Adapting and Evolving: Annual Review 2020/21

A message from our CEO

At a glance …

2,041

applications

$19.7M

awarded

917

grants

597

postcodes

Adapting and Evolving

The Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) was formed in 2000, at the instigation of the Sidney Myer Fund and the Australian Government. Our founders believed that philanthropy could help local leaders respond to economic and social decline being experienced in many remote, rural and regional areas.

Twenty years on, we are still the only national foundation specifically focused on ensuring social and economic strength in remote, rural and regional Australia. We do this by connecting goodwill, with good purpose and aligning government, philanthropic and local community purpose and investment.

Despite the difficulties of the past 12 months, we saw communities across the country adapt and evolve, as we did, and continue to strive toward a more vibrant, resilient and revitalised remote, rural and regional Australia.

This report will confirm it was another record year in terms of supporting communities to implement local projects. The agility and responsiveness demonstrated by both FRRR and the communities we serve in response to a constant cycle of development and adjustment resulting from cumulative disasters, including the global COVID-19 pandemic, has been remarkable.

We invite you to browse this report, which reflects on what we achieved together in FY2020/21, and as always, welcome your feedback.

Tim Fairfax AC

Tim Fairfax AC
Chairman

“While rural Australia experienced its fair share of drought, floods and fires this reporting year, the dominant issue was the impact of COVID-19. The pandemic, which is still with us, has created significant challenges for the whole country, whether directly affected by lockdowns or not.”

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Natalie Egleton, FRRR CEO

Natalie Egleton
CEO

“We have been inspired by the many amazing community leaders, who are so persistent and dedicated to strengthening and sustaining their community. The way in which they have adapted and evolved is truly impressive, especially given the trauma, burden and fatigue that many are feeling.”

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We acknowledge and extend our deep respect and appreciation to the Dja Dja Wurrung People, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which our Foundation is located in Bendigo, and to the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which our programs are assessed and delivered.

We pay respect to their ancient and continuing cultures, their connections to the land, sea and sky and to the Elders, past, present and emerging.

Dive in…

Our Performance

The 2020/21 financial year was another strong year for FRRR. We invite you to explore some of the highlights from this year’s activity.

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Our Strategy

Twenty years on from our formation, FRRR is still the only national foundation specifically focused on ensuring social and economic strength in remote, rural and regional Australia.

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Stories of Impact

The ideas and actions being led by remote, rural, and regional communities make a real and lasting difference to the wellbeing, vitality, and resilience of their people, places, and environments.

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