On Koa Country
Outback Festival Inc is situated in the Queensland outback town of Winton, a 10-hour drive from Cairns. They're a not-for-profit organisation that was formed in 1972 when the inaugural Winton Outback Festival took place. Since 1973, the festival has been held biennially and has grown from a small-town event attracting fewer than 1,000 visitors to a major regional event that drew in a record 14,976 attendees over the five days – pretty impressive for a town of only 900 people!
With the help of a $45,000 FRRR grant, funded by the Australian Government through the Tackling Tough Times Together program, Outback Festival Inc was able to host one of their largest Festivals capitalising on the holidaying demographic contained to Queensland due to state borders being closed. The theme was 'Giants of the Outback' which showcased the story of Qantas and the role that Australia, and the historic town of Winton, has played in the history of air travel.
In 2021, the festival was more crucial to the community than ever, as a lot of locals in Winton and the surrounding towns were feeling socially isolated following the COVID pandemic, not to mention the hit that the economy had taken due to the absence of visitors and tourists.
The festival was hailed an amazing success, with a record 80% increase in numbers that saw upwards of 4,000 visitors book out nearby motels, camping grounds and hotels. Families from all around Queensland road-tripped their way to Winton for an outback school holiday experience.
People from all ages and backgrounds participated in and attended open air concerts, family sports events, arts performances, workshops and even watched a stunning pyrotechnic display.
Winton is known as the birthplace of Qantas and so, to celebrate 100 years of Qantas, a sunset gala dinner with the theme "Centenary of Flight" was held on the Winton airport tarmac with over 300 guests attending along with the 2nd Cavalry Regiment as invited guests.
As a result of the Outback Festival, Winton got a much-needed influx of revenue with more than $1.2 million being spent by attendees during the five days of quintessential Aussie fun. Local business operators reported huge spikes in trading, with some seeing an increase of up to 127%.
For more inspiring stories like this, head to our FY 2021/22 Annual Review.
Photos were captured by Barry Alsop of Eyes Wide Open.
On Narrungga Country
About 160 km from Adelaide, you'll find the small but mighty town of Bute. With a population of 250 people, the residents of this South Australian farming town are no strangers to the hardships brought on by extreme drought and below-average rainfall.
In early 2021, the Barunga West Council, alongside Bute Onwards 2000 Progress Committee, held a public community meeting to discuss plans for a project that would see a new wave of tourism brought to the town to stimulate the economy. The proposal was the Bute "Beaut" Silo Art project, which was met with resounding support from the community. This included Viterra, the owners of the silos that can be seen from much of the town.
Photo credit: Scott Nagy
After successfully applying for a $49,915 Tackling Tough Times Together (TTTT) grant, funded by the Australian Government, the Council and Progress Committee began work on the project. A survey was shared via the Council's Facebook page to ask community members' opinions on what should appear in the final design. The results revealed preferences for local flora and fauna, agriculture and Bute's history. With the brief developed, the Council reached out to award winning street art network, Juddy Roller, and New South Wales artist Scott Nagy was selected to lead the project.
Initial plans were to paint the silos in September 2021 prior to the harvest season but unfortunately COVID lockdowns delayed the project. The project recommenced in March / April of this year when the silos weren't being used by Viterra.
The huge artwork features a woman with a bike in a paddock surrounded by a number of local Bute icons. In her basket, she has native flowers and books. There is a rooster on a fence post, which represents farming but is also a nod to the local sporting clubs as all Bute clubs are the Roosters. The local fauna is represented through the Blue Wren and Rainbow Bee Eater, plus local flora in native orchids and the Hummocks Range in the background.
This silo art project has really helped the community recover from drought by giving residents a common goal to work towards – creating the stunning artwork in the centre of town. There has been wonderful flow on benefits from the project; more tourists are choosing to visit, and there's a renewed sense of pride and enthusiasm among locals for their home. The corner store and hotel are reporting more visitors stopping into their stores and spending additional money and the Council reports that their six-site caravan park, that was rarely full, has been booked out on many occasions.
The project has also been a catalyst for Bute receiving another $250,000 grant from Wellbeing SA to connect the outdoor play spaces and encourage more locals and visitors to be more physically active.
