FRRR has awarded $3,733,324 to local organisations in 11 regions across Australia for 65 projects that will enhance the capacity and resilience of these agriculture-dependent communities in preparing for the impacts of future drought.
Funded through the Future Drought Fund’s Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative, this is the second tranche of funding delivered through the Initiative’s Community Impact Program. The first tranche was announced last month.
The Initiative is designed to support locally-led organisations across 35 remote, rural and regional regions, identified as vulnerable to the impacts of drought.
Thanks to the Community Impact Program, these organisations will work together to deliver a range of projects, events, initiatives, training, capability building and small-scale community infrastructure projects to assist local people prepare for future droughts.
As part of the Program, a facilitator has been employed in each region to support the lead community partner in engaging and communicating with key stakeholders, helping identify investments that are already happening locally and ensuring that the projects align with the community’s preparedness priorities.
Nina O’Brien, Disaster Resilience and Recovery Lead for FRRR, says that the Foundation is always impressed by the fortitude and adaptability of rural people and their willingness to learn and share innovative ways to build drought resilience.
“The collaborative nature of the Community Impact Program has been well received by local groups. They have really stepped up, coming together to shape local solutions to increase understanding and provide practical solutions to increasing drought preparedness that make sense at a local community level.
“With the Australian Government’s support, these grants will create opportunities for these agriculture-dependent communities to increase social connection, strengthen network opportunities and identify and adopt innovative and transformative ways to build drought resilience.
“We look forward to seeing the impacts of these projects, as they roll out over the next two years,” Ms O’Brien said.
As part of the program, each region can also access tailored Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) leadership development activities.
ARLF Chief Executive, Matt Linnegar, says the leadership development supports the delivery of local projects and yields long-term benefits for the regions.
“We know that a multimodal approach of leadership development increases the impact the investments have in each region. In addition to the project funding, these leadership development activities build social capital required to support the project and people in each region. We get to connect local networks, create a deeper sense of shared purpose and develop capability that helps people to take action and address challenges and make the most of opportunities.”
Participants also gain access to the wider alumni network of the ARLF.
“It’s these connections that prove invaluable to people. When they’re stuck, there’s someone to ask for advice,” Mr Linnegar said.
A detailed list of grant recipients and their preparedness projects is below.
Other elements of the Future Drought Fund’s Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative are also underway, including a Mentoring program, being led by ARLF. Work is also underway on the design of the network to connect leaders working on these projects across the country and FRRR is finalising the appointment of an expertise panel, which the groups awarded funding can draw on, if they don’t have locally qualified people with the skills they need.
In addition, there will be small grants on offer in areas that aren’t covered by these Community Impact Program grants, which will open early next year.
New South Wales – Murray
| Organisation | Project | Location | Grant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holbrook Landcare Group | Community Partner Lead Organisation (CPLO): Region 02 Strengthen drought preparedness and drive local action in the Murray region through the coordination of Community Impact Program activities and evaluation administration. | Murray NSW Region | $80,970 |
| Holbrook Landcare Group | The Holbrook Loooong Lunch for Community Resilience Build depth of social connection, a shared sense of purpose, and longer-term community belonging that can be drawn upon in future drought through the Holbrook Loooong Lunch drought preparedness Networking event. | Holbrook, Greater Hume Shire Council | $23,821 |
| Holbrook Landcare Group | Holbrook Drought Preparedness Community Planning Workshop Build capability in community leaders, networks and organisations to undertake strategic drought resilience planning and future drought preparedness activities through hosting a facilitated workshop and networking dinner. | Holbrook and Culcairn, Greater Hume Shire Council | $13,125 |
