Our grant recipients

Australian Men's Shed Association

Australian Men's Shed Association aims to connect communities to support better health and wellbeing for men. In partnership with the Resilient Building Council (RBC), their community grant will fund the design and delivery of the Resilient Building & Retrofitting Resource guides, and a recovery resilience workshop in five disaster-prone communities; Taree (NSW), Macedon Ranges (VIC), Gympie (QLD), Blue Mountains (NSW) and Kangaroo Island (SA).

Community Disaster Action Group

Community Disaster Action Group unites 70 organisations across the Northern Rivers to support community-led flood recovery and preparedness. The grant will fund three disaster preparedness workshops in Byron, Ballina and Lismore and the development of a community-led disaster preparedness strategy.

Connecting Communities Australia

Connecting Communities Australia partners with rural, remote, and Indigenous communities to promote resilience and recovery in times of need. The grant will fund accommodation, food and transport expenses for volunteers to travel to Kiah, NSW, and work alongside local residents to prepare the region for bushfires and floods.

Forbes Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre

Forbes Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre showcases Aboriginal history and runs community programs teaching Aboriginal culture and practices. The grant will fund the restoration and weatherproofing of their shed, which was submerged in the 2022 floods and resulted in the loss of irreplaceable traditional tools and artefacts.

Good360 Australia

Good360 Australia connects charities and vulnerable communities with businesses willing to donate unsold or surplus goods and services. The grant will fund the distribution of $500,000 worth of essential, brand-new items such as sheets, towels, small appliances, cleaning products and clothing to the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley community who are still recovering from floods in 2022.

Gundaroo Rural Fire Brigade

Gundaroo Rural Fire Brigade has provided community-based fire and emergency services for 85 years. The grant will fund the purchase of four APX 6000XE P25 radios for the deputy captains in the Brigade, ensuring communication is not lost during emergencies.

Volunteer Marine Rescue NSW

Volunteer Marine Rescue NSW saves lives on the water by providing marine search and rescue response. The grant will fund flood rescue training for 20 female volunteers from coastal areas between the Central Coast to Coffs Harbour.

Working 4 Wildlife Incorporated

Working 4 Wildlife provides habitat preservation, wildlife conservation, and environmental education to the Central Coast community. The grant will fund the purchase of 10 Intensive Care Units (ICU) critical to supporting injured wildlife during a natural disaster.

Coolamon Community

Coolamon Community fills a crucial gap in the Aboriginal Health Services support for First Nations mums in regional and remote areas of Australia. The grant will fund the supply of the “Coolamon Crib” to 86 mums in East Arnhem to ensure they have access to essential goods required for their newborns during cyclones and the monsoon season.

Gumatj Corporation

Gumatj Corporation focuses on empowering the Yolŋu people by building sustainable businesses that foster economic independence and social growth. The grant will help fund critical infrastructure to tackle food insecurity exacerbated by flooding and cyclones, including establishing irrigation systems, boreholes and a cyclone-proof packing shed.

MoneyMob Talkabout

MoneyMob Talkabout advocates for social and economic wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The grant will fund up to 15 financial literacy workshops designed to help participants prepare for and recover from natural disasters.

Coominya Public Hall

Coominya Public Hall serves as an evacuation centre during natural disasters and provides a meeting place for the Coominya community. The grant will fund the purchase and installation of a 12kwh battery, critical for disaster preparedness as Coominya can lose power for over a week in emergencies.

Currumbin Wildlife Hospital

Currumbin Wildlife Hospital treats, rehabilitates and releases Australian wildlife in Southeast Queensland. The grant will fund the purchase and fit-out of a dedicated wildlife ambulance, which will be utilised to treat injured animals during natural disasters.

Far North Queensland Wild Life Rescue

Far North Queensland Wild Life Rescue has been protecting wildlife in Tropical North Queensland for 30 years. The grant will fund three ICU units to treat critically injured animals during natural disasters and replace the cumbersome and dangerous hot water bottles currently used.

Gr8motive Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation

Gr8motive Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation supports local First Nations businesses affected by natural disasters. The grant will fund 15 business resilience workshops delivered to Far North Queensland communities who have experienced major flooding.

Kubirriwarra Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation

Kubirriwarra Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation aims to better the social, cultural, environmental and economic health of Yalanji Bama. In partnership with Mossman State School, the grant will fund the building of a traditional dugout canoe and weaving of fishing nets for community members struggling with the impacts of Cycle Jasper.

Salty Monkeys

Salty Monkeys aims to remove harmful marine debris and maintain healthy and clean waterways in Far North Queensland and the Torres Strait Islands. The grant will fund the purchase of mapping drones and computers, to detect and map marine debris caused by extreme weather events.

Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife

Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife combats the loss of Australia's unique biodiversity by partnering with First Nations people, scientists, and communities. The grant will fund the collection and storage of local provenance seed, subsidise plant propagation costs, and support volunteer bush regeneration events in areas across South Australia that have been impacted by bushfires and floods.

Rural Business Support

Rural Business Support delivers free and independent financial counselling services to farming and family business owners in South Australia and the Northern Territory. This grant will support 15 family-owned farming enterprises in rural areas recovering from natural disasters by providing mentorship and developing continuity plans.

Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater

Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater protects existing habitat and plants future habitat for the Helmeted Honeyeater. The grant will fund six bush regenerative events in the Burrungma Biik area, planting a total of 6,600 indigenous trees and addressing the loss of habitat caused by storms and fires.

Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund

Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund enables timely support for the community in the aftermath of natural disasters. The grant will pilot the free Resilient Building Council app used to assess the resilience of residential properties and facilitate workshops in all six of Gippsland’s municipalities to teach resilience measures.

Mallacoota and District Tool Library

Mallacoota and District Tool Library supports the community in recovering from the Black Summer Bushfires. The grant will fund the supply and installation of a 20,000-litre water tank with CFA fittings to be utilised in the event of future bushfires.

Rural Aid

Rural Aid supports farming and rural communities before, during and after natural disasters. The grant will fund a 10-day Farm Recovery event in the Alpine area, restoring buildings, fencing and water infrastructure that was damaged in severe storms.

Zoos Victoria

Zoos Victoria is a zoo-based conservation organisation dedicated to fighting wildlife extinction. The grant will fund the pilot of six targeted workshops in rural and regional Victoria to develop the skills of veterinary professionals in the assessment and treatment of native wildlife impacted by bushfire.

Darling Range Wildlife Shelter

Darling Range Wildlife Shelter rehabilitates native wildlife in the Greater Perth area. The grant will provide bushfire warden training for 30 volunteers and an evacuation trailer which can transport mass wildlife in emergencies.

Madjulla Association

Madjulla Association focuses on the cultural wellbeing of the Nyikina people and promotes cultural and environmental health for generations to come. The grant will fund the completion of two small, self-contained, temporary accommodation options for families in Derby who have been unable to return to their homes since the Fitzroy Valley floods.

Aboriginal Community Housing

This charity is based in Port Macquarie, NSW and aims to provide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with access to housing that’s safe, affordable and prioritises their health and well-being. This grant will support tenants and the community by planting a native edible garden, promoting healthy living, mental health, community involvement and assisting with the struggling community’s recovery post disaster isolation.

Ariah Park Rural Fire Brigade

Ariah Park Rural Fire Brigade is a volunteer led community organisation that aims to fight fires and attend emergencies in the local area. The grant will be used to provide storage for volunteers’ uniforms which they currently store at home, slowing down emergency response times. It will also be used to purchase a projector screen to conduct training sessions with volunteers and the community and to install cooling and heating to the training space which also acts as a community hub during disasters.

