Grants available for cyclone-affected regional Queensland communities

Media Releases, 11 June 2024

Funding for prevention, preparedness and recovery projects

FRRR and Suncorp Group are inviting local not-for-profit organisations (NFPs) in remote, rural and regional Queensland communities impacted by Cyclone Jasper and Kirrily to apply for a share of $300,000 in funding to support ongoing resilience building and recovery efforts.

People kneeling down learning first aid on dummies, with computer in the background.
Kin Kin Community Group was awarded a Rebuilding Futures grant to purchase equipment and carry out activities to enhance the community’s safety, connection, resilience and wellbeing.

This week marks six months since Cyclone Jasper crossed the Far North coast (13 December 2023) causing widespread destruction and five months since Cyclone Kirrily crossed the North Queensland coast (25 January 2024) and became a state-wide disaster event, as the rain moved south and west (3 February 2024).

Local NFPs in the Far North and North Queensland, and other remote, rural and regional communities impacted by the cyclones, including McKinlay  and Western Downs[1], can apply for grants up to $20,000 through the Rebuilding Futures program, for community-led activities that address local prevention, preparedness and recovery needs.

Nina O’Brien, FRRR’s Disaster Resilience & Recovery Lead, said that it is vital that disaster-impacted communities, are supported to proactively take action to prevent and prepare for, as well as respond to, the impacts of extreme weather events like Tropical Cyclones Jasper and Kirrily.

“The effects of an extreme weather event do not dissipate when the immediate danger is over. Recovery needs to evolve over the medium to long-term, as locals identify ways of building community resilience and reducing the impact of future disasters on community wellbeing and physical infrastructure.

“But for a community to build back better after a disaster, it’s critical that the needs of all groups in the regions, particularly members of the community with less access to resources, information and support, are considered and prioritised, both in recovery and in planning for potential future events.

“Ultimately, it is the people and processes that really make communities tick and make a difference in effective disaster recovery, prevention and preparedness.

“These grants are flexible and can support a wide range of projects, so we encourage groups to think laterally about what can assist their community,” Ms O’Brien said.

Funded by Suncorp Group, the Rebuilding Futures program has already distributed more than $1 million in recent years to 62 community groups across the country.

Steve Johnston, Suncorp Group CEO, said Suncorp was proud to support community-led recovery projects for regional Queensland communities impacted by severe weather events.

“Queensland is the most disaster-impacted state in the country and regional Queensland, particularly the Far North and North, has certainly borne the brunt of events like Cyclones Jasper and Kirrily,” Mr Johnston said.

“Suncorp is a proud Queensland-based company and will always be there to help our customers rebuild their lives following these devastating events, but we also understand how important it is to help community groups be prepared, build back better and assist that recovery in the medium and longer term.

“That’s why we partner with FRRR to distribute grants directly to community organisations because these groups have the local knowledge to know where funding is needed most.

“I want to encourage local organisations who may have been impacted by Cyclones Jasper and Kirrily to apply for funding for projects that will make their communities more resilient for the future,” Mr Johnston said.

A Grantseeker Workshop, including a Q&A on the Rebuilding Future’s grant program, will be held online on Tuesday 18th June 2024, from 12:30 – 1:30 pm AEST. Register for the Workshop at: https://events.humanitix.com/suncorp-rebuilding-futures-2024-grantseeker-workshop.

Grant applications close 5pm AEST, 11 July 2024.

For more information about which LGAs are eligible, the type of projects that can be funded and to register for the Grantseeker Workshop, visit www.frrr.org.au/Rebuilding-Futures.

[1] List of eligible LGAs – https://frrr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/R4-Eligible-LGAs.pdf

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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.

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Hon. John Anderson AC

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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.

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