THE Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal, FRRR, has provided $2.3 million in grants to 176 community projects as part of the Strengthening Rural Communities, SCR, program.
The SRC program helps small communities across rural, regional and remote Australia access funds for projects that benefit the local area and people.
The program is split into three categories – Small and Vital, Prepare and Recover and Rebuilding Regional Communities, which supports recovery for COVID-19.
Goulburn Valley Sports Assembly Inc in Seymour was a successful recipient of the Prepare and Recover grant, receiving $10,000 to improve the recovery of flood impacted communities and wellbeing outcomes with a mental health referral and support program.
Successful in the program’s Small and Vital grant that helps strengthen communities, Macedon Ranges Further Education Centre, in Gisborne, received $8,759 to create a comfortable environment for older residents engaging in wellbeing activities which includes accessible furniture and a smart television for online group sessions.
Jill Karena, place portfolio lead at FRRRA, said the latest round of grants was the largest on record in terms of both funding awarded and the number of projects funded.
“In the history of the SCR program and its predecessors dating back to 2000, we’ve never awarded this amount of money or this many small grants,” she said.
“That in itself speaks volumes about the need for resources and support in rural communities around the country.”
