2025 Disaster Recovery Appeal
Supporting disaster-affected communities
2025 has already proven a challenging year for remote, rural and regional communities. In just a few months we’ve seen:
Most of these communities are small and very remote and the impact of these disasters will be long-lasting.
When remote and outback areas experience disasters, the impacts can be catastrophic for those communities on so many fronts, yet can be less visible and therefore, less supported: stock and property losses, isolation, disruption to economies and wider supply chains, and increased demand on not-for-profit organisations. All of which impacts on mental health, wellbeing, and the prosperity of those who work tirelessly to produce food and fibre for the world and those who support them.
These communities will need support long after the water recedes, and the emergency relief money is expended. That’s why FRRR has launched a recovery appeal, as we know these places will need help now, and for many years to come.
Why give to FRRR?
FRRR makes grants to local not-for-profit groups for community-led projects that address the most pressing needs that emerge 12-18 months after a disaster event, and in the years that follow.
We have supported communities affected by disasters since 2006. So we know that recovery will take time, and that every community moves at a different pace.
We urge those wanting to support the affected communities to consider supporting our Disaster Resilience and Recovery Fund (DRRF). Funds are invested now, and grants are awarded from the earnings. Contributing to our DRRF now means funding will be available for whatever they need, when they need it in the years to come.
For those who want their funds to be used in full in the medium-term, we invite you to contribute to our flexible Strengthening Rural Communities program. We offer grants through a dedicated Prepare & Recovery stream to support communities that identify more immediate needs in their recovery. These grants are currently available on a rolling basis, so are available to communities when the time is right.
Can you lend your support? If so, please donate now.
Your contribution will make a real difference
Local people are best placed to know what they need.
Our role is to trust them, to mentor and support them – especially in times of disaster.
Many of these flood-affected communities are still feeling the compound impacts of bushfires, drought and COVID.
So they need our help, more than ever.
With strong local networks, FRRR can make sure funding reaches those who really know what is needed,
and when their community is ready.
Our special tax status also means funds reach grassroots community organisations
in rural areas who often miss out on support.
Can you lend your support? If so, please donate now.
Donations can be allocated to all rural, regional, and remote communities,
or for specific regions or communities in the affected areas.
If you have questions, email our Partnership Services team or call 1800 170 020.
Your support could fund projects like these …
The kinds of things that can be funded are diverse and reflect the needs the community identifies, but it could include rebuilding infrastructure, supporting vulnerable community members and the overall mental health of locals, providing opportunities for locals to reconnect and share their experiences, as well as looking at ways of improving resilience and how the community can prepare for future disasters.
Below are a snapshot of a few projects FRRR has previously funded in other disaster recovery programs. Get in touch if you’d like to know more about how other organisations have recovered from disaster events.
Building back better in Rathdowney
The open-air equestrian arena at the Rathdowney Memorial Grounds was inundated by heavy rain in March 2021 and the arena surface was so badly damaged that the annual campdraft had to be postponed. They received funding to to repair the equestrian arena and to mitigate the impacts of future flood events on the Rathdowney Memorial Grounds.
Recovery in Kalbarri
Kalbarri in WA was severely impacted by Cyclone Seroja in April 2021. Funding from FRRR’s Disaster Resilience & Recovery Fund helped them stage a community gala which raised vital funds to help rebuild a new community meeting place.
Dungog learns from the past in preparing for the future
Following a devastating storm event, Dungog Information & Neighbourhood Service received a $14,200 grant from FRRR to run a series of community preparedness expos and distribute preparedness kits, reaching more than 350 households within the Dungog and Stroud areas, as well as a further 42 homes from neighbouring communities.
Five reasons to support FRRR’s Disaster Recovery Appeal
- FRRR can reach community groups in remote, rural and regional Australia that often don’t have the capacity to fundraise locally, and due to their tax status, can’t access philanthropic support.
- We rigorously assess the organisations and projects that receive grants.
- All grant recipients have to report back on how they used the money, and what they achieved.
- FRRR’s administration costs are low.
- FRRR is trusted, known, respected, enduring, and well governed. You can be assured that your donations will be managed with care and directed to local community groups and not-for-profit organisations, for local projects, supporting local people.
Further information
Contact our Partnership Services team on 1800 170 020 or via email to make a lasting difference by joining with other donors who are passionate about rural communities and provide a helping hand in times of need.
