14 December 2023
The Hon Catherine King MP
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government
The Hon Kristy McBain MP
Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories
Member for Eden-Monaro
The Albanese Labor Government continues to invest in the liveability, sustainability and resilience of regional, rural and remote communities like Bowning – with over $470,000 in grants flowing to 55 local-led projects across the country.
From workshops and education programs that will increase community engagement, to improving equipment and facilities at community hubs, – these small-scale projects will be high impact.
As part of this, Bowning Public School and Citizens Association will receive $10,000 towards their 175 Years of Bowning Public School celebrations.
This will help to boost post Covid-19 tourism and community connection, encouraging visitors from around the region to experience the rich history of the town at the Back to Bowning Weekend.
The funding is part of the Albanese Government’s $5 million investment from 2022 to 2024 in the Rebuilding Regional Communities stream of the FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities program.
The full list of funded projects and additional information about other grants awarded by the FRRR can be found at: www.frrr.org.au/funding/place/src-rebuilding-regional-communities/
Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
“The Albanese Labor Government is committed to funding our regional, rural and remote towns to ensure they can thrive following the difficult COVID-19 period.
“We are committed to supporting local community organisations, which are vital to the health of any town.
“By supporting this diverse range of projects, our Government is also ensuring the improvement of health and education outcomes – particularly for First Nations people – in our regions”
Quotes attributable to Member for Eden-Monaro, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Kristy McBain:
“Bowning Public School is one of the oldest inland schools in the country. I’m pleased that this project will go a long way to support the celebration of this important anniversary.
“Bowning and the entire Yass Valley is still rebounding from the huge impacts of COVID-19, which is why we’re investing in locally-led projects that bring communities together.”
“Every cent counts in our regions, which is why this $10,000 towards the Bowning Public School celebrations will have a lasting benefit in this community.
“When we back local ideas and invest in local priorities, we get better outcomes in our communities, which is why we’re pleased to deliver over $470,000 towards these 55 diverse projects outside of our big cities.
“Our regional areas are known for their strong sense of community and we’re committed to strengthening this following the COVID-19 disruption, by improving community facilities and getting engaging workshops and education programs off the ground.
“These projects will support regional, rural and remote organisations to expand their services, and are a key part of the Albanese Labor Government’s continued commitment to activating regional economies.”
Quotes attributable to FRRR Place Portfolio Lead, Jill Karena:
“The Strengthening Rural Communities program has been a consistent support for local organisations in rural places, helping to fill funding gaps needed to get projects off the ground or bring them to conclusion.
“FRRR’s small grants have supported rural Australia for the past 23 years. Within our Strengthening Communities program alone, we have awarded nearly $18 million in small grants since 2019 and the program’s flexibility is one of the key reasons why it continues to be so popular.
“Flexible funding means that we can support projects that meet a wide range of needs, reflecting what the community sees as a priority. For some, this may be a new roof for the town hall, for others it may be an event to bring people together, and for others it could be mental health first aid training.”
