Nine community projects across SA have recently received funding as part of the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal Strengthening Rural Communities program, with an additional four receiving funding last month as part of FRRR's Tackling Tough Times Together program.
FRRR chief executive officer Natalie Egleton, said rural people continued to demonstrate the "true meaning of determination and resilience" to address community needs.
"The pandemic has highlighted that community groups need to be agile and able to adapt and respond to changing circumstances," she said.
"To do this successfully, they need to be well resourced, with facilities, equipment and the right knowledge, skills and capabilities.
"The pandemic has also reinforced the importance of community-led initiatives that promote individual and community health and social wellbeing."
"This round we saw an increase in requests to fund projects that will provide access to services and activities as impacted communities begin to resume normal activities and reconnect one year on from the fires.
"Improving and repairing infrastructure is also an important part of the recovery process for many of these communities. These meeting places, like Katanning's central shopping precinct in Western Australia and the local Hall in Charleston, SA or as a space to gather in order to reconnect and seek support after the disaster," Ms Egleton said.
Grant recipients include four bushfire recovery projects, which have each received $25,000.
- Lobethal and KI: Grant to breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation - Flinders Foundation, to increase access to support for community members through the delivery of mental health first aid training to five bushfire-impacted communities.
- Charleston: Grant to Charleston Community Centre to establish a Charleston Community Hub and increase use and amenity at the Charleston Hall to support recovery, through installation of air conditioning and upgrade to power supply.
- Penneshaw: Grant to Penneshaw Progress Association to increase preparedness for future disaster events by upgrading the kitchen at the Penneshaw Town Hall.
- Lobethal: Grant to the Rotary Club of Onkaparinga to enable volunteers to support community recovery through the purchase of tools, materials, and equipment for the Onkaparinga Rotary Fencing Project.
Five other projects in the "Small and Vital" category also received funding.
- Arno Bay: $9526 granted to Arno Bay District Bowling Club to expand the use of a community facility by installing a covered area in an outdoor space to make it more comfortable and welcoming.
- Beachport: $2700 granted to the Beachport Surf Life Saving Club to help the community access lifesaving equipment through the purchase of a defibrillator.
- Morgan: $10,000 granted to the Morgan Volunteer Support Group for a new Meals On Wheels Support Vehicle.
- Moonta: $9858 granted to the Nharangga Aboriginal Progress Association to improve the association's ability to support and service the community, through a kitchen upgrade.
- Nepabunna: $9300 granted to the Nipapanha Community Aboriginal Corporation to help people gain an awareness of local culture through the provision of display material for a museum.
The current round of funding is accepting applications until May, 25, 2021, with funds to be awarded in December.
Late last month, four SA projects received funding as part of the TTTT program. Across Australia, 29 projects were awarded, with the Orroroo and Wilmington grants the largest TTTT grants awarded for that round, nationwide.
The TTTT grant recipients included:
- Orroroo: $143,252 granted to the District Council of Orroroo Carrieton to enhance economic recovery and renewal through the development of the Black Rock Wool Press Rotunda showcasing local historical artifacts including the restored Black Rock Wool Press.
- Wilmington: $108,367 granted to the Wilmington Progress Society Incorporated to reduce social isolation by facilitating strong social cohesion and connections and increase organisational capacity through the construction of a multipurpose community facility.
- Auburn: $43,826 granted to the Auburn Southern Gateway Committee Auburn Community Development Committee to enhance economic recovery and renewal through the installation of town entrance statement signage for the Auburn township.
- Washpool: $60,000 granted to the Washpool Hall Management CommitteeSpalding District Incorporated to reduce volunteer fatigue and build the capacity of the Washpool Hall through the upgrade of the kitchen and rear lobby area.
Further information regarding the Tackling Tough Times Together grant program is available on FRRR's website.
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