| Corowa District Landcare | Corowa Community Nursery Build depth of social connection, awareness of and attitudes to drought preparedness at the community level by establishing a community volunteer plant propagation program which will distribute Indigenous plants to grow in the local community. | Federation Council, Berrigan Shire | $30,920 |
| Corowa District Landcare | Cultural Awareness Training and Cultural Tour Build depth of social connection, a shared sense of purpose and longer-term community belonging that can be drawn upon in future drought through delivering on Country culture walks, cultural awareness workshops and information sharing drought preparedness events. | Federation Council | $9,239 |
| Yanco Creek and Tributaries Advisory Council (YACTAC) | Chicks in the Sticks Increase skills, knowledge and understanding of the risks posed by drought and climate change through field day events that focus on enabling women living in a geographically vast region to network, as well as building depth of social connection, a shared sense of purpose and longer-term community belonging. | Jerilderie, Murrumbidgee Council, Moulamein, Murray River Council | $40,176 |
| Rice Growers Association of Australia | Connecting the Community to Connect to Country Improve capability, coordination and collaboration between networks, other community organisations and sectors that can be drawn upon in future drought through establishing a Community of Practice that brings together service providers, community groups and businesses, as an avenue to collaborate, host training, share information and resources. | Deniliquin, Edward River Council | $39,650 |
| Western Murray Land Improvement Group | Inland Delta – Connection to the Community Build depth of social connection, a shared sense of purpose and longer-term community belonging that can be drawn upon in future drought through facilitating a community tour of a culturally significant local site, host tours of wetlands and showcase local industries, produce and art. | Murray River Council | $50,806 |
| Southern Growers | Finley Community BBQ Trailer Build depth of social connection, a shared sense of purpose and longer-term community belonging that can be drawn upon in future drought through a fit-for-purpose barbeque trailer as a new mobile meeting place. | Berrigan Shire; Jerilderie, Murrumbidgee Council; Blighty, Edward River Council | $32,000 |
| West Hume Landcare | Walla & Walbundrie Weeds Warriors & Cultural Sites Recognition Training Build depth of social connection and increase skills, knowledge and understanding of the risks posed by drought and climate change through workshops that will share tools and techniques to address rapid weed escalation as well as First Nation Elders’ knowledge sharing on protecting cultural sites. | Greater Hume Shire Council | $14,586 |
| Riverine Plains | Riverine Plains Innovation Expo Build depth of social connection and increase skills, knowledge and understanding of the risks posed by drought and climate change by delivering expo events, awareness and education activities. | Federation Council | $16,000 |
| Hay Trees on the Plains Landcare Inc | Nari Nari Cultural Burn Workshop Build depth of social connection, a shared sense of purpose and longer-term community belonging that can be drawn upon in future drought through delivering a cultural burn workshop, which will also enhance community and landowners’ awareness of First Nations cultural burn practices and share knowledge on enhancing native ground coverage for future drought preparedness. | Hay Shire | $13,651 |
New South Wales – Central West
| Organisation | Project | Location | Grant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Slopes Landcare Association Incorporated | Community Partner Lead Organisation (CPLO): Region 04 Strengthen drought preparedness and drive local action in the Central West region through the coordination of Community Impact Program activities and evaluation administration. | North-West NSW Region | $45,090 |
| Northern Slopes Landcare Association Incorporated | Gulf Creek Hall Improve access and utilisation of community infrastructure by making minor repairs to the community managed Gulf Creek Hall, which will enhance the space and facilities for community groups to gather, function and support their local community in times of drought. | Gulf Creek, Gwydir Shire | $10,000 |
| Northern Slopes Landcare Association Incorporated | TLC Nursery Project Build awareness of and attitudes to drought preparedness at the community level by re-establishing a community nursery in Bingara, creating a space for people to come together, share knowledge and learn plant propagation skills through workshops. | Gwydir Shire | $24,963 |
| Country Women’s Association of NSW | North Star CWA Hall Project Improve access and greater utilisation of community infrastructure, enhancing the space and facilities for community groups to gather, function and support their local community in times of drought by enhancing disability and mobility access through installing a ramp entryway to the community managed North Star CWA Hall rooms. | Gwydir Shire | $10,000 |
