ANZ and the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) have awarded $250,000 in grants to 22 regional community groups and not-for-profit organisations through the ANZ Seeds of Renewal program.
The 2021 program supported remote, rural and regional communities across Australia to: improve their town's environmental sustainability; increase financial wellbeing in communities, particularly those with disadvantaged or minority groups; or improve housing access for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness or for people living with a disability.
Jenefer Stewart, ANZ General Manager Business Banking said: "Every year, we are impressed by the innovation and desire that these local groups have for the long-term stability and sustainability of their communities.
"Over the past 20 years ANZ Seeds of Renewal has helped more than 800 community groups bring local projects to life and it's a program we are really proud of," Ms Stewart said.
Natalie Egleton, FRRR's CEO, said that these grants will give communities a much-needed boost by funding initiatives that will help to build vibrant and sustainable rural and regional communities.
"Thanks to our long-standing partnership with ANZ, we are able to fund projects that we know will make a big difference to small communities. Over the last 18 months the impacts of drought, fires, floods and COVID-19 have challenged the capacity of communities and the non profit organisations that support them to thrive.
"Gaining access to this funding will make a huge difference for these local organisations and their communities. The grants will allow them to implement initiatives that will address pressing issues and support their communities to experience better environmental, financial wellbeing and social outcomes in a time when they need it the most," Ms Egleton said.
Since being established in 2003, ANZ Seeds of Renewal has awarded $5.25 million to more than 800 projects. Some examples of the 22 projects funded this year include:
- Agrifood Industry Training Advisory Body Ltd - Coffs Harbour, NSW - Bee Futures Environmental and Food Security Showcase - $12,100 - Educating students on career opportunities in bee propagation and environmental sustainability through two hands-on showcases.
- Yarredi Services Incorporated - Port Lincoln, SA - Women's Wellbeing and Safety Hub Study Centre - $5,184 - Improve financial outcomes for indigenous women and girls by upgrading a facility to deliver programs.
- Anam Cara House Colac Inc - Colac, VIC - Supporting South West Victoria's Most Vulnerable - $15,000 - Improving quality of life and increasing access to care for elderly people and those who are vulnerable to homelessness by extending available respite support.
You can find a full list of grant recipients on FRRR's website.
