Nearly $800,000 awarded to strengthen rural communities

Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Media releases: 21 June 2022

More than half of the funding to go towards bushfire recovery

Sixty-seven projects across remote, rural and regional Australia will share in $776,583 in grants thanks to FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) program.

HEADING: Nearly $800,000 awarded to strengthen rural communities. IMAGE: Three people sitting at a table smiling and facing the camera.

These projects are grassroots initiatives run by organisations led by local people that will strengthen their communities and have direct benefits for those living in them.

In this round of funding, 26 of the projects receiving funding support ongoing recovery from the 2019/20 Black Summer bushfires. These initiatives, which will share $444,552, include purchasing fit-for-purpose health equipment for three divisions of St John Ambulance NSW – all of which were directly involved in the 2019/20 Black Summer bushfire response.

There are also 41 projects being funded through the Small & Vital stream of the SRC program, which will share in a total of $332,031. These grants range from $1,455 to upgrade the NSW It’s Heaven website to make it more accessible for those who have a disability, to a $10,000 grant for the Northern Australian Aboriginal Charitable Trust that will help to deliver three new, free-of-charge laundromats to remote Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory.

Jill Karena, Place Portfolio Lead at FRRR, said that a noticeable trend emerged in this latest round of applications.

“Interestingly, we saw a strong interest for community gardens in this round. With the cost of living rising on top of the food shortages that are happening as a result of the pandemic and natural disasters like drought and floods, there are growing concerns in rural areas about food security and the lack of access to nutritious, affordable food.

“This is why flexible programs like SRC are crucial. The funding from this program can be used where community leaders see the greatest need. Our climate and our economy are rapidly evolving and these grants can be used to support a broad range of community-led, grassroots initiatives that are helping to address very current issues in real time,” Ms Karena said.

Some of the 67 projects funded include:

  • OpenField Arts Festival Inc – Berry, NSW – OpenField Arts Festival – Facilitate community and social connection through a multidisciplinary arts festival. $10,000 (Bushfire Recovery)
  • Riding for the Disabled in the Top End – Palmerston, NT – Optimisation of Volunteer Management at Riding for the Disabled in the Top End – Improve the management, rostering and training of volunteers by installing a database program and employing a volunteer coordinator. $9,948 (Small & Vital)
  • Girls from Oz Ltd – Kowanyama, QLD – Helping to Keep Language Alive in Kowanyama – Support language revitalisation and student engagement through a performing arts project in a remote school. $9,212 (Small & Vital)
  • Fat Farmers: Rural Health Initiative Incorporated – Cummins, SA – Eyre Peninsula Expansion Project – Enhance physical and mental health by promoting a community fitness group at a local social event. $8,500 (Small & Vital)
  • Fingal Valley Neighbourhood House – St Helens, TAS – Building Blocks: Play and Learn Together – Support delivery of playgroups, early learning and parenting support programs in rural areas through the purchase of a vehicle. $25,000 (Bushfire Recovery)
  • Dunsborough Yallingup Chamber of Commerce – Dunsborough, WA – DYCCI Skills Development and Capacity Building Workshops 2022/23 – Boost and strengthen the local economy by running a series of workshops to help community members improve their business skills. $9,994 (Small & Vital)
  • Country Fire Authority Corryong Country Fire Brigade (CFA) – Corryong, VIC – Corryong Fire Station Kitchen Modernisation – Improve capacity of Corryong Fire Brigade to support bushfire recovery and preparedness by upgrading kitchen. $24,040 (Bushfire Recovery)

A full list of grant recipients is available on FRRR’s website.

The SRC program is collaboratively supported by many generous donors, which are acknowledged on FRRR’s website.

This program always accepts applications and thanks to recent support from the Australian Government, there is now a COVID-recovery stream – Rebuilding Rural Communities. Local NFPs and community groups are encouraged to review the expanded program guidelines and apply. More information about the SRC program is available at www.frrr.org.au/src.

To support grants like this through FRRR, make a tax-deductible donation at frrr.org.au/giving/.