Autism STEP Australia

Autism STEP Australia aims to spread autism and neurodiverse awareness and acceptance and help build a more considered world. This grant will fund ‘Ask Me What I Need’ autism training in a high-risk natural disaster community in NSW, enabling targeted preparedness, response, and recovery strategies for the community when engaging with autistic youth and adults.

Biraban Local Aboriginal Land Council

Biraban Local Aboriginal Land Council is a registered charity in Toronto NSW that aims to protect and foster the best interest of its members and all Aboriginal people within its boundary while ensuring the ongoing protection and conservation of the local Aboriginal culture, heritage and environment. The Newcastle and Lake Macquarie regions have experienced a significant number of natural disasters including bushfires, floods and storms including the most recent floods in 2023. This grant will fund the purchase and construction of a greenhouse to propagate local native plants which will be used to complete regeneration works to the local environment and conserve land while proving employment opportunities to members of the community.

Bogan Gate Recreation Reserve

Bogan Gate Recreation Reserve is a community organisation that aims to manage local recreation amenities to promote community engagement and cohesion. This grant will fund equipment and training for local residents in disaster response and preparedness, as well as setting up the community hub to more effectively provide refuge during bushfires.

Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital Limited

Bay Wildlife Hospital in Byron Bay NSW is a registered charity that aims to conserve, protect and ensure positive welfare outcomes for Australian wildlife. Byron Bay and the Northern Rivers were impacted by the 2022 floods and many native animals lost their lives. This grant will fund Wildlife Intensive Care Units and the stacking units that support them to keep animals safe and warm after floods, fires and high winds.

Camden Haven Rural Fire Brigade

This is the primary response agency for the large Camden Haven region on the Mid North Coast of NSW. The grant will fund an extension to the fire station, providing more room for personnel and equipment as well as the purchase of new radios, torches and nozzles.

Camden Mens Shed

Camden Men’s Shed is a registered charity that aims to provide a safe environment to advance the wellbeing and mental health of its members through the provision of purpose and community. The Camden Men’s shed was impacted four times in the 2022 floods resulting in a loss of tools and equipment. This grant will fund a ride on mower which will provide continuous income for the organisation through maintaining the many acreages in the region.

Carbon8 Fund

Carbon8 Fund aims to help Aussie farmers transition to regenerative agriculture and rebuild the carbon (organic matter) in their soil from 1% to 8%. This grant will fund a field day on the Central Coast of NSW, enabling farmers to use the tools they have available to build healthy soil, capture and store carbon, improve the function of the water cycle, increase biodiversity, support farmer wellbeing, improve farm resilience and reduce their carbon footprint through the entire supply chain.

CareFlight

CareFlight is an aeromedical charity which aims to save lives and speed up recovery by providing quick medical care and transport to regional and remote communities. This grant will fund the purchase of equipment for a series of trauma care workshops for first responders in the LGAs affected by the Black Summer Bushfires.

Cawongla Playhouse Inc

Cawongla Playhouse is a registered charity in the Northern Rivers of NSW that aims to build community cohesion by providing a focal point for residents seeking community connection. Cawongla Playhouse and their community were impacted by the 2022 floods in the Northern Rivers region causing landslides, road closures and loss of communication for extended periods of time. This grant will fund a reverse cycle air conditioner, water tank, hot water system and generator to power electrical appliances during and after natural disasters, as well as a community barbecue with the local Rural Fire Service providing an opportunity to discuss fire safety and preparedness.

City of Liverpool Chamber of Commerce and Industry

City of Liverpool Chamber of Commerce and Industry is a community organisation which aims to support local businesses in the wider south western region of Sydney.

Located on multiple floodplains, the Liverpool LGA was greatly affected by floods in February and July 2022 and the Black Summer bushfires in 2019. The community are still recovering after extensive damage to homes and businesses. This grant will fund a workshop for local culturally and linguistically diverse business owners providing information, tactics, resources, and essential knowledge that will help Liverpool businesses build resilience and rebuild after recent flooding and future natural disasters.

Coleambally Rescue Squad

This charitable organisation aims to protect and serve the members of the community. This grant will fund the purchase of portable rescue tools to complement new 4WD Rescue Vehicles. Being a remote squad, they often work in isolated areas and with poor access and amenities. These tools will allow them to work away from the main rescue unit.

Community Links Wellbeing

Community Links Wellbeing supports disadvantaged and vulnerable people in the Wollondilly, Camden, Campbelltown and Wingecarribee local government areas. The grant will be used to help isolated and vulnerable residents connect with services and organisations that can help prepare them for future disaster events, ensure they understand and have adequate insurance, and connect residents into the wider community and resilience-building activities.

Coodjingburra H.O.M.E. Limited

Coodjingburra H.O.M.E. Limited facilitates greater social outcomes for First Nations people through housing. This grant will be used to implement the 'Who's Your Mob program' for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in flood affected Tweed Heads and the Northern Rivers, aimed at building the capacity and skills in the youth to become future leaders in their communities.

Creative Communities Connect

This community organisation is based in Wadeville, NSW and aims to promote an inclusive, connected community by hosting a variety of events in the area. This grant will fund the 'Bounce Back' Project, which addresses the communication breakdown experienced during the 2022-23 flood disaster in NSW's Northern Rivers region. The project will fund the purchase of base stations, connection equipment and UHF radios to improve communication as well as terrain maps, multi hazard signs and banners.

Daystar Foundation

Daystar is a charitable organisation that aims to achieve poverty alleviation and create pathways for vulnerable people to achieve and belong. Due to the food supply impacts of the 2022 floods, people living on low incomes in Bonnyrigg and Fairfield are unable to afford or purchase food. This grant will fund the purchase of food and household items and delivered in food care hampers to vulnerable residents.

Digital Literacy Foundation 

Digital Literacy Foundation is a registered charity that aims to build digital literacy in communities experiencing disadvantage. The Hawkesbury community have been impacted by the Black Summer fires and 2022/23 floods. Due to the regional location and large population of elderly community members, it is crucial that residents have confidence using devices to access emergency and warning apps online. This grant will fund face-to-face training of dedicated local volunteers to deliver a consistent and accessible digital mentor program fortnightly at four remote hubs for up to 24 people.

Early Links Inclusion Support Services

Early Links Inclusion Support Services assists people with disabilities and developmental delays in the Hunter region by providing immediate support, therapy to clients, inclusive events and programs designed to promote positive mental and physical wellbeing and increase community engagement. This grant will fund a community hub in Muswellbrook an area impacted by bushfires and the 2022 floods, creating a welcoming, inclusive space for families of those with additional needs, to socialise and build connections and receive direct assistance after being impacted by natural disasters.

Eden Community Access Centre

The access centre is a place where visitors, residents and local companies connect with social, community and business support services. This grant will fund educational workshops on collecting and saving native seed, propagating seed, planting seed and seedlings plus recognising local flora and mitigating risk in response to the devastating 2019-2020 bushfires.

Federal Community Centre

The centre is a charity providing a voice to local council and other government bodies on issues affecting the Federal community. This grant will fund the purchase and installation of 24 radios and aerials, which will be used to prepare and respond to future disasters and solve communication issues identified in the Federal Masterplan.