Nine projects funded across NSW, QLD and WA
While drought is out of the media spotlight, for many communities it is still a very real and significant issue. FRRR's Tackling Tough Times Together (TTTT) program has just awarded $86,083 to nine community initiatives in remote, rural and regional communities across Australia still dealing with the impacts of drought.
TTTT is a long-running, collaboratively-funded program that helps drought-affected communities to access the funding and resources they need to tackle the long-term impacts of drought. This round of grants will help fund a variety of projects run by local not-for-profit organisations and community groups, including a series of art workshops for both adults and children, a community event featuring Aboriginal artwork, the creation of murals and skills training to support community members experiencing loss and grief.
Nina O'Brien, FRRR's Disaster Resilience and Recovery Lead, said that there are still many regions across Australia being impacted by drought.
"During this round of grants, the number of eligible LGAs dropped from 152 to 47. While we're delighted to see such a significant drop in the number of communities being impacted by drought, it's crucial that we continue to provide support. A lot of places, like remote SA, are still tackling extreme periods of dryness while others are very much still in drought recovery mode. Not to mention the fact that communities are dealing with a variety of other factors as they continue to stand strong and keep their community connected and supported.
"In this round of applications, we saw a lot of projects that are aiming to improve volunteer capacity and build a sense of social connectedness. If the last two years have taught us anything, it's that our remote, rural and regional communities need volunteers and a strong sense of community in order to thrive.
"When we carried out our Heartbeat of Rural Australia survey last year, the results showed that the effects of drought, as well as the cumulative effects of multiple other disasters, have left volunteers feeling extremely fatigued, and those living in rural communities feeling isolated. That's why we're so pleased to be able to fund these kinds of grassroots initiatives at a time when they're truly needed," Ms O'Brien said.
Among the other projects funded this round were:
Red Ridge Ltd – Longreach, QLD – Outback Fashion Festival – Canvas to Catwalk – Provide opportunities for Aboriginal artists from seven outback Queensland communities to participate in fashion print design workshops which culminate in a catwalk runway community event. $10,000
Rattler Railway Company Ltd – Gympie, QLD – Fatigue Management Accommodation- Build the capacity, capability, and sustainability of Rattler Railway Company Ltd through infrastructure restoration and renovation to support volunteers. $10,000
For a Better Chapman Valley (FABCV) Incorporated – Chapman Valley & Nabawa, WA – Winter Art Series in Chapman Valley – Facilitate social connection and enhance opportunities for the Chapman Valley community to participate in creative activities through the delivery of art workshops. $7,900
The full list of grant recipients and their projects is listed on the FRRR website.
The TTTT program supports drought-affected regions of Australia by giving community groups and local not-for-profit organisations access to the resources they need to respond to, and recover from, long-term rainfall deficiencies. This program has granted over $18 million to initiatives that are helping communities to tackle the tough times that come with drought.
Funding for this program is generously contributed by the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation, Pratt Foundation, Stockland CARE Foundation, Paul Ramsay Foundation, The Snow Foundation, Henroth Group and private donors from across the nation. To join these donors, and support grants like this through FRRR, you can make a tax-deductible donation at frrr.org.au/giving/.
The full list of grant recipients and their projects are below.