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

OrganisationProjectLocationGrant
NEW SOUTH WALES
Bushfire Recovery
Cobargo Wellness GroupGinger the Frog Community Arts Project Tour
Support children and families impacted by bushfires to process complex emotions resulting from trauma through performance, storytelling and mindfulness.
Coffs Harbour$19,500
Container of Dreams LtdContainer of Dreams Lockup Workshop
Expand the capacity to provide affordable housing and workshop space for bushfire-affected communities by building a shed.
Drake$25,000
Gwymac IncorporatedFostering Inclusive, Friendly, Stronger and More Resilient Communities in Small Rural Towns
Strengthen community recovery and improve health and social wellbeing outcomes and connection through creative workshops.
Bonshaw$25,000
Nambucca Valley Phoenix LimitedFostering Recovery and Resilience through Creative and Connected Communities
Increase capacity of arts organisation to build sustainability and delivery of projects in bushfire-impacted areas through employing a coordinator.
Bowraville$25,000
Kendall Community Centre Reserve Land ManagerKendall's Co-working Hub
Strengthen community recovery and improve health and social wellbeing outcomes and connection through creative workshops.
Kendall$6,713
Northern NSW Helicopter Rescue Service LimitedWestpac Rescue Helicopter Service Annual Volunteers Conference – Narrabri
Support volunteers of Northern NSW Helicopter Rescue to connect with one another through attending an annual conference.
Narrabri$9,710
OpenField Arts Festival IncOpenField Arts Festival 
Facilitate community and social connection through a multidisciplinary arts festival.
Berry$10,000
Sanctuary Point Men's Shed Inc

Extension to Existing Men's Shed
Build capacity for Sanctuary Point Men’s Shed to continue to support local community, increase engagement and reduce social isolation through building a shed extension.

