ANZ and the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) have allocated $250,000 in grants to 22 community groups and not-for-profit organizations through the ANZ Seeds of Renewal program. This initiative, now in its 22nd year, aims to support projects in remote, rural, and regional Australia that focus on four main areas: improving housing access, increasing financial well-being, enhancing environmental sustainability, and fostering community growth.
Mark Bennett, ANZ Head of Agribusiness stated: “For over two decades, Seeds of Renewal has provided more than $6 million to approximately 930 projects, helping around 870 communities in remote and regional Australia build their resilience, sustainability and vibrancy.” He emphasized the importance of funding diverse projects that contribute to long-term economic and social development in rural areas. “These targeted and well-informed grants allow local organisations to implement initiatives that will have a meaningful impact and ensure the ongoing prosperity of regional Australia,” he added.
Natalie Egleton, CEO of FRRR highlighted the critical role played by not-for-profit organizations in these communities. She said: “Across remote, rural and regional Australia, not-for-profit organisations play a vital role in helping address the critical environmental, financial, housing or wellbeing needs of their communities." Egleton underscored the significance of partnerships like the one with ANZ: "Through partnerships such as our longstanding association with ANZ we can support and fund these groups to lead local initiatives."
The grants are being used for various projects this year. For instance:
- The Gnowangerup Community Resource Centre received $15,000 for accessibility improvements at a historic hotel.
- PlusCommunity Limited was granted $15,000 for upgrading laundry facilities at Wirree Crisis Refuge.
- Dalby Family Support Association Inc. was awarded $15,000 for installing solar panels.
- Trentham Sustainability Group Inc. received funds for creating an energy resilience hub.
Other funded initiatives aim to enhance financial literacy among Indigenous communities and improve digital skills for women in remote areas.
The full list of recipients is available on FRRR's website. Over its history spanning 22 years, the ANZ Seeds of Renewal program has contributed more than $6 million towards supporting about 870 community groups across Australia's less populated regions.