The Australian Government continues to back communities impacted by, and recovering from drought, with eight new projects in Grey to receive a share of more than $1.3 million in federal funding announced today under Round 22 of the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal’s Tackling Tough Times Together initiative.
Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey said the program is a good demonstration of the Federal Governmnet’s commitment to rural communities as they confront the vagaries of the weather and unexpected challenges like COVID-19.
“I’m pleased to announce eight new projects, worth almost $240,000, will receive a Federal funding boost to make them a reality for our communities,” he said.
“The projects are all driven by enthusiastic local volunteer groups which are almost by definition the place where governments and communities can get the best bang for the buck and I congratulate and thank them for their ongoing commitment.”
In Grey projects to be funded under this latest round of grants include –
- Lochiel Progress Association Incorporated– $59,429
Coming Together at the Lochiel Community Centre, a project to re-invigorate the Lochiel Community Centre (LPC) by upgrading the facility, thereby enabling the centre to host important community get-togethers to increase social inclusion, well-being and resilience. - Carrieton Progress Association $54,443
Carrieton Community Halls Project -‘Preserving and Restoring the Town Facilities’, a project aimed at improving the tired infrastructure and reduce community fatigue. - Parachilna Community Association $44,643
Refurbish a school building at the Community Caravan Park as a caretaker residence which will build the capacity, capability, and sustainability of the Parachilna Community Association’s caravan park. - Foodbank of South Australia Incorporated $25,700
Foodbank Ceduna Food Hub – Cool Room Project- this project will increase capacity and capability of Foodbank of South Australia to provide food relief for regional and rural communities impacted by drought. - District Council of Orroroo Carrieton $20,000
54 31 Collective- Boost and strengthen the local economy by providing rural creators a platform to grow and showcase their locally made or sourced products, which will attract visitors/tourists to the region thereby benefiting the wider community.
- Friends of Yantanabie Incorporated $17,050
- Yantanabie Hall Roof Restoration a project to improve volunteer vitality and support strong social connection by restoring the roof of the Friends of Yatanabie’s Community Hall.
- Rotary Club of Peterborough Incorporated $11,000
- The North East Drought Event and Inaugural Wool Show Yunta – a project to reduce social isolation by facilitating social connection through supporting a Wool Show hosted by the Rotary Club of Peterborough Incorporate.
Balaklava Community Arts Incorporated $5,300
Balaklava Community Arts Inc 2022 Production of “Shrek” – a project to foster and encourage the Arts in the local region by staging a performance that will involve locals in many roles as participants but also in attendance at the event.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce, said the Government was proud to be continuing to back regional and farming communities still feeling the impacts of drought.
“As a proud regional Australian I know only too well how long the impacts of drought are felt, and with the additional economic pinch of COVID-19 it’s important now more than ever that we keep standing side by side with those hard-hit communities,” Deputy Prime Minister Joyce said.
“These projects not only provide much-needed economic stimulus to communities, but also help reduce social isolation, drive leadership development and skills training, increase social and educational participation, address disadvantage for youth, reduce volunteer fatigue, and build local capacity.
“Our regions and agricultural hubs are essential to our national identity and economy, so when our farmers and their communities face the realities of taps run dry, it’s vital we rally around them to tackle those challenges together – and that’s exactly what this program is doing.”
More information on the Tackling Tough Times Together program and the latest round of recipients can be found on the Foundation’s website at https://frrr.org.au/TTTT or by visiting the Australian Government Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications website at www.regional.gov.au/regional/programs.
Media Contact: Leonie Lloyd-Smith 08 8633 1744
November 29 2021.
