Fifty-three important community projects across the length and breadth of remote, rural and regional Australia will share $250,000 in funding, thanks to the Nutrien Ag Solutions Community Grants Program.
This is the second year of the Nutrien Ag Solutions Community Grants Program, which offers grants of up to $5000 for projects that contribute to community wellbeing and vibrancy in remote, rural and regional communities.
Nutrien Ag Solutions director of corporate affairs Carissa Buckland says Nutrien received more than 300 applications from communities right across the country.
“The strong number of applications we continue to receive for this program clearly indicates the need for this level of support for grassroots, not-for-profit organisations. So, we’re delighted to award grants to so many diverse projects that help these rural, regional and remote communities thrive,” Ms Buckland said.
“Part of the application process involves the local Nutrien store actively endorsing each project and application. Our stores are very integrated in their communities and our teams are passionate about providing meaningful support to positively impact the towns in which they live and work in, so this is a really important part of the process.
“This year we have approved grants to enhance and support the delivery of community events, including new marquees, grandstand seating and improved website functionality to support local show and expo event management.
“Critical funding will also go towards a diverse range of restorations, upgrades and new equipment for community facilities – from a toilet roof to rejuvenated courtyards, to outdoor seating and kitchens, data projectors and lawn mowers.
“There’s even funding for sensory, Zen, bush tucker and community gardens, with each project designed to inclusively meet the needs of their communities. While they are not large value grants, these projects enable community activity to build connection and, importantly, support volunteers in all their efforts,” Ms Buckland said.
The Program is proudly run in partnership with the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR).
FRRR CEO Natalie Egleton said she appreciates organisations like Nutrien Ag Solutions partnering with FRRR to support the priorities of grassroots organisations that are the ‘heartbeat’ of remote, rural and regional communities across Australia.
“The volume and nature of these applications is a strong sign that rural community life is returning to normal, although it also signifies just how challenging it is to raise these funds locally and the extent of the need that exists.
“It’s really pleasing for us that so much of the funding – nearly 30% – will go to communities with fewer than 500 people, which makes fundraising really hard. Most of the groups are also located in outer regional, remote or very remote areas of the country,” Ms Egleton said.
Some of the organisations and projects being supported this year include:
- Illabo Showground Land Manager, Illabo, NSW – Build capacity at the local show grounds with a Wifi upgrade, defibrillator installation and new broadcast system to enhance operations and experience for all users. $5000
- Dagun Community Group, Dagun, Queensland – Enhance community connections with the restoration of the Dagun railway station labyrinth and Mary Valley agricultural history display, and through the community garden project. $4900
- Limestone Coast Multicultural Network, Naracoorte, South Australia – Build organisational capability with development of a strategic plan to support strengthening the Limestone Coast Multicultural Network. $4952
- Hamilton District Agricultural Show Society, Hamilton, Tasmania – Build, grow and protect skills and networks with four workshops focusing on entrepreneurism, rural OH&S and resilience. $5000
- Kyabram Blue Light, Kyabram, Victoria – Increase social engagement opportunities and activities for youth in Kyabram to support their healthy growth and development. $5000
- Lower Kalgan Community Association, Albany, WA – Build resilience through a fire resilience workshop – “Making your Property Fire Safe and Sustainable” exploring preparedness and land management aligned to changing climate impacts. $5000.
Visit the Nutrien Ag Solutions Community Grants Program online to learn more about the other projects being funded.
The third round of the program is expected to open around June 2023. Community groups looking for funding in the interim should head to the FRRR website.
The Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal – FRRR (phonetically: F-triple-R) is the only national foundation specifically focused on ensuring the social and economic strength of remote, rural and regional communities. FRRR's unique model connects common purposes and investment with locally prioritised needs, to create communities that are vital and resilient. Since FRRR's start in 2000, it has awarded nearly $155 million to more than 13,000 projects.
