THE Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal has announced funding for drought preparedness initiatives across the region as part of the organisation\u2019s Community Impact Program.<\/p>\n
Four local projects will share in $450,000 as part of the announcement.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll these projects have come about thanks to a robust, locally led co-design process,\u201d said FRRR disaster resilience and recovery lead Nina O\u2019Brien.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the Loddon Campaspe region there is a history of drought, although in late 2022, the region experienced significant flood damage.<\/p>\n
\u201cSeveral communities remain displaced with the recovery and rebuilding process hampered by a variety of factors, including volunteer fatigue.<\/p>\n
\u201cDespite this, there was strong engagement in the co-design process, including the local traditional owners, the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation.<\/p>\n
\u201cCoordinated by LEAD Loddon Murray, there are four projects that will be supported in this region.\u201d<\/p>\n
Local projects receiving grants are the Bridgewater Community Hub redevelopment, including a community garden and sensory garden, Let\u2019s Talk About the Weather education program, and knowledge-sharing workshops.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Dja Dja Wurrung Clans will lead a project that will employ a local coordinator who will work with council, Landcare, community organisations and private landholders to heal country, building understanding of traditional land management practices and ways to restore the land,\u201d Ms O\u2019Brien said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe final project will focus on building and strengthening networks and building capacity of individual leaders in climate resilience.\u201d<\/p>\n
The FRRR Community Impact Program is delivered in partnership with the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation and has received backing from the Australian Government Future Drought Fund.<\/p>\n
Some locals will also take part in a leadership development activity which will be tailored to the community.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re already working with the local community partner lead organisation to work out the best timing for the various activities,\u201d said Australian Rural Leadership Foundation chief executive, Matt Linnegar.<\/p>\n
\u201cLeadership development is a critical part of building the social capital required to strengthen drought resilience.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt helps to create and build local networks, as well as develop the skills and knowledge to take action and address challenges and make the most of opportunities.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal has announced funding for drought preparedness initiatives across the region as part of the organisation\u2019s Community Impact Program. Four local projects will share in $450,000 as part of the announcement. \u201cAll these projects have come about thanks to a robust, locally led co-design process,\u201d said FRRR disaster resilience and […]<\/p>\n