When natural disasters strike, local community organisations are often the first ones rolling up their sleeves to help get their neighbours back on their feet.
The NAB Foundation has recognised the crucial work of these groups, by granting $600,000 to projects that build resilience across Australia through its Community Grants program.
This year, the NAB Foundation increased the amount per individual grant to further uplift communities, with 26 groups receiving up to $25,000* each for their community-led projects. In prior years, grants have been provided of up to $10,000.
There was also a record number of submissions, with more than 240 groups applying under four categories including 'training and planning', 'environment and wildlife', 'community recovery' and 'equipment and infrastructure'.
NAB Group Executive Sharon Cook said the increase of individual grant amounts demonstrated NAB Foundation's commitment to offering financial support for communities facing more frequent natural disasters.
"We understand the value of local knowledge. Through the community grants program, we're supporting local groups who are future proofing their regions," Ms Cook said.
"It's great to see this funding go towards a range of projects - from environmental restoration and emergency planning to new infrastructure and equipment, and the sharing of knowledge through training. It will make a real difference to how Australia manages natural disasters.
The NAB Foundation Community Grants program was designed to help local communities strengthen their resilience and enhance their recovery efforts, which can take several years after a disaster has occurred. NAB Foundation awards $1.2 million in Community Grants each year across two grant rounds.
The program is part of NAB Ready Together, an initiative that helps customers, colleagues and their communities withstand natural disasters. Since 2021, 343 projects across Australia have so far benefited from $4 million worth of community grants.
The next round of Community Grants will be open for applications in August.
Caring for Country
The Mimal Land Management Aboriginal Corporation operates in the centre of Arnhem Land, about 250km east from Katherine. The transfer of cultural knowledge and sharing of lived experiences is the heartbeat of the organisation's land management. Mimal supports all-women rangers to work together to care for Country and ensure there is equal, and safe access to emergency services in the area when natural disasters hit, and has supported the growth of the NT-wide Strong women for Healthy Country Network.
Strong Women for Healthy Country Network Project Officer Sheila White says communication, and advocating for the women of the area is central to what they do.
"When disasters strike and people have lost communication with others, they can talk to us. We try and help them get access to emergency services," Shelia said.
Funding from the Community Grant program will help Mimal facilitate training and run workshop activities throughout the Strong Women for Healthy Country Network Forum, which includes over 300 Indigenous women rangers, Elders, healers, artists and community workers from more than 40 communities.
