eNews Archive



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eNews 2024 editions

The final edition of eNews for the year includes many program stories made possible through generous donor support, including: giving voice to young people in Batemans Bay & Basin NSW; healing flood recovery in Berri SA; drought resilience initiatives in Fitzroy Capricornia QLD; mental health projects in the Mallee NSW, and more. There’s also information on some new resources focussed on nature-led community recovery and resilience. Enjoy our last eNews for 2024.

This edition we shared our Black Summer Bushfires, Five Years On report, which shares the impacts of the generous support from so many donors. We also showcase projects from Porongurup in WA; King Island in TAS; Eyre Peninsula in SA; and across regional QLD. There are also tips for community groups, including two interesting webinars, access to human resources support for community groups, and a reminder about the FRRR Expertise Pool. So grab a cuppa, sit back and enjoy.

The October edition of eNews includes the launch of the Interim Evaluation report on the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative, which confirms progress in strengthening community capacity for drought preparedness. It also celebrates IRCF Bega Valley’s Highly Commended recognition at the NSW Resilient Australia Awards and the achievements of several grants in action, such as cycling trail improvements in Tumbarumba and multicultural community support in Naracoorte. And of course – our upcoming grant opportunities and news from our expanding team!

In this September eNews, we feature the TTTT podcasts developed in conjunction with the recently released Impact Report. We’ve also shared an update on our IRCF pilot program as it comes to a close, and profiled some great grants in action in NSW, QLD, SA and VIC. And of course there’s the usual info on funding available, as well as details on the most recent grants awarded.

August’s eNews is a bumper edition, featuring the TTTT Impact Report launch and insights from the DR:FR Burnett Inland program, designed to activate grassroots disaster resilience building. We’ve also profiled some great grants in action, from Kowanyama in QLD, Newcastle in NSW, Latrobe Valley in VIC, and Murkbo in SA. And of course there’s the usual info on funding available, as well as details on the most recent grants awarded (which totalled over $1M in just the last month alone!)

This month’s edition of FRRR’s eNews shares updates on a number of exciting and new partnerships we’ve formed, as well as some helpful tips for community groups. There are also inspiring case studies from Gympie, QLD, Hamilton, TAS, Heyfield, VIC and Tomaree in NSW. And remember, we’re always happy to help with any enquiry you may have!

In the June edition of eNews, we showcase a selection of wonderful community stories, from sustainable schooling in rural NSW to innovative food education in remote WA. We also have a special feature outlining specific funding opportunities currently available within our SRC program, some fabulous community tips and, of course, an update on all open and upcoming grant programs. Read more.

In the May edition of eNews, we celebrate impactful local community projects across the country, share nine reasons why community groups say small grants make an impact and share grant programs currently open, as well as some opening soon. All this and more, including practical tips on how to secure a grant and how to access free advice to support your NFP. Read more.

In the April edition of eNews we take a look at community projects in Lismore NSW, Karoonda SA, Birchip VIC and Morawa WA. And of course, we give you the latest information on which grant programs we currently have open. All this and more in this month’s edition of eNews!

In FRRR’s March update, learn what programs are currently open and how our team are sharing learnings and building understanding in communities. Read about scholarships and tips on cyber security; and be inspired by what other groups are doing – from Alice Springs to the Southern Grampians and in between!

In this bumper edition, we share our FY23 Annual Review, showcasing fabulous community projects funded by our generous donor partners, which will hopefully inspire you. We also share a recent report on our capacity building program, IRCF and launch The FRRR Expertise Pool. There’s also the usual program updates letting you know what funding is currently available, plus some really helpful tips All this and more in FRRR’s February eNews!

This month we kick off the new year with our monthly newsletter which showcases some of the fabulous community projects funded by our generous donor partners. There’s also the usual program updates letting you know what funding is currently available, as well as details of an upcoming webinar where our special guest presenter Linda Tillman, Founder and Developer of rEVENTS Academy and Managing Director of regional tourism development consultancy Tilma Group, will share insights on optimising your community events. All this and more in FRRR’s January eNews!

eNews 2023 editions

Four young adults in front of wall with a mural of a bunch of balloons painted on it.

Wrapping up the year with the December edition of eNews, our CEO reflects on the year that was, including the launch of four new grant programs, our team’s movements, and the inspiring stories from communities that we’ve supported. We also encourage you to take a minute to complete the 2023 Regional Wellbeing Survey and have a voice in how FRRR and other organisations can support you and your community.

This month, there’s the usual wrap-up of grants available, plus we recap the funds awarded recently and showcase some cracking local projects from around the country. We’re also inviting trusted local advisors to join our Expertise Pool, plus we share tips on resources to manage the wellbeing of your staff and volunteers and how to lodge a great grant application. It’s all in FRRR’s November eNews!

This edition of FRRR eNews includes reflections on the Voice vote, the launch of a new Community Led Climate Solutions program and a selection of inspiring case studies from around the country. There’s also a wrap up of upcoming free webinars and our usual list of available grants.

