Local community groups and not-for-profits in rural Victorian communities impacted by the 2022-23 floods are encouraged to apply for grants of up to $20,000 for projects that will support their community’s recovery. 

In partnership with Suncorp and AAMI, FRRR is offering $300,000 for initiatives that build resilience and support medium to the long-term recovery of communities affected by the flooding and storms that occurred in specified LGAs between 6 October 2022 and 13 January 2023. 

Funded through the Rebuilding Futures program, these responsive grants are available for proactive initiatives that are community-led. 

“Different groups within the community, such as those living with disability, homelessness or who speak English as a second language, will be impacted differently, and as such, will have their own needs in terms of building resilience and how they can prepare for future disaster events,” said Nina O’Brien, FRRR’s Disaster Resilience & Recovery Lead. 

O’Brien added that extreme weather events, like the flooding and storms experienced by rural Victorian regions late last year, affect every community member, especially those who are most vulnerable and rely on community organisations for support. 

“We encourage community groups to be inclusive with their initiative ideas and consider how their project can support community members from all nationalities, socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.” 

Suncorp’s Group Executive People, Culture & Advocacy, Fiona Thompson, said that natural disasters, such as the Victorian floods, have devastating impacts that are complex, context-driven and long-lasting. 

“This is the third disaster-affected region that we’ve supported through this program over the last couple of years, so we know that the impacts in each place are different.” 

“One thing is always the same though; local people are best placed to know the needs and priorities of their community, especially following a natural disaster event,” added Thompson.   

A Grantseeker Workshop, including a Q&A, on the Rebuilding Future’s grant program will be held online from 12 – 1 pm AEST Wednesday 7 June 2023.  For more information about which regions are eligible and the type of projects that can be funded, visit www.frrr.org.au/Rebuilding-Futures. 

Related: $250,000 donation to support flood-affected towns with funding