General News
28 March, 2025
FRRR partnership secured
Local community groups will benefit from a five-year program and $600,000 funding thanks to Maryborough’s success in joining the Investing in Rural Community Futures (IRCF) program.
In a first for the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR), the organisation will be partnering with local community groups and not-for-profits (NFP) in a program aimed to strengthen their capacity.
The IRCF program will offer flexible and tailored support to strengthen local organisations to more effectively advocate on shared issues, contribute to a thriving community, and achieve long-term impact across key priority areas.
IRCF Victoria program manager Jo Kemp said it was the overall readiness of local organisations to achieve meaningful impact that led to Maryborough being accepted.
“Maryborough was selected based on strong enthusiasm and understanding by local people about the purpose of the program. They showed the willingness to work collaboratively to find solutions to local issues, and openness to think differently and try new ideas,” she said.
With the program and funding managed by FRRR, Ms Kemp said this will allow local NFP groups to facilitate community workshops, foster collaboration, share resources and develop strategies among local organisations.
“The five year program will make resources available to improve skills around the key elements that make local organisations stronger. This includes governance, strategic planning and successful fundraising,” she said.
The funding will be used to engage a local community facilitator to build connections across the community and contribute to workshops and training events.
“They will support greater collaboration, activate ideas through grants, and help drive action,” Ms Kemp said.
She said all NFPs and community groups throughout Maryborough will be eligible to apply for grants throughout the program.
“IRCF is for all locally based NFPs and community groups connected to Maryborough through service or other means,” Ms Kemp said.
With NFPs facing increasing pressures to meet the needs of their communities while remaining sustainable into the future, the program focuses on boosting skills and nurturing collaboration to support collective efforts to improve the vibrancy and liveability of their communities.
FRRR is the only national foundation that focuses on ensuring the social and economic strength of Australia’s remote, rural and regional communities.
