Ten community projects across rural and regional SA are set to share in almost $120,000 in grant money, as part of the latest round of Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal's Strengthening Rural Communities Program.
The grants allow communities to roll out a wide range of initiatives that are led by locals, and addressing local needs, to boost long-term viability and vitality.
The 10 SA projects are part of 112 projects nationwide, totalling more than $1.5-million in funding.
This round of SRC includes funding across three streams - Small & Vital (up to $10,000 available, six in SA), Larger Leverage (up to $25,000 available, one in SA) and Bushfire Recovery grants (up to $25,000 available, three in SA).
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FRRR chief executive officer Natalie Egleton said a number of inspiring initiatives to build community resilience had received funding in the latest round.
"Rural communities gain strength and vitality when locals have places to gather and connect, so it's not surprising that we continue to see strong demand for projects that build community resilience by investing in local community assets and infrastructure, particularly the maintenance of community halls," she said.
"And, as gathering restrictions ease, we are seeing more requests for work on outdoor spaces and for community events, as people come together to strengthen community engagement and participation," Ms Egleton said.
SA grant recipients in this round of SRC funding include:
- Advance Kingscote Progress Association: $25,000 Bushfire Recovery grant to enhance economic and social recovery, through installation of silo art attraction at the entrance of Kingscote.
- Kingscote Men's Shed: $3683 Bushfire Recovery grant to increase opportunities to support local connectedness and social recovery, through restoration of a local historic Wharf Trolley.
- Foodbank of SA: $25,000 Bushfire Recovery grant to increase access to food for disaster impacted residents, through supporting Foodbank SA to purchase additional supplies. Location: Lobethal.
- Wudinna RSL Memorial Kindergarten: $25,000 Larger Leverage grant to provide pre-school children access to safe, sun-smart outdoor educational play areas by building a permanent roof structure.
- Cradock Heritage GroupThe Flinders Ranges Council: $3270 Small and Vital grant to encourage people to come together by enhancing an outdoor community space, the Cradock Memorial Garden.
- Cummins Community Garden and Cummins Memorial Recreation Centre: $7160 Small and Vital grant to encourage community wellbeing and engagement by enhancing facilities.
- Joanna Community Hall: $10,000 Small and Vital grant to boost the use of a community hall through the upgrade of a kitchen and improving facilities.
- Regional Development Australia Yorke and Mid North: $10,000 Small and Vital grant to support youth engagement and skill development by initiating a social enterprise that will deliver workforce training. Location: Peterborough.
- Country Life Compassion: $3450 Small and Vital grant to support volunteer skill development by delivering a training workshop designed to enhance community engagement. Location: Strathalbyn.
- Walker Flat and District Progress Association: $5605 Small and Vital grant to improve the organisation's ability to support and service the community through the purchase of a fit for purpose trailer to be used for conservation and recycling programs. Location: Wongulla.
A new round of application are being welcomed, until August 24, with funds to be awarded in December. More information is available on FRRR's website.
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