Six rural SA towns have been successful in received grants from the latest round of funding made available through the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal's Strengthening Rural Communities program.
As part of the program, grants of up to $25,000 are available, with the funding for the seven latest projects (two are in Kingscote) totalling nearly $105,000.
FRRR acting chief executive officer Sarah Matthee said communities had found diverse ways to make their areas more resilient and connected.
"Communities have also shown us how much they value the vital contributions made by volunteers. We have funded several projects that support and recognise these people, and help tackle the fatigue they feel, especially in light of this year's challenges," Ms Matthee said.
"For bushfire-affected communities, COVID-19 has not lessened their determination to keep on recovering, despite the pandemic resulting in gatherings and events, which would have helped people connect and rebuild, being postponed or cancelled.
"Local leaders have put forward great ideas that are sure to help lift community spirits.
"Regardless of where these communities are at, the SRC program is flexible enough to fund projects that will help communities to seed strengthen, adapt and evolve, and innovate and renew."
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Across Australia, 96 communities have received funding, totalling more than $1.1million. More than $90,000 has been allocated to bushfire recovery projects.
The seven SA community groups receiving funding for projects are:
- Scouts SA - Roonka Water Activity Centre Scout Association of Aust SA Branch: $4139 to restore and conserve local habitat and generate community engagement through the creation of a native garden at Blanchetown.
- Port Neill War Memorial Hall: $8034 to enhance community well-being and connectedness and improve the amenity of a community hall through the installation of an all-ability toilet.
- Mannum Men's Shed Inc: $1299 for the purchase of a thicknesser.
- Parndana Progress Association - Walking Trail Sub-Committee Parndana Progress Association: $16,838 to install an outdoor gym station at Kangaroo Island West Lions Park.
- KI Yacht Club Inc: $25,000 to upgrade the community hub at Kingscote.
- Kingscote Farmers & Artisan Market Inc: $24,640 to increase support for reopening of community market and development of pop up activity space in Kingscote, through employment of a part time project manager.
- The Cudlee Creek Tennis & Basketball Club Inc: $25,000 to increase preparedness for disaster and enhanced community facilities for a community recovering from bushfire, through upgrade of fencing, drainage, water storage and landscaping at a local hub.
A full list of grant recipients is available on FRRR's website.
The next round of SRC grants will be announced in March, while the current round will accept applications until February 23.
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