economies and sustainability of local tourism events with the development of the Blackbutt Art Strategy and a Project Plan to build a Big Avocado in Blackbutt.
Blackbutt $58,744
Broxburn Music Club Staged for Success
Reduce volunteer fatigue and build the capacity of Broxburn volunteers with the repair and upgrade of the stage and the construction of a lockable shed at The Broxburn Community Grounds.
Broxburn $58,401
Cecil Plains History Group Relocation and Restumping of Norwin CWA Hall
Build the capacity of the Cecil Plains History Group through the relocation and restumping of Norwin CWA Hall to provide an all-weather space for historical displays and a community meeting space.
Cecil Plains $55,000
Goondiwindi Pastoral and Agricultural Society Fencing for the Future
Reduce volunteer fatigue and build the capacity of the local organisation to support their community through drought with the installation of internal zone fencing at the Goondiwindi Showgrounds.
Goondiwindi $60,000
Mondure Public Hall Committee Incorporated The Mondure Public Hall Amenities Refurbishment including a Disabled Toilet
Support the capacity and sustainability of the Mondure Public Hall Committee with upgrades and refurbishment to amenities.
Mondure $58,680
Mulga Mates Centre Incorporated Playground upgrade
Reduce volunteer fatigue, and support sustainability and capacity of Mulga Mates Centre with the installation of a playground to improved early childhood development.
Quilpie $53,958
Outback Festival Incorporated ‘Giants of the Outback’
Reduce social isolation and enhance economic recovery through the delivery of the 2021 Outback Festival in Winton, QLD.
Winton $45,000
Roma Historical Precincts Incorporated Preparation of a Business Case to be used as a Supporting Document for the Development of the Roma Butter Factory
Support organisational capacity and sustainability with the development of a business case to support the redevelopment of the Roma Butter Factory as a visitor experience to boost economic activity and visitation in Roma.
Roma $49,800
Tansey Show Society Incorporated Purchase Shaded Grandstands and Water Troughs for Tansey Showgrounds
Build the capacity of Tansey Show Society through the purchase of two transportable shaded grandstands.
Tansey $23,848

Up to $20,000

Bullyard Hall, Sports and Recreation Club Incorporated Assisting the disabled
Reduce social isolation and build community participation opportunities through the installation of an access ramp at Bullyard Hall.
Bullyard $9,460
Drillham Primary Parents and Citizens Association Along the Garden Path
Reduce social isolation through the provision of creative arts activities enabling the community of Miles to come together and connect during times of hardship.
Miles $13,000
Guides Queensland – Warwick District
Guides Queensland
Refresh and Replacement of the Floor Coverings in 1st Warwick Girl Guide Hut
Reduce volunteer fatigue and build the capacity, capability, and sustainability of the 1st Warwick Girl Guide Hut through refreshing and replacing floor coverings
Warwick $9,878
Outback Gondwana Foundation Limited Futureproofing with a Forklift
Reduce volunteer fatigue and build the capacity of Outback Gondwana Foundation by supplying a forklift.
Eromanga $20,000
Stanthorpe Agricultural Society Gotta get a Gator!
Reduce volunteer fatigue and build the capacity of Stanthorpe Agricultural Society through the purchase of a ‘Gator’ utility vehicle to support community events held at the facility.
Stanthorpe $19,140
Warra Tennis Club Incorporated Serving for Sustainability with Solar Panels
Reduce volunteer fatigue and build the capacity and sustainability of the Warra Tennis Club through the purchase and installation of a solar panel system.
Warra $8,710
Maranoa Regional Council Ignite and Excite: Career Pathway Taster
Support opportunities for learning and education participation at Roma, Mitchell, Injune and Surat with the Ignite & Excite: Career Pathway Taster project.
Roma $5,530

VICTORIA

Up to $20,000

Yaapeet Community Club Incorporated Turkey Bottom Lake – Picnic Shelter
Reduce volunteer fatigue and enhance opportunities for social cohesion and connection through the construction of picnic shelter at Turkey Bottom Lake.
Yaapeet $20,000

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Up to $60,000

ABC Foundation Limited AWRAE: Aboriginal Women’s Research Assistant & Evaluation Training Project
Enhance opportunity for leadership development and skills training for Indigenous women of Carnarvon and surrounds, through the delivery of the Aboriginal Women’s Research Assistant and Evaluation Training Project (AWRAE) focused on research and evaluation for projects delivered in Indigenous communities.
Carnarvon $60,000
Wheatbelt Business Network Incorporated Accredited Mental Health First Aid Training in the Wheatbelt
Support leadership development and skills training in Wheatbelt Business Network through the delivery of Mental Health First Aid Training.
Quairading $26,300

[1] 2020 Australian Philanthropy Awards – Best Grant Program

[2] Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology. Drought Rainfall deficiencies and water availability. 7 October 2020. Retrieved from https://bit.ly/2I1PSqA.