Rural communities strengthened with more than $1.1M in grants

Media releases: 19 January 2021

More than 100 projects funded across Australia

More than 100 projects set to strengthen remote, rural and regional Australia have been given an encouraging boost, with 96 communities sharing in $1,112,492 in grants, thanks to the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal’s (FRRR) Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) program.

The successful communities, which range across Australia from remote Kintore in the Northern Territory, to Jundah in Queensland and Leonora in Western Australia, will use the grants of up to $25,000 for a broad range of inspiring projects.

Led by local people, these initiatives vary from encouraging young people from Arnhem Land communities to connect with culture and make healthy lifestyle choices by getting them involved in creating edible garden plots, to helping the community of South Arm continue its recovery following the Black Summer bushfires by purchasing amenities and safety equipment to prepare the local hall for future disaster events.

It’s just one of 34 grants going to communities with the unique challenge of overcoming the impacts of the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires. Supported through a special stream of funding, these regions will share in $589,945 in grants for projects designed to help seed and strengthen their recovery.

Sarah Matthee, FRRR’s Acting CEO, said that communities have found diverse ways to build up their resilience and support one another.

“This round we have seen communities drawing on their strong community partnerships to find ways of helping to make their community a more resilient and connected place,” Ms Matthee said.

“Communities have also shown us how much they value the vital contributions made by volunteers. We have funded several projects that support and recognise these people, and help tackle the fatigue they feel, especially in light of this year’s challenges.

“For bushfire-affected communities, COVID-19 has not lessened their determination to keep on recovering, despite the pandemic resulting in gatherings and events, which would have helped people connect and rebuild, being postponed or cancelled. Local leaders have put forward great ideas that are sure to help lift community spirits.

“Regardless of where these communities are at, the SRC program is flexible enough to fund projects that will help communities to seed strengthen, adapt and evolve, and innovate and renew,” Ms Matthee explained.

Some of the 101 projects awarded include:

  • Dalaigur Pre-school and Children’s Services Aboriginal Corporation, NSW – Transportation 2021 – $10,000 – Increase Kempsey children’s access to educational, social and health opportunities by providing a bus service for Aboriginal Early Childhood Education Services students.
  • West Daly Regional Council, NT – West Daly Regional Council’s Community BBQ Trailer – $9,068 – Create a more engaged community and enhance locals’ sense of place by purchasing a BBQ trailer that will be used during emergency and disaster relief efforts and for community events.
  • Pomona & District Community House Inc, QLD – Pomona Youth Resilience and Well-being Project – $18,891 – Increase access, support and resources for local youth in Pomona by delivering a facilitated, structured community-based youth program.
  • Kingscote Farmers & Artisan Market Inc, SA – Kingscote Farmers and Artisans Market – The Backyard – $24,640 – Increase access to local produce and the social and economic recovery of Kangaroo Island by employing a part-time project manager to help reopen the Kingscote Farmers & Artisan Market and develop a pop-up activity space.
  • Live Well Tasmania, TAS – Renovating our Community Centre for Community Health and Wellbeing – $9,980 – Create a safe space for youth by renovating the local Community Centre.
  • Friends of the Great Victorian Rail Trail, VIC – Tour de Trail – $3,700 – Promote health and wellbeing by encouraging people to participate in a bike-ride/fun day event in Mansfield in March 2021.
  • Ngadju Conservation Aboriginal Corporation, WA – Rebuilding Community Through Clearing Tracks for Management of Fire (Kala) in Ngadju Country $25,000 – Increase fire preparedness in the Great Western Woodlands and maintain cultural sites of significance by clearing tracks to make access easier for cultural mosaic burns.

The SRC program is collaboratively supported by a number of generous donors, which are listed on the Strengthening Rural Communities program page.

The next round of SRC grants will be announced March 2021. The current round is accepting applications until 23 February 2021.

