Several South West groups see the benefit of regional restoration grants

Several South West groups see the benefit of regional restoration grants as $1 million gets delivered across grassroots organisations across remote, rural and regional Australia.

Funding recipients for the Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal’s flagship Strengthening Rural Communities program were annouced this month, with 101 organisations across the country receiving a share of $1,040,512.

Three South West groups received funding from the program with Manjimup’s Gulyara Aboriginal Corporation receiving $5000 for court support to provide culturally appropriate support for domestic and family violence victims from Indigenous and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities as they experience the court system, through volunteer training and delivery costs.

Margaret River’s RMR Soundwaves Spectrum: Sharpening Digital Skills, Sharing Voices program received $10,000 to provide volunteers with tailored digital skills training to support a community radio station’s launch of an FM transmission service.

The Boyanup Foundation Inc. received funds to buy a ride-on lawn mower.

FRRR head of granting Jill Karena said rural people wanted their communities to be places that future generations choose to call home.

“Rural people know that for a thriving future, they need to be able to access services and opportunities like education and employment, social engagement, organisational capacity-building and health services,” she said.

“We’re proud to support the people and places that are tackling these issues head-on.

“One of FRRR’s current goals is to fund more initiatives that support and strengthen First Nations communities, so, it’s been great to see an increase in applications from Indigenous-led organisations for projects that offer spaces to educate and celebrate culture, health and social services, self-determination, social enterprise and economic independence.

“We trust local people to know what the most pressing needs of their communities are, and what it will take to be socially and economically sustainable. We are proud to work with them to help their communities to flourish and thrive.”