WHAT artwork will grace the Eudunda silos?
That is the question on everybody's lips after the Eudunda Business and Tourism Association secured $60,000 towards their silo mural project.
The community was one of 37 drought-affected communities across Australia who shared in $1,221,170 in grant funding as part of the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal's Tackling Tough Times Together program.
Eudunda ward councillor from Goyder Council Debbie Hibbert has been involved with the project from the beginning, along with Judy Partington and the Eudunda Community, Business and Tourism committee.
Cr Hibbert said the funding would cover the cost of the artwork and most of the elevated work platform for the silo mural.
"It's amazing that we've got the money for the silos," she said.
"We'll potentially look at further funding to link in an art trail past the silos, including the old railway station, and down to the Colin Thiele Gardens."
"Knowing that we've got the grant has been a real morale boost for the town and surrounding areas. Hopefully long-term, because Eudunda is a massive farming district and we're in the middle of a severe drought, we're hoping the mural will provide tourism and alternative income benefits."
Cr Hibbert said community consultation will be undertaken to gauge what the community wishes to see adorn their town's silos.
Initial feedback has suggested a design featuring famous Eudunda-born author Colin Thiele would be popular, as would a farming-themed design by Australian Community Media cartoonist and local farmer Jed Dunstan.
Cr Hibbert said the aim was to have the silo mural completed in time for Eudunda's 150-year anniversary in November next year, which coincides with the 100-year anniversary of Colin Thiele's birth.
With impacts of drought extending beyond environmental impacts to regional economies and people's wellbeing, FRRR were hopeful these grants would make a positive impact on the communities on the receiving end.
"Despite the considerable pressures of the drought, communities are rallying and looking for ways to bring people together both from within their community and from outside, with several grants awarded for event-based projects," said FRRR chief executive officer Natalie Egleton.
"It's encouraging to see communities looking for ways to maintain their connectedness and continue to celebrate their towns during these dry times.
"FRRR is really pleased to assist them in bolstering these events, which create a very positive impact, be it through diversifying the local economy, or improving social wellbeing."
Other SA communities to receive funding during this round included Pekina, who plan to use $53,000 to upgrade the air conditioning, restrooms and kitchen at the Pekina Community Centre.
The Mount Remarkable Agricultural Society received $52,599 to build a sustainable water storage facility for the Melrose showgrounds, while the Flinders Ranges Council, Blanchetown District Hall and Cradock Heritage Group all received funds to be used for various community projects.
"Community groups are a vital part of the social and economic fabric of these towns and investing in their sustainability will benefit the whole community," Ms Egleton said.
"We're pleased to be able to inject a small amount of funds towards improving amenities and organisational capacity that make the role of the volunteer easier and more efficient."
Towns encouraged to apply for next round of funding
Small towns are encouraged to apply for their share of $1 million in drought funding in the next round of the Tackling Tough Times Together program.
Run by the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, the program supports grassroots projects.
Three tiers of grants are available, with grants up to $20,000, $60,000, and $ 150,000 available to groups that can demonstrate a clear benefit back to their community.
Minister for Regional Services Mark Coulton has been pleased to see funding flow to small towns.
"Around a third of applications made under previous rounds were from communities of less than 500 people, while overall demand for grants was highest in communities of fewer than 5,000 people," Mr Coulton said.
Grants are managed by the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal and funded by 15 donors including government, business and individuals.
The federal government has committed $15m over three years.
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said small projects can deliver big benefits.
"These projects help rural communities with the stress of the drought impacting families and businesses while also contributing to the local economy and infrastructure renewal," Mr McCormack said.
Drought Minister David Littleproud said the program provided important economic stimulus.
"These projects hire local people and use the services of local business," Minister Littleproud said.
"They support events, services and places where the community gathers which is important to emotional well-being and mental health in drought-hit areas."
For more information on the Tackling Tough Times Together program, visit: https://www.frrr.org.au/grants/TTTT