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

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

Organisation

Project

Location

Awarded

NEW SOUTH WALES

Hillston and District Aquatic Club Inc Upgrade Lake Woorabinda Access to Water
Build community resilience and engagement in water activities through the upgrade and drought proofing of Lake Woorabinda.
Hillston $10,000
Mendooran & District Development Group Main Street Seating in Mendooran
Strengthen community connection through the provision of safe seating and exterior upgrade Masonic Lodge.
Mendooran $841
Collins Creek Public Hall Land Manager Improvements to Acoustic Properties of the Collins Creek Community Hall
Enhance community identity through improving the acoustic quality of the Community Hall.
Collins Creek $10,000
Gilgandra Council Capturing the Memories and Local Characters
Promote social inclusion and wellbeing by documenting stories from residents of Cooee Lodge and Jack Towney Hostel.
Gilgandra $10,000
Lightning Ridge Opal and Fossil Centre Inc Australian Opal Centre (AOC) 2021-2023 Strategic Plan Development Project
Build organisational resilience through the development of a 3 year strategic plan for the Lightening Ridge Fossil and Opal Centre.
Lightning Ridge $10,000
Tenterfield Show Society Inc Connecting 1876 and 2020
Contribute to a culturally vibrant community through preservation and display of locally significant artifacts and memorabilia.
Tenterfield $10,000
Circartus Inc Circartus Train the Trainer
Strengthen Circartus organisational capacity by delivering a train the trainer program.
Wingham $9,970
Kootingal and District Pre-School Inc Aboriginal Program and Clay Program
Strengthen engagement with Aboriginal culture through the delivery of a program of structured play activities for preschool children at Kootingal & District Preschool.
Kootingal $8,000
Burringbar School of Arts Purchase and Installation of Commercial Dishwasher
Increase volunteer capacity through the purchase of a commercial dishwasher for Burringbar School of Arts.
Burringbar $4,698
Dalaigur Pre-school and Children’s Services Aboriginal Corporation Transportation 2021
Enable access to quality learning environments through the provision of transport services for young children to attend Dalaigur Pre-school.
Kempsey $10,000
Howlong Toy Library The Power of ‘Picnics and Play’
Enrich local community interaction through the purchase of resources for a series of mindful play and dinner events for families and children in Howlong.
Howlong $5,541
Kendall Mens Shed Routing
Increase organisational capacity through the purchase of a router to support fundraising capacity for Kendall Men’s Shed members.
Kendall $2,463
Utungun Community Hall Section 355 Committee of Management
Nambucca Valley Council
Utungun Hall – Sitting Pretty and Moving Safely
Support Volunteer capacity through the purchase of chairs and equipment for Utungun Community Hall.
Utungun $4,020
Hawkesbury-Nepean Landcare Network
Hawkesbury River County Council
Regenerating our Bushland after Fire, Hawkesbury
Increase local capacity to manage environmental recovery, through delivery of a series of workshops and events on topics such as weed management and erosion.
Bilpin $16,000
Community Foundation for Albury Wodonga Region Ltd Digital Storytelling
Celebrate and encourage local giving post-bushfire via a digital storytelling project.
Albury $10,000
Glenrac Incorporated Emergency Preparedness for Future Challenges – Glen Innes NSW
Increase support for recovering community, through delivery of wellbeing events and mental health first aid training.
Glen Innes $17,150
Marine Rescue Kioloa
Volunteer Marine Rescue NSW
Marine Rescue Base Facilities Upgrade
Increase local capacity to maintain volunteer marine rescue service base facility, though replacement of carpet.
Kioloa – Bawley Point $5,000
Eden Tourism Inc Relocation of Eden Visitor Information Centre
Increase amenity and function of new Eden Visitor Information Centre, through professional design and development of internal areas.
Eden $20,000
Hartley Vale Mount Blaxland Reserve Land Manager Ground Penetrating Radar Survey
Heal the community through the establishment of all burial sites located at the Hartley Vale Cemetery.
Hartley $16,016
Merimbula Big Game and Lakes Angling Club Inc. Replacement of Community Infrastructure – The Boating and Fishing Jetty at Spencer Park Merimbula Lake
Increase capacity to fundraise for replacement of local jetty, though support to complete development application and design planning.
Merimbula $14,850
South Arm Hall Committee of Management
Nambucca Valley Council
Making South Arm Hall Resilient, Welcoming and Aiding Recovery
Strengthen South Arm Hall’s resilience and preparedness for future disaster events through the purchase of safety and amenity items.
South Arm $25,000
Nimbin Community Centre Incorporated Walkways Together – from Jarjums to Elders
Support community resilience through replacement of covered walkways at Nimbin Community Centre.
Nimbin $9,700
The Southern Highlands Foundation FireAid Bushfire Appeal/Covid-19 Appeal
Strengthen capacity of the Foundation to support their community post bushfire through the employment of an Executive Officer.
Balmoral $25,000
Bombala Pre School Inc Urban & Indigenous Agriculture Project
Increase local resilience and intergenerational connections, through construction of codesigned community space and permaculture skills.
Bombala $15,000
Mid Richmond Neighbourhood Centre Inc Play in Nature
Support early childhood development through the construction of a Natural Playground at Mid Richmond Neighbourhood Centre.
Evans Head $9,575
Salt Care Limited Salt Life
Support vulnerable cohorts across Shoalhaven via support groups facilitated by the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program.
Nowra/ Bomaderry $15,000
The Elands Community Health & First Aid Centre Incorporated Refurbishments for Community Centre
Increase comfort and capacity of Elands local meeting space, through installation of air conditioning and solar system with battery.
Elands $24,102
Ettrick Hall Committee Inc Ettrick Hall Bathroom Upgrade
Increase local capacity and disaster preparedness, through upgrading bathroom facilities at local hall to include a shower for emergency personal and displaced residents.
Ettrick $10,000
Do It For Batlow Weemala Hill Walking and Riding Trails – Batlow Lookout
Renew access to local walking trails that support health and wellbeing through employment of contractors to clear burnt trees and reinvigorate the area.
Batlow $25,000
Macdonald Valley Association Macdonald Valley Community – Book of Fires
Advance the recovery of the Macdonald Valley through the creation of a book which documents and celebrates community resilience.
St Albans $22,870
Pambula Business Chamber Incorporated Pambula Art Project
Increase visitation to the region and highlight local history and culture, through development and installation of a series of artworks across the Pambula township.
Pambula $25,000

