Grants aim to build resilience

THE Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, or FRRR, is offering grants to Victorian communities affected by October’s floods or their aftermath.

Grants of up to $20,000 are available to community groups, and organisations in the Golden Plains Shire and the City of Ballarat are eligible.

A total of $300,000 is being offered statewide for projects that support resilience and community rebuilding.

FRRR disaster resilience and recovery lead Nina O’Brien urged groups to apply for the funding.

“We encourage community groups to be inclusive with their initiative ideas and consider how their project can support community members from all nationalities, socio-economic and cultural backgrounds,” she said.

“We also encourage community groups to think outside the box when it comes to infrastructure and equipment projects by considering resilient materials and harnessing clever use of design to decrease future impacts of natural disasters.”

An example of potential projects that have received FRRR backing in the past include the Mooloolah Valley Community Association in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast hinterland, who used a $25,000 grant to install three batteries that can supply power the region during emergencies.

Applications for this round of grants close on Thursday 6 July and more information can be found at frrr.org.au/Rebuilding-Futures.