The Liberal and Nationals Government is continuing to back regional Australia, providing more funding to help Mallee recover and grow on the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Applications are now open for the new Rebuilding Regional Communities Program, giving local businesses and community groups a chance to share in $5.7 million.

Grants are available for a range of grassroots, community-led initiatives that will help our communities bounce back by strengthening social connections, supporting jobs and creating economic opportunities.

Federal Member for Mallee, Anne Webster, said the funding would deliver a much-needed boost for local businesses, communities and towns hit hard by the pandemic.

“The Nationals and Liberals are continuing to invest in the projects and initiatives that will make our communities more resilient and more vibrant,” Dr Webster said.

“After being hit with bushfires, drought and flooding in recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic brought with it new challenges for locals and the communities in which they live.

“Access to this funding will help local groups restart activities and maintain social support networks in regional towns as they recover from these setbacks.

“I look forward to working with local groups to help secure the funding they need to bounce back strongly and deliver for locals as we recover from the pandemic.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the Nationals and Liberals are continuing to stand behind regional Australia.

“The Nationals and Liberals are getting the job done for regional Australians,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“We have a strong track record of investing in initiatives and projects that create jobs and make our regions stronger, both economically and socially, and through this new funding we’re building on that.

“As a regional MP, I know how tough it has been for community groups to raise necessary funds to sustain operations and provide important services across our communities.

“Unlike the Labor Party, the Nationals and Liberals believe in regional Australia and we deliver the infrastructure, services and opportunities regional people need and deserve.

“Our popular Building Better Regions Fund enables this, and has guided more than $1.38 billion in funding to regional towns and communities to make them stronger and help them prosper.

“We know that small grants can have a big impact on regional communities and this $5.7 million in further funding will help drive the recovery of our regions.”

The Government is partnering with the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal to deliver the Rebuilding Regional Communities Program. Funding will be available from two streams to support regional initiatives.

The Micro Projects stream will provide small grants of up to $10,000 for regional communities with fewer than 50,000 people to help sustain local organisations and their work.

The COVID Recovery stream will provide up to $50,000 for larger projects that will enhance the recovery of communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information and to apply: https://frrr.org.au/funding/place/src-rebuilding-rural-communities/