NORTHERN TERRITORY

Central Australian Aboriginal Media Assoc (Aboriginal Corporation) 40 Years of CAAMA – Compilation Album Set
Celebrate and promote Indigenous culture and musicianship through creation of four CD set of Central Australian Indigenous music.
Alice Springs $10,000
One Tree Community Services Inc Green Book
Increase accessibility and feelings of security and inclusion with the creation of restful outdoor space at Wadeye Women’s Refuge.
Wadeye $8,000
MJD Foundation Ltd MJD International Centre of Excellence – Umbakumba
Enable provision of allied health services and research for sufferers of Machado Joseph Disease on Groote Eylandt through fit out of accommodation for researchers and allied health workers.
Umbakumba $10,000
East Arnhem Regional Council Healthier Eating through Edible Gardens in East Arnhem Indigenous Communities
Support community engagement and active lifestyles, leading to healthier outcomes for community members, with the establishment of edible gardens.
Milingimbi $10,000
Katherine Isolated Children’s Service Incorporated Remote Mobile Playgroup
Create equal opportunities for early childhood development through access to mobile playgroups in very remote locations across Central Australia.
Katherine $10,000
West Daly Regional Council West Daly Regional Council’s Community BBQ Trailer
Build community connectedness and support social connection through provision of a BBQ trailer for Council and community run events.    
Wadeye $9,068