| Tamworth Regional Landcare Association | Tamworth Pride Enable capacity building activities where local people and communities have opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge to face the unique challenges caused by drought in remote, rural and regional Australia, and awareness through workshops, field day events and mental health first aid training that specifically cater to the needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals and their allies. | Tamworth Region | $26,240 |
| Tamworth Regional Landcare Association | Intrepid Landcare Tamworth Enable capacity building activities where local people and communities have opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge to face the unique challenges caused by drought in remote, rural and regional Australia through establishing an Intrepid Landcare group which will provide an avenue for youth. | Tamworth Region | $36,996 |
| Northern Slopes Landcare Association Incorporated | Ladies’ Horsemanship Weekend Build depth of social connection, a shared sense of purpose and longer-term community belonging that can be drawn upon in future drought through hosting a drought preparedness event with a guest speaker and dinner. | Gunnedah Shire | $4,200 |
| Wee Waa Local Aboriginal Land Council | Culturally Significant Drought Resilience Build depth of social connection, a shared sense of purpose and longer-term community belonging that can be drawn upon in future drought through delivering events that promote culturally significant drought resilience techniques such as cultural burn workshops, as well as hosting formal training and informal activities through Caring for Country drop-in sessions. | Gwydir Shire | $61,960 |
| Rotary Club of Gunnedah | Health and Wellbeing Build depth of social connection, a shared sense of purpose and longer-term community belonging that can be drawn upon in future drought through expanding on the long-running Gunnedah Gallop community fitness run, delivering drought preparedness-focused positive mental and physical health and wellbeing activities. | North-West NSW Region | $6,000 |
| Northern Slopes Landcare Association Incorporated | Women’s and Men’s Catch Ups Improve capability, coordination and collaboration between networks, other community organisations and sectors that can be drawn upon in times of drought through women’s and men’s events increasing awareness of and familiarity with local services. | Tamworth | $44,892 |
| Northern Slopes Landcare Association Incorporated | Northwest Rural Leaders and Support Services Network Build depth of social connection, a shared sense of purpose and longer-term community belonging that can be drawn upon in future drought and improve capability, coordination and collaboration between networks, other community organisations and sectors, through the establishment of the Northwest Rural Leaders and Support Services Network and relevant resources. | Moree Plains Shire | $8,579 |
| Northern Slopes Landcare Association Incorporated | Moree Women on Country Build depth of social connection, a shared sense of purpose and longer-term community belonging that can be drawn upon in future drought through on Country workshops, which will provide opportunities to share cultural knowledge and drought preparedness information. | Gunnedah Shire | $12,617 |
| Tamworth Regional Landcare Association | Upper Namoi Water in the Landscape Initiative Field Days Build depth of social connection and capability in community leaders, networks and organisations to undertake strategic drought resilience planning and future drought preparedness activities through hosting field days in Wallabadah and Duri, which will showcase innovative and transformative on-farm practices to reduce the impacts of drought. | Gwydir Shire | $8,790 |
Queensland – Central West
| Organisation | Project | Location | Grant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Western QLD Remote Area Planning and Development Board | Community Partner Lead Organisation (CPLO): Region 06 Strengthen drought preparedness and drive local action in the Central West region through the coordination of Community Impact Program activities and evaluation administration. | Queensland Central West Region | $31,111 |
| Western Queensland Drought Committee | WQDC Legacy & Future – Settling the Dust Build capability in community leaders, networks and organisations to undertake strategic drought resilience planning and future drought preparedness activities and build organisational networks across the region through a mobile drought information hub offering community-based resources. | Barcaldine, Barcoo, Blackall, Tambo, Boulia, Diamantina, Longreach, Winton | $252,076 |
