Echuca is home to one of the 129 community groups across remote, rural and regional Australia, sharing in nearly $1.4 million in grants through the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal’s (FRRR) flagship Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) program.
Bella A’Capella, led by Bella A’Capella Echuca-Moama Arts Initiative, was granted $2253 for its Spring Sing Workshop. The grant was approved to help support the creative recovery of Northern Victoria’s community choirs after the pandemic.
Royal Flying Doctor Service Community Transport was granted $25,000 for volunteer engagement and community recovery, and the Gargarro Botanic Garden in Girgarre was awarded $10,000 for a reliable ride-on mower to help maintain the grounds.
According to FRRR, they have received a record 450 applications for this round of SRC funding, requesting more than $4.5 million in grants for projects valued at more than $19 million.
They said they have worked hard to shorten the time between applying for and awarding SRC grants, with these grants being awarded just nine weeks after the round closed.
FRRR’s place portfolio lead Jill Karena said there is an increasing need for FRRR to fill gaps in areas that may have previously relied on funding from government incentives or programs or support from local businesses.
“The SRC program is flexible and open year-round, meaning it can lean in when the 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,” she said.
While Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell welcomed these grants, he said the government needed to commit to further funding.
“Every region is different, which is why collaborating with the foundation to support local community projects can achieve real positive outcomes instead of relying on top-down, one-size-fits-all programs out of Canberra,” Mr Birrell said.
“Unfortunately, over the past two years, the Albanese Labor Government has forgotten about and starved regional communities of grant funding.
“Many regional communities are still waiting to hear the outcome of funding applications put to the government way back in July last year, more than 10 months ago.
“Not one project has been approved or announced under the Growing Regions or Precincts and Partnerships regional economic development programs launched with great fanfare by Labor.”