Foundation for Parks and Wildlife

The Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife is a registered charity in NSW that aims to safeguard our wilderness and wildlife for future generations. During the 2019/20 Black Summer bushfires, more than 50% of the Gondwana world heritage rainforest was burnt. As part of the response to the 2019/20 bushfires, The Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife along with the Dorrigo township and the Blue Rock community are building environmental resilience to impacted habitats to support recovery and return to a natural ecological balance. This grant will fund plant propagation, materials, and dispatch of plants to restoration sites and a community event to support volunteer engagement.

Friends of the Koala Incorporated

Friends of the Koala Incorporated is a registered charity in the Northern Rivers, NSW that aims to conserve koalas and preserve and enhance their habitat, making an important contribution to Australia's biodiversity. This grant will fund the installation of urgently needed koala rehabilitation runs in areas that have been drastically impacted by the 2019 Black Summer fires, and again by the 2022 flooding. This will allow the organisation's koala protection capacity to double.

GLENRAC

GLENRAC Incorporated is an incorporated entity in Glen Innes, NSW which aims to initiate and coordinate action for landholders and the community to manage and maintain the natural resource base of the Glen Innes region for the improvement of both the social and productive environment. This grant will fund two training events in Glen Innes focused on disaster preparedness, with one specifically for mental health first aid, and one titled 'Bush Kids First Aid' for younger community members, which will arm the rural communities surrounding the town with skills that will save lives during bushfires.

GLENRAC received a second grant to purchase a Grizzly Baby Banker and trailer, which will improve the success of tree planting restoration efforts in areas affected by the 2019 bushfires.

Globalcare Grafton

Globalcare Grafton is a registered charity in Grafton NSW that aims to provide food and support services to benefit the people of the Clarence Valley. During the 2022 floods in the Clarence Valley the driveway to the shed that stores emergency food and clothing was damaged due to vehicles accessing items to distribute to the community. This grant will fund the repair of the driveway allowing access to critical emergency supplies in the shed.

Green Heroes

Green Heroes is a registered charity that aims to empower community members to become environmental visionaries. The 2022 floods severely damaged the Tweed River and surrounding waterways, with recovery efforts still underway from the influx of silt and pollution. The Jungarra Ngarrian Conservation Project aims to engage more local Aboriginal youth and community members in the management of Jungarra Ngarrian (Cook Island) and the Tweed River mouth. This grant will fund workshops for volunteers on marine conservation and recovery, and diver certifications for Aboriginal Youth wishing to join the program.

Green Heroes received a second grant that will allow them to develop and implement a code of conduct and impact response framework in the Cook Island Aquatic Reserve, with the intention of rehabilitating an ecosystem under stress from recent natural disasters, including the flooding of the Tweed River. This will help the marine reserve be better able to withstand the impacts of disasters and climate change, which its currently vulnerable to. If the trial is successful, Green Heroes plan to extend this initiative across all 12 NSW aquatic reserves.

Habitat for Humanity Australia

Habitat for Humanity are a registered charity that builds strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter. The Hawkesbury-Nepean communities have experienced multiple natural disasters since 2018, including the black summer bushfires and 2022/23 floods. Due to the remote location and large population of vulnerable and elderly community members, communication is crucial. This grant will fund community communications capacity through the purchase of UHF radios and training on mapping and radio use during emergency scenarios.

Horse Aid Limited

Horse Aid Limited provides equine-assisted mental health programs for first responders and defence personal. This grant will support two equine-assisted healing programs for first responders and veterans.

Human Nature Adventure Therapy Ltd

Human Nature Adventure Therapy is a registered charity that believes all young people, regardless of their circumstances, should have the opportunity to access mental health support. The Northern Rivers region are recovering from two catastrophic floods in 2022 which has left widespread trauma and mental health support hard to access for vulnerable young people. This grant will fund three free sessions with a therapist and mentor for 10 young people experiencing flood trauma.

Iluka Community Organisation Planning for Emergencies Incorporated

Iluka Community Organisation Planning for Emergencies (ICOPE) Inc is an incorporated entity in Iluka, NSW which aims to promote future disaster preparedness and encourage an increasingly connected community. The Iluka community was heavily impacted by the Black Summer Fires and the 2022/23 floods. Due to the one road in an out of the community the town is often left isolated during times of natural disasters. This grant will fund the coproduction of digital and print materials informing the local community on emergency planning.

ICOPE received a second Community Grant in 2024 to create and distribute 500 emergency kit bags to the community, particularly vulnerable and older residents.

Lake Albert Bush Fire Brigade

Lake Albert Bush Fire Brigade aims to provide a world standard of excellence in the provision of community-based fire and emergency services. This grant will fund a portable communications trailer and associated base stations enabling communities in Lake Albert, Gelston Park and other adjoining communities with non-internet dependant communication methods before and during a natural disaster.

Lake Macquarie Suicide Prevention and Support Network

Lake Macquarie Suicide Prevention and Support Network is a registered charity that aims to empower the Lake Macquarie and Newcastle community through connection and information about suicide prevention and mental wellbeing. Lake Macquarie and Hunter regions have been impacted by multiple natural disasters in the last five years including bushfires and most recently the 2022 floods. This grant will fund suicide prevention education through LivingWorks to deliver the SafeTALK program across the Hunter region targeting businesses in people-centric roles such as Hairdressers, Bartenders and Men’s Sheds, so that they are equipped to identify and respond to individuals who are at risk of suicide.

Landscape Architecture Foundation of Australia

The Landscape Foundation of Australia supports the protection, restoration and sustainable management of landscapes and natural environments in Australian cities and towns. The grant will be used to run a co-design workshop with locals to create an urban greening plan for the town of Uralla in the Northern Tablelands region of NSW that is prone to extreme heatwaves. The workshop will also act as an opportunity to educate locals about how to prepare for the impending threat of climate change.

Lismore Girl Guides

Lismore Girl Guides aims to empower girls and young women to discover their potential as leaders of their world. This grant will fund a new meeting site away from areas affected by the 2022 floods in Lismore and purchase equipment and supplies that have been damaged to enable the continuation of weekly guiding activities.

Lismore Soup Kitchen

This community organisation based in South Lismore, NSW, aims to provide hot, nutritious lunches daily. This grant will fund the ‘Repair to Return’ Flood Recovery project. The project is helping enable up to 600 applicants to return to their partially/fully repaired flood-damaged houses as soon as possible, by making essential repairs.

Lismore Thistles Soccer Club

The Lismore Thistles Soccer Club is an incorporated entity in Lismore, NSW that aims to provide the opportunity for players of all ages to play football in an inclusive and safe environment. This grant will fund the refurbishment of the club's canteen, changeroom and toilet facilities that were destroyed in the 2022 flooding, allowing the facility to resume its role as a gathering space for the local community, enhancing connectivity and involvement.

Manning Valley Indigenous Community Support Services

Manning Valley Indigenous Community Support Services is an incorporated entity in Manning Valley, NSW which aims to support community, culture and closing the gap by providing opportunities for betterment and growth and breaking down the barriers that cause disadvantage for local First Nations people. This grant will fund the amenities needed to run its social support service, CuppaYarn, available in more remote locations in the Manning Valley area in order to improve mental health, cohesion and resilience in the town, which was severely impacted by the Black Summer bushfires.

Menangle Community Association

Menangle Community Association aims to preserve and protect its rich agricultural and First Nation heritage making the community a better place to live. Impacted by bushfires in 2019 then floods in 2021 and 2022, the Menangle community are creating a safe space to gather for emergency evacuations. This grant will fund accessibility ramps and internal fit outs.