Put the kettle on! In this edition of eNews, our Place Portfolio Lead, Jill Karena, starts us off with the FRRR update, while our CEO takes a short break. We have a sizeable program update for you, fabulous stories from community groups we’ve supported in the Barossa Valley, Scenic Rim, Taree and Gippsland, and some great tips about upcoming opportunities.

Child crouched on ground drawing with chalk on concrete.

Our August edition of eNews features our latest grant news as well as stories of amazing community groups doing inspiring things to keep their communities strong. The case studies featured this month are from Wagait Beach in the NT, Quorn in SA, the Northern Rivers in NSW and the Northern Gulf region in QLD. You can also check out some handy tips for community groups, and learn more about First Nations-led health funding in SA.

Our July eNews is a bumper issue, with info on funding currently available, as well as an update from our community visits. We’ve also got some truly inspiring stories from grassroots community groups that have achieved incredible outcomes with just a little bit of help – see if your community is one of them!

Catch up on all the latest from FRRR in our June eNews. Enjoy reading about inspirational community projects from Macksville in NSW, Cunderdin in WA, Atherton in QLD and Quandialla in NSW. This is also where you can check what funding is currently available to support your community project, as well as some handy tips for community groups.

May’s eNews includes a wrap of grants currently available, plus details of a webinar to help you get support letters that will enhance your application. There’s also the usual mix of inspiring grants in action – stretching from Glenelg Shire in VIC to the Mooloolah Valley in QLD, and several stops in between. The team has also been on the road a lot this month, and you’ll find a snapshot of who they’ve met and what they’ve learnt.

April eNews is here! Check out updates from the FRRR team who have been on the road this month. You’ll also find inspiring case studies, helpful tips for your community group or NFP and everything you need to know about current open grant programs.

Need some inspiration for your community group? Or maybe you’re looking for funding for a local project. Or perhaps you’re just curious about what the FRRR team get up to on the road. The March issue of eNews is here and it’s full of helpful and interesting tips for community group.

In the Feb issue of eNews, we highlight some exciting grant program updates, a summary of all the places and events our team have visited throughout the month and some important dates to keep on your radar for upcoming webinars. We also have some great case studies to showcase the incredible work happening in remote, rural and regional Australia.

In our first eNews for the year, we highlight current grant funding opportunities and updates. You’ll also find useful tips and dates for your community group and NFP to take note of. We also have some fantastic case studies from the Tanjil Valley, Arnhem Land, Morgan and Copmanhurst to get you inspired for the year ahead. Start the new year off with a bang by reading this fascinating edition!

eNews 2022 editions

Our final eNews for 2022 features case studies from Kempsey, Wonthaggi, Roebourne, Kowanyama and Yankalilla, and snippets from Bemm River in East Gippsland and Moruya in New South Wales. These stories all provide an insight into the tenacity and dedication of local leaders and volunteers committed to making their home towns a better place to live, work and play! Plus we’ve got a useful community tip and details of grant funding available – what could your community group do with a little bit of help from FRRR and our generous supporters?

This month we are very proud to announce that the 2021/2022 Annual Review has been published. Inside you will find interesting and inspiring facts, figures and case studies that demonstrate how we, and the communities we work with, are sustaining and strengthening remote, rural and regional Australia. This issue of eNews will give you access to the Annual Review, partner and program updates, and more wonderful case studies from across the country.

Find out about this month’s grant recipients, as well as updates on our current open grant programs. We’ve got some inspiring Grants in Action from the Tiwi Islands in the NT, East Gippsland and Yinnar in VIC, and Wingham in NSW. You can also find out more about FRRR’s Flood Recovery Appeal in response to the current flooding events. It’s been another busy month and we hope you enjoy hearing all about it.

Catch up with all of the latest information on FRRR’s activities throughout September. It was a busy, busy month for us, as we announced recipients of the Round 13 Strengthening Rural Communities grants, as well continued assessing applications from other recently closed programs. We’ve got some great Grants in Action from Katanning in WA, Singleton in NSW, Kerang in VIC, and Kingscote in SA to inspire your community group. It’s amazing what can be achieve with a LOT of community support, and just a little bit of funding. We hope you enjoy the read.

Evertide Residents sitting in golf buddy.

This month we share a new Drought Preparedness program, report on our input to the Jobs Summit and highlight great projects in Albury / Wodonga, Hamilton, Lucky Bay and Rathdowney. Plus we share some free resources specifically for NFPs on topics from governance to communications, IT to legals and much more.

Palm Island PCYC Basketball Tournament

Our mid-winter edition of eNews is sure to leave you feeling warm and fuzzy! The case studies from Coonamble, Port Lincoln, Euroa, Palm Island and the little news snippets from Myrrhee and Murrumburrah provide an insight into the tenacity and dedication of local leaders and volunteers committed to making their home towns a better place to live, work and play! And of course we’ve got some useful community tips and details of grant funding available – what could your community group do with a little bit of help from FRRR and our fabulous donor partners?unity group.

