$200,000 in grants awarded to keep rural communities connected

Media Releases, 26 June 2024

FRRR, in partnership with Telstra, has awarded $200,000 via 27 grants to not-for-profit organisations (NFPs). The projects will enhance the liveability of these remote, rural and regional communities by embracing new technologies and ways of working to build social capital and digital capabilities.

Collinsville Connect Telecentre was awarded a grant in 2023 to boost digital capability for older people through a cyber security workshop to enhance skills and risk management.

Funded through Telstra’s Connected Communities Grant Program, these grants will fund community-led initiatives that provide access to information, technology, education and facilities to build connected communities that are resilient, sustainable and liveable.

The projects are spread across the country and grants range from $953, which will be used to purchase back-up drives for the computers of staff at Hughenden Kindergarten in Queensland, through to $10,000 for projects like the Kimberley Digital Discovery Program, which will provide innovative digital learning kits and training to students in remote regions of Western Australia.

Loretta Willaton, Regional Australia Executive at Telstra, said Telstra’s Connected Communities Grant Program continues to meet rural Australia’s ongoing need for improved education and access to digital connectivity.

“We launched last year knowing that there was a strong demand for funding to support digital connectivity. This was confirmed by the high levels of interest and we saw similar demand this year, confirming the need for this program.

“We’re proud to be able to support these groups and their grassroots initiatives, which are improving community disaster preparedness, implementing more effective environmental practices and boosting social connection,” Ms Cliffe said.

Natalie Egleton, FRRR’s CEO, said that grant programs, like Telstra’s Connected Communities Grant Program, are key when it comes to enhancing the liveability of remote, rural and regional Australia.

“These grants aren’t just about getting people online; ultimately they’re about providing equitable access to services and boosting the overall liveability of non-metro communities across Australia – particularly remote places where there is often very limited access to digital connectivity. Digital skills and reliable connectivity improve the quality of life for people living in any city or town – it’s no different for people living in remote Australia.

“The positive knock-on impacts that these community initiatives will have when it comes to economic development and social connectedness shows us why funding for these kinds of projects is vital for a vibrant, sustainable remote, rural and regional Australia.

“These grants also highlight the critical need for accessible technologies and digital connectivity to support vulnerable people and places, especially when responding to, recovering from or preparing for disaster or crisis.

“A great example of this is Iluka Community Organisation Planning for Emergencies Inc’s Digital Resilience Initiative. This regional NSW community project will build local resilience and communication by upgrading digital equipment to improve the community’s evacuation procedures and enhance preparedness training,” Ms Egleton said.

The full list of grant recipients and their projects are below.

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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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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).

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.