More funding to strengthen remote, rural and regional communities

Thirty-four projects will share in over $288,000 in federal funding through the second round of the Strengthening Rural Communities – Rebuilding Regional Communities (RRC) program.

The Australian Government has partnered with Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) to deliver the program, recognising the continuing impacts of COVID-19 on remote, rural and regional communities.

Under the program, community groups and not-for-profit organisations receive micro-grants of up to $10,000, or larger grants of up to $50,000, to deliver initiatives that benefit regional, rural and remote areas recovering from the impacts of COVID-19.

The Government has committed $5 million from 2022 to 2024 to the RRC stream.

A full list of grant recipients and more information about the RRC program, including future rounds, are available at Rural groups awarded nearly $1.45 million | FRRR

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

“Our Government is committed to backing regional, rural and remote communities, which continue to face challenges from the pandemic.

“That’s why we’ve invested $5 million towards this vital program, which is already supporting some incredible community-led initiatives that are making a real difference in their regions.

“I look forward to seeing the benefits flow from this next round of projects.”

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

“Our investment in FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities program not only helps make community-led projects a reality, it supports local jobs and economic stimulus at a time it’s needed most.

“Previous projects to receive funding have included wellbeing workshops in South Australia’s Murray Bridge to support community resilience, establishing a new community nursery and garden in Tasmania’s Queenstown, and mental health programs for school aged children in Victoria’s Yarra Ranges.

“These sorts of initiatives deliver remarkable outcomes for their communities while boosting local morale, making for an even bigger impact in the region.”