| Central Western QLD Remote Area Planning and Development Board | Woven Stories Build depth of social connection, a shared sense of purpose and longer-term community belonging that can be drawn upon in future drought through local arts-led events. | Barcaldine, Barcoo, Blackall, Tambo, Boulia, Diamantina, Longreach, Winton | $123,123 |
Western Australia – Gascoyne
| Organisation | Project | Location | Grant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gascoyne Catchments Group Inc | Community Partner Lead Organisation (CPLO): Region 16 Strengthen drought preparedness and drive local action in the Gascoyne region through the coordination of Community Impact Program activities and evaluation administration. | Gascoyne Region | $35,000 |
| Gascoyne Catchments Group Inc | Connection Across the Gascoyne Build depth of social connection and increase skills, knowledge and understanding of the risks posed by drought and climate change through workshops that share drought resilience approaches to land practices and wellbeing. | Carnarvon, Exmouth, and Upper Gascoyne | $205,000 |
| Carnarvon School of the Air P&C | Social Connection for Young Children and Their Parents Build depth of social connection, a shared sense of purpose and longer-term community belonging that can be drawn upon in future drought through strengthening a network of remote children and families. | Carnarvon | $6,000 |
Western Australia – Wheatbelt Central East
| Organisation | Project | Location | Grant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheatbelt Natural Resource Management Incorporated | Community Partner Lead Organisation (CPLO): Region 17 Strengthen drought preparedness and drive local action in the Wheatbelt Central East region through the coordination of Community Impact Program activities and evaluation administration. | Wheatbelt Central East Region | $49,839 |
| North Eastern Wheatbelt Travel Association | Events Officer Build capability, coordination and collaboration between networks, other community organisations and sectors in the local community that can be drawn upon in future drought through volunteer organisation capability building, | Dowerin, Koorda, Mount Marshall, Mukinbudin, Nungarin, Trayning, Westonia, Wyalkatchem | $63,554 |
| Town Team Movement | Wheatbelt Rising Deliver capacity building activities where local people and communities have opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge to face the unique challenges caused by drought in remote, rural and regional Australia through establishing a Town Teams in the Wheatbelt to undertake training, develop resources and host activities. | Bruce Rock, Dowerin, Kellerberrin, Koorda, Mount Marshall, Merredin, Mukinbudin, Nungarin, Tammin, Trayning, Westonia, Wyalkatchem, Yilgarn | $63,500 |
| Wheatbelt Beyond Youth Mentoring | Wheatbelt Beyond Youth Mentoring Enable capacity building activities where local people and communities have opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge to face the unique challenges caused by drought in remote, rural and regional Australia through a youth mentoring program that strengthens social support systems, mitigates impacts of social and physical isolation, and boosts educational and wellbeing outcomes. | Kellerberrin, Mukinbudin, Narembeen | $96,250 |
| Merredin and Districts Farm Improvement Group | Agribusiness Network Build capacity of local people and communities to develop the skills and knowledge to face the unique challenges caused by drought in remote, rural and regional Australia through establishing an Agribusiness and Mentoring Program which will foster a collective knowledge base, strengthen local networks and provide opportunities to learn and share through events. | Merredin, Nungarin | $32,000 |
| Meridian Regional Arts Incorporated | Meridian Regional Arts Build depth of social connection, a shared sense of purpose and longer-term community belonging that can be drawn upon in future drought through delivering workshops, wellbeing and social support. | Mount Marshall, Mukinbudin, Nungarin, Trayning | $85,564 |
Western Australia – Wheatbelt South
| Organisation | Project | Location | Grant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrigin Farm Improvement Group | Community Partner Lead Organisation (CPLO): Region 18 Strengthen drought preparedness and drive local action in the Wheatbelt South region through the coordination of Community Impact Program activities and evaluation administration. | Wheatbelt South Region | $73,687 |
| Shire of West Arthur | Economic / Business Diversification Improve capability, coordination and collaboration between networks, other community organisations and sectors that can be drawn upon in future drought through networking sessions, information, events and through the increase in the utilisation of community infrastructure. | Darkan, Bruce Rock | $106,437 |
| Lake Grace Community Resource Centre | Youth Events and Network Build capability in community leaders, networks and organisations to undertake strategic drought resilience planning and future drought preparedness activities through the establishment of an informal youth network, activities and events, which will build capabilities of future leaders. | Darkan, Corrigin, Lake Grace, Pingelly | $52,277 |
