Seven SA community-led projects are sharing in more than $80,000 in grants, as part of Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal's latest round of Strengthening Rural Communities program.
The projects are part of 79 projects nationwide that will boost communities across Australia, with the total funding exceeding $809,000.
The SRC program offers two streams of funding - the small & vital stream up to $10,000 for locally-led initiatives that strengthen community resilience and capacity, while a maximum of $25,000 is available in the the Bushfire Recovery Stream.
The funding follows the recent release of FRRR's Heartbeat of Rural Australia Report, which highlights the challenges that community groups across Australia are facing in the wake of COVID-19 and natural disasters.
FRRR chief executive officer Natalie Egleton said there was significant variation and diversity in the projects receiving funding this round.
Natalie Egleton, CEO of FRRR, says that the diversity of projects reflects the critical role that these groups play in the vitality of their communities.
"As we found in our Heartbeat study, rural community groups and NFPs really are the heartbeat of rural communities," Ms Egleton said.
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"However, many community groups have found it tough to access funding, especially over the last two years, so we are delighted to be able to step in and support them to deliver on local priorities.
"We are seeing initiatives address local needs ranging from enhancing organisational capacity, to providing training so that the groups can better support their communities, to upgrades in critical community infrastructure so that people a safe and accessible space where they can meet.
"This diversity of projects confirms that these community organisations are best placed to lead the way when it comes to supporting their communities, facilitating recovery, and building resilience."
The SA projects which have received funding in the bushfire recovery stream include:
- Lobethal: $25,000 to Lights of Lobethal SA to bringing community together and support activities that promote recovery through a lighting display.
- Yorketown: $24,950 to the Southern Yorke Peninsula Community Hub Inc for an Incident Response Trailer to empower community led initiatives in responding to and preparing for natural disasters.
- Tulka: $6199 to the Tulka Progress Association for the purchase of a ride-on lawn mower to boost the community's ability to prepare for bushfire seasons.
The SA projects which have received funding in the small and vital stream include:
- Cummins: $10,000 to the Cummins Area School to upgrade the preschool outdoor area upgrade. connectivity, educational and social opportunities for young children, by constructing a sensory garden and play-space.
- Port Neill: $2860 to support physical and mental health for residents of Port Neill, through the operation of a weekly fitness session throughout 2022.
- Beltana: $10,000 to purchase a tractor for the maintenance of town infrastructure, to support organisational capacity and volunteer wellbeing.
- Wudinna: $4432 to upgrade the Wudinna swimming pool canteen.
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