FRRR and Charter Hall announces the expansion of their partnership, signing a three-year agreement to drive further investment in disaster preparedness and recovery efforts across remote, rural and regional communities.

The funding will be distributed through FRRR’s flagship Strengthening Rural Communities small grants program. 

Charter Hall, one of Australia’s leading property funds management groups, first began working with FRRR in 2020, responding to FRRR’s appeal for donations to support medium to long-term recovery following the Black Summer bushfires. 

Natalie Egleton, FRRR’s CEO, emphasised that with rural communities increasingly at the forefront of the impacts of climate change, it’s more important than ever that communities can access flexible funding to support preparedness efforts, especially in smaller remote, rural and regional communities. 

“We’re grateful for this commitment from Charter Hall, as it means that there will be more funding to empower local communities to shape and lead their preparedness, disaster recovery and resilience-building projects in a way that makes the most sense in their community.” 

“After decades of working alongside remote, rural and regional communities, we know that no two are the same.” 

Egleton added that their small grants program has proven a critical source of funding, as it’s always open and ready when the time is right.  

She also highlighted that for some, it’s helped them purchase emergency equipment or upgrade the place of last refuge so it’s safe, accessible and fit for purpose; for others. 

“With Charter Hall’s support, we will be able to support more communities be better able to respond to whatever comes their way.” 

“We also look forward to sharing the importance of this kind of support among their networks and colleagues,” added Egleton. 

 Charter Hall Chief Experience Officer Natalie Devlin, highlighted the importance of its partnership with FRRR in having an enduring impact on its communities. 

“At Charter Hall, we have always focused on actively partnering for mutual success. Our approach to community investment is no different, focusing on creating lasting change by partnering where we can make the most difference to individuals and communities.  

“We are pleased to be expanding our partnership with FRRR, ensuring relief and recovery solutions are funded in the community to deliver the greatest community benefit.” 

Devlin highlighted that through this partnership, they will enable local people and organisations to shape and lead their disaster relief, recovery and resilience-building processes. 

“Having worked with FRRR since 2020, we have seen first-hand the difference they can make through their local understanding, and connection to grassroots organisations that often can’t access support otherwise,” added Devlin. 

Rural community groups and not-for-profit organisations that want to apply to the Prepare & Recover stream can find out more on FRRR’s website. 

The first grants to be made with Charter Hall’s support were announced 30 April 2024. The list of Charter Hall-funded grant recipients and their projects are below.