Mentoring Men

Mentoring Men is a registered charity in Braidwood NSW that aims to help men who are experiencing distress or a sense of helplessness by providing free one-to-one life mentoring with a professionally trained volunteer mentor. The Black Summer bushfires has a significant impact on the Murrumbidgee Local Health District and Snowy Valley communities. This grant will fund training and peer support group facilitation by Community Development Officers who will work with community organisations and leaders to develop a whole of community approach to supporting at-risk men.

Michelago Community Hall and Tennis Courts Section 355 Management Committee.

Michelago Community Hall and Tennis Courts Section 355 Management Committee is a local council that aims to bring resilience to the community. Impacted by the 2020 bushfires, the committee are hoping to use the hall to create a hub to give the community a place to gather in times of natural disasters. This grant will fund a generator to keep the hall powered during floods, storms, blackouts, and bushfires.

Mungindi Community Education Association Incorporated

Mungindi Community Education Association pursues the charitable purposes of advancing education, social or public welfare, culture, and promoting reconciliation, mutual respect, and tolerance between groups of individuals in Mungindi and its surrounding communities. This grant is being used to provide for a purpose-built infants' room with an appropriate fit-out for their needs.

Murrumbateman Rural Fire Brigade

Murrumbateman Rural Fire Brigade provides a volunteer emergency response unit to the Southern Tables of NSW. This grant will fund Heavy Rigid (HR) driver’s licences for five members who are required to drive the category 6 water tanker just allocated to the brigade.

Newee Creek Rural Fire Brigade

Newee Creek Fire Brigade is a community organisation which provides emergency response to fires, floods and other disasters and accidents. This grant will fund heavy vehicle driver training for an additional five team members to improve emergency response times during times of natural disasters.

Nimbin Neighbourhood and Information Centre Incorporated

The Nimbin Neighbourhood and Information Centre is a registered charity in Nimbin, NSW that aims to support disadvantaged sectors of the Nimbin community by building capacity and resilience through volunteer activities and opportunities for connection and collaboration. This grant will fund the construction of a protective covering over the container that houses the town's emergency supplies (including solar lights, radios, tents, bedding, camp stoves, torches) in order to protect the supplies from heat and storm damage. This project will be run in collaboration with the Nimbin Natural Disaster Resilience Group.

Northern Rivers Community Gateway

Northern Rivers Community Gateway is a registered charity that aims to provide welfare and community capacity building programs for disadvantaged people and communities. This grant will fund place-based financial capability workshops across the Northern Rivers focused on flood-impacted, financially disadvantaged or vulnerable community members.

NSW Rural Doctors Network

The NSW Rural Doctors Network is a charitable organisation which seeks to improve access to health and social services for remote, rural, regional, and disadvantaged communities. This grant will fund Australian Life Support workshops which provide a set of life-saving protocols and skills for cardiac emergencies to rural GPs in bushfire and flood affected regions, promoting community cohesion and equitable health access in emergency situations for community members with hearing impairments.

NSW Rural Fire Service - Mid Coast Aviation Brigade

The Mid Coast Aviation Brigade is a specialist brigade of the NSW Rural Fire Service responsible for the support and co-ordination of all aerial firefighting and emergency response services undertaken throughout the Mid Coast region. This grant will fund the purchase of two new laptop computers, a printer and flight planning and monitoring software in order to develop an Emergency Air Base Establishment Kit to improve brigade capability and readiness when responding to natural disasters.

out(fit) - The university of Newcastle x Elands Community Health Centre

out(fit) is a local government entity which aims to make a difference in the lives of women and children in need through improving their built environment. Elands Community Health and First Aid Centre played an integral part during the 2019/20 Black Summer fires, providing emergency services and refuge for the community. This grant will fund upgrades to the Community Health and First Aid Centre infrastructure, thereby increasing fire resilience and providing a safe place for the Elands community for future disasters.

Ozfish Unlimited Public Gift Fund

OzFish is a not-for-profit that aims to protect and restore waterways by helping recreational fishers control the health of rivers, lakes and estuaries. This grant will fund the planting of 700 native trees along the Coolaburragundy River over three community tree-planting days. Vegetation and banking along the Coolaburragundy River have been ripped up following the devastating floods in February and March 2022.

Pindimar Bundabah Community Association

Pindimar Bundabah Community Association is an incorporated entity in Pindimar, NSW which aims to improve conditions in the community by working with the Midcoast Council and community members volunteering their services. This grant will fund workshops for 30 community members by an accredited trainer on first aid and emergency management skills in conjunction with the Rural Fire Brigade. This area was affected by the Black Summer bushfires.

Pindimar Bundabah Community Association received a second Community Grant in 2024 to create a local emergency UHV radio network, which is vital if electricity and mobile reception is lost in community.

ReachOut Australia

ReachOut is a provider of digital mental health support for young people and families in NSW. This grant will fund a geo-targeted digital campaign to reach young people aged 18 to 25 in local government areas (LGAs) highly prone to natural disasters and connect them with ReachOut’s digital mental health support services. The project will target the 50 LGAs in Australia that were most impacted by natural disasters in 2020.

Reforest Now

A charity based in Brunswick Heads, NSW, Reforest Now focuses on rainforest planting and regeneration. This grant will fund the planting of 1800 disaster-resistant trees along Wilson’s River near Lismore, improving the land by increasing both species diversity and resilience.

Resilient Lismore

Resilient Lismore is a registered charity that aims to support community-led disaster preparedness, recovery, and resilience. Due to the devastating 2022 floods many Lismore residents have been left living in caravans and other forms of temporary accommodation. The Love for Lismore Heart space has been set up for the community to have somewhere to come together and continue to embrace their recovery. This grant will fund overheads to keep the space open allowing community groups rebuilding their own facilities to meet and connect.

Royal Far West

Royal Far West is a charity that aims to make quality health, education, and well-being services accessible for country kids. This grant will fund disaster-recovery trauma-support training for paediatric allied health teams to help, families and teachers to understand personal responses to natural disasters, building capacity to support children impacted by floods and other disasters.

Rufftrack

Rufftrack is a registered charity that aims to connect disengaged youth back into the community by providing them with skills. This grant will fund recovery in the Hawkesbury area after the devastating 2022 floods by engaging at-risk youth to support overwhelmed landholders in clearing debris off properties, clearing out flood damaged infrastructure, rebuilding fence lines, and encourage land regeneration of native plants.

St. Vincent De Paul Society

St. Vincent De Paul Society helps the most vulnerable in the community. This grant will fund 100 food hampers for struggling families in Lismore impacted by the 2022 floods delivered by volunteers in Richmond and Lismore.

Stream Watch

Stream watch is an organisation that aims to empower and actively involve future generations in the sustainable use, management, and rehabilitation of water catchments, creeks and rivers. This grant will fund alert kits enabling communities to track long term environmental changes and impacts of fire and flood on waterways.

The Channon Resilient Inc

The Channon Resilient is a volunteer-based organisation in Lismore NSW that aims to support the community during emergencies and disasters through preparedness, preparation, response and recovery activities. In late February 2022 the Northern Rivers of NSW experienced a series of extreme rainfall events that led to widespread, catastrophic flooding throughout the region. Channon Emergency Centre had over 600 residents cut off from the community without communication with official emergency centres including the local RFS. This grant will fund the purchase of essential emergency equipment for the emergency hub that will provide backup power and the ability to communicate with emergency services including a radio station antenna, head torches, battery backup for phones and other equipment, solar panels and batteries and a charge converter to keep radios charged.