| Corrigin Farm Improvement Group | Next Generation Volunteers Support capacity building activities where local people and communities have opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge to face the unique challenges caused by drought in remote, rural and regional Australia through delivering leadership workshops and volunteering opportunities for emerging leaders. | Wheatbelt South Region | $122,239 |
Western Australia – Mid West
| Organisation | Project | Location | Grant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Agricultural Catchments Council Incorporated | Community Partner Lead Organisation (CPLO): Region 20 Strengthen drought preparedness and drive local action in the Mid-West region through the coordination of Community Impact Program activities and evaluation administration. | Mid-West Region | $95,296 |
| Northern Agricultural Catchments Council Incorporated | Maintaining Community Capacity Improve capability, coordination and collaboration between networks, other community organisations and sectors that can be drawn upon in future drought through training to build capacity and leadership of local volunteer organisations. | Yuna, Morowa, Mingenew, Murchison, Wiluna | $149,857 |
| Southern Rangelands Pastoral Alliance | Support to Capture Peer-to-Peer Learning Build depth of social connection, a shared sense of purpose and longer-term community belonging that can be drawn upon in future drought; through facilitation of peer-to-peer knowledge sharing through podcasts and virtual field days. | Murchison, Wiluna | $40,470 |
| Midwest Food Industry Alliance | Healthy Lifestyles Community Events Increase skills, knowledge and understanding of the risks posed by drought and climate change through community events focused on locally based food production and adaptive solutions to food consumption. | Yalgoo, Murchison, Wiluna, Chapman Valley, Northampton, Mingenew | $63,000 |
South Australia – Murraylands and Riverland
| Organisation | Project | Location | Grant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regional Development Australia Murraylands and Riverland Incorporated | Community Partner Lead Organisation (CPLO): Region 25 Strengthen drought preparedness and drive local action in the Murraylands and Riverland region through the coordination of Community Impact Program activities and evaluation administration. | Murraylands and Riverland Region | $69,000 |
| Ngarrindjeri Empowered Communities | Mardawi Community Project Build depth of social connection between Ngarrindjeri women, a shared sense of purpose and longer-term community belonging that can be drawn upon in future drought through Elders sharing knowledge and skills of cultural practices, providing opportunities to build social and economic resilience. | Coorong, Murray Bridge, Southern Mallee | $48,655 |
| Our Town Berri | River Families First Build depth of social connection, a shared sense of purpose and longer-term community belonging that can be drawn upon in future drought through the establishment of a peer network to empower young parents. | Berri, Berri Barmera | $85,000 |
| Loxton Chamber of Commerce | Collective Business in Loxton Enable capacity building activities where local people and communities have opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge to face the unique challenges caused by drought in remote, rural and regional Australia, through workshops, initiatives and resource development that supports community based, collective economic diversification. | Karoonda East Murray, Loxton Waikerie, Mid Murray | $88,000 |
| Mallee Sustainable Farmers | Risky Business – Sustainable Mallee Farming Build capability, coordination, information sharing and collaboration between professional, social or community networks, other community organisations and sectors in local communities that can be drawn upon in future drought through the purchase of a barbeque trailer and delivery of farm expos. | Karoonda East Murray, Mid Murray, Murray Bridge, Southern Mallee | $73,000 |
South Australia – Limestone Coast
| Organisation | Project | Location | Grant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Limestone Coast Food & Agribusiness Cluster Ltd | Community Partner Lead Organisation (CPLO): Region 26 Strengthen drought preparedness and drive local action in the Limestone Coast region through the coordination of Community Impact Program activities and evaluation administration. | Limestone Coast Region | $51,000 |
| Mackillop Farm Management Group | Skill Up: Helping Community Organisations Govern Improve capability, coordination and collaboration between networks, other community organisations and sectors that can be drawn upon in future drought through the delivery of governance workshops. | Grant, Kingston, Mt Gambier, Naracoorte-Lucindale, Robe, Tatiara, Wattle Range | $75,000 |
