The Australian Government is continuing to back drought-affected communities, with the community of Truro the latest in Barker to share in over $1.2 million in federal funding under the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal’s Tackling Tough Times Together program.
- Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin said the Government was pleased to support the Foundation’s crucial work of stimulating regional economies while strengthening social connections in drought-affected communities.
- “The Tackling Tough Times Together program has a range of benefits, including keeping money flowing through shops and suppliers and creating jobs for communities that have been disadvantaged by drought,” Mr Pasin said.
“In the electorate of Barker, the Truro and District Community Association Incorporated will receive $49,500 towards the $53,000 project for Town Entry Statements.
“This will enhance economic recovery and renewal through the installation of town entrance statement signage for the Truro township on the Sturt Highway.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the latest funding, under the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal’s Tackling Tough Times Together program, came at a critical moment in regional Australia’s economic recovery.
“Regional communities are tough and they’re strong – our people have seen the challenges of drought, bushfires, floods and now a global pandemic and they are rallying,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“Drought is only truly broken after 18 to 24 months of sustained good rainfall and we know so many communities have not yet had that.
“That’s why we committed $15 million for the Tackling Tough Times Together program, supporting hundreds of projects run by local groups in drought-affected regional communities.
“The Federal Government is backing regional Australia every step of the way to ensure communities bounce back stronger than ever.”
Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud said Tackling Tough Times Together supports families and businesses in regional communities through the stress of the drought by driving economy activity and investing in local infrastructure.
“Many projects funded this round will provide relief and assistance to volunteers, get more members of the community out and about and upgrade community spaces and infrastructure, making life that bit easier in drought-affected regional communities,” Minister Littleproud said.
“Projects funded through the program this round include upgrades to the agricultural hall in Aldersyde, Western Australia; funding for the Gunning Arts Festival in NSW’s Upper Lachlan Shire; a theatre, gallery and community hub in Monto, Queensland; bee hives for Students of the Air in South Australia’s Port Augusta region; an Outback Way Outdoor Gallery in the Northern Territory and a shade structure for the Pioneer Park Playground in Murrayville, Victoria.
“These investments are crucial for backing in community organisations reliant on the generous time and effort of volunteers, but whose volunteering capacities have taken a big hit from the unprecedented impact of the pandemic.
“That is why we are proud to continue supporting the Foundation’s important work at such a critical time, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with these local groups to help deliver crucial projects that will strengthen regional economies and social bonds in drought-affected communities.
“With money already flowing through rolling grants as part of our more than $10 billion drought support package, we are doing what it takes to help regional communities through this uniquely tough year.
“I again call on all eligible community groups to apply for ongoing funding available under the Tackling Tough Times Together program to bring their much-needed initiatives to fruition.”
More information on the Tackling Tough Times Together program and the latest round of recipients can be found on the Foundation’s website at www.frrr.org.au/grants/TTTT or by visiting the Australian Government Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications website at www.regional.gov.au/regional/programs
Media Contact:
Deputy Prime Minister – Jo Williamson 0418 475 668 | Dean Shachar 0418 202 860
Minister Littleproud – Douglas Ferguson 0455 448 985
Tony Pasin – Vanessa Juergens (08) 8531 2466