Organisation
Moama and District Pre-School Centre Inc Moama & District Preschool Brings Sober in the Country to Moama
Improve the community's social and emotional health and encourage local involvement by hosting a community dinner and guest speaker on drinking culture and supporting healthy choices. Moama $9,150
Congregation of Central Western Qld UCA Edgely Hall Improvements
Improve volunteer vitality and support social connection by installing air-conditioning in the multi-purpose room of the Longreach Uniting Church. Longreach $10,000
Red Ridge (Interior Queensland) Limited Outback Fashion Festival - Canvas to Catwalk
Provide opportunities for Aboriginal artists from seven outback Queensland communities to participate in fashion print design workshops which culminate in a catwalk runway community event. Longreach $10,000
Rattler Railway Company Ltd Fatigue Management Accommodation
Build the capacity, capability, and sustainability of Rattler Railway Company Ltd through infrastructure restoration and renovation to support volunteers. Gympie $10,000
Kumbia & District Memorial School of Arts Inc Kumbia & District School Memorial of Arts Inc Hall Improvements
Boost and strengthen the local economy and reduce social isolation with town beautification in Kumbia through mural art. Kumbia $10,000
Connecting Communities Australia Ltd Let the Show Go On
Improve volunteer vitality and support strong social connection by providing a team of volunteers to assist the Longreach Show Committee prepare and coordinate the Longreach Annual Show. Longreach $9,933
The Isolated Childrens' Parents Association of (WA) Inc 2022 ICPA Federal Conference
Build communities' resilience to continue to face the many ongoing issues and uncertainties that are inherent for families living in rural and remote Australia by hosting a conference where participants connect and learn from one another. Various $10,000
Busselton Hospice Care Incorporated Increasing the Capability to Support Grief and Bereavement in our Compassionate Community
Empower a community group by providing skills training and capacity building to further support community members experiencing loss and grief. Busselton $9,100
For a Better Chapman Valley (FABCV) Incorporated Winter Art Series in Chapman Valley
Facilitate social connection and enhance opportunities for the Chapman Valley community to participate in creative activities through the delivery of art workshops. Nabawa $7,900
In many rural communities, non-denominational school chaplains promote strong community connection, participation opportunities and engagement to reduce isolation and encourage better physical and mental health. While these positions are generally funded through local donations, in recent years there simply hasn't been the money to fund them locally due to drought and, more recently, reduced tourism from COVID-19 restrictions.
Through FRRR's Tackling Tough Times Together grant program, Scripture Union Queensland received $131,490 to support chaplaincy positions at Ravenswood State School, Charter Towers Central State School and Mareeba State School until June 2022. The grant was made possible through generous donations from the Sidney Myer Fund and the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation.
This funding ensures all programs and activities coordinated by the chaplains, including one-on-one pastoral care conversations and classroom support, are free for all children, young people, families and school staff. These activities help to reduce isolation and increase wellbeing and community participation in communities suffering from the long-term effects of drought.
Since funds were awarded in 2019, the schools have been able to implement change and growth within their chaplaincy programs. At Ravenswood State School, chaplain Anne – a much loved member of the community – was finally able to retire at 83 years old. Her position has been filled by a long term local Charters Towers resident, who works two days a week.
The chaplain at Charter Towers has been able to increase her support to two days a week and is seeing a positive response to the 'Girls with a Purpose Resilience' program. Twelve students completed the program in 2019 and there was general consensus among the participants that it was a special time engaging with facilitators and peers. After the COVID-19 school closure in 2020, all girls in grade 6 are now taking part in the program.
A particular highlight for the Mareeba State School has been the implementation of the Bike-Bus program to encourage regular physical activity and increase school attendance and social and community engagement. Since being established in mid-2019, the program has engaged 30 students, as well as parents, grandparents, siblings, teachers and police. It also led to the creation of the Bike Repair Club – an alternative for those who enjoy hands on learning, with all students becoming much more engaged in their education.
The principal of the Mareeba State School, Mandy Whybird, noted the program's positive impact.
"Our school chaplain provides an invaluable source of support for the students at Mareeba State School. Aside from running friendship groups, supporting children in classes and running lunchtime activities for children who may find the playground challenging, our chaplain also assists in providing breakfasts for children in need and working with children who may have experienced loss or trauma.
"The chaplain also assists to support staff well-being. When our school was shaken by the loss of a teacher last year, our Chaplain was integral to the recovery process for staff," Ms Whybird said.
The town of Dirranbandi, in southwest QLD, was suffering from a lack of Christmas cheer and the general community spirit was a bit flat, following relentless drought over many years. This was also having significant impacts on mental health.
In a bid to tackle these issues, while also putting Dirranbandi on the map for both tourists and locals, the Dirranbandi Progress Association used a $60,000 Tackling Tough Times Together grant, funded by the Australian Government to spark some joy in the township with a stunning lights installation.
With the support of Balonne Shire Council, the Dirranbandi Progress Association brought local tradespeople on board, as well as their local Arts Council, the business community and a work camp, which consisted of skilled prisoners who were being reintegrated back into society. Together, this dedicated team of people designed and fabricated a beautiful display of fairy lights that were installed and displayed throughout the main streets of their town all year round.
