Flood-impacted Victorian communities set for a boost
Local community groups and not-for-profits in rural Victorian communities impacted by 2022-23 floods are encouraged to apply for grants up to $20,000 for projects that will support their community’s recovery.
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In partnership with Suncorp and AAMI, the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) is offering $300,000 for initiatives that build resilience and support medium to long-term recovery of communities affected by the flooding and storms that occurred in specified LGA’s between 6 October 2022 and 13 January 2023.
Funded through the Rebuilding Futures program, these responsive grants are available for proactive initiatives that are community-led.
Nina O’Brien, FRRR’s Disaster Recovery & Resilience Lead, said that extreme weather events, like the flooding and storms experienced by rural Victorian regions late last year, affect every community member, especially those who are most vulnerable and rely on community organisations for support.
“Different groups within the community, such as those living with disability, homelessness or who speak English as a second language, will be impacted differently, and as such, will have their own needs in terms of building resilience and how they can prepare for future disaster events.
“We encourage community groups to be inclusive with their initiative ideas and consider how their project can support community members from all nationalities, socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.
Nina O'Brien, FRRR's Disaster Recovery & Resilience Lead
We also encourage community groups to think outside the box when it comes to infrastructure and equipment projects by considering resilient materials and harnessing clever use of design to decrease future impacts of natural disasters.
Suncorp’s Group Executive People, Culture & Advocacy, Fiona Thompson, said that natural disasters, such as the Victorian floods, have devastating impacts that are complex, context-driven and long-lasting.
“This is the third disaster-affected region that we’ve supported through this program over the last couple of years, so we know that the impacts in each place are different. One thing is always the same though; local people are best placed to know the needs and priorities of their community, especially following a natural disaster event.
“Thanks to our partnership with FRRR, we’re pleased to be able to provide flexible funding that means communities can determine how best to address the medium to long-term recovery, resilience and preparedness needs and priorities for their region,” Ms Thompson said.
A Grantseeker Workshop, including a Q&A, on the Rebuilding Future’s grant program will be held online from 12 – 1pm AEST Wednesday 7 June 2023.
Applications close 6 July 2023.
#Previous projects funded through the Rebuilding Futures program include:
During the floods in February 2022, Mooloolah, QLD, experienced intermittent loss of power that impacted the community's access to lighting, hot water and technology. To help the community prepare for future disaster events, the Mooloolah Valley Community Association used a $25,000 grant to purchase and install three batteries that can be used to supply power to the region. The batteries are able to store energy from the Centre’s existing solar panels. The grant also funded fencing to ensure the new batteries are stored safely and securely. Thanks to the community’s resilience and preparedness, the batteries were able to keep the community’s power running during the two electricity outages that Mooloolah has experienced since the batteries were installed.
Mission Australia and Mid Coast 4 Kids’ response to child and youth wellbeing project. Following the NSW and QLD floods in 2021, the partners used a $10,811 grant to deliver training to local community service, health and education professionals, volunteers and parents. Their aim was to ensure they were equipped with the skills to have quality conversations and build resilience to respond to the wellbeing needs of children, young people and their families.
For more information about which regions are eligible and they type of projects that can be funded, visit www.frrr.org.au/Rebuilding-Futures.
#About FRRR
The Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal - FRRR - (phonetically: F-triple-R) - is the only national foundation specifically focused on ensuring the social and economic strength of remote, rural and regional communities. FRRR's unique model connects common purposes and investment with locally prioritised needs, to create communities that are vital and resilient. Since FRRR's start in 2000, it has delivered nearly $155 million to around 13,000 projects.