QUEENSLAND

The Creche and Kindergarten Association Limited C&K Hoey Street’s Sustainable Food Forest
Foster healthy eating habits and connection to the environment, through the establishment of a sustainable food garden at the local kindergarten.
Sarina $1,252
Cloncurry Kindergarten Association Inc Screens for outside buildings
Increase educational opportunities at Cloncurry Kindergarten through the provision of retractable screens for outdoor buildings.
Cloncurry $10,000
Abergowrie Primary P&C Association The Voices of our Yarning Circle
Support cultural literacy and community engagement in education through the building of a landscaped Yarning Circle.
Ingham $10,000
Bana Mindilji Aboriginal Corporation Installation of Composting Toilets on Country
Promote environmental sustainability and organisational capacity through the installation of composting toilets at remote station.
Wujal Wujal $10,000
Burdekin Woodcrafts Association Incorporated Kitchen Replacement
Strengthen community engagement through upgrade of kitchen facilities at the Burdekin Woodcrafts Association.
Ayr $9,765
Focus on Food and Fibre Conference
Nindigully Landcare Group Incorporated
Focus on Food and Fibre Conference
Build community and agricultural resilience through support for food and fibre conference.
St George $10,000
Jundah Local Ambulance Committee Emergency Response Training
Improve emergency response capacity by enabling volunteers to participate in training.
Jundah $3,250
Kilkivan Show & Campdraft Association Inc Defibtech Lifeline Package & Community COVID-19 Pack
Support community safety and health outcomes, through the purchase of a defibrillator machine and community COVID-19 pack.
Kilkivan $5,228
QCWA St George Branch
The Queensland Country Women’s Association
QCWA St George – Empowerment Through Technology!
Help people stay connected by purchase of IT equipment to increase the digital capacity of local CWA.
St George $1,969
Queensland Rural Regional and Remote Women’s Network Incorporated Advancing towards 2030.
Increase digital capability and capacity through the purchase of integrated membership and fundraising IT platform.
Goondiwindi $10,000
Roughlie Community Centre Incorporated Purchase of 2 Refrigerators for Cold Storage
Develop organisational resilience and capacity through the purchase of refrigerator for community centre.
Roma $4,798
Texas & District Kindergarten Association Inc Replace Two Non-compliant Fences at Texas Kindergarten.
Support a safe outdoor early learning environment through upgrade of fencing at local kindergarten.
Texas $6,974
Artworks Granite Belt Inc. ArtWorks Station Cafe upgrade
Increase capacity and enhance facilities at volunteer run Artworks Station Cafe, through upgrade of kitchen and outdoor eating area.
Stanthorpe $9,066
Pomona & District Community House Inc Pomona Youth Resilience and Well-being Project
Increase access to support and resources for local youth in Pomona, through delivery of a facilitated, structured community based youth program.
Pomona $18,891

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Scouts SA – Roonka Water Activity Centre
Scout Association of Aust SA Branch
Tree Planting and Installation of Solar Powered Watering System
Restore and conserve local habitat and generate community engagement through the creation of a native garden.
Blanchetown $4,139
Port Neill War Memorial Hall Inclusion and Access for All at our Hall
Enhance community well-being and connectedness and improve the amenity of a community hall through the installation of an all ability toilet.
Port Neill $8,034
Mannum Men’s Shed Inc Continue to Work by Purchasing a Thicknesser
Increase social engagement by purchasing new equipment and strengthen the Men’s Shed capacity to support participants and deliver community projects.
Mannum $1,299
Parndana Progress Association – Walking Trail Sub-Committee
Parndana Progress Association
Parndana Fitness Trail – Outdoor Gym Station
Increase access to equipment that supports health and wellbeing, through installation of outdoor fitness equipment at Kangaroo Island West Lions Park.
Parndana $16,838
Kangaroo Island Yacht Club Inc Community Hub Upgrade to Support Community Resilience
Enhance community activities that support connectedness at the Kangaroo Island Yacht Club, through upgrade of aged kitchen facilities.
Kingscote $25,000
Kingscote Farmers & Artisan Market Inc Kingscote Farmers and Artisans Market – The Backyard
Increase support for reopening of community market and development of pop up activity space in Kingscote, through employment of a part time project manager.
Kingscote $24,640
The Cudlee Creek Tennis & Basket Ball Club Inc A Community Led Project: Our Community Hub and Tennis Courts
Increase preparedness for disaster and enhanced community facilities for a community recovering from bushfire, through upgrade of fencing, drainage, water storage and landscaping at local hub.
Cudlee Creek $25,000