Alongside the permanent display, the grant funded Christmas lights, which is the main feature of an annual event attended by around 300 people. Locals from the around the community gather for a BBQ and watch the Christmas lights being turned on, while school children sing carols and everyone embraces the magic of Christmas.
Since having the lights installed and hosting these events, the local community, which was crippled by drought, has been able to congregate, reconnect and have its vibrant spirit reignited. As an added benefit, the local council committed to providing extra support and resources, not only for Dirranbandi, but for surrounding towns as a result of the project.
When COVID restrictions hit Woomelang, the tiny Victorian town with a population of 201 was already struggling after being hit by major drought.
More than half the residents live alone, with many people having chronic diseases and some having mobility and travel issues. The closure of the town's primary school and football club has reduced the interaction and connectedness of families and left community members fragmented. People on farms affected by the drought were working hard and spending a lot of time alone. So there was a clear need to create opportunities for social interaction.
A grant from FRRR's Tackling Tough Times Together (TTTT) program, funded by the Australian Government, allowed Woomelang & District Bush Nursing Centre to do just that.
The Centre used the $5,000 grant to create 'Meet, Eat and Play', in an effort to relieve the social, emotional and financial stress facing the community.
The grant enabled the group to fund venue hire, staff and catering to create several lunchtime and evening social gatherings, which included themes such as Feast and Film, Xmas in September, Biggest Morning Tea, volunteer lunches, COVID clinics, Crafty Ladies and a Women's Health Morning Tea.
Centre Manager Carol Paech said idea behind the project was for people to 'meet, greet, eat and have fun'. It meant single people did not need to eat alone. COVID restrictions meant they couldn't hold all the planned monthly gatherings but over the course of 2020-21 they were able to host a variety of catchups.
"The project was so challenging because of lockdowns and ever-changing restrictions. We ended up doing a lot of home deliveries, and part of the deal was that the residents were encouraged to wear a festive outfit or have Christmas decorations to get into the spirit of things, just to make it a bit of fun," she said.
Home delivery – COVID-safe, and only if you got in the spirit and wore a Christmas decoration.
Deep in country Victoria, a definitive before and after makeover is apparent. For years the Golf Club of Warracknabeal, about 340 km north west of Melbourne, made do with a rusty and weathered roof sitting atop a building nearly 100 years old.
While the region is known for its grain, the town has been hit hard by the ravages of drought and subsequently COVID-19. Since the mid 1900s, the Warracknabeal Golf Club has held birthday parties, weddings, wakes, meetings and everything in between. A warm welcoming atmosphere has always been their intention, although this has become increasingly difficult to offer with the decline of the building, most notably its roof.
But with the support of a grant through FRRR's Tackling Tough Times Together program, funded by the Australian Government, the Warracknabeal Golf Club launched their Green Roof Project.
With the $46,125 grant, and with the help of professionals and a swathe of willing and hardworking volunteers, they replaced the old leaking roof with a green' roof. In addition to the new roof, the old and worn guttering was replaced and insulation and sisalation installed to facilitate far greater energy efficiency.
David Baxter from the golf club commented that modernising the building has reignited interest in the Golf Club as somewhere for people to gather and come together as a community in a now very comfortable environment.
"In recent years, we had seen very few functions but this year the increase in its use has been great. Organisations such as VFF, Lions Club, local schools, Grain Corp, the Arts Council and Lutheran Ladies have since used the facility and commented on the improvements particularly on the heating/cooling aspect."
Mr Baxter noted his resounding gratitude for the project being able to go ahead.
"So much has been achieved thanks to the grant from FRRR, which made it possible earlier than we anticipated, as major fundraising over a number of years would have been required.
"More than ever, we are looking forward to becoming an important cog in our community in providing a place to meet, socialise and celebrate".
38 projects will help communities cope with drought
Thanks to FRRR's Tackling Tough Times Together (TTTT) program, 38 community initiatives in remote, rural and regional communities across Australia will share in $1,316,217. These projects will help local communities tackle the ongoing impacts of drought.