The Returning Gift

A 100% Aboriginal, female-led non-for-profit in Byron Bay, NSW, The Returning Gift aims to create deep connections among diverse people through nature therapy programs. This grant will fund a health and wellness retreat for 10 indigenous elders from the Northern Rivers, whose communities were most impacted by the 2022 floods. The program will focus on healing from the disaster and the trauma it caused and is intended to have a ripple effect as learnings are shared with the elders’ communities.

The Water Gift

The Water Gift is a registered charity in Mangerton NSW that aims to provide safe drinking water to those in our world that don’t have access to it using the SAFE sticker. The Water Gift provides communities who have been affected by natural disasters like flooding with SAFE Stickers to make biologically safe drinking water during times of emergency. The grant will fund the supply of more than 30 000 SAFE Stickers for distribution to disaster affected and at-risk communities such as Walgett, Kyogle and Lightning Ridge in NSW and Mildura, Robinvale, and Wakool Junction in Victoria.

The Younger Heroes

The Younger Heroes is a not-for-profit organisation in Bangalow, NSW that aims to improve community and family cohesion through outdoor-based programs to address the long-term impacts of trauma in individuals. This grant will fund three programs to families in the Northern Rivers region in order to combat the psychological effects of the devastating impacts of the 2022 floods for children and young people.

Towamba Valley Landcare Group

Towamba Valley Landcare is an organisation that aims to support local landowners to learn, share and implement land management practices that support livelihoods, improve soils, increase landscape resilience and protect biodiversity. Towamba Valley was impacted by the Black Summer bushfires with recovery hampered by the Covid-19 pandemic and more recently the 2022 floods. This grant will fund quarterly events for the community to come together and discuss biodiversity, best practice land management and prepare for future natural disasters.

Upper Lansdowne Memorial Hall Committee

This community organisation serves local residents and acts as a hub for the area. This grant will fund the installation of a radio base station and three fixed antennas in areas with unreliable reception that are often cut off by floods. When required during emergencies, two handheld units can be connected to these antennas and then communicate back to the radio base.

Upper Shoalhaven Landcare Council

The Upper Shoalhaven Landcare Council is an organisation which aims to inspire and support the region to have a resilient, productive and sustainable relationship with the environment. The 2019-2020 Black Summer bushfires burnt over 250,000 hectares in the Shoalhaven region causing significant biodiversity loss, removal of critical habitat complexity and structure, as well as extreme soil erosion and reduced water quality. This grant will fund a cultural burn workshop with First Nations groups and the RFS providing ongoing education on traditional fire management as well as promoting awareness of alternative fire strategies reducing disaster risk.

Volunteer Marine Rescue Brunswick Heads

Volunteer Marine Rescue NSW is a registered charity in Brunswick Heads that aims to save lives on water. During the 2022 floods in the Northern Rivers region, Volunteer Marine Rescue responded to rescues in and around water. Volunteer Marine Rescue continues to assist in the recovery of the Northern Rivers and build their capability to deal with all water rescues. This grant will fund emergency PPE kits for their volunteers including wetsuits, tactical gloves, water boots, wet shotes for operating rescue craft and kits bag for gear storage.

Volunteer Marine Rescue Jervis Bay

The Volunteer Marine Rescue Jervis Bay unit is an organisation which aims to save lives in the water. During the 2019/20 Black Summer bushfires the Shoalhaven area was greatly impacted with over 313,000 hectares burnt. During bushfires communities become stranded and cut off and need to be evacuated by water. This grant will fund eight Jon Buoy Recovery Modules which are lifesaving equipment that can be easily launched from railing to assist with retrieval of persons from the water in treacherous conditions, like those that occur during floods and evacuations in natural disasters.

Volunteer Marine Rescue NSW

This registered charity operates across the state, aiming to save lives on water. This grant will fund lone-worker security devices for radio operators in 40 units along the east coast of NSW. Lone-worker security devices are vital as they enhance the safety and security of volunteers who regularly work alone or in isolation, providing real-time communication, monitoring, and emergency response capabilities.

Wagga Wagga Rescue Squad Incorporated

Wagga Wagga Rescue Squad is a volunteer emergency rescue organisation specialising in a wide variety of lifesaving rescues and operations. This grant will fund a Holmatro Pentheon Special Tactics Next Generation Combi Tool, which can perform multiple functions, allowing for less tools to be carried and quicker patient extraction times, saving more lives.

Wakool Indigenous Corporation

A community organisation based in Mellool, NSW, Wakool Indigenous Corporation promotes Indigenous well-being through advocacy and advancement of basic human rights, and conservation of culture and country. This grant will fund the rehabilitation of a portion of land that was flood affected, causing all the trees to die. The area will be revegetated with nectar-bearing trees and Indigenous bush foods to enable native bird and bee species to repopulate the region.

Wardell Community Organised Resilience Effort

WardellCORE is an organisation that aims to navigate the complexities of flood recovery by providing care and ongoing support for the social, economic, environmental and cultural development of the community. The grant will fund equipment for home gardens, workshops for community engagement and horticulture therapy for trauma recovery for those severely impacted by the catastrophic floods in February and March 2022.

Warrumbungle Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation

Based in Mendooran, NSW, this charity is dedicated to the rescue, treatment and rehabilitation of sick, injured, lost or distressed native fauna and the protection and advancement of the natural environment. This grant will fund expansion of the animal triage clinic and intensive care unit used to treat severely injured native animals, vital in natural disasters due to the increased number of animals requiring attention.

Wiradjuri Wellington Aboriginal Town Common Aboriginal Corporation

Wiradjuri Wellington Aboriginal Town Common is an organisation that aims to bring aboriginal culture back, closing the gap on the disadvantaged while working to bring the community together through community engagement programs. Alongside the NSW Rural Fire Service and Local Land Services, Wiradjuri are working to promote the importance of fire reduction, by conducting cultural burn off training events for fire hazard reductions and conservation land management. This grant will fund catering for the events.

Wollondibby Bush Fire Brigade

Wollondibby Bush Fire Brigade is a community-based, volunteer organisation that services the emergency and disaster needs of the Wollondibby and regional areas. This grant will be used to construct a covered extension area to the existing brigade building to enable easy and unencumbered access by large fire fighting vehicles, plus provide additional internal storage space.

Alice Springs Volunteer Bushfire Brigade

The Alice Springs Volunteer Bushfire Brigade is a registered charity in Alice Springs, NT which is responsible for bushfire suppression and response to other emergencies, accidents and hazards across the bottom half of the NT. This grant will fund the installation of an in-vehicle radio unit and mounted antenna for three fire response vehicles, allowing them to effectively communicate with National Parks NT during a fire emergency situation. The current system of borrowing one handheld radio and relaying all information through a singular contact person is ineffective as chatter of repeated messages and clarifications clogs up the radio channels.

CareFlight

CareFlight is a charity based in Eaton, NT working to save lives, speed recovery and serve the community. This grant will fund the purchase of a MEQU warmer. The device is an IV-blood warmer for emergency transfusions. It’s a portable unit that warms blood from cold to body temperature within seconds. This device is critical for responding to emergencies including disasters, allowing CareFlight’s teams to treat critically ill and injured patients regardless of their geographic location.

Indigenous Connections

This is a joint venture between Indigenous Connections and The Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA). This grant will fund the scope and pilot of the ‘knowledge provider’ training program on the evacuation of clans in the NT. The program is to be delivered in collaboration with Indigenous Connection Knowledge Gathers to the NT government, to inform their Emergency Management Plans on readiness for future natural disasters.

