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May eNews online now
All-terrain wheelchairs, historic wagons, an anti-violence campaign and a pathway for toddlers are among the grants featured in this edition. There's also three new grant programs, as well as some advice for those sitting on community boards. > More
Funding available to make rural communities better for young Australians - 1 May 2013
FRRR has partnered with ABC Radio to create a program that will enable seven communities to apply for up to $10,000 in seed funding to adopt, adapt and implement one of seven ideas that young Australians say would improve rural and regional communities. > More
More money on the table for rural communities - 15 April 2013
FRRR is calling for applications to share $800,000 in funding for projects in education, and in culture, arts, tourism and community heritage. > More
Philanthropy's role in sustainable agriculture - 2 April 2013
FRRR CEO Alexandra Gartmann speaks on ABC's Bush Telegraph about renewed interest from philanthropists in funding research, development and education programs in sustainable agriculture. > More
March eNews - 27 March 2013
This edition is packed with news of new grants, including the relaunch of CATCH and a new education program, as well as stories about how local communities are working together to solve local issues as wide-ranging as palliative care to land care. > More
Charlton Golden Grains Museum reopens - 27 March 2013
Despite battling white-ants and floods - and with a little help from FRRR - the Charlton Golden Grains Museum has reopened. > More
Co-op success sustains local farmers
A food co-op in NSW provides farmers with a local outlet for their fresh produce, supporting sustainable practices. > More
Round the clock broadcasting for Halls Creek communities
PRK Aboriginal Radio gets new equipment just in time, as a very old transmitter starts breaking up the broadcast. > More
Family-oriented future for Saddleworth - 26 March 2013
Community of Saddleworth fosters a positive future with family-oriented infrastructure. > More
Friends of the Yarraman Creek not deterred by summer floods
Efforts continue after the January 2013 floods posed a risk to the weed eradication and re-vegetation work done along Yarraman Creek by a community group in Queensland. > More
Never too old to learn
Woodgate Men's Shed receives FRRR/ANZ Seeds of Renewal grant towards equipment to aid education programs for a group of enthusiastic hobbyists from all walks of life - with an average age of 68. > More
Small sustainable business for Aboriginal artists
A Small Grant helps a Northern Territory arts centre to support local indigenous artists. > More
Newsletters need pictures, pictures need cameras!
A Small Grant helps a community group capture local events in full colour for their newsletter and website. > More
Kitchen refurbishment for new mining town childcare facility
A Small Grant helps to refurbish the kitchen of a delapidated building - so that a much-needed childcare facility can start operating in Three Springs, WA. > More
Donald Swimming Pool Celebrates
Volunteers from the community go to great efforts to restore a cherished local swimming pool after devastation from the 2011 floods. > More
February eNews - 28 February 2013
We are off to a running start this year, and are thrilled about releasing our first online annual review, which covers FRRR's activities and achievements for the 2011/12 financial year. Read all about the latest news from FRRR in our February eNews. > More
Time, treasure and talent: a radio interview.
FRRR CEO Alexandra Gartmann is interviewed by Rebecca Levingston on ABC 612 Brisbane, regarding natural disaster recovery. > More
FRRR 2011/12 Annual Review now published - 7 February 2013
FRRR has released an online review of its 2011/12 operations. The publication shares some inspirational examples of our grant programs in action, none of which is possible without the generous support of our donors and partners. > More
FRRR seeks support for program to fund medium to long-term natural disaster recovery - 6 February 2013
FRRR is calling for contributions to a medium to long-term natural disaster recovery program to support communities in rural and regional Australia affected by this Summer's floods and fires. > More
McEwen Foundation again supports Goulburn Valley with grants - 4 February 2013
The Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) has partnered with The McEwen Foundation, managed by ANZ Trustees, to distribute $67,500 in grants aimed at strengthening the Goulburn Valley community. The McEwen Foundation has made grants through FRRR to Goulburn Valley community organisations since 2007.Nine organisations will receive funding for much needed activities and infrastructure. In keeping with the wish of the late Lady McEwen, preference has been given to projects that relate to Junior Legacy, hospitals, charities and accommodation which benefits older people. Alexandra Gartmann CEO of FRRR said the organisation is delighted to be able to continue to support the Goulburn Valley in this way. -We are very pleased to be able to assist organisations that provide much needed services and support to rural individuals and communities. FRRR's partnership with the McEwen Foundation isa key relationship which enables us to do just that across the Goulburn Valley.- > More
January eNews - 31 January 2013
We begin this new year as we have the last couple: with natural disasters unfolding around the country. This edition of eNews highlights a new Recovery program to support those affected by the current situation. It also showcases some success stories from previous natural disasters, including the 2010/11 floods. There are also details about a number of grant programs about to open. > More
What role can philanthropy play in natural disaster recovery? - 31 January 2013
FRRR's CEO shares her thoughts on the role of philanthropy in natural disaster recovery in two guest posts on the Philanthropy Australia blog. > More
Big is not always better: Rural groups encouraged to apply for Small Grants for Small Rural Communities
FRRR, today announced small communities across Australia are able to apply for grants of up to $5,000 in Round 23 of FRRR's flagship Small Grants for Small Rural Communities Program. Applications are open from the 1 February through to 5pm Tuesday 2 April 2013.FRRR CEO Ms Alexandra Gartmann says -There are many small communities across Australia in need of support to implement local solutions at a scale appropriate for their community.- > More
Resources to help with natural disaster recovery - 30 January 2013
FRRR is very pleased to have been able to support the creation of a great resource developed by the Qld Rural, Regional and Remote Women's Network to help communities recover from natural disasters.In 2011 the organisation - in conjunction with Petrea King, the founder of the Quest for Life Foundation - ran a series of four webinars which focussed on strategies that could be applied to recover from trauma (like natural disasters). The webinars were updated after the 2012 floods and are nowavailable on the QRRWN website. There is also a Recovering From Trauma Workbook that accompanies this webinar series. Visit the QRRRWN site for more information:http://www.qrrrwn.org.au/community-recovery.php > More
Making education interactive - 29 January 2013
Tinonee Public School P&C works to provide "boundless opportunities" for the students of this small school. > More
One wall to fix it all - 29 January 2013
The Cunderdin Men's Shed fixes the issues that come with being housed in the museum complex by the addition of a new wall, enabled by a Small Grant. > More
The great digital transition - 29 January 2013
Iconic, historic Swanpool Cinema keeps its operations up to date in the changing world of modern cinema. > More
Lachlan Region Community Grant recipients announced - 25 January 2013
The recipients of the first round of the Lachlan Region Community Grants program have been announced. > More
Low-cost festival keeps kids happy, helps community recovery - 24 January 2013
The community of Rochester, Victoria, work towards solving their problems with a fun, low-cost festival. > More
The shed that saves precious time - 24 January 2013
A RRR grant keeps fundraising equipment protected and close at hand. > More
With fresh cut grass comes peace of mind - 24 January 2013
The purchase of a new mower means time is saved and children are safer. > More
A Small Grant can travel a great distance - 24 January 2013
A Small Grant for Small Communities helps purchase an aircraft wheelchair lift for sufferers of MJD - a hereditary neuro degenerative disease. > More
Christmas comes early for hundreds of rural communities - 20 December 2012
FRRR has delivered an early Christmas present to more than 240 local organisations in rural, regional and remote Australia, with a grants bonanza. > More
Small Grants recipients announced in program's 10th year - 20 December 2012
Communities from as far north as Alyangula on Groyte Island in the Northern Territory, to Halls Creek and Mount Barker in Western Australia, and as far south as Currie on King Island and Bream Creek in Tasmania will start 2013 with funds to undertake projects. 154 communities will benefit from Round 22 of the Small Grants for Small Rural Communities program. Find out who they are and what they are doing with the money. > More
Bumper December eNews out now!
