More than $315,000 awarded to boost resilience and preparedness in disaster impacted communities

The funding, through the Rebuilding Futures grant program, seeks to support communities affected by disaster events (between 2019 and 2024) to strengthen their resilience by undertaking a wide range of medium to long-term community-led projects.  

The program encourages communities to build back better to reduce the impact of future disasters on community wellbeing and physical infrastructure. 

This is the first round to offer two streams of funding. The first stream will see more than $227,000 shared between 14 projects that focus predominantly on building knowledge and skills or investing in critical equipment and infrastructure. 

Some of the projects funded across NSW, Vic, SA and WA include: 

• A one-day event to build confidence of the community and create a culture of flood preparedness in Main Arm, NSW. It includes a series of practical training such as using a UHF (Ultra High Frequency radio), sandbagging, chainsaw safety, and information about flood-resilient home retrofitting, solar energy and regenerative design.

• Empowering the community of Brukunga, SA with practical fire resilience solutions, creating a safe and welcoming public space, and enhancing the town’s connection to its fire-prone landscape, while promoting recovery and preparedness.  

• A series of disaster preparedness workshops, emergency planning and development of resources for local sports clubs in Victoria’s Goulburn Valley to build knowledge, increase awareness of local risks and share critical information to be better prepared for disaster events.   

• A mural celebrating local first responders in Pingelly, WA, which will encourage and engage new volunteers. 

Suncorp’s Chief Executive Consumer Insurance, Lisa Harrison, said the diversity of projects funded reinforces the need for this program. 

“Recovery takes many forms and we are proud to be able to provide these grants to the community groups that know what is most needed on the ground. It’s not always easy to access support, so we are pleased to be able to partner with FRRR to ensure that funding reaches the groups and services that really need it."

FRRR’s Disaster Resilience and Recovery Lead, Nina O’Brien, said these projects are strong examples of the different ways that community groups are building their preparedness for disasters and highlight the ongoing need to support recovering communities.  

“The thing that really jumps out for me is how these projects reflect each community’s unique context and their future thinking on responding to challenges with support that connects and equips their communities with skills, knowledge and resources. 

"That’s why this kind of flexible funding is so important, as it means community groups can tackle issues identified and prioritised on a local level. 

"We are grateful to Suncorp for recognising the importance of providing this type of funding, as needs emerge and evolve over time,” Ms O’Brien said. 

A further three projects will receive both funding and expert resilient building advice through a second stream of the program. This is intended to help community organisations to upgrade small-scale, community-owned infrastructure to better withstand the impacts of future disasters through the provision of improved skills, knowledge and connection to expertise. These projects will share funding of nearly $150,000. 

The Ellendale Community Hall in Tasmania will receive $49,000 to enhance its infrastructure, so it can better support the community during emergencies such as bushfires, storms and floods. This will see upgrades to internet access, laundry and bathroom facilities, bedding, weatherproofing and insulation, and purchase of a freezer. 

Ms O’Brien said this approach is designed to encourage communities to build with resilience in mind, using the latest advice, technology and materials. 

“Facilities like the Ellendale Hall are critical community infrastructure and they need to be fit-for-purpose, sustainable and resilient. We’re excited to provide grants to enable these improvements, and we hope to share learnings for other communities across remote, rural, and regional Australia. 

The full list of funded projects is available on the FRRR’s website.