TASMANIA

Lorinna Residents & Ratepayers Association Inc Lorinna Hall Improved Access Project
Enhance community well-being and connectedness and improve the amenity of a community hall through the installation of an all ability access ramp.
Lorinna $2,000
Live Well Tasmania Renovating Our Community Centre for Community Health and Wellbeing
Create a secure hospitable meeting space and support youth engagement through conducting roof maintenance at a community centre.
Wynyard $9,980
Dorset Community Association Inc Outreach and Support Equipment Upgrades
Build organisational capacity and increase community engagement through the purchase of equipment for a Neighbourhood House.
Scottsdale $9,790
Lilydale Volunteer Fire Brigade
State Fire Commission (Tas)
Lilydale Community Smoke Alarm Project
Increase safety and build community awareness through the operation of a fire safety project.
Lilydale

$7,000

VICTORIA

Friends of Grampians Rail Trail Inc Grampians Rail Trail Emergency Marker Posts
Provide a safe community resource and strengthen opportunities for social engagement through the development of a recreation trail.
Stawell $9,111
Castlemaine Community House Inc Food Links – Strengthening Local Food Security
Improve community health, wellbeing, and educational development through the establishment of a food security program.
Castlemaine $10,000
Colac Area Health Foundation Saving Lives in the Colac Community
Improve community health and well-being outcomes through the purchase of healthcare equipment for use in a local Hospital.
Colac $10,000
Friends of the Great Victorian Rail Trail Tour de Trail
Enhance well-being outcomes and strengthen community connection through the initiation of a community event.
Mansfield $3,700
Penshurst Progress Association Inc Aiding our Community Communication and Cooperation
Increase community engagement, volunteer support and social opportunities, through the purchase of a new printer.
Penshurst $8,000
Central Highlands Rural Health Transforming Aged Care Residents’ Quality of Life
Improve the health and social wellbeing of people living with dementia by providing a interactive games program for residents.
Daylesford $10,000
Cobden District Health Services Inc Cobden Health Boiler Room Upgrade
Strengthen organisational capacity and support the needs of residents through the upgrade of a boiler-room system.
Cobden $10,000
Cycling Without Age Portland Inc
Rotary Club of Portland Inc
Cycling Without Age on the Move
Strengthen community connections for older people and support volunteer participation though the commencement of a cycling project.
Portland $9,000
Paynesville Men’s Shed Inc Let there be Lunch!
Improve mental health and social outcomes for older men in the community by upgrading a kitchen and delivering a healthy eating program.
Paynesville $4,123
St Arnaud Neighbourhood House Inc The Life Story Projects
Improve social participation and the health and wellbeing of aged care residents, through the enhancement of a life story project.
Donald $6,810
West Wimmera Health Service Friends Across the Ages Gone Digital
Improve the health and social wellbeing of older people by initiating a community connections program.
Nhill $10,000
Boort Resource and Information Centre Boort Business and Services Resource Hub
Improve community participation and access to services and education through the development of a fit for purpose community hub.
Boort $10,000
Community Recovery Committee Bunyip Complex Fires Association Inc Tonimbuk Hall Upgrade
Increase community participation and engagement through installation of a climate control system and the upgrade of a Community Hall.
Tonimbuk $9,990
Cowangie Soldiers Memorial Hall New Blockout Blinds
Strengthen community engagement and participation by replacing coverings which are no longer fit for purpose and creating a space that meets community needs.
Cowangie $4,000
Kilmore District Men’s Shed Inc Equipment
Promote learning and development and build organisational capacity through the purchase of new technology.
Kilmore $2,933
Paynesville RSL Sub-Branch A Warm Glow for Better Health
Increase community participation and engagement through installation of a climate control system, creating a comfortable gathering space.
Paynesville $10,000
Southern Otway Landcare Network Inc SOLN Support Centre’s Community Shed
Increase environmental education and community participation through the creation of a secure, hospitable space.
Apollo Bay $10,000
Swan Hill Specialist School SHSS Community Garden
Strengthen student engagement and skill development while establishing a connections to the wider community through the expansion of a community garden.
Swan Hill $5,346
Clunes Neighbourhood House Inc Weight off your Shoulders: 6 Week Weight Loss and Wellbeing Program
Improve the health and well-being of community members through initiating a health focused support program.
Clunes $10,000
Robinvale Network House Inc Covid Community Connection Capabilities
Increase communication of community education programs and activities through development of a website and communication system.
Robinvale $8,862
Central Grampians Local Learning and Employment Network Inc Ararat Schools Resilient Art Project
Increase the resilience and well-being of young people in the community through the delivery of a mindfulness program.
Ararat $10,000