The TTTT program supports drought-affected regions of Australia by giving community groups and local not-for-profit organisations access to the resources they need to respond to, and recover from, long-term rainfall deficiencies. This program has granted over $18 million (through rounds 1-22) to initiatives that are helping communities to tackle the tough times that come with drought.
The program is possible thanks to the support of several donors, including the Australian Government, which committed $15M to be distributed from 2019-2021.
Natalie Egleton, FRRR's Chief Executive Officer, said these grants will utilise the last tranche of Australian government funding.
"FRRR was grateful to have the support of the Government alongside 15 other donors, as that enabled this program to expand nationally, just at a time when the drought was spreading across the entire country.
"While there have been good rains in places, there are many places that continue to experience severe drought, or are just coming out of drought. Enduring such prolonged dryness is really tough on these communities and their local industries. The pandemic has also meant that many of the fundraising initiatives and events that would normally have brought the community together and injected vital funds into the local economy haven't happened now for 18 months. As a result, some people are more socially-isolated than ever.
"That's why we're so pleased to be able to support these projects at a time when they need it the most. Each of these remote, regional and rural communities has their own complex and individual needs, which is why it's crucial that their support and recovery efforts are community-led.
"The projects being funded in this round range from investing in infrastructure and building organisational capacity, to providing services and developing skills, which really highlights the diverse range of needs in these communities," Ms Egleton said.
Among the groups being funded is Parachilna Community Association who are refurbishing a school building, so that it can be used as caretaker residence at the community caravan park. This upgrade to local facilities will help Parachilna to attract tourists, which in turn will help to financially support the community. The $44,643 grant means they can install and renovate a bathroom, kitchen and living room.
Another organisation receiving funding is Pikedale Community Inc for their Drawing Through Drought initiative. This will fund a series of art classes in the rural, grazing community of Pikedale, west of Stanthorpe, which will allow the local community to meet, connect, refresh and ease the stress and mental fatigue caused by the hardship of prolonged drought.
Among the other projects funded this round include:
Country Women's Association of NSW, Walgett NSW – Tranquillity – $13,860 – To provide a green space of tranquillity that is accessible by wheelchair. Funds will be used for concreting the disability access and installing a rainwater tank and irrigation system for the garden.
Cunnamulla & District Show Society Incorporated, QLD – Cunnamulla Show Society Multi-Purpose Function Centre, Stage 2 – $145,000 – The grant will be used to undertake stage 2 of the construction of the new, large multi-purpose function centre at the Showgrounds.
Friends of Yantanabie Incorporated, SA – Yantanabie Hall Roof Restoration – $17,050 – The project aims to restore the roof of the Yantanabie Hall. A master builder has assessed that these repairs will ensure the structure remains safe for future generations and community use.
Rupanyup & District Consultative Committee, VIC – Landscaping Rupanyup Community Space – $60,000 – To create a new community space in Rupanyup where community members can gather and relax. Funding will be used to clear the site, prepare garden beds, install access and paths, plant trees and shrubs, install an irrigation system, build seating and pergolas.
Lake Grace Community Men's Shed, WA – We Need a Bigger Shed – $60,000 – This will double the members' workspace by adding another shed to the current one. The increased space will give them separate working areas and the option of including a mezzanine floor and a hoist in the future.
In addition to the Australian government, generous contributions have also been made by The Pratt Foundation, Stockland CARE Foundation, Paul Ramsay Foundation, The Snow Foundation, Tim Fairfax Family Foundation, Henroth Group and private donors from across the nation. To join these donors, and support grants like this through FRRR, you can make a tax-deductible donation at frrr.org.au/giving/.
With recent rains in many areas, FRRR will take the opportunity to review the shape of the Tackling Tough Times Together program in the coming weeks, meaning the next round is likely to open early in the new year.
Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (South Eastern Section)
Contact Inc RuralCONNECT: Activity Days for Isolated Children and Families in Drought-Affected Areas
Support families with young children living in remote north-western NSW by providing opportunities for social and educational participation in creative programs. Louth $59,924
Country Women's Association of NSW Tranquility
Enhance community well-being and local amenity by providing a green space of tranquility for community use. Walgett $13,860
Cunnamulla & District Show Society Incorporated Cunnamulla Show Society Multi-Purpose Function Centre - Stage 2
Support the Cunnamulla and District Show Society Inc's resilience and capacity to contribute to a stronger local economy and an engaged, participative community, through the completion of their multi-purpose centre. Cunnamulla $145,000
Kingaroy State School Parents and Citizens Association Inclusive Play and Learning Facilities for Children in Kingaroy
Install new play and seating areas at Kingaroy State School, to meet the needs of the diverse children and families in this drought-affected community. Kingaroy $60,000
Creative Country Association Inc Murgon's Best Kept Secret
Fit out of the Fossil Museum at the Murgon Cultural Centre, to attract tourists and stimulate economic activity in the town of Murgon. Murgon $60,000
Goombungee Public Hall Inc Goombungee Public Hall Upgrade
Encourage better use of the community hall by repairing the facility to make the community space safer and more user-friendly, thereby securing its use for future generations. Goombungee $60,000
Mount Morgan Central Primary P&C Association MMCSS Youth Warriors Course
Inspire leadership, confidence and self-discipline in senior students, by installing an Adventure Obstacle Course. Mount Morgan $50,732
Goondiwindi Pastoral and Agricultural Society From Storing Outdoor to Making it Secure: Showground Community Storage Shed
Reduce volunteer fatigue and build the capacity of Goondiwindi Pastoral and Agricultural Society through the purchase of a storage shed to support community events. Goondiwindi $49,033
Somerset Regional Council An Annual Program of Art Making Activities for Children and Young People That Addresses the Impact of Drought, Assists with Recovery and Builds Resilience Through Creative Opportunity and Expression
Encourage children's learning and development with art workshops/creative activities at the Somerset Regional Art Gallery. Toogoolawah $47,536
Tamrookum Memorial Hall Incorporated To support the Capacity and Sustainability of Tamrookum Hall with Upgraded and Refurbished Amenities
Enhance economic stimulus of Tamrookum and surrounding areas by providing accessible amenities for locals, volunteers, visitors and user groups to use. Tamrookum $41,816
Toogoolawah & District Progress Assoc Inc New Canteen with Connection to Water, Electricity and with Shade Protection
Increase volunteer safety and comfort at the canteen building which is used by the Toogoolawah Progress Association and other community groups. Toogoolawah $36,386
Gatton Show Society Incorporated Gatton Show – Poultry Section WHS Upgrade
Reduce volunteer fatigue and support local economic recovery by repairing the Poultry Pavilion, a major attraction at the Gatton Show. Gatton $35,478
Blackall - Tambo Regional Council Tambo Dam Lights - Stage 2 - Installation
Contribute to local economic recovery by funding the transportation of an art installation on the Blackall Tambo dam. Tambo $30,624
Balonne Shire Council Mural of Historic Significance - Balonne Community Hub
Contribute to a culturally vibrant community while also supporting local economic recovery during current times of drought and COVID-19. St George $30,000
Stanthorpe Festival Association Inc Food & Wine Fiesta
Strengthen economic diversity and support cultural engagement by hiring artists to provide entertainment to support the 2022 Stanthorpe Food & Wine Fiesta. Stanthorpe $20,000
The Texas Historical Society Inc Texas Technology Museum
Build capacity and boost local economy by constructing an exhibition pavilion at the existing Texas Historical Museum with a technology focus, that aims to attract a broader (younger) demographic. Texas $20,000
Jandowae Timbertown Festival Inc Jandowae Timbertown Festival Tours, Fireworks and Creative Chainsaw Demonstrations
Reduce social isolation and support local economic recovery by adding extra tours/quality demonstrations to the 2022 Jandowae Timbertown festival program and provide night-time entertainment that will attract people to attend the festival and stay longer. Jandowae $10,712
QCWA Branch Jackson Making it Easier
Reduce volunteer fatigue and build the capacity of the QCWA Jackson Branch Hall through kitchen upgrades. Jackson $5,022
Pikedale Community Inc Drawing through Drought
Enhance opportunities to participate in creative activities for the Pikedale community through the delivery of four art workshops over a series of weeks. Pikedale $4,928
Lions Club of Cecil Plains Inc Shade and Shelter
