Final $340,000 in grants now available
Thanks to a program delivered by FRRR and Red Earth Community Foundation over the last three years, the Burnett Inland region is better equipped to respond to the changing climate and the increased prevalence of disasters, especially in Cherbourg, Dallarnil, Kalpowar, Kumbia, Proston and Tansey.
The Disaster Resilient: Future Ready (DR:FR) Burnett Inland program was made possible thanks to the support of Minderoo Foundation and the Australian Government’s Preparing Australian Communities Program – Local.
There is general agreement that the deliberately inclusive initiative has left people feeling more confident, with a clear roadmap for what needs to happen to maintain connections and continue to strengthen preparedness efforts.
Among those who shared insights at a dinner in Kingaroy at the end of the year was Chatur Zala, CEO of Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council, who said that the Big Map activity in Cherbourg helped the community mentally prepare and enabled Elders to share their cultural knowledge, which was very powerful.
“Walking on the big community map helped us start speaking and connecting.”
It’s also led to proactive steps to protecting valuable cultural artefacts. A representative of Cherboug’s Ration Shed said that as a result of this work, they are sourcing fireproof storage bags and will be working with an archivist to determine what to do in case of disaster.
Another example of the inclusive nature of the program was a project that delivered accredited Person-Centred Emergency Preparedness (P-CEP) training for four Neighbourhood Centre staff, alongside direct community engagement, personalised planning, and resilience building activities. As a result, 83 vulnerable residents gained personalised emergency plans and stronger connections to local support services.
Meanwhile, some of the residents of Dallarnil shared that they feel better prepared and connected as a result of the program and its initiatives. One person said that the program got people talking. “It’s a small town that still has cliques but people are willing to help each other. The program has opened people’s eyes to the need to connect with each another.” Another added, “If we hadn’t had this program, we would all be sitting there stuck, not knowing what to do or where to go. Now, we are getting together and getting things done.”
Final grant funds available to support roadmap initiatives
Over the next three months, grants of up to $100,000 will be available for local NFPs to activate disaster preparedness priorities identified in the locally-generated community roadmaps, or implement the regional initiatives co-designed for impact across multiple communities. In total, there is just over $340,000 available, which FRRR hopes to see shared as evenly as possible across the six participating communities. Projects must be completed by 30 June next year.
Program Manager, Nancy Sposato, says FRRR is particularly keen to see projects that engage young people, build the capacity of not-for-profit organisations, or that are hyper-local to the six partner communities.
“The roadmaps were developed through a series of conversations and workshops, so we know that the opportunities and initiatives identified in those documents reflect local priorities. Those things differ place by place. In each location, there are local groups that are really active and important to the community, so we’re open to projects that strengthen those organisations. Projects could also involve more training, accessing specialist advice and support, purchasing or hiring equipment, small infrastructure projects, or supporting and developing volunteers.”
All applicants should discuss their proposal with FRRR prior to applying. Support is also available to develop and finalise the application, as required.
Applications received will be assessed at the end of each month, with the final funds awarded in June 2026.