Federal funding for 52 projects to help local groups rebuild their regions

The Albanese Labor Government continues to invest in the liveability, sustainability and resilience of regional, rural and remote communities – with over $811,000 in grants flowing to 52 local-led projects across the country.

Delivered through the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal’s (FRRR) Strengthening Rural Communities program, grants of up to $50,000 will support local organisations to uplift their communities, following significant disruption from COVID-19.

From improving equipment and facilities at community hubs, to workshops and education programs that will increase community engagement – these small-scale projects will be high impact, including:

In the Northern Rivers of New South Wales, where $50,000 will help establish a network of Young Community Carers and Responders to reduce social isolation and support the wellbeing of young people impacted by COVID-19.
In Glenmorgan in the Western Downs Region of Queensland, where $46,432 will support the installation of a solar system at the community owned Glenmorgan store to reduce its operating costs, along with the construction of an outdoor shaded meeting space to foster community connection.
In Ensay in Victoria, where $49,750 will support Ensay Hall develop a welcoming, accessible, and financially sustainable venue for events and activities, along with upgrades to bathroom facilities at the community hub.
In Lameroo in South Australia, where $50,000 will support the installation of silo art – creating a permanent cultural tourism asset in the heart of town, which will reinvigorate tourism following the pandemic.
In Boyup Brook in Western Australia, where $10,000 will get a series of mental health events off the ground to support rural men and teenage boys build resilience and connection following the pandemic.
In Copping in Tasmania, where $49,540 will support the construction of a distribution and storage shed for bulk food handling, to sustain the work of an organisation facing a 625 per cent increase in demand on their food relief services since the COVID-19 pandemic.
In East Arnhem in the Northern Territory, where $50,000 will support a commercial kitchen in a remote First Nations community to enhance post-pandemic recovery, improve employment opportunities and provide meals and social connection to vulnerable community members.

The funding is part of the Albanese Government’s $5 million investment from 2022 to 2024 in the Rebuilding Regional Communities stream of the FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities program.

Applications for the final round of the Rebuilding Regional Communities stream are currently open and close 5pm AEDT 26 February 2024.

For further information, and to apply visit www.frrr.org.au/funding/place/src-rebuilding-regional-communities/.

Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“These projects, supported by the Australian Government, encourage people to get out in their community, engage with different local businesses and try new experiences – which will drive employment and economic opportunities.

“The funding assists locally-led projects to stimulate jobs, wellbeing and the economy in regional, rural and remote communities.”

Quotes attributable to Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Minister Kristy McBain:

“When we back local ideas and invest in local priorities, we get better outcomes in our communities, which is why we’re pleased to deliver over $811,000 towards 52 diverse projects outside of our big cities.

“Our regional areas are known for their strong sense of community and we’re committed to strengthening this following the COVID-19 disruption, by improving community facilities and getting engaging workshops and education programs off the ground.

“These projects will support regional, rural and remote organisations to expand their services, and are a key part of the Albanese Labor Government’s continued commitment to activating regional economies.”

Quotes attributable to FRRR Place Portfolio Lead, Jill Karena:

“This round, projects ranged from domestic violence support and mentoring programs, to food security and tourism initiatives to help rebuild the local economy.

“There was really strong demand for support to enhance community infrastructure, particularly maintaining meeting places so people can come together and strengthen local connections.

“We also saw a focus on infrastructure in the COVID recovery grants, with groups aiming to enhance community resilience in the face of disruptions, whether they be environmental or health related.”