In November 2019, Aussie Farmers Foundation (AFF) closed its doors and became a founding donor of FRRR’s Disaster Resilience and Recovery Fund, making a more than $500,000 legacy donation in line with the constitution and purpose of the Foundation.

The decision to wind-up the Foundation was taken as a result of a comprehensive strategic review undertaken by the Board of AFF. A key finding emerging from the review is that a more collaborative approach is needed to ensure rural and regional communities have access to the resources they need to improve resilience and recovery in the face of devastating droughts, floods, fires, and other natural disasters.

The donation continues a long partnership, as FRRR and AFF have worked together to support Australian farming communities since 2013.

Over its life, Aussie Farmers Foundation distributed more than $2M in total, including more than $300,000 to FRRR (before this latest contribution). FRRR used this funding to support 24 not-for-profit community groups that ordinarily don’t receive funding from philanthropy. This helped to improve the wellbeing, resilience, and sustainability of rural, regional, and farming communities.

The grants have helped address diverse issues, including:

• The Warrumbungles Community Broadcasting Association Incorporated purchased and erected a mast and aerial on their Outside Broadcast Van which is utilised by the Gilgandra Community in times of flood and fire, but also during community events.
• Charters Towers Women’s Shed – a safe and comfortable space for women to learn basic skills and improve social wellbeing, especially during the prolonged drought.
• Providing $50 vouchers to children in need through FRRR’s Back To School program, so that families can purchase the basic school supplies needed to start the school year on an equal footing with their peers.

The donation to the Disaster Resilience and Recovery Fund is intended to be invested in perpetuity, with annual returns available to provide support for communities where and when its needed to prepare for and respond to the medium to long-term needs following a disaster.

We share FRRR’s belief that the best way to support our rural and regional communities requires a collaborative approach, respecting that local people are best placed to know what will work in their communities. We know FRRR will be a great steward of these funds, and that our contribution to the will ensure a long legacy for Aussie Farmers Foundation and our donors.”
Julia Hunter, Board Member, Aussie Farmers Foundation