This bumper edition has it all - from an RSL upgrading the loos so they can host Christmas dinner, to a social enterprise intriguingly called Bike Butcher, a grants bonanza with CARA and Small Grants announcements, as well as inspiring stories about the way disaster-affected communities are bouncing forward! Happy reading, season's greetings and best wishes for a wonderful, safe holiday. > More
Grants announced to support ageing rural Australians - 19 December 2012
The recipients of the seventh round of the CARA program have been announced. Thirty-five projects will benefit from positive-ageing funds. > More
On with the show - 18 December 2012
The Rex Theatre Charlton, Victoria, faced an uncertain future following the floods of January 2011. An outpouring of support from the local and extended community, aided by an FRRR Donation Account, has helped to rebuild and improve upon this historic feature. > More
Up-cycling in Long Gully - 18 December 2012
St. Matthews Hall in Long Gully, Victoria, is home to a number of community run programs. Its facilities were in dire need of upgrading to help a community in recovery from the effects of the Victorian 2009 Bushfires. FRRR was happy to be able to support this project. > More
RRR program helps communities to recover - 18 December 2012
The RRR program is making a difference to communities recovering from 2011 floods and Cyclone Yasi. Round 4 of this program saw another 53 community projects funded. > More
Peterborough RSL relocates - 18 December 2012
A small grant has enabled the Peterborough RSL to relocate, adding disabled facilities at the same time. > More
Valley Performers share talents far and wide - 18 December 2012
Thanks to a new grant from FRRR,the Valley Performers are sharing their talents far and wide. > More
STEPS continues to help communities recover - 28 November 2012
The recipients of the fifth round of STEPS funding have been announced. > More
CEO visits the Northern Territory - 28 November 2012
FRRR's CEO recently accompanied NT Manager Artsupport Australia on a tour of projects in Alice Springs. > More
Connecting with Central Australia ... Alex Gartmann interviewed by CAAMA - 27 November 2012
FRRR's CEO Alexandra Gartmann spent time in Alice Springs and Central Australia earlier this week, gaining a greater understanding of project needs and impacts. During the visit, Alex did an interview with CAAMA - the Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association, which promotes Aboriginal culture, language, dance, and music while generating economic benefits in the form of training, employment and income generation.Listen to the interview here... http://caama.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Alex-n-Gilliann-n-Lorena-Walker-.mp3 > More
Seeds of Renewal gives $250,000 to 35 community projects - 12 November 2012
ANZ and FRRR today announced that 35 communities across regional Australia will share $250,000 as part of the 2012 Seeds of Renewal local grants program. > More
Congratulations to the Narbethong Hall Committee - 11 November 2012
Their amazing building has been judged one of the best public buildings in the National Architecture Awards, a great accolade!This hall was built after the 2009 Victorian bushfires, thanks to the vision of the voluntary hall committee and the architects, and the generous support of many donors. FRRR is very proud to have been able to play a small part in the creation of this building, by hosting a Regional Donation Account. It's amazing - take a look at their new Facebook page to see what it looks like now and see how the rebuild unfolded. > More
Tomorrow:Today Foundation - a great example of a community taking control - 7 November 2012
FRRR's CEO recently attended the Tomorrow:Today Foundation's AGM. In addressing the gathering, she reflected on the achievements of this Community Foundation, which is a great example of what can be achieved when local people work together. > More
Grant gives impetus to get the kitchen sink - 31 October 2012
A grant from FRRR provided the impetus for the small community of Adventure Bay, on Bruny Island in Tasmania, to raise sufficient funds to refurbish their local hall, getting everything including the kitchen sink! > More
October eNews - showcasing the diversity of projects we fund - 31 October 2012
This edition of FRRR News is testimony to the diversity of projects we support - from kitchen sinks and tools, to training schemes, rehabilitating recreational areas and cultural activities to sustain community spirits. We also launch our call for partners to get kids back to school and share some tips on resources to help Community organisations. > More
Building a Bridge to Work, through adult learning - 31 October 2012
A Seeds of Renewal grant has built skills and confidence among a group of women in Alstonville. Students developed ideas for improved care for children in the Kyogle community, which are now being developed into a framework for a plan to establish a young women's group called Our Women Now (OWN.) > More
Every bloke needs a shed and some new tools - 31 October 2012
An FRRR grant has provided some new tools for the Beechworth Men's Shed, enabling more people to work on projects at the same time. > More
Re-building the Bush in Boolarra - 31 October 2012
