 Media Release
FRRR Puts Bendigo on the Philanthropic Map
01 September 2006
FRRR - Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, Chief Executive Officer Sylvia Admans on the 4th September 2001 set up FRRR’s national headquarters in Dudley House, Bendigo.
In just five years FRRR has become one of the top 15 philanthropic foundations in Australia. Ms Admans leads one of Australia’s most innovative philanthropic foundations – FRRR. Now in its fifth year, FRRR’s strategies for creating rural and regional opportunity are supported by a range of funding programs and initiatives.
Making their home in the historic regional city of Bendigo, Victoria, over the past five years, FRRR has attracted more than 4000 applications nationwide with hundreds successful applicants receiving funds for their projects. All up, approximately $9.2 million has been distributed in grants with leveraged funds of more than $81 million to rural and remote Australian communities.
Ms Admans said that ‘As a philanthropic organisation FRRR focuses on supporting programs in rural and regional communities in which people can help themselves to grow, have their children educated, create jobs within their communities, and by doing these things, alleviate the pressures of their youth to move to the city. The challenge is complex and yet so rewarding.’
The Rt Hon Ian Sinclair AC, Chairman of the FRRR Board strongly believes that one of Ms Admans major strengths is the ability to lead the way with innovative partnerships. In describing this unique role Mr. Sinclair explains, ‘Sylvia has worked with others who are inspiring communities and who have the ability to drive projects that are wanted and needed by their communities. Sylvia has done an outstanding job having created the partnerships not only with business but with governments, the community and other philanthropic bodies.’
Sylvia Admans, CEO of FRRR is available to talk about the extraordinary work undertaken by the Foundation in rural and regional Australia.
Projects that have been supported through FRRR in the Bendigo Area
FRRR/Gardiner Foundation Working in Dairying Communities
Calivil Recreation Reserve Committee $5,000
Upgrade to the toilet facilities at recreation reserve
FRRR/ Caring for Ageing in Rural Australia
Buda Historical Home and Gardens $4,300
The grant provided seating for the elderly around the gardens and portable seating inside the home. Also large signage for ease of reading by elderly visitors to the home
FRRR/ Small Grants for Small Rural Communities
Castlemaine Secondary College $3,500
The project has been set up to allow students to further their learning by actively designing and building projects in their own time. The initial focus will be The Vic Model Solar Vehicle Challenge at Science works, and the Energy Breakthrough at Maryborough. The grant was used to purchase tools for the youth shed.
FRRR/ Back to School Program
Back to School Program $15,000
The Community Foundation of Bendigo and Central Victoria participated in this project to distribute Target Vouchers to the value of $50 to families requiring assistance to get the children back to school.
FRRR/ Youth in Philanthropy Incentive Fund
Bendigo and Central Victorian Community Foundation $10,000
The Bendigo and Central Victoria Community Foundation have been granted $10,000 to establish a youth philanthropy group within the Bendigo area. The group will be mentored by the board of the community foundation about philanthropy, and will then raise funds and distribute grants to youth organisations within the area.
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