| Limestone Coast Food & Agribusiness Cluster Ltd | 35 Under 35 Build capability in community leaders, networks and organisations to undertake strategic drought resilience planning and future drought preparedness activities through a program for youth that supports upskilling, networking and mentoring activities. | Grant, Kingston, Mt Gambier, Naracoorte-Lucindale, Robe, Tatiara, Wattle Range | $147,550 |
| Limestone Coast Landscape Board | Walking the Seasons Build depth of social connection, a shared sense of purpose and longer-term community belonging that can be drawn upon in future drought through tailoring bi-monthly art workshops run by the Burrandies and Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Corporations. | Coorong, Grant, Kingston, Mt Gambier, Naracoorte-Lucindale, Robe, Tatiara, Wattle Range | $39,823 |
| WOTL | Building Rural Women’s Connection and Capacity for Drought Preparation Improve capability, coordination and collaboration between networks, other community organisations and sectors that can be drawn upon in future drought through a capacity-building program for women in two locations. | Keith, Millicent | $47,000 |
| Australian Migrant Resource Centre Incorporated | Migrant Integration and Volunteering for Impact Exchange Build depth of social connection, a shared sense of purpose and longer-term community belonging that can be drawn upon in future drought through engaging recent migrants in the local community and agricultural industry. | Bordertown, Naracoorte, Mt Gambier | $49,000 |
Victoria – East Gippsland
| Organisation | Project | Location | Grant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gippsland Agricultural Group | Community Partner Lead Organisation (CPLO): Region 30 Strengthen drought preparedness and drive local action in the East Gippsland region through the coordination of Community Impact Program activities and evaluation administration. | East Gippsland Region | $54,768 |
| Gippsland Agricultural Group | Drought Preparedness Decision Making Trigger Plans Build depth of social connection and capability in community leaders, networks and organisations to undertake strategic drought resilience planning and future drought preparedness activities through training and community planning sessions. | East Gippsland | $130,200 |
| Southern Farming Systems | Drought Preparedness Skills Workshops Build depth of social connection and capability in community leaders, networks and organisations to undertake strategic drought resilience planning and future drought preparedness activities through a series of workshops focused on drought preparedness at a community level. | East Gippsland | $42,300 |
Victoria – Goulburn
| Organisation | Project | Location | Grant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riverine Plains Incorporated | Community Partner Lead Organisation (CPLO): Region 31 Strengthen drought preparedness and drive local action in the Goulburn region through the coordination of Community Impact Program activities and evaluation administration. | Goulburn Region | $69,887 |
| Many Mobs Indigenous Corporation | Yarrawonga Indigenous Festival Build depth of social connection, a shared sense of purpose and longer-term community belonging that can be drawn upon in future drought at the community level through a cultural festival to revive the town as a traditional meeting place for Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples | Moira Shire | $45,100 |
| Gecko CLaN | Schools Program: What Happens in Drought? Increase skills, knowledge and understanding of the risks posed by drought and climate change through a pilot education program for secondary school students on the impacts of drought and family mental health. | Benalla, Moira, Strathbogie | $65,600 |
| Riverine Plains Inc | Ladies’ Luncheon Build depth of social connection, a shared sense of purpose and longer-term community belonging that can be drawn upon in future drought through hosting Ladies’ Lunches in 2023 and 2024 that align with International Rural Women’s Day, reducing social isolation and building local networks and social supports for women in this remote region. | Moira | $44,800 |
| Riverine Plains Inc | Youth in Ag Build depth of social connection, a shared sense of purpose and longer-term community belonging that can be drawn upon in future drought through the facilitation of two mentoring and networking events for youth in the region and two ‘Youth in AG’ dinner events. | Moira | $73,950 |
| Hughes Creek Catchment Collaborative (Landcare Victoria Inc) | Citizen Science Build depth of social connection and enable capacity building activities where local people and communities have opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge to face the unique challenges caused by drought in remote, rural and regional Australia, through coordination of citizen science programs. | Murrindindi, Strathbogie | $22,140 |
