FOUNDATION for Rural Regional Renewal (FRRR) and Gardiner Foundation have awarded $38,052 to eight community groups across South Western Victoria 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 (NFPs) 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.
This year, Victoria’s dairying regions will be boosted by a wide range of community-led projects including Strengthening Beech Forest with an historic bakery oven.
The Beech Forest & District Progress Association has received a $4975 grant to go towards rebuilding the historic Beech Forest bakery oven, once the cornerstone of the township's social and economic life.
Program manager, Mrs Jackie Zappelli said “This project aims to not only revive a piece of local history but also strengthen community bonds by creating a vibrant hub for social gatherings, educational workshops and economic opportunities with all profits going back into the enterprise and community.”
Gardiner Foundation chief executive, Allan Cameron, said that 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.
“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.,” Mr Cameron said.
Jill Karena, FRRR Place Portfolio Lead, said that 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. But with the current 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,” Ms Karena said.
A full list of grant recipients and funded projects can be found on FRRR’s website.