Annual Review 2023

Backing Rural Communities

FRRR is the only national foundation specifically focused on ensuring the social and economic strength and resilience of remote, rural and regional communities.

The ongoing impacts of COVID, coupled with the legacy of bushfires and drought, and several incidents of significant flooding, made FY 2022/23 another difficult year. Despite this, communities once again pulled together, harnessing the strengths of local people and their connection and commitment to their places to forge ahead.

FRRR was privileged to support many of them, thanks to the continued trust and commitment of our partners. This document is a snapshot of our activities for this reporting year, and of the resilience and tenacity of the local leaders who helped sustain and strengthen their communities.

We encourage you to click the link below to explore the report in full.

View Report

A message from our CEO

I am very pleased to share FRRR’s FY 2022/23 Annual Review, reporting on another year of impact for FRRR.

We saw the largest number of applications in our 23-year history, signalling both that life is getting back to ‘normal’ following COVID but also highlighting the challenges in securing funding in remote, rural and regional communities for the things that matter locally.

Through our many powerful partnerships we distributed a record $22.5M through 1,158 grants in more than 550 locations, covering more than 50% of Local Government Areas in Australia. While we’re proud of this increased reach, there were still around 440 important, funding-ready projects that we could not support. Our goal is for communities to be resourced to pursue projects that matter to them, and that deliver contextual and innovative responses to our country’s most challenging issues.

Our work would not be possible without our generous supporters and I appreciate the trust that you continue to place in FRRR to reach those communities most in need. I also acknowledge the outstanding dedication of our staff and the support of our Board and committee members.

While this report looks back on what we’ve achieved, we continue to look forward, reviewing and refreshing our granting operations processes and focusing on our future sustainability, so we can continue the important capacity building, community engagement and insights work FRRR undertakes alongside our granting.

We invite you to explore some of the stories of impact that we’ve achieved together, as well as more about the areas where we’ll be focusing in the coming years.

As ever, I welcome your feedback or questions.

Natalie Egleton
FRRR CEO
on Dja Dja Wurrung Country

At a glance …

$0M
Awarded
0
Applications
0
Postcodes
0
Grants

We acknowledge the Dja Dja Wurrung people as the Traditional Custodians of Jaara Country (Bendigo), where we are headquartered, and extend our respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nations where we fund organisations and activities.

We acknowledge their connections to land, sea and community and pay our respect to Elders past and present and to the continuation of the custodial, cultural and educational practices of Australia’s First People.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this report may contain images or names of people who have passed away.

X

Amy Crawford

Amy Crawford has an extensive career in complex public policy and its intersection across government and communities.

Amy is the Chief Executive Officer at the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), representing 537 councils across the nation. Amy holds over 20 years’ experience in the Australian Public Service. She has a deep understanding of federal government policies and structures, with over 10 years’ service in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and has worked for the federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories. Amy has shaped a wide range of policies and programs including regional development, telecommunications, immigration, emergency management, social policy and pandemic preparation.

Amy is a Board Director of Austroads and represents ALGA on the Public Skills Australia Industry Advisory Group, and the Australia-New Zealand Emergency Management Committee. She is also a Board Director for the Canberra Youth Theatre which provides voice for Canberra’s youth through intelligent and challenging theatre.

Amy holds a Bachelor of Laws (honours) and Bachelor of Arts (Media and Communications) from the University of Queensland, is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and an alumnus of the Cranlana Centre for Ethical Leadership. Amy was appointed to the FRRR Board in January 2025.

X

Kylie Hansen

Kylie brings leadership and management experience from across academic, corporate, not-for-profit, social enterprise and impact investment sectors, having deep dived into a myriad of specialisations and systems. Her six tertiary qualifications are equally as diverse and complimentary, covering commerce, politics, international development, community development, project management and law. Her breadth and depth of experience enables her to draw on a number of disciplines and innovative ways of working and thinking, and she is well recognised as consistently delivering work and services of a high quality.

Kylie uses her strong background in sustainability, governance and impact measurement to support collaborative initiatives across sectors oriented at improving social outcomes, and to support socially conscientious businesses to articulate their social impact. As founder and director at Impact Seed she has been instrumental in developing the impact measurement, evaluation, learning and ESG practice which advises numerous corporates, and is passionate about supporting First Nations empowerment particularly in the context of regional economic development.

Kylie is also a Director of the WA Social Enterprise Council, a member of the B Council (B Lab Australia and New Zealand), and a Governor of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

X

Hon. John Anderson AC

The Hon. John Anderson AC is a sixth-generation farmer and grazier from NSW, who served in the Australian Parliament from 1989 to 2008.

He was a senior Cabinet minister in the government led by John Howard (1996 to 2005), including six years as Leader of the National Party and Deputy Prime Minister.

In the latter role, Mr Anderson played in important role in FRRR’s history, working closely with Baillieu Myer AC and others on a proposal to establish a philanthropic organisation to benefit rural Australia. The concept was discussed at the National Regional Summit in 1999 and FRRR was established shortly thereafter.

Mr Anderson currently hosts a regular podcast, where he is in conversation with thought-leaders from around the world, and is a regular media commentator.

X

Regina Cruickshank

Partnerships Specialist (WA)

Regina supports FRRR as the WA Partnerships Specialist. With over two decades of experience in partnerships and marketing, she has a deep understanding of Western Australia’s social impact landscape. She brings a strong passion for leveraging purpose-built networks to create positive change.

Regina previously worked with Playgroup WA and founded a Health Promotion Charity dedicated to supporting Social Emotional wellbeing for underserved communities. She’s excited about the opportunity to connect with partners and explore ways to make a meaningful difference in WA.

She lives in Perth with her family and enjoys mindful moments of connection to Country, whether on horseback, on foot or underwater.

X

Anna Palmer

People and Culture Manager

Based in Central Victoria, Anna is a senior Human Resources, Organisation Development and Industrial Relations professional, with significant private and public sector experience across every facet of people and culture leadership.

Her most recent roles have been with Don KR in Castlemaine and Mount Alexander Shire Council. She has also held senior HR roles with Victoria Legal Aid and the TAC among many others.

From Mildura originally, Anna has postgraduate qualifications in Change Management and a Masters in Organisation Dynamics.

Anna is currently completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts to balance her creative pursuits and work as an HR professional.

X

Philippa Twaddle

Management Accountant

Carolyn joined the FRRR team in March 2017, and is responsible for providing executive support to the CEO, effective coordination of the FRRR office and general administrative support to the management team. A key responsibility is supporting the administration of FRRR’s Donation Account Services.

She has over fifteen years’ experience working in local government in the Tourism and Arts Sector, Civic and Event Management and Community engagement.

Carolyn has a Bachelor of Arts in Librarianship, majoring in psychology, and grew up on farming communities in Cohuna and Echuca and currently lives in Bendigo.