Mimal Land Management Aboriginal Corporation

Mimal Land Management Aboriginal Corporation brings benefits to country and culture for the Dalabon, Rembarrnga, and Mayili landowners and people. This grant will be used to deliver training and workshop activities throughout the Strong Women for Healthy Country Network Forum which includes over 300 Indigenous women rangers, Elders, healers, artists and community workers from more than 40 disaster affected communities.

The Darwin Festival Limited

Darwin Festival is a registered not-for-profit in Darwin, NT that aims to be a connector for communities, cultures, people, families and artists through engagement and experiences. Darwin Festival is one of few events in the top end that draws together such a wide range of remote communities who have been impacted by severe flooding in 2023. This grant will fund educational messaging at the festival to promote sustainable waste management practises and raise awareness around the links between sustainability and the impact on the Australian environment.

The Trustee for Karrkad-Kanjdji Trust

The Trustee for Karrkad-Kanjdji Trust brings together Indigenous ranger groups, communities, and philanthropists to address pressing issues. This grant will be used to preserve the remaining rainforests of Anbinik (Allosyncarpia ternata) through yearly on-ground and aerial prescribed burning, as well as the installation of mineral earth firebreaks.

The YMCA of the Northern Territory Youth and Community Services

YMCA Youth and Community Services is a charitable organisation that aims to empower and inspire young people to overcome challenges and realise their potential and contribute to the world around them. This grant will fund urban cooling through the use of native trees and shrubs removing consumption of power and reducing carbon emissions.

Australian Indigenous Education Foundation

Australian Indigenous Education Foundation is a registered charity on the Gold Coast, that aims to tackle poverty in Indigenous communities by providing nutritious food, culturally engaging education and to close the health, education, and employment gap. During the 2022 floods, Australian Indigenous Education Foundation donated over 50,000 meals to Indigenous and non-Indigenous families in South-east Queensland and northern NSW, some of whom were completely cut off from food and other essential supplies. This grant will fund a food hub and cooking classes for Indigenous families impacted by the floods to support mental health wellbeing and recovery.

Baby Give Back Limited

Baby Give Back is a registered charity in Brisbane, QLD which aims to give children a safe start to life by providing essential items to families in crisis. Baby Give Back has provided direct support to flood impacted families since March 2022. This grant will fund personnel costs for the delivery of essential items to families and recovery hubs, as well as the purchase of 20 new cots and bassinets to provide babies a safe place to sleep if their homes are impacted by flooding.

Bunya Community Environmental Association

Bunya Community Environmental Association is a registered charity that aims to make Kumbartcho Sanctuary Environment Centre a hub of community-based activity, environmental education and native plant propagation. The South Pine River Corridor was heavily impacted by the 2022 floods with loss of plant species and significant erosion impacting the Moreton Bay Marine Park. This grant will fund community native plants and environment education workshops, and nature walks, to recover and improve biodiversity in the area.

Burke Shire Council

The council is a local government municipality based in Burketown. The grant will fund a community event, where emergency stakeholders such as the SES, RFA and marine rescue organisations will deliver essential information on preparedness and what to do during and after an emergency. The council will also launch their newly designed disaster management dashboard and provide users with a session on how it works.

Caboolture State Emergency Service Support Group Inc.

Caboolture State Emergency Service Support Group Inc. is an organisation with a charitable purpose in Caboolture, QLD that aims to raise funds for the purpose of obtaining equipment for the SES branch in Caboolture. This grant will fund the purchase of three OHS Ladder Loaders which will be installed at waist level, allowing volunteers access to the ladders which are used to assist with flood recovery efforts.

Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre

The Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre is a registered charity in Cairns, QLD which is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of sick and injured turtles found in the waters off the QLD coast. Cyclones, flooding and severe storms have significantly eroded nesting habitat, resulting in a larger number of female turtles incurring injuries when seeking safe spaces to lay eggs. This grant will fund the fit out of a vehicle to enable it to act as a 'turtle ambulance' allowing rescued animals to be safely transported to the rehabilitation centre.

Communify

Communify is a registered charity in Bardon QLD that aims to support the community by working creatively to meet needs and interests of a rapidly changing world. Southeast QLD is impacted each year by floods, storms and cyclones. In 2022 the New Farm community was impacted by floods leaving residents displaced. Communify provide disaster resilience information events, and provide emergency kits, counselling and disaster support for local communities. This grant will fund flood and storm ready kits containing emergency items recommended by the QLD Reconstruction Authority and SES websites including first aid kit, gloves, torch, spare batteries, can opener, water tank, folder for important documents, tissues, toilet paper, wipes, sanitisers and facemasks.

Condamine Rural Fire Brigade

The Condamine Rural Fire Brigade is an incorporated entity in Condamine, QLD that aims to protect its community from fires and engage in fire prevention activities in conjunction with QFES. This grant will fund the electrical fit out, plumbing and cabinet work for a training room to have facilities to upskill volunteers in fire resilience practices in order to keep individuals, homes and infrastructure safer during bushfires.

Coolum SES Support Group Inc 

Coolum SES Support Group is a registered charity in Coolum, QLD which aims to raise funds in support of the Coolum SES Group. Coolum SES provide support to the community during times of thunderstorms and floods during the wet season and most recently the 2022 floods. This grant will fund shelving and storage equipment that will protect clothing and equipment at the Coolum SES facility, which currently does not have a secure and protective way to store PPE to use during times of disasters to support recovery.

Cunnara Paiabun Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation

Cunnara Paiabun Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation offers support to people in need, at risk or who are vulnerable. This grant will fund mental health and wellbeing workshops that educate and assist people to plan, prepare and adapt mentally and physically to natural disasters.

Curra Country Club

Curra Country Club is a not-for-profit in Curra that has been appointed as the community disaster recovery centre that aims to help when and where they can. During the 2022 floods Curra Country Club provided accommodation for locals and travellers however did not have the facilities for adequate sleeping. This grant will fund easily accessible sleeping facilities for up to 70 people including porta cots and other equipment to calm families and children.

Douglas Shire Council and Alex Bay SES

Douglas Shire Council is a local government municipality in Mossman, who will jointly manage the grant with Alex Bay SES. The Alex Bay SES facilities have many deficiencies - this grant will fund access to hot water, pressurised water, kitchen facilities and commercial-grade washing machines, allowing the SES to run on-site training rather than travelling hours to Cairns. These facilities will also let SES volunteers clean their uniforms and equipment, while a better functioning unit will attract more volunteers and operate more efficiently in the event of disaster.

Drought Angels Ltd.

This community organisation from Chinchilla, aims to provide heartfelt, discreet, and personalised support to farmers and rural communities recovering from natural disaster impacts such as drought, flood, and fire. This grant will fund preparation of 50 Christmas hampers consisting of practical and self-care gifts. They’ll be delivered to farming families across Australia, who are unable to pay bills and are living on the means tested Farm Household Allowance, many of whom are experiencing these hardships due to natural disasters.

Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils

The Rivers to Reef Climate Resilient Alliance (FNQROC) is a group of Far North QLD councils working together to manage risks and develop opportunities for a climate resilient, low carbon future. This grant will fund a 12-month education and engagement program delivered by the Climate Resilient Alliance (Cairns, Mareeba, Tablelands and Yarrabah councils - facilitated by FNQROC) to improve preparedness for extreme heat in an area which has broken maximum temperature records and impacts such as mass flying fox mortalities (23,000), and increased presentations to hospitals (including infants for dehydration) which were unprecedented (State Heatwave Assessment, 2019).