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Empowering Plantagenet Seniors Inc Empowering Plantagenet Seniors Hub Fit Out
Support community engagement and participation through establishment of a Senior’s Hub.
Mount Baker $10,000
Narembeen Community Resource Centre (CRC)
Shire of Narembeen
Ladies Long Lunch
Increase social connectedness, business skills and mental health wellbeing through the Narembeen Ladies Long Lunch event.
Narembeen $6,750
Esperance Farmers Fund
South East Premium Wheat Grower Association
Set up Foundation – Esperance Farmers Fund
Build capacity of Esperance to deliver locally driven community projects that support the wellbeing and growth of the community through establishment of a local community foundation.
Esperance $10,000
Katampul Aboriginal Corporation Development Katampul Health and Wellbeing Plan: Working Group
Build community capacity through creation of an interagency working group and development of household health and wellbeing plans.
Leonora $9,100
Tjupan Ngalia Tribal Land Council Aboriginal Corporation Walkatjurra Kindilink Mural Project
Build student and community engagement with education and incorporate cultural learning via a transformative mural design process at Lenora District High School.
Leonora $10,000
Littlewell Mingenew Aboriginal Reserve Group
Shire of Mingenew
Littlewell Aboriginal Reserve Seating
Enhance the amenity of the Littlewell Reserve through provision of seating.
Mingenew $10,000
Be Living Smart Inc
Collie Family Centre Incorporated
The 10-topic Living Smart Community Course
Support community to achieve environmental sustainability goals through seven week Living Smart course.
Collie $9,013
Lake Grace Community Men’s Shed Inc. Operation Bandsaw
Increase community engagement, social wellbeing and connectedness for men in the Lake Grace region through the replacement of a bandsaw at Men’s Shed.
Lake Grace $2,750
Northampton Parents and Friends Association Playground for St Mary’s Primary School Northampton
Increase gross and fine motor skill development and children’s physical health and mental wellbeing with purchase of playground equipment for St Mary’s School, Northampton.
Northampton $9,000
Ngadju Conservation Aboriginal Corporation Rebuilding Community Through Clearing Tracks for Management of Fire (kala) in Ngadju Country
Increase fire preparedness in the Great Western Woodlands and maintain cultural sites of significance, by clearing tracks that enable access for cultural mosaic burns.
Norseman Indigenous Location $25,000