Supporting communities outside of our big cities to thrive

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

In partnership with Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR), 58 locally led groups across the country will share in over $900,000 in grants.

The funding will support the continued recovery from COVID-19 in our regions, strengthen community resilience and preparedness for hotter, drier and higher risk weather in spring and summer, and help businesses reduce their operating costs.

Fourteen regional community groups will benefit from large grants of up to $50,000, including:

• In Wilcannia, New South Wales, where $50,000 will address educational disadvantage through an innovative program to upskill adults in the community, empowering them to help teach early language and literacy skills.

• In Portland, Victoria, where nearly $39,000 will create a safe drop-in space for vulnerable people to receive support and resources to help them reconnect with their community.

Forty-four regional community groups will benefit from smaller grants of up to $10,000 including:

• In Pegarah, Tasmania, where $10,000 will strengthen mental health and wellbeing after the COVID-19 pandemic in the remote island community by delivering in-person mental health and suicide prevention outreach services.

• In Dundee Beach, Northern Territory, where $10,000 will purchase age-appropriate play-based learning resources and equipment for a preschool playgroup to tackle educational and social disadvantages caused by isolation.

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

For the full list of funded projects and more information about other grants awarded through FRRR’s SRC program, visit: https://frrr.org.au/news

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

“We know that when we back local-led ideas and services, we get better outcomes in our communities – which is why we are pleased to deliver over $900,000 towards these diverse projects in regional and rural Australia.

“From creating diverse community workshops, transforming co-working spaces, boosting programs for young people and job seekers, and improving facilities and local infrastructure – these projects will have a range of lasting benefits.

“The projects will strengthen community engagement outside of our big cities, improve health and education outcomes – particularly for First Nations people, and uplift local economies so that regional and rural organisations can expand their services.”

Quotes attributable to the Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health, Emma McBride:

“Every Australian no matter where they live, deserves access to quality and affordable care close to home.

“The further you live outside of a major city there worse your health outcomes are likely to be, that is unacceptable.

“We know that for many communities there is a long tail to the COIVD-19 pandemic and these grants will help in the recovery and importantly build resilience for the future.”

Quotes attributable to Place Portfolio Lead at FRRR, Jill Karena:

“These grants will boost both economic growth and morale in remote, rural and regional communities by funding practical projects.”

“Local community groups can continue to provide vital services, enhance social connection and create welcoming safe and secure spaces through the funding provided for these projects.”