The Hon Kristy McBain MP

Member for Eden-Monaro

The Australian Government continues to invest in the liveability, sustainability and resilience of regional, rural and remote communities including in the Bega and Snowy Valleys – with more than $480,000 in grants to 58 local-led projects across the country.

Delivered through the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal’s (FRRR) Strengthening Rural Communities program, grants of up to $10,000 will support local organisations to uplift their communities, following significant disruption from COVID-19.

From improving equipment and facilities at community hubs, to workshops and education programs that will increase community engagement – these small-scale projects will be high impact. Eden-Monaro projects included in this final round of the program include:

• In Tumut, where $10,000 will support the training of 10 volunteer mentors to address isolation, loneliness and disengagement of young people for the Tumut Big Brothers Big Sisters program.
• In Tumbarumba, the Mens Shed will receive $3,991 for a Spindle Moulder, fit-for-purpose woodworking equipment to enhance a men’s shed ability to safely recycle bushfire-recovered and salvaged timber for use in community projects.
• On the Far South Coast, $8,000 will unite diverse sectors of the community, reduce social isolation, and encourage tourism post-pandemic through the hosting of the expanded Fungi Feastival.

The funding is part of the Australian Government’s $5 million investment from 2022 to 2024 in the Rebuilding Regional Communities stream of the FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) program.

For more information about the program, including a full list of RRC Round 8 recipients, visit: https://frrr.org.au/funding/place/src-rebuilding-regional-communities/.

Quotes attributable to the Member for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain:

“This funding will be well utilised by these groups and I can’t wait to see the community benefits flow,” Ms McBain said

“Our regional areas are known for their strong sense of community and that’s something we’re committed to strengthening, by revitalising community spaces and getting successful programs like off the ground.”

Quotes attributable to FRRR Place Portfolio Lead Jill Karena:

“The SRC program is flexible and open year-round, meaning it can lean in when Government and other agencies lean out. This access to continued funding opportunities is especially vital in communities that are moving beyond the immediate threats and response to natural disasters and other shocks.

“These are the projects that create a sense of place and identity, and the people and organisations that make these inspiring projects happen need our support. SRC grants provide leverage as they demonstrate to other funders that the projects have value and are supported.

“But to be able to fund more of them, we need to bring in additional collaborative funders. So we invite all those who want to see a thriving remote, rural and regional Australia to join us to support local initiatives. They really do make a difference.”