From the Chairman - Extract

Read the Chairman's full message. 

FRRR's success in martialling philanthropic funds has been assisted because most administrative costs of granting were covered by income from the Australian Government’s $10M initial corpus.

Since inception, community contributions - both in-kind and cash - have been around three times FRRR's investment. This is helped by the involvement of FRRR staff in making projects work and the ease of understanding the FRRR application and granting process.

Many have contributed and, as I retired as Chairman on 30 June 2019, I want to extend my thanks.

All Directors since incorporation have been generous with their time and sound in their advice. I am delighted that Tim Fairfax AC is to be my successor and that Anne Grindrod, as Deputy Chairman, is acting in that role until Tim assumes responsibility in January 2020.

Bill Kelty AC has also retired. Bill has been extraordinarily helpful in his wisdom and economic acumen, and on behalf of the Board, I extend our sincere appreciation. Long-time Director Fred Grimwade is Bill’s worthy successor.

Our Patrons Bails Myer AC, Lady Marigold Southey AC (until 1 January 2019) and the Hon John Anderson AO have been wonderful in maintaining their interest and commitment.

The engine room of FRRR is its staff, and I highly commend the outstanding efforts of Natalie Egleton, our CEO, who has taken FRRR to new levels.

I also extend the Board’s appreciation to those who voluntarily assist on Assessment Committees and Board Sub-Committees.

Our partners and donors are at the core of all granting. The Foundation is particularly indebted to you and appreciates your trust and generosity.

FRRR’s value is more than the summation of the efforts of all its contributors and supporters and its achievements are best reflected in the thanks from grant recipients.

Rt Hon Ian Sinclair AC
Chairman, 2000-2019

CEO's Summary - Extract

Read the CEO's full message.

This reporting year saw the end of my third as CEO and concluded the strategic plan we agreed in 2016. In terms of funding and partnerships, it was a record year. We received more than $11.7M in donations and distributed more than $11.6M in grants.

This was only possible with the generous support of our donor partners. We are very grateful to the hundreds of donors, large and small, who lent their support to FRRR's programs, or fundraising accounts. Every donation helps us make an impact. Thank you.

More than ever, I am convinced that locally-led solutions that capitalise on and leverage momentum and commonalities of experiences and approaches across regions are the only ways to level the playing field for those in rural, regional and remote Australia.

As we enter FRRR's 20th year, it's timely to review what role FRRR should play to help communities respond to ongoing challenges and opportunities because one thing is for sure, there is no such thing as business as usual.

I continue to be inspired by the resilience and commitment that local leaders have to create strong communities, and am motivated by exploring what more FRRR can do to support country people.

I thank the Directors of FRRR for their support over the past year, particularly Ian Sinclair and Bill Kelty. I look forward to working with Anne Grindrod Acting Chairman until Tim Fairfax AC rejoins the Board and assumes that position next year.

I also want to acknowledge the fantastic group of people I am honoured to work with. I am particularly proud of our shared deep interest in addressing the issues and challenges for rural, regional and remote communities, and above all their empathy and willingness to always have a chat with an applicant or work with our partners.

I encourage you to explore this review, and I look forward to celebrating our 20th anniversary and reporting on yet more wonderful impact in next year's report.

Natalie Egleton
Chief Executive Officer

From the Deputy Chair - Extract

Read the Deputy Chairman's full message.

Over the past four years, I have had the honour and pleasure to work with the Rt Hon Ian Sinclair AC as a member of the FRRR Board. The legacy Ian leaves is enormous.

His enthusiastic leadership, commitment and vision for FRRR has established us as a highly respected and trusted organisation that works effectively with governments, donors and philanthropic partners to enable generous and respectful support to rural and regional communities throughout Australia.

FRRR is entering an exciting new chapter as it approaches its third decade. As Directors, we will continue the great work of FRRR – enabling the ideas from rural and regional leaders to come to fruition to build stronger, more liveable, vibrant and sustainable communities.

Anne Grindrod
Deputy Chairman

Download the
2018/19 Annual Review