Sanctuary Point$19,263
South East Arts (NSW) Inc Navigate ArtsRegeneration Roadtrip
Promote healing through reconnection to Country in bushfire-impacted communities with an interactive road journey and map.
Bungendore$25,000
Southcoast Health and Sustainability AllianceBushfire and Heatwave Haven ‐ Batemans Bay Uniting Church Facility
Support establishment of a heatwave and bushfire haven by upgrading toilet, shower and storage amenities.
Batemans Bay$24,080
St John Ambulance Australia (NSW)Building Emergency Response Capabilities
Support volunteer emergency responders to increase preparedness for natural disasters through purchase of equipment.
Armidale$20,228
Tenterfield Players Incorporated"Let There Be Light" 
Expand capacity of a bushfire-impacted town by boosting ability to host local stage productions through purchase of portable lighting.
Tenterfield$9,670
The Circle Foundation Cooperative LtdSinging for Health, Wellbeing and Recovery
Enhance social connection, health and wellbeing through a community choir program.
Moruya$24,239
Small & Vital
Equine AngelsHorses 4 Healing Youth Project ‐ Horses Helping Humans Program ‐ Byron Shire
Engage disadvantaged young people to participate in an equine therapy program to build resilience and emotional wellbeing.
Mullumbimby Creek$8,492
It's Heaven IncorporatedUpgrade www.itsheaven.org Platform
Increase inclusiveness through upgrade of an inclusive tourism website, designed to provide accurate and easily accessible information for travellers with a disability.
Shoalhaven$1,455
Quandialla Soldiers Memorial Hall IncorporatedQuandialla Soldiers Memorial Hall Mural
Increase tourism and commemorate history within the local community by painting a large mural on the hall depicting the area's history, development and attractions.
Quandialla$6,875
Weemelah HallBBQ Cover and Lighting Project 
Increase community involvement and engagement, by installing shade and lighting over the BBQ area.
Weemelah$8,880
Woodstock Progress AssociationLet's Tell Some Stories! 
Enhance visitor engagement and improve connections within the existing community, by developing information boards that tell the stories of significant Woodstock locations.
Woodstock$10,000
Young Public P&C AssociationEndemic Showcase Garden, Aboriginal Yarning Circle, and Outdoor Classroom at Young Public School
Create an inspiring and inclusive space with an endemic garden and yarning circle where Aboriginal students can come together to connect with each other and Elders.
Young$10,000
NORTHERN TERRITORY
Small & Vital
Atyenhenge‐Atherre Aboriginal CorporationAlternative Education Program (AEP) ‐ An Alternative Curriculum for Remote School Engagement
Encourage disengaged young people to re‐engage in their education via a culturally appropriate life skills program.
Santa Teresa$10,000
First Nations Bushfood & Botanical Alliance Australia LtdFirst Nations Bushfood and Botanical Alliance Australia
‐ Remote Digital Connectivity
Support First Nations Leaders to promote Indigenous economic interest and initiatives through investment in digital capability.
Alice Springs$9,654
Northern Australian Aboriginal Charitable TrustRemote Laundries – Stage Three
Improve health and social wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal people in remote communities, by providing access to free specialised washing machines that destroy scabies mites.
Ngukurr$10,000
Riding for the Disabled in the Top EndOptimisation of Volunteer Management at Riding for the Disabled in the Top End
Improve the management, rostering and training of volunteers by installing a database program and employing a volunteer coordinator.
Palmerston$9,948
QUEENSLAND
Bushfire Recovery
Tannymorel Hall Committee IncPainting the Tannymorel Hall Roof
Foster connection to place and community pride by painting the Tannymorel Hall roof, championing the community’s social, economic and tourism aspirations.
Tannymorel$9,690
Tin Can Bay Community and Men’s Shed IncorporatedStorage Shed
Support community recovery and wellbeing through purchase of a storage shed to securely house materials and equipment.
Tin Can Bay$4,000
Small & Vital
Audrey's Angels of HopeComputing for Compassion
Ease administration tasks for volunteers who support cancer sufferers and their families with purchase of a printer and computer.
Ingham$2,800
Banana Shire Community Arts Assoc IncRestore, Refurbish, Revive: Reconnecting Community Part Two
Build community connectivity, participation and capacity through the installation of a split system air conditioner and table / chairs.
Biloela$10,000
Blackall Cultural Association IncorporatedBushman's Artisan Gallery Project
Foster and strengthen local engagement with the arts by refurbishing and extending a gallery.
Blackall$10,000
Charleville & District Community Support Association Incorporated Charleville Blue Light Association (Charleville Police)Safer Driving Skills on Outback Queensland Roads: Better Drivers; Safer Roads; Employment Opportunities
Provide young people in a remote area with access to a supervised driver training and education program, to increase road safety awareness and reduce road accidents.
Charleville$10,000
Community for Coastal & Cassowary Conservation IncHistorical Photographic Exhibition in Mission Beach - Echo of the Past
Increase awareness of environmental issues through recent history with an exhibition of photographs of local historical significance to the Mission Beach area.
Mission Beach$8,925
Eacham Historical Society IncorporatedComputers and Archive Map storage
Help local community retain and access region’s history with investment in IT and storage cabinet.
Malanda$7,842
Girls from Oz LtdHelping to Keep Language Alive in Kowanyama
Support language revitalisation and student engagement through a performing arts project in a remote school.
Kowanyama$9,212
Herbert River Men's Shed IncMen’s Shed Equipment Upgrade
Strengthen the capacity of local people to connect with each other and respond to community need, by upgrading the equipment of a Men’s Shed.
Ingham$9,600
Kilkivan & District Community Care Association IncExpanding the Home of the KilkiVAN
Boost the ability of residents to live well in place while ageing, by purchasing equipment to expand community support services.
Kilkivan$10,000
Muttaburra Community Development Association IncUnion Hole Camp - Shearers' Strike
Boost tourism and commemorate the Great Shearers' Strike of 1891 with installation of a large sculpture.
Muttaburra$10,000
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Bushfire Recovery
Port Vincent Progress Association IncUpgrade Projector and Sound System at the Port Vincent Institute
Restore communications and build capacity to host community activities at the Port Vincent Institute Hall through upgrading audio visual equipment.
