COMMUNITY organisations across rural, regional and remote Australia now have a powerful new resource to back up their funding bids, with the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) launching a free online Community Data Tool.
Launched on November 6, the tool gives local groups easy access to up-to-date and reliable data to demonstrate the need behind their projects, strengthen grant applications, and inform local service delivery.
Developed by Seer Data and Analytics, commissioned by FRRR and funded by the Australian Government through the Rebuilding Regional Communities program, the tool consolidates information from a range of trusted public data sources into one easy-to-use platform.
FRRR’s Head of Granting, Jill Karena, said the new tool makes it simpler for community groups to access credible, location-specific information that can help tell their community’s story.
“We commissioned the FRRR Community Data Tool to make it super simple for groups to pull up key data about their community, just by entering their location,” Ms Karena said.
“It provides information such as population, gender split, remoteness classification and SEIFA rating, all drawn from reliable public data sources. Users can also explore more detailed insights into health, wellbeing, workforce and income levels.”
Ms Karena said access to this kind of data, at no cost, will help grassroots organisations better advocate for their needs and highlight the impact of potential funding.
Community leader Tim Whitaker, from the Bega Valley Data Collective, has been trialling the tool and described it as “invaluable” for regional initiatives.
“Accessible, reliable local data is the foundation of genuine community resilience. The FRRR Community Data Tool is the first step for community groups to prove the need for effective, place-based solutions,” Mr Whitaker said.
Community organisations are encouraged to explore the tool and share feedback to help refine it further.
The FRRR Community Data Tool is available at frrr.org.au/grantseeker-resources.