Rural community funding

The Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, has urged not-for-profit organisations throughout the Benalla Electorate to apply for funding through the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) “Seeds for Renewal” grants program.

Dr Sykes said the program, sponsored by the ANZ Bank, targets rural communities with a population less than 15,000 people.

Grants of up to $10,000 are available to not-for-profit organisations with an ABN who propose projects that aid the sustainability of their communities.

Preference will be given to applications which address the criteria of creating community enterprise; initiating community projects to develop the local economy, tourism or culture or enabling growth and community momentum.

“This has been a valuable program in 2006 with Central Access in the Benalla Electorate being successful in receiving funding to purchase vital equipment.” Dr Sykes said.

Dr Sykes said he was constantly asked about government funding for rural communities during his visits around the electorate.

“Small communities often do not have the resources which they require so I am very aware and supportive of the need to secure funding from other sources.”

As part of the 2007 grants program $I million has been made available to assist drought affected communities for projects within rural Victoria.

“I encourage groups within the electorate to develop a good submission by carefully studying the selection criteria,” he said.

Applications open on 5 March 2007 and close on Monday 30 April 2007. Application forms and guidelines can be obtained from www.frrr.org.au or call FRRR Freecall 1800 170 020 and must be submitted by post to PO Box 41, Bendigo, 3550 before 5pm Monday, 30 April 2007.