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$250,000 awarded in grants to 53 projects to support regional Australia

Menchie Khairuddin October 18, 2022

3 min read

53 important community projects across remote, rural and regional Australia receive up to $5,000.

In its second year of the Nutrien Ag Solutions Community Grants Program, multiple community projects will share $250,000 in funding.

The program offers grants of up to $5,000 for projects contributing to community well-being and vibrancy in remote, rural and regional communities.

“The strong number of applications we continue to receive for this program clearly indicates the need for this level of support for grassroots, not-for-profit organisations,” said Nutrien Ag Solutions Director of Corporate Affairs Carissa Buckland.

“We’re delighted to award grants to so many diverse projects that help these rural, regional and remote communities thrive.”

Nutrien Ag Solutions Director of Corporate Affairs Carissa Buckland highlighted that they received more than 300 applications from communities right across the country.

With their stores being very integrated with their communities and teams, a key part of the application process involves the local Nutrien store actively endorsing each project and application.

“This year we have approved grants to enhance and support the delivery of community events, including new marquees, grandstand seating and improved website functionality to support local show and expo event management.”

Critical funding will also go towards a diverse range of restorations, upgrades and new equipment for community facilities – from a toilet roof to rejuvenated courtyards to outdoor seating and kitchens, data projectors and lawnmowers. There’s even funding for sensory, Zen, bush tucker and community gardens, with each project designed to inclusively meet the needs of their communities.

“While they are not large value grants, these projects enable community activity to build connection and, importantly, support volunteers in all their efforts,” added Buckland.

The Program is proudly run in partnership with the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR).

FRRR CEO, Natalie Egleton shared that she appreciates organisations like Nutrien Ag Solutions partnering with FRRR to support the priorities of grassroots organisations that are the heartbeat of remote, rural and regional communities across Australia.

“The volume and nature of these applications is a strong sign that rural community life is returning to normal, although it also signifies just how challenging it is to raise these funds locally and the extent of the need that exists,” said Egleton.

“It’s really pleasing for us that so much of the funding – nearly 30% – will go to communities with fewer than 500 people, which makes fundraising really hard. Most of the groups are also located in outer regional, remote or very remote areas of the country.”

Some of the organisations and projects being supported include:

Illabo Showground Land Manager, Illabo, NSW – Build capacity at the local showgrounds with a WIFI upgrade, defibrillator installation and new broadcast system to enhance operations and experience for all users. $5,000
Dagun Community Group Inc., Dagun, QLD – Enhance community connections by restoring the Dagun railway station labyrinth and Mary Valley agricultural history display, and through the community garden project. $4,900
Limestone Coast Multicultural Network Incorporated, Naracoorte, South Australia – Build organisational capability with the development of a strategic plan to support strengthening the Limestone Coast Multicultural Network. $4,952
Hamilton District Agricultural Show Society, Hamilton, Tasmania – Build, grow and protect skills and networks with four workshops focusing on entrepreneurism, rural OH&S and resilience. $5,000
Kyabram Blue Light, Kyabram, VIC – Increase social engagement opportunities and activities for youth in Kyabram to support their healthy growth and development. $5,000
Lower Kalgan Community Association Incorporated, Albany, WA – Build resilience through a Fire Resilience Workshop – “Making your Property Fire Safe and Sustainable” exploring preparedness and land management aligned to changing climate impacts. $5,000

The third round of the Program is expected to open around June 2023!

Menchie Khairuddin

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Menchie Khairuddin is a writer Deputy Content Manager at Akolade and content producer for Third Sector News. She is passionate about social affairs specifically in mixed, multicultural heritage and not-for-profit organisations.