Port Vincent$10,000
Small & Vital
District Council of Streaky BayThe 'Developing Community Leaders and Capacity through Equipping our Volunteers' Program
Develop volunteer capability and build leadership skills by providing a not-for-profit operations training program designed to upskill volunteers.
Streaky Bay$10,000
Fat Farmers: Rural Health Initiative IncorporatedEyre Peninsula Expansion Project
Enhance physical and mental health by promoting a community fitness group at a local social event.
Cummins$8,500
Goolwa Surf Life Saving Club IncorporatedExpansion of Lifesaving Capabilities at Goolwa Surf Life Saving Club
Boost the organisation’s capability to deliver surf life‐saving services by purchasing new equipment.
Goolwa$10,000
Keyneton Soldiers' Memorial Hall IncKeyneton Soldiers' Memorial Hall ‐ Accessibility Upgrade to Supper Room Entrance
Provide a safe environment for volunteers and visitors through the upgrade of Keyneton Soldiers’ Memorial Hall’s supper room entrance.
Keyneton$9,677
TASMANIA
Bushfire Recovery
Broadmarsh / Elderslie Progress Association IncBEPA Water Tanks
Improve essential facilities of community hall by installing water tanks to enhance capacity for bushfire preparedness and recovery.
Broadmarsh$9,995
Fingal Valley Neighbourhood HouseBuilding Blocks: Play and Learn Together 
Support delivery of playgroups, early learning and parenting support programs in rural areas through the purchase of a vehicle.
St Helens$25,000
Small & Vital
Southern Midlands CouncilEncouraging Active Ageing
Encourage social connection amongst Southern Midland Council’s ageing population by hosting four activities developed by community members.
Oatlands$10,000
VICTORIA
Bushfire Recovery
Bairnsdale Neighbourhood House IncRural Minds Mental Health Workshops
Boost and strengthen mental health and wellbeing in the Bairnsdale community through the provision of workshops.
Omeo$10,000
Bemm River Recreation Reserve Committee of Management IncorporatedEncouraging Connectedness
Rejuvenate a place of gathering by replacing an old barbeque with a new community barbeque.
Bemm River$13,563
Country Fire Authority Corryong Country Fire Brigade (CFA)Corryong Fire Station Kitchen Modernisation
Improve capacity of Corryong Fire Brigade to support bushfire recovery and preparedness by upgrading kitchen.
Corryong$24,040
Destination Gippsland LtdEvent School
Foster the planning of rural and regional community events by employing a project manager.
Mallacoota$25,000
Ensay Mechanics Institute Reserve IncEnsay Community Hall Revitalisation ‐ Kitchen Equipment and Outdoor Seating Upgrade Project
Enhance social cohesion, connectedness and wellbeing by upgrading kitchen facilities and outdoor dining area of the Ensay Community Hall.
Ensay$25,000
Mount Beauty Cricket Club IncSafe, Supportive and Social Spaces
Expand capacity of volunteers to maintain valued community outdoor open spaces through purchase of a large area mower.
Mount Beauty$25,000
Myrrhee Primary School Breath CircleMyrrhee School Mental Health and Wellbeing Program
Promote improved health and wellbeing for children through school incursions on mindfulness and movement.
Myrrhee$9,900
Small & Vital
Buxton Progress Assoc IncBuilding Buxton Strategy Consultation
Boost organisational and volunteer capacity through community consultation and development of a strategic plan for a local progress association.
Buxton$9,451
Committee for MaryboroughCreating a Vibrant Community ‐ Phase One: Planning
Facilitate networking and opportunities for intergenerational collaboration through story telling in the Central Goldfield Shire.
Bealiba$8,000
Country Fire AuthorityHose Drying Rack
Support volunteer safety and build organisational capacity through the installation of a hose drying rack at Arcadia Fire station.
Arcadia$3,960
Flowerdale Community House IncFlowerdale Community Garden Project
Enhance health, wellbeing, and connectedness of the community through building a community garden.
Flowerdale$10,000
Highlands Community Hall Committee IncHighland Hall going Forwards
Strengthen local capacity and skills through governance and strategic planning workshops and support.
Highlands$10,000
Kilmore District Men's Shed IncShade Sail
Promote social connections in older age groups and protect physical health through the installation of a shade sail.
Kilmore$8,206
Lions Club of Benalla IncToilet Facilities in the Benalla Lions Shed
Boost volunteer engagement and provide an inclusive and comfortable facility through the installation of accessible toilet amenities.
Benalla$10,000
Millewa Advisory GroupMillewa Silo Art
Boost tourism and strengthen the local economy by establishing silo art installations in Werrimull.
Werrimull$8,000
Southern Otway Landcare Network IncShrub Club Community Nursery Bench Restoration
Improve the safety of volunteers through installing new potting benches at a community‐run nursery.
Apollo Bay$3,320
St Arnaud Neighbourhood House IncCommunity Vegetable Garden
Improve nutrition of low‐income residents through the installation of a community garden.
St Arnaud$7,300
Tri Gym IncStrengthening Our Community - Healthy Body and Mind
Support better health and wellbeing outcomes by enabling older community members to access local pilates classes.
Marysville$4,450
UCA Queenscliff Point Lonsdale"Clearing the Air" - Installation of Air Purifiers in Public Spaces
Encourage people to come together safely by installing air purifiers in a community hall and meals space.
Queenscliff-Point Lonsdale$7,990
United Way Glenelg Victoria IncorporatedWinter Care Packages
Reduce social isolation and decrease financial pressures for aged residents with provision of care packages.
Portland$5,000
View Street Public Hall CommitteeNew Window in the Kitchen of the West End Hall (Castlemaine)
Increase the comfort of hall users and lower greenhouse gas emissions by installing double glazed windows that will moderate the temperature inside the View Street Public Hall.
Castlemaine$2,000
Woorak Community and Land Management GroupInternet Connection and Data Projector
Increase functionality of hall with provision of projector and internet connections to enable video conferencing, workshops, on-line training and presentations.
Woorak$2,500
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Bushfire Recovery
Denmark Community Resource Centre IncDistributed 15 ‐ Dance in Porongurup
Cultivate connection to environment, climate action and climate hope through creative workshops and performance.
Porongurup$9,961
Small & Vital
Dunsborough Yallingup Chamber of Commerce IncDYCCI Skills Development and Capacity Building Workshops 2022/23
Boost and strengthen the local economy by running a series of workshops to help community members improve their business skills.
Dunsborough$9,994