Build capacity by providing shade and shelter for volunteers and the community that attend their events. Cecil Plains $3,160
Lochiel Progress Association Incorporated Coming Together at the Lochiel Community Centre
Re-invigorate the Lochiel Community Centre (LPC) by upgrading the facility, thereby enabling the Centre to host important community get-togethers to increase social inclusion, well-being and resilience. Lochiel $59,429
District Council of Loxton Waikerie
Little Town Productions SHINE: Riverland Community Light Project
Create a community arts event featuring a unique animated projection mapped to the façade of the historic St Peter's church, and create sustainable creative skills for young people and lift the spirits of the whole community. Loxton $55,859
Carrieton Progress Association Inc Carrieton Community Halls Project -'Preserving and Restoring the Town Facilities'
Improve the tired infrastructure and reduce community fatigue. Carrieton $54,443
Parachilna Community Association Refurbish a School Building at the Community Caravan Park as a Caretaker Residence
Build the capacity, capability, and sustainability of the Parachilna Community Association's caravan park through refurbishing a school building so that it can be utilised as a caretaker residence. Parachilna $44,643
Foodbank of South Australia Incorporated Foodbank Ceduna Food Hub - Cool Room Project
Increase capacity and capability of Foodbank of South Australia to provide food relief for regional and rural communities impacted by drought. Ceduna $25,700
District Council of Orroroo Carrieton 54 31 Collective
Boost and strengthen the local economy by providing rural creators a platform to grow and showcase their locally made or sourced products, which will attract visitors/tourists to the region thereby benefiting the wider community. Orroroo $20,000
Friends of Yantanabie Incorporated Yantanabie Hall Roof Restoration
Improve volunteer vitality and support strong social connection by restoring the roof of the Friends of Yatanabie's Community Hall. Yatanabie $17,050
Moorook Hall Incorporated Safety and Secure Storage - Moorook Community Hall
Improve volunteer vitality and support strong social connection by restoring the Moorook Hall. Moorook $13,208
Rotary Club of Peterborough Incorporate The North East Drought Event and Inaugural Wool Show
Reduce social isolation by facilitating social connection through supporting a Wool Show hosted by the Rotary Club of Peterborough Incorporate. Yunta $11,000
Balaklava Community Arts Incorporated Balaklava Community Arts Inc 2022 Production of "Shrek"
To foster and encourage the Arts in the local region by staging a performance that will involve locals in many roles as participants but also in attendance at the event. Balaklava $5,300
Rupanyup and District Consultative Committee
Enterprise Rupanyup Landscaping Rupanyup Community Space
Improve social and emotional health and build resilience in the Rupanyup community by landscaping a community space. Rupanyup $60,000
Corack Public Hall Inc Corack Hall Kitchen Makeover
Build the capacity, capability, and sustainability of the Corack Public Hall through refurbishment of the Hall's kitchen. Corack $16,500
Buloke Women's Network Inc Celebrating Buloke Women in 2022
Promote individual and community health and social wellbeing through community events that acknowledge and celebrate the economic and social contribution of women in the Buloke region. Watchem $15,900
Lake Grace Community Men's Shed We Need a Bigger Shed
Improve the Lake Grace Men's Shed to attract more members, reduce social isolation and improve mental and physical health. Lake Grace $60,000
Lake Grace Community Resource Centre Inc Fit For Purpose
Support tourism opportunities that will strengthen the local economy through installation of outdoor fitness equipment to encourage motorists to stop and revive. Lake Grace $26,683
Lake Grace Artists' Group Comfy Safe Space for Our Community
Improve volunteer vitality and organisational resilience to encourage more use of the community Art Space for social and educational participation by providing new chairs, stools and tables. Lake Grace $18,788
Leeman Green Head Community Resource Centre Incorporated The Leeman Green Head Community Resource Centre IT Upgrade
Improve the Leeman Green Head Community Resource Centre's (LGHCRC) ability to support and service the community through purchase of IT equipment for the delivery of training and provision of online services. Leeman $18,503
Katanning Land Conservation District Committee Katanning - Making the Swap to Green Caffeen
Stimulate the local economy through an innovative project that tackles the environmental issue of waste production by removing disposable coffee cups from Katanning cafes through the Green Caffeen system. Katanning $9,000
Ngadjuri Country
The small agricultural township of Orroroo in South Australia knows what it's like to suffer through drought. With several local businesses closing down and the community running the taxing gamut of drought-related issues, something different needed to be done.
