Media Release

Governor General to Launch Community Report

21 August 2009

Friday, August 21, 2009

Media Release:

Governor-General to launch report on rural philanthropy

Australia’s Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce, AC, will launch a report on the activities of a philanthropic foundation established almost 10 years ago to support rural and regional Australia.

Ms Bryce, the patron of the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, will launch its two-yearly community report on Wednesday, August 26, in Sydney.

The report outlines the foundation’s activities for 2008-2009.

Since 2000 when it was established, the national foundation has granted almost $25million to more than 3000 projects across rural and regional Australia.

FRRR Chairman Ian Sinclair said for every dollar granted, another nine dollars has been leveraged, injecting a total of $225million into communities during a period of radical change in rural areas.

The money has gone to diverse projects in tiny outposts with little more than a tin shed and a fire brigade to larger towns and regional cities.

FRRR began with a $1 million grant from the Myer Foundation and funds from the Federal Government in 2000. Since then the Federal Government has injected $13.5million and FRRR continues to hold $10million in investments.

Ms Bryce will launch the FRRR report at her Sydney residence, Admiralty House, at 11am.

Representatives from FRRR including Mr Sinclair and CEO Sylvia Admans, FRRR board members, government and supporting foundations will be present.

Media contacts

FRRR chairman Ian Sinclair 0411 593700

www.frrr.org.au

Media wishing to attend the report launch are asked to advise of their attendance beforehand for security purposes by phoning Genevieve Barlow on 0427 762633.