Media Release

FRRR invests another $300,000 in drought stricken communities across Australia.

06 March 2003

One of Australia’s most innovative philanthropic Foundations FRRR – The Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal has again come to the fore with much needed support for Rural and Regional Australia.

Combined with generous contributions from both the ANZ under the ‘Seeds of Renewal Program’ and The Geoffrey Gardiner Foundation ‘Caring for Dairy Small Grants Program’ FRRR has supported an additional sixty small communities to realise their potential and continue to develop vibrant successful communities across rural Australia.

Ms Sylvia Admans, CEO, of FRRR said that ‘We were very impressed with the standard of applications. The creativity and willingness to retain a sense of community is very positive for rural and regional Australia. We think this type of funding really illustrates the investment we have been making in rural and regional Australia across the board’.

ANZ, a founding donor of FRRR, provided up to $200,000 funding for the ‘Seeds of Renewal Program’ to support  many small community organisations across Australia in exceptional circumstances. One such organisation, the Chinchilla Student Accommodation Centre, received $8,000 to purchase new computers for student boarders at the centre.

The centre allows students to attend the state school much closer to home than would be available otherwise. Glenys Carter, Treasure of the centre said that ‘we were absolutely delighted to receive the grant from FRRR. To have the opportunity to be part of a program such as ‘ANZ Seeds of Renewal’ is extremely rewarding and give our heartfelt thanks to all involved and can now get our project off the ground’.

Similarly the Gardiner Foundation provided $100,000 funding for the ‘Caring for Dairy’ program. Some of the successful organisations include The Gippsland Women’s Network, Tongala Dairy Industry Training Council, Kyabram Community Learning Centre, Undera Kindergarten, Cohuna/Leitchville Discussion Group and the Taste of Tatura Food & Wine Festival.

Ms Jo Backway, President of the Undera Kindergarten said “We are thrilled with the results of our application.  Dealing with FRRR was very encouraging and simple. FRRR are definitely about people to people working at a grass roots level in communities and their assistance has been invaluable. With the drought this year, money is so tight, fundraising is really hard. To be able to take the pressure off the community in a time like this is a great relief.”

Media Contact - Natalie Elliott of FRRR on info@frrr.org.au or 03 5443 7300