Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) and Gardiner Foundation have awarded $49,545 to 11 community groups across Gippsland for local initiatives that will support, strengthen and sustain their dairying regions.
In total, 27 groups across Gippsland, South-West and Northern Victoria are sharing in $124,478 in grants.
For 22 years, the Gardiner Foundation Community Grants program has empowered not-for-profit organisations in Victoria’s dairy communities to create and lead projects that help locals to connect and support their farming regions to be sustainable and vibrant places to live and work.
Allan Cameron, Gardiner Foundation chief executive officer, said the organisation’s longstanding partnership with FRRR has enabled it to invest more than $2.4 million in Victoria’s dairying regions.
“The Community Grants Program aims to support purpose-driven, not-for-profit organisations in rural and regional Victoria by enhancing their capacity to serve their local communities effectively,” Mr Cameron said.
“Since the program began in 2003, we have supported over 600 projects across the state. These grants provide crucial financial support to community groups, helping them overcome challenges as they work to revitalise their communities.
“We take pride in recognising the remarkable efforts of these groups within their communities, often carried out voluntarily, and in assisting them by funding projects that they believe will significantly enhance community resilience.”
Jill Karena, FRRR place portfolio lead, said the impact that the Gardiner Foundation Community Grants program has had over the past 22 years is a testament to what is possible through collaboration with partners like Gardiner Foundation.
“Not-for-profits work tirelessly to strengthen and grow the social and cultural fabric of their communities,” Ms Karena said.
“But with current the economic landscape and climate-related transitions impacting Victoria, keeping these organisations up and running is becoming exceedingly difficult. Therefore, it’s not surprising that this year we saw a predominant need from community groups for funding to develop organisational resilience and capacity.
“Victoria’s dairy regions are resilient and resourceful, and we have seen, firsthand, the transformational change and outcomes that local people can achieve when they have access to funding.
“We are proud to play a small role in enabling these groups to drive change, build connections and share the vibrancy and determination of those living in Victoria’s dairying regions.”
The organisations and funded projects supporting East Gippsland’s dairy communities are:
– Bruthen and District Citizens Association Inc – Community Grow Swap Learn Program and Workshops: Build community resilience through purchasing equipment and running workshops that increase capability and capacity for local community gardening and increase participation and learning to improve community health and wellbeing; $5000.
– Heyfield War Memorial Hall Committee of Management Inc – Upgrade Kitchen Cupboards: Improve community infrastructure with new kitchen drawers to increase utility for senior and disabled community members at the Heyfield War Memorial Hall; $3300.
IMAGE: Community gardening is at the forefront of a Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal grant received by Bruthen and District Citizens Association. (PS)