Fortunately, this small outer regional area has a dedicated group of people who are behind the push to ensure the town's survival, by celebrating and showcasing Australia's pioneering agricultural history. In the past, the area has relied heavily on a thriving agricultural foundation, but they saw the need to improve their economic diversity, starting with a new tourist attraction.
Over the past few years, the District Council of Orroroo Carrieton, the Orroroo Regional Tourism Group and a team of amazing volunteers have dedicated themselves to very carefully restoring the locally-famed Black Rock Woolpress – a generously donated, circa 1850s piece of manual machinery, which early research suggests may very well be the only one of its kind left in existence.
Plans for the impressive woolpress to be showcased in its very own building in the main precinct of Orroroo came a step closer to reality, thanks to a $20,000 grant from FRRR's Tackling Tough Times Together program, funded by the Australian Government.
The grant allowed for a formal business plan to be drawn up by a local consultant, confirming the feasibility of the Heritage Hub project. The plan required input from all areas of the community – those working on the project directly, as well as in the wider community motivated to create an attractive tourist destination. As well, the funds were put towards the planning, architectural drawings and raw materials needed to construct the purpose-built rotunda for the Black Rock Woolpress.
This seed funding enabled the planning committee to produce a proof of concept, which attracted $143,252 in further funding from FRRR's Tackling Tough Times Together program, again funded by the Australian Government, along with grants from the Australian Government's Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program and funding from the local Council.The stone and glass rotunda now houses the historic woolpress (circa 1851) as the centrepiece in a collection of heritage items on display as part of a landscaped Heritage trail in the town's centre, with impressive interpretive signage, maps and promotional material. The FRRR grant also contributed to the official launch of the development, which recognise the generous funding organisations and the thousands of hours of volunteer involvement in restoring the woolpress.
District Council of Orroroo Carrieton community project officer Jodie Boully said "We have already had so many locals and visitors stop to comment how impressive the building is.
"It's been such a huge success to date, a great story of local volunteers who have remained involved in the planning right the way through to highlight some of our early pioneer history."
The project to create such an attractive tourist destination has already created strong bonds, with those in the community dedicated to seeing the town succeed despite the drought. They have self-funded, committed hundreds of hours of volunteered hours, and worked tirelessly together from the very beginning developing not only the beginnings of a beautifully built tourist hub, but a sustainable and diverse economic platform for the town to rebuild from.
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Iningai Country
For years, Central Western Queensland has been heavily impacted by the economic, environmental, and social effects of a prolonged drought. Topology, a grassroots community arts organisation, decided to tackle these impacts and empower their communities with music and performance.
Topology's goal is to build the creative capacity of their participants and to help increase social connectedness through much needed community-based and intergenerational events. And that's exactly what they achieved when they launched Top Up Central Western Queensland. This initiative consisted of a series of 12 workshops and a four-day creative bootcamp that culminated in a free community performance in Longreach, which was attended by 2,000 people.
Through our Tackling Tough Times Together program, Topology received a grant of $10,000, funded by the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation, as well as separate funding through the Building Better Regions Fund. This money paid the local artists who hosted workshops, as well as covering venue hire and event costs.
The Topology team said, "One of the things we are most proud of is seeing people of all ages, some with no previous experience of the arts, learn about their own potential for creativity – and to perform in public a new piece they have written and contributed to themselves. The feelings of self-accomplishment and pride achieved by the participants is a real and invaluable outcome of this program."
The program was also the catalyst for Topology consulting with the community on the development of a Regional Creative Hub (RCH). This hub will have lasting impacts for local communities, as it will help to support and upskill rural creative practitioners and community arts organisations.
Top Up Central Western Queensland empowered, educated, and inspired the community to create, perform and tell their stories, while celebrating their community. It was a much-needed reminder of their resilience and their ability to thrive through tough times together.