Strengthening local community through grants

Two local organisations are set to benefit under the latest round of grants from the Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal (FRRR), with the Mansfield branch of the Country Women's Association (CWA) and the Gadhaba Local Aboriginal Network both welcoming funding under the Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) program. The Mansfield Shire is one of 80 communities to share in the $688,444 of funding, with money designated for small and vital projects such as improvements to community infrastructure and landscaping; festivals and events that reduce social isolation, encourage tourism and boost the local economy; workshops that support cultural healing, creative expression, community safety and celebrate diversity; and training and resources to build NFP capacity and support volunteers. The local CWA received $9,685 towards the hall's roof replacement project, with the FRRR funding going specifically towards upgrading the hall's electrical system and incorporating solar. The CWA were thrilled with the announcement, one of two major grants the association has received to deliver the first stage of its essential Raise the Roof project. Through the 2025 Community Impact Program Grants, funded by the Community Bank Mansfield & District and the Community Enterprise Foundation, the branch received a generous contribution covering 20 per cent of the estimated project costs. In addition, 10 per cent of the project costs have now been granted by the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) under its Strengthening Rural Communities program. “We are incredibly grateful for this generous support,” said Joanne O'Brien, current CWA Mansfield Branch President. “These grants will allow us to complete critical works on our building, which has served the Mansfield community for generations.” The branch is looking forward to working with local trades, many of whom have already played an important role throughout the quotation process, offering invaluable advice on current building regulations and compliance requirements. The Raise the Roof project is about more than just replacing the roof. Alongside urgent structural and compliance works the branch is also planning to improve the long-term sustainability of the facility through the installation of the solar panels and battery storage. “We see this as an opportunity to future-proof our facility,” Ms O’Brien said. “By investing in clean energy, we hope to make our hall more sustainable while reducing future operating costs.” With the remaining 70 per cent of funds coming from branch savings, it is a true credit to the dedicated members of CWA Mansfield that they have successfully raised this amount—all while continuing their core mission of supporting vulnerable women, children, and families in the local community. The works are expected to commence later this year, with further updates to follow as the project progresses. Under the FRRR funding stream, Gadhaba led by Mansfield Adult Community Education secured $10,000 towards a new, user-friendly, accessible website to engage members. The website will be designed to increase the digital capacity of its users to encourage safe, confident online participation. Jill Karena, Head of Granting at FRRR, said that programs like Strengthening Rural Communities are a vital source of funding for the hundreds of remote and rural NFPs that continue to fill the service gaps in their communities. “This round we’re also pleased to be able to support several communities that are exploring new technologies and educating locals on online safety and security, so that they are better equipped to embrace these technologies," Ms Karena said. “The commitment to growth and willingness to do things differently is also evident in the applications we received from groups looking to deepen their knowledge and connection to First Nations culture. "We’re pleased to support a number of culturally-informed initiatives that support First Nations people’s healing, mental health and wellbeing, as well as opportunities for the wider community to integrate traditional language and ecological knowledge into school-based wildlife education, yarning circles, intergenerational learning in preschools, or including First Nations art in historical museums. “The initiatives we’ve funded in this round of grants really showcase the diversity of needs of remote, rural and regional communities," Ms Karena said.

Strengthening local community through grants

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