Strengthening community engagement and wellbeing in our regions

The Albanese Labor Government continues to invest in regional, rural and remote communities to make them more resilient, sustainable and liveable.

In partnership with the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR), 43 locally-led groups across the country will share in over $330,000 to support their recovery from the impacts of COVID-19.

Funded under the FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) program, grants of up to $10,000 will support projects that encourage enhanced community engagement, including:

In Bellingen, New South Wales, where $10,000 has been awarded to the local youth orchestra to rebuild connections, reduce social isolation and foster a stronger, more resilient community by purchasing musical instruments and making them available to disadvantaged young people – supporting musical development in areas affected by COVID-19.

In Warrnambool, Victoria, where $5,000 has been awarded to the community hospice to sustain the work of volunteers after COVID-19 by developing a volunteer education and engagement program.

In Cloncurry, Queensland, where over $9,000 has been awarded to MultiSkill Centre Ltd to provide mental health training to staff to enable them to better support disengaged young people to access services after COVID-19.

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

For the full list of funded projects and for more information about other grants awarded through FRRR’s SRC program, visit: https://frrr.org.au/grants-of-1-3m-boost-131-projects-in-remote-rural-amp-regional-australia/

Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, the Hon Catherine King MP:

“The Australian Government is pleased to be funding these great locally-initiated projects that support regional, rural and remote communities.

“This investment is a practical and positive way that the Australian Government can support communities isolated from big cities, to encourage locals to identify and prosper in addressing the needs of their region.”

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, the Hon Kristy McBain MP:

“We know that small-scale projects in our regional, rural and remote communities are high impact – which is why we are helping them get off the ground, in partnership with the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal.

“From investing in audio-visual facilities and staging community festivals, facilitating mental health and cultural activities, installing new play equipment and playground fencing, and upgrading toilet amenities at local venues – this funding will go far and wide.

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

Quotes attributable to Place Portfolio Lead at the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal, Jill Karena:

“Most of these grants are for practical projects that focus on improving the wellbeing of local organisations and groups in rural places so they can continue to provide vital services, social connection and community spaces that are safe, secure and welcoming.

“It is truly inspiring to see the determination and resilience of community groups and local leaders, who continue to front up and strive for a stronger, and sustainable, rural Australia.”