FareShare Australia

FareShare Australia is a registered charity based in Brisbane that aims to mobilise volunteers to cook delicious free meals to improve the lives of Australians in hardship. FareShare’s Morningside kitchen in Brisbane provided support to QLD and Northern NSW communities during the 2022 floods and to those impacted by cyclones on Mornington Island and Yarabah. This grant will fund nutritionally balanced meals that don’t need refrigeration to address the storage and infrastructure problems frequently faced by those Queenslanders who experience food insecurity during times of natural disasters.

Foodbank Queensland

Foodbank Queensland aims to rescue over 14 million kilograms of food from farmers, manufacturers, and retailers, and distribute this food to hundreds of food relief charities and school breakfast programs. This grant will fund 500 emergency food hampers in preparation for the 2022/2023 north Queensland cyclone season that will be packed with key staples to be supplied to families in need.

Foodbank Queensland received a second Community Grant in 2024 to produce an additional 400 hampers which will be supplied to families across the state, in the direct aftermath of a natural disaster.

Glastonbury Hall & Recreation Association

Glastonbury Hall and Recreation Association in the Gympie Shire QLD is a hub for the community to come together for celebrations and a place of refuge in times of natural disasters. During the 2022 floods in Southeast QLD the Glastonbury community was left isolated due to the flood waters impacting the Glastonbury Creek and Eel Creek bridge. In collaboration with the Glastonbury Rural Fire Brigade, the Glastonbury Hall was used as the emergency response centre providing refuge and comfort for the community and emergency services. This grant will fund improvements to the kitchen and purchase of essential items to future-proof Glastonbury Hall as a Disaster Centre Hub.

Goodness Enterprises Limited

Goodness Enterprises works for the direct relief of poverty, destitution, misfortune, helplessness, and distress of disadvantaged or unemployed persons within the Ipswich region and beyond without discrimination. This grant is being used to build a regional community food hub to bulk store and distribute food to community groups across the Ipswich West Moreton Region in the event of an emergency.

Goondiwindi Pastoral & Agricultural Society

Goondiwindi Pastoral & Agricultural Society aims to promote and organise exhibitions, contests and games connected with the advancement and benefit of the pastoral, agricultural, equestrian, industrial (including arts and crafts) and horticultural pursuits in the Goondiwindi district. This grant will fund drainage and mitigation works in order to prevent flood water backing up through the showgrounds and internal drainage system.

Happy Valley Community Association

The Happy Valley Community Association is a registered charity in Happy Valley, NSW that aims to represent the collective voice of their community and to sustainably manage resources to mitigate fire and other risks. This grant will fund the purchase of two specialised collar tanks from which firefighting helicopters can draw water to fight fires. Currently, they are prohibited from drawing water from the World Heritage listed lakes in the Fraser Island area, reducing their capacity to fight bushfires.

Harvest Rain Christian Care

Harvest Rain Christian Care is a charity which aims to provide a community care centre to relieve community members experiencing poverty and suffering. Located in a flood and bushfire prone area, Harvest Rain Christian Care was the regional flood recovery centre for devastated households particularly for those in the North Ipswich and Karalee areas impacted by the 2011, 2012 and 2022 floods. This grant will fund a refurbishment of the centre increasing the capacity and resources of the centre to support impacted families seeking shelter during floods and bushfires. 

Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre

Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre aims to meet the social welfare needs of the community. This grant will fund an electronic signage monitor to display information when the Community Centre is closed due to natural disaster or emergency events in order to provide critical support information for those in need in a region which is regularly impacted by floods and cyclones. Hinchinbrook and surrounding areas have experienced 11 notable flood events since 1995.

Life Skills Queensland

Life Skills Queensland is an organisation that aims to make the community stronger by encouraging, educating and empowering its members. In 2019 Townsville experienced unprecedented floods with approximately 3300 homes damaged by floodwaters, and 1500 homes rendered uninhabitable. This grant will fund community disaster preparedness workshops targeting vulnerable groups in the community providing essential information on how to prepare for a natural disaster.

LifeFlight Foundation

The LifeFlight Foundation is a registered charity that aims to save lives and serve the communities of Queensland and Northern NSW during times of disaster. During the 2022 floods in Central West NSW, LifeFlight rescued 18 people and 14 pets from rapid flood waters. This grant will fund two replacement 6-person life rafts to facilitate training and improve rescues.

Maleny Neighbourhood Centre

Maleny Neighbourhood Centre aims to provide a welcoming, multifunctional community space with opportunities for community connection and wellbeing. This grant will fund workshops, disaster planning involving QFES and disaster management handbooks in order to prepare the local community for natural disasters.

Medical Response Australia

Medical Response Australia is an organisation that aims to deliver advanced health support and specialist medical services for community groups and organisations around Australia. Medical Response Australia’s disaster response equipment and volunteers were deployed to support the 2022 flooding events in Brisbane, Gold Coast, and northern NSW. This grant will fund specific disaster response kits including wound care supplies, emergency medicines and rehydration for the provision of health services during local disasters after volunteer nurses struggled with current supplies.

Miles State Emergency Service

Miles State Emergency Service aims to provide assistance during emergencies such as floods, storms or other severe weather events, as well as local community event assistance. This grant will fund equipment and furniture for the final fit out of the Miles SES dedicated training and gathering facility for volunteers of the Miles and Western Downs SES unit which most recently affected by floods in December 2021.

Moore Soldiers Memorial Hall Association Incorporated

Moore Soldiers Memorial Hall Association is a registered charity in Moore QLD that aims to provide a community centre for the village of Moore with facilities for various community events. The 2011 and 2022 floods caused the region to be cut off for long periods of time making it difficult to obtain essential supplies. This grant will fund a water tank providing the community with a sense of self sufficiency knowing that the community centre will have a continuous water supply in times of natural disasters.

Mornington Shire Council

A local municipal council located on Mornington Island, in the Gulf of Carpentaria. The grant will fund the purchase of tree seedlings to plant in public spaces around Gununa, Mornington Island. These trees and shrubs will help the community and wildlife recover from the devastating impacts of cyclone Imogen (2021).

Mount Morgan Citizens' Club

Mount Morgan Citizen's Club is a registered charity in Mount Morgan QLD that aims to alleviate the sufferings, hardships and problems experienced by those that are under-privileged. The Mount Morgan region has been and continues to be heavily impacted by natural disasters. Each year the region experiences floods, cyclones and bushfires. The Mount Morgan Citizen’s club provides a place of refuge during natural disasters, providing a safe space to sleep and eat. This grant will fund upgrades to the community hall kitchen by installing stainless benchtops to allow utilisation for the community and emergency services during natural disasters. 

Network Educational Australia

Network Educational Australia aims to ensure children recover from the trauma of natural disasters by re-directing their efforts into school and studies. This grant will fund flood packs for children impacted by the 2022 floods in Northern NSW and South East QLD providing everything they need to return to school, fully functioning and ready to learn.

North Eastern Group State Emergency Service Support Group

North Eastern Group State Emergency Service Support Group in Ascot QLD aims to support the QLD community in times of natural disasters. North Eastern Group State Emergency Service support South East QLD during natural disasters and most recently were deployed to assist the Northern NSW community during the 2022 floods. This grant will fund a remote pilot licence for their members to operate drones which assist in safely assessing the support required to carry out rescues.

