McCormack Announces More Relief For Struggling Drought Communities

RIVERINA Nationals’ MP and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack is urging community organisations in drought-affected regions to apply for funding through the Small Grants Program.

Mr McCormack said the Liberal and Nationals’ Government is providing $15 million in the Regional Drought Communities Small Grants Program to support regional communities across Australia experiencing the devastating effects of the current drought. “We are listening and we are delivering,” Mr McCormack said. “We understand communities are struggling and this is part of our more than $1.8 billion in additional Federal Government drought support measures already delivered.”

“Small grants will be available to not-for-profit community groups to deliver projects in drought-affected regions focusing on reducing social isolation, leadership development and skills training, social and educational participation, addressing disadvantage caused by the drought, reducing volunteer fatigue, building capacity and supporting local economic recovery or renewal. This funding will support community-based activities to relieve current stressors and symptoms while also building capacity and resilience for the future.”

The guidelines for the funding have been released, delivering on the Government’s commitment to provide immediate support to regional communities currently enduring prolonged drought. The first round of applications opened on Friday 26 October. The distribution of the $15 million grant will be managed by the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR).

Through the Tackling Tough Times Together program, the Foundation will operate a rolling small grants program to support drought affected regional communities. The Foundation will distribute the grants quickly across all states and territories to regions impacted by drought.

The Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal is a non-government organisation based in Bendigo, which harnesses the collective investment of governments, business and other donor organisations to support regional communities.

The Foundation will roadshow the Regional Drought Communities Small Grants Program through grant seeker workshops, regional meetings and discussions with community groups.

Further information on the program and grant opportunities may be found on the Foundation’s website at www.frrr.org.au/grants/tackling_tough_times_together or by visiting the Australian Government Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities website at www.infrastructure.gov.au.

• Topics:

• Grant / Funding
• Michael McCormack
• Drought