Community Stories

Thanks for popping by. In this area of the site, we share news of the grants we have awarded, our new partnerships and share stories about our organisation. From time to time, you’ll also find articles and our thoughts on key issues facing remote, rural and regional communities.

You can use the categories to the right to explore particular topics, including how FRRR is supporting communities affected by the 2019 / 2020 bushfires. You’ll also find inspiring stories about some of the wonderful things community groups do with that funding. We also share a selection of media stories, where FRRR or a member of our staff has been featured. For any media enquiries, email Julie Weldon or call 0423 110 802.

Facilitators farewelled as South Coast IRCF program culminates

19 Dec 2024 – As the Investing in Rural Community Futures program culminates in the South Coast communities, one of the biggest impacts has been the growth in the people that have delivered the…

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Community-led wellbeing project gains momentum

19 Dec 2024 – The Bega Valley Data Collective had support through the Investing in Rural Community Futures program to develop a community-led wellbeing framework aimed at empowering the community to thrive.

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Mental health in the Mallee

16 Dec 2024 – The small farming community of Pinnaroo in the Mallee region of SA is tackling the health and wellbeing of local residents head on, using a $20,000 IAGP grant.

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Amplifying young voices in Bay & Basin

16 Dec 2024 – An IRCF grant helped create lasting change for youth when Uniting – Firefly Bay & Basin partnered with Sanctuary Point Community Pride Inc.

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Cultural immersion strengthens community connection

27 Nov 2024 – Walking Together in the Milton Ulladulla District used grant funds from FRRR for the ‘Together We Thrive’ project to organise attendance at the Giiyong Festival, the largest Aboriginal cultural festival…

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Partnerships support outstanding recognition for Shoalhaven Women’s Resource Group

27 Nov 2024 – An increase in partnerships between organisations and a decrease in working in silos has been a key feature of IRCF on the South Coast. Partnerships support has increased capacity and…

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Shaping respect through The Betterment Project

20 Nov 2024 – Funded by VFFF and FRRR’s Backing the Future program, The Betterment Project inspires boys to embrace respect and equality, creating systemic change for youth.

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King Island community protect unique environment

20 Nov 2024 – King Island Landcare Group developed a ‘Restoration Kit’ to restore and monitor the Island’s natural vegetation using a $14,766 ANZ Seeds of Renewal grant.

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Community connection in Porongurup

20 Nov 2024 – Thanks to a $9,961 S&V SRC grant, Porongurup locals participated in a community led, intercultural, intra-regional dance performance about climate action.

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Empowering young farmers on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula

15 Nov 2024 – AIR EP used a $60,000 CIP grant to run four field events for young farmers around local leadership, drought preparedness, and community sustainability.

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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.