A RRR grant has enabled the popular walking trails around Boolarra to be rehabilitated following the devastating 2009 bushfires, giving the community access to a popular recreational area. > More
New grant program to help recovery of Victorian bushfire-affected communities - 11 October 2012
A new small grants program will assist the long term recovery of communities affected by the 2009 Victorian bushfires. It will focus on community wellbeing and resilience. > More
September eNews - 28 September 2012
A bumper edition, with news of five open grant programs, as well as reports on previous CARA, McEwen and Small Grants projects that have had a big impact in their communities. We also share an inspirational story of bushfire recovery, plus more! > More
Persistence pays off for Loddon - 27 September 2012
Despite delays, the Loddon Shire has a new transport service, which is helping to improve access to health care and social opportunities, especially for the Shire's ageing population. > More
Through Women's Eyes - 27 September 2012
One of the projects funded by the STEPS program looks at bushfire recovery Through Women's Eyes, collating the insights and lessons from the horror of the Victorian bushfires. > More
Life-long learning in Tasmania - 27 September 2012
An innovative program in remote Tasmania is helping to keeping students in senior school by providing them with qualifications recognised by industry. > More
Tanks revitalise local hall - 27 September 2012
A small grant has made a big difference to the community of Burrapine, helping to refurbish a local meeting place. > More
Students pledge to earn or learn - 27 September 2012
St Augustine's school in Kyabram has an innovative way of ensuring local students continue their education or find work, post year 10. > More
Toys for tots, thanks to FRRR - 27 September 2012
Through the Small Grants program, FRRR funded a range of toys, including some for children with special needs, at the expanding Murilla Kindergarten. > More
McEwen grant helps achieve greater literacy - 27 September 2012
Funding from a previous round of the McEwen Foundation small grants program for the Goulburn Valley resulted in an aboriginal literacy service that's helping to change lives. > More
New grants available to support ageing rural Australians
Applications are invited for FRRR's CARA program. Grants are available to community-based, not-for-profit groups for projects and programs which help, build, foster and encourage older people living in communities of fewer than 10,000 people. > More
August eNews: New grants, some great successes and a call for help - 31 August 2012
This edition of FRRR eNews shows the diversity of projects that FRRR supports. From helping families managing with autism, to restoring a railway, building a shelter and saving the malleefowl! And we're doing this from WA to far north Queensland, and all places in between.Plus, we tell you about a great program that needs your help - getting kids Back To School. Find out more. > More
Country kids become city savvy - 31 August 2012
A Coonalpyn group developed a program to help their country kids become city savvy, to make the transition to the 'big smoke' a bit easier when they have to leave the region to further their education. > More
More resources at Centre for Autism
A small grant from FRRR has helped to restock the library at a northern NSW Centre for Autism. > More
Community Foundations: Give Where You Live
FRRR works with a number of Community Foundations, hosting donation accounts which enable them to fund more broadly. The Visy Corporation and Tumut Communiity Foundation is a great example of what can be achieved with the support of a donation account. > More
Sheltering from the heat - 31 August 2012
A small grant has enabled shelters to be built in a local community recreation reserve in WA. > More
Motorists beware - Meandering malleefowl! - 31 August 2012
Motorists around Wedderburn are now more aware of meandering malleefowl, thanks to some signage funded by FRRR. > More
FRRR attends Annual Community Foundation Forum - 23 August 2012
Together with Philanthropy Australia and Australian Community Foundations, FRRR hosted the Annual Community Foundation Forum in Mackay this week. We were represented by CEO Alexandra Gartmann and Qld Program Manager Annie Wright (pictured right).It was an inspiring event, and a great chance to hear about some of the wonderful work being done around Australia. The Mackay Foundation, which hosted the event, is a great example of what can be achieved by Community Foundations. Since 2003 they have delivered $750,723.38 in grants for their local community since inception.Visit the Community Foundations page to see some photos from the event. > More
FRRR appoints new Qld based Program Manager for Natural Disasters - 21 August 2012
Annie Wright joins FRRR as Program Manager Natural Disaster Recovery, based in Queensland. In this role, Annie will be responsible for managing FRRR's disaster recovery efforts in Queensland and Northern New South Wales, through the Repair-Restore-Renew program. > More
Top Tips for Grant Seekers, plus two grants still open
With two grant programs currently open, FRRR has been fielding lots of questions about what makes a good grant. Program Manager Sophie Burke shares her Top Five Tips. > More
July eNews - Play, paint, persist - stories from rural communities... Plus more grants!
