BREAKING: The Australian Federal Government has just announced a groundbreaking initiative aimed at bolstering regional communities against drought, with a staggering $36 million investment over the next three years. The Future Drought Fund’s Communities Program, launched by the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) and the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF), is set to deliver crucial support to agriculture-dependent areas across the nation.
This urgent program will roll out a series of grants and capacity-building activities, including leadership development, designed specifically to empower rural communities as they prepare for inevitable dry times. The first two granting elements, the Small Network Grants and the Regional Drought Resilience Plan Social Outcome Grants, are now OPEN for applications.
Community organizations can take advantage of $3 million available through the Small Network Grants, with each round offering up to $50,000 in funding. This money is aimed at enhancing local networks, hosting community events, and upgrading vital infrastructure. Importantly, grants are available to 314 local government areas across the country, ensuring that support reaches those who need it most.
FRRR Chief Executive Officer Natalie Egleton highlighted the significance of fostering resilience within remote and rural communities. “Communities want to be less reactive and do more to get on the front-foot ahead of the inevitable dry times,” Egleton stated. “The aim is for people to be better skilled, informed, connected, and resourced.”
The program also opens doors for individuals in agriculture-dependent communities to participate in a national mentoring initiative facilitated by ARLF. CEO Matt Linnegar emphasized the importance of community knowledge, stating, “This program is about bringing these people together — those who have weathered the worst of drought and those preparing for what is ahead.”
In addition to grants, the Future Drought Fund Communities Program will introduce the Community Impact Program in early 2024, which will focus on strengthening social capital and community well-being in twelve regions. This integrated package will leverage local not-for-profit organizations to collaboratively design impactful projects, all documented in a community-driven ‘Roadmap.’
Over the next few months, FRRR and ARLF staff will engage with local organizations to initiate the planning process for these community-driven projects, with grant applications expected to open in July 2024. By fostering collaboration and support, this initiative promises to enhance the resilience of communities facing the realities of climate change and drought.
For more information on the national mentoring initiative, visit: https://rural-leaders.org.au/national-mentoring-initiative/ and to learn more about the Future Drought Fund Communities Program, go to https://frrr.org.au/funding/fdf-communities/.
This is a significant step towards equipping communities with the resources and knowledge they need to thrive in challenging times. The impact of this initiative is expected to resonate deeply within affected regions, empowering them to take proactive measures for a sustainable future. Stay tuned for further developments as the program unfolds.