HEADING: Riverland Skillin’ It inspires and empowers young people. IMAGE: Eight people sitting arounda table facing the camera.

In the June edition of eNews, you’ll find everything you need to know about upcoming and open grants. We’ve also been Out and About this month, find out more about the places we’ve been and the people we’ve met. We also have some wonderful stories and articles from around the country from grant recipients to inspire your community group.

We’re excited to share news of our team out and about in the community, connecting with inspirational organisations working hard to make a significant difference to where they live, work and play. Learn more about what funding is currently available, and read about some great project from Lakes Entrance and the Southern Highlands in VIC, Renmark in SA, the Tablelands region in far north QLD, and East Arnhem Land in NT.

In the April edition of eNews, we take a look at some of the projects our team have visited in recent weeks. You’ll also get some great program updates and a diverse range of case studies, all funded through different programs.

In the latest edition of eNews, we take a look at our latest grant programs that have opened up and how they focus on capacity building of local community groups in the wake of COVID and cumulative natural disasters. We have also selected some case studies from around the country that we think you will find very inspiring.

Discover community projects – from spirit-lifting main street light displays to a BBQ trailer for fundraising and mental health meet ups. Learn how DeadlyScience has taken off (with help from a Fundraising Account), and which of our programs are open, plus we’re celebrating a special milestone with the Gardiner Dairy Foundation.

In this first eNews for 2022, we welcome everyone back with some exciting new grant updates. We take a look at the Barossa Foundation and the work they have been doing with our Back To School Program. We have also selected some inspirational case studies and media stories from across remote, rural and regional communities throughout Australia.

eNews 2021 editions

In this last eNews for 2021, we share our Heartbeat of Rural Australia Report. A local community leader shares her thoughts on how agencies and charities can best support rural communities. We’ve also chosen some inspiring case studies and stories from communities across remote, rural and regional Australia to give you inspiration for your own project.

Save the date! In this edition of our eNews, we’ve got information on our webinar sessions scheduled with community and sector groups to share the finding of our Heartbeat of Rural Australia Research Study. There are also a bunch of inspiring case studies and stories from communities across remote, rural and regional Australia, so if your community group has been thinking of applying for funding, check this out first.

Five men in work gear stand in front of machinery

This eNews see the launch of FRRR’s 2020/21 Annual Review, which is a reflection on an incredible year of adapting and evolving to support remote, rural and regional communities like yours. We’ve also got the usual funding announcements, and inspirational case studies from Gatton QLD, Orroroo SA, Hobart TAS and Gunbalunya in the NT.

Volunteers and community members at a canteen at a rodeo in Buchan

In this edition of eNews we’ve got funding opportunities for communities, and inspirational projects from community groups just like yours. There’s a final reminder to complete the Heartbeat of Rural Australia survey, and tips to help with mental health and applying for funding.

In this issue, we preview a research study launching next week – Heartbeat of Rural Australia. We also share community stories ranging from a campaign to change perceptions to kitchen upgrades. You’ll also find some information on what to do if your project has been cancelled or delayed due to COVID-19.

In this edition of eNews, we share current funding opportunities for communities, and inspirational projects from community groups around the country. Read about leadership and mentoring opportunities to help upskill rural leaders to deal with future challenges, and tips to help not-for-profits increase their digital capabilities.

WA Visit June 2021

This bumper edition of eNews is full of info on funding opportunities for communities, as well as inspirational projects from community groups just like yours. The 2021 Philanthropy Australia Community Philanthropy Awards are now accepting nominations, and we’ve got some great tips on how you can share your community project on socials. And of course you can read about our granting activities and find a grant for your next project.

It’s been another big month for FRRR this May! In the latest issue of eNews you’ll find some inspiring case studies, handy tips for your community group and program updates you won’t want to miss! This edition will also feature Farina Restoration Group as the Fundraising Account focus for this month. Read that and more in May’s eNews.

Pambula art

Grab a cuppa and catch up on all the latest news from FRRR. In this bumper edition, we’ve got updates for you on funding that’s available to support your community project, as well as some useful tips on how to celebrate during Volunteer Week in May. As usual, we’ve also profiled some inspirational projects from community groups just like yours – it’s amazing what can be achieved with just a little bit of help!

This eNews sees FRRR back on the road, and outlines our response to the devastating floods. We also share a book we’ve published, and the usual info on grants available and recent recipients, as well as some inspirational projects across the country.

Rural Health Tasmania

In this edition of eNews we are thrilled to report on one of first post-COVID community visits to Victorian dairy regions. We also share news of grants awarded from various programs, as well as funding currently available. And be sure to read the inspirational case studies from Injune in Qld, Circular Head in TAS, Waikerie in SA, and the Yarra Valley in VIC.

Our first community newsletter for 2021 is full of information regarding funding that is available to support your projects, as well as some handy tips on how to get started on planning them out. We have also featured some great case studies on past projects to provide you with inspiration and delight.

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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.