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From cappuccino machines to computers FRRR Small Grants funding announced

08 November 2002

Thirty two innovative small communities with a passion for the future of their towns have been successful in acquiring a total of $101,000 from FRRR’s – ‘Small Grants for Small Rural Communities Program’.

With much of rural Australia in the midst of one of the toughest droughts ever many are starting to see the dire consequences for rural and remote communities all over the country. Sylvia Admans, CEO said ‘It is pleasing to see so many small communities undertaking projects that have such a positive and innovative way of creating renewal and FRRR is pleased to provide support.’

For example the grant of $4889 to Gulargambone in NSW will provide a cappuccino machine and fridge to kick start the ‘Coffee Shop’ project. The project aims to encourage people to call in and shop locally instead of going to a large regional centre therefore local business will benefit.

To make small grants more accessible to communities in rural and remote Australia, a collaborative program supported by grants from Perpetual Trustees, The RE Ross Trust, The Myer Foundation and FRRR has been established. FRRR Founded in early 2000 as a partnership between The Sidney Myer Fund, a major philanthropic trust, and the Commonwealth Government of Australia via the Department of Transport and Regional Services administers the program.

Some of the grants supported have provided funding for cappuccino machines, computers, community newsletters, furnishings for community buildings, touring art exhibitions, remote children’s theatre productions, portable skate park facilities and breeding goats in the Cressy School Farm in Tasmania. [Details attached]

This collaborative approach is designed to: make better, targeted use of funds improving access for rural and regional communities while providing a simple application process. FRRR aims to take on a leadership role in promoting concepts to combat rural and regional decline and in doing so strengthen the communities capacity to drive change and the partnership between government, business, philanthropy and community.

The closing date for the next round of FRRR Small Grants for Small Rural Communities will be March 31, 2003. Funding Guidelines and the application form are located on our webpage or call FRRR on 1800 170 020 top