The July edition of FRRR eNews details the latest programs to open, as well as sharing project outcomes from new playgroups and art classes, to food hampers and wildlife surveys. Read more ... > More
Cameras capture wildlife - 31 July 2012
FRRR has helped the Mukinbudin Conservation Group to survey local wildlife. > More
Playground colocates with local school
The local community of Barnawartha came together recently to celebrate the opening of the new playgroup, which relocated to the local school, thanks in part to support from FRRR. > More
Repair-Restore-Renew grants available to Qld and Vic - 9 July 2012
FRRR is inviting applications from community groups in areas in Queensland and Victoria affected by the 2010/11 floods and cyclones. > More
ANZ commits $250,000 for 2012 regional Australia grants program
ANZ and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) today announced the opening of the 2012 Seeds of Renewal program which provides $250,000 in grants for education and employment projects across regional Australia. > More
June edition of eNews - 29 June 2012
What a busy month! This edition includes news of some new partnerships and programs, the impending launch ANZ Seeds of Renewal for 2012, as well as the recipients of the latest round of Gardiner Working in Dairying Communities and the Small Grants for Small Rural communities programs. Plus there are some great examples of previous grants in action. > More
Gardiner Foundation grants announced - 29 June 2012
The latest recipients of the Gardiner Foundation Working in Dairy Communities grants program have been announced. 34 community projects share $110,000. > More
Copley community gets creative with ceramics - 29 June 2012
The small town of Copley now has a ceramics studio, after ANZ Seeds of Renewal provided the remaining funds to complete their new building. > More
Upper Brogo feels fire safe, thanks to ANZ Seeds funding - 29 June 2012
A new fire shed at Upper Brogo, funded with support from ANZ Seeds of Renewal program, has reinvigorated the community. > More
ANZ Seeds funding helps build computing skills in Okines - 29 June 2012
ANZ Seeds of Renewal funding helped to build computing skills in Oskines, Tasmania, enhancing pre-employment skills and helping participants better undertake everyday activities. > More
Small Grant helps Blighty residents live healthily - 29 June 2012
A 2011 Small Grant to the Blighty Healthy Eating, Active Living program is really making a difference, according to the Committee President. > More
FRRR Board sees recovery first hand, visiting the Victorian Bushfire-affected areas three years on
FRRR's Board, Partners and staff were impressed and inspired by the recovery efforts evident during a recent visit to Healesville, Narbethong and Marysville. > More
FRRR appoints new Program Manager - 4 June 2012
FRRR has appointed Sophie Burke and Natalie Egleton as Program Manager–Small Grants, Corporate Partnerships&Natural Disaster Recovery. In a first for the organisation, these women will job-share the role. > More
Can you help? More funding needed to support rural communities - 4 June 2012
FRRR is asking for donations to help satisfy an unprecedented number of applications to the Small Grants for Small Rural Communities program. As the end of financial year approaches, FRRR is asking people to consider donating towards this program, and others like it. > More
May eNews out now - 31 May 2012
In this edition we put out a call for support to help fund an unprecedented number of small grants requests and announce a new partnership to fund the REACH program. We also share some project outcomes across Australia, including the refurbished Smoky Bay jetty, the revival of the Avenue of Honour in Balingup and a program designed to help young mothers connect. > More
Smoky Bay jetty refurbished - 28 May 2012
FRRR hosted a donation account for the Smoky Bay Progress Association, in collaboration with the Eyre Peninsula Community Foundation to enable them to restore the historic Smoky Bay jetty. > More
Getting young mothers out and about - 24 May 2012
Funding via the Small Grants for Small Rural Communities program has allowed the South Burnett CTC to expand their Young Mothers program. > More
Funding helps rural communities recover from natural disasters
More than $195,000 has been distributed in the second round of FRRR's 2011 Natural Disaster assistance grants under the Repair-Renew-Restore program. Projects cover the length of the East Coast, and repair damage from floods and cyclones in 2011. > More
Blyth community unveils new fence - 14 May 2012
The small community of Blyth recently officially unveiled the new heritage panelled fence surrounding the Padnaindi Reserve, a valued community gathering place. The project was partially funded via a Small Grant from FRRR. > More
Emergency Services volunteers tipped off on getting grants - 11 May 2012
Bendigo, 11 May, 2012: More than 150 participants attending this weekend's Volunteer Leaders' Forum in Bendigo will be given insights into how to secure grants for their local organisations by the CEO of Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, Alexandra Gartmann. > More
FRRR eNews launches - 27 April 2012
FRRR today issued the first in what will be a monthly e-newsletter. Read all about how to simplify fund raising with Donation Accounts; the appointment of new staff in Queensland and the latest round of RRR grant recipients. There are also some great stories about grants in action. > More
FRRR's CEO joins National Rural Advisory Committee - 26 April 2012
Alexandra Gartmann, CEO of FRRR, has been appointed to the National Rural Advisory Committee (NRAC), an independent, skills-based panel of producers and rural industry experts responsible for advising the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. > More
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