Nungeena Aboriginal Corporation for Women's Business

Nungeena Aboriginal Corporation for Women’s Business helps Aboriginal women rekindle their spiritual awareness, cultural heritage and pride. This grant will fund six workshops for around 50 young men and women on the cultural ways of caring for country and each other. Using storytelling to help create greater custodianship of the land, the workshops aim to ensure traditional landcare practices are used by future generations, helping to manage natural disaster risks.

Pine Rivers Catchment Association Incorporated

Pine Rivers Catchment Association Incorporated aims to achieve sustainable, responsible, and productive management of the Pine Rivers Catchment. This grant aims to restore and protect the riparian zone of local rivers and creeks which bring immense environmental value and are susceptible to natural disasters.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services as auspice for Warwick State Emergency Service (SES)

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services as auspice for Warwick State Emergency Service (SES) is a registered charity in Warwick, QLD which aims to empower people to help themselves and others in their community in times of emergency and disaster. This grant will fund the purchase of weather-proof information display boards at SES headquarters at three locations across SEQ, allowing the fast communication of information like floodwater levels and road closures in the event of an emergency.

Queensland Wildlife Rehabilitation Council

Queensland Wildlife Rehabilitation is a registered charity that aims to promote the philosophy of wildlife care for the purposes of rehabilitation, release, conservation, education, and research. Queensland has borne 60% of all natural disasters across Australia the past 10 years which has had a significant impact on the unique native wildlife. This grant will fund the purchase of 350 reference books for wildlife carers who are unable to access veterinarians due to rural locations, enabling them to correctly care for animals such as endangered koalas that come into their care.

Queensland Youth and Family Services

Queensland Youth and Family Support Services (QYFSS) provides support services to help families thrive and young people reach their potential. QYFSS operates a community centre in Riverview that acts as an evacuation centre in times of need, including the 2022 floods. This grant will help QYFSS ensure the centre is better prepared for future disasters, funding two generators, a pressure washer, gum boots, eye protection, safety gloves, tarpaulins and storage boxes.

Raba Urban Farm Co-operative Limited

Raba Urban Farm is an organisation in Mudgeeraba QLD that aims to foster deep connections with land and people, through community-based, educational experiences on their urban farm. Raba urban farm was impacted by three floods in 2022 which has impacted native species on the land. Working in collaboration with the NGARANG-WAL Group this grant will fund creek regeneration and planting of 500 native species using agroforest techniques to re-forest the area with a wide range of indigenous edible bush tucker and medicinal plants to showcase the proud Kombumerri People and First Nations Culture and connect Community back to Country.

Rapid Relief Team

Rapid Relief Team provides support to people impacted by natural disasters or humanitarian crises. The grant will be used to acquire further emergency equipment to assist in future efforts to protect and restore properties, both residential and business, during bushfire and flood disasters.

Rotary Club of Ashmore

The Rotary Club of Ashmore aims to promote humanitarian service through a range of initiatives. This grant will fund the purchase of 10 ShelterBox toolkits which provide families directly impacted by natural disasters family-size tents, solar lights, water storage and purification equipment, thermal blankets, cooking utensils and activities for children.

Rural Doctors Foundation

Rural Doctors Foundation aims to give those in rural and remote regions better access to lifesaving healthcare. This grant will fund first responder kits and replacement supplies enabling rural doctors to be prepared during natural disasters.

SevGen Indigenous Corporation

Based in Cooroy, this community organisation aims to celebrate, validate and reinvigorate Indigenous ways of being for the collective benefit of all. The grant will fund the upgrade of the solar system on SevGen’s Indigenous owned and led farm, allowing them to reduce their carbon footprint. The property provides an ideal place for the community to gather in emergencies due to its elevation - critical due to the high risk of bushfires and floods

Social Care Solutions

Social Care Solutions aims to facilitate and influence better outcomes for children and young people through the delivery of quality assessment, training, and consultancy services across Australia. This grant will fund trauma training packages for carers in the out-of-home sector in south east QLD so that they can better support the recovery of children in the aftermath of a natural disaster.

Stones Corner Community Kindergarten

Stones Corner Community Kindergarten runs kindergarten programs for local children. It is located in an area prone to flooding and in February 2022, the yard and under the building were impacted by the floods in Brisbane. The kindergarten was inundated with rain, washing out access paths and creating slip hazards and water damage. The grant will be used to repair paths, relocate the kindergarten’s native bee homes and replace water-damaged items in the play area – an area used for creative role play by children.

SunnyKids Ltd

SunnyKids Ltd is an organisation with a charitable purpose on the Sunshine Coast, QLD that aims to create a community where everyone feels safe and has the chance to reach their full potential. This grant will fund the installation of a solar battery set up on the organisation’s emergency accommodation space which provides housing for families experiencing domestic and family violence. This will provide more reliable power sourcing for vulnerable individuals in this flood prone area of SEQ.

Torres Shire Council

This local government municipality is based on Thursday Island. The grant will fund several bush fire management projects: a variation to the approved Bushfire Management plan for the yet to be developed Horn Island Affordable Housing Project (Wees St, Lot 803 and 804), a site-based Bushfire Hazard Assessment and Management Plan to inform the master planning of further Wees St developments (Lot 805 and 806), and a whole township/island bushfire management plan to support Council’s bushfire hazard management activities.

Torres Strait Island Regional Council

Torres Strait Island Regional Council is a local government that aims to improve the community’s liveability, autonomy, sustainability and prosperity. Due to climate change, the regions sea levels are rising threatening the existence of the islands, with millions being relocated due to emergency coastal erosion and tidal inundation control. This grant will fund educational programs to schools, hunting groups, commercial food suppliers, contractors, and the public on sustainable hunting practices, diverting waste away from landfills and food co-operatives.

Torres Strait Kaziw Meta Inc

A boarding home for Torres Strait Islander children attending Tagai State College, Torres Strait Kaziw Meta is based on Thursday Island. This grant will fund the purchase of solar panels and battery system which is critical, as the area is susceptible to cyclones and other natural disasters and the community at high-risk of losing power. This system will provide a back-up power source which will support their preparedness.

Townsville SES

Townsville SES aims to minimise loss of life, injuries and damage due to emergencies and natural disasters. This grant will fund the purchase of a portable modem and an interactive digital television, to be mounted on a portable trailer and used to increase the SES’s community engagement and bolster community disaster-readiness. Utilising the equipment in community workshops, residents will be able to use interactive flood and storm surge maps, identify hazards, understand warnings and view instructional and education videos.

Volunteering Gold Coast

Volunteering Gold Coast is a registered charity which aims to optimise social impact by harnessing innovation, promoting inclusion, and connecting communities. Volunteering Gold Coast’s 350 volunteers helped with the 2022 flood recovery in Southern East Queensland and Northern NSW cleaning-up of houses, buildings, delivering food, water, care packs for over 10 weeks. This grant will fund equipment they currently rely on community members to borrow, such as generators and water pumps, in readiness for future disasters.

Wildlife Care Mackay

Wildlife Care Mackay provides the resources and equipment that support the volunteering efforts of the community to protect native wildlife. This grant will fund disaster response equipment for up to eight carers, enabling these volunteers to rescue native wildlife in the event of a natural disaster.

Withcott & District Progress Association

The Withcott & District Progress Association creates greater engagement and involvement in their local community. The grant will be used to make upgrades to the Postmans Ridge Hall that is used as an emergency location during disasters, including the 2022 floods in QLD and northern NSW. Upgrades that will be made as a result of this grant include purchasing kitchen equipment and tables and chairs to feed locals who take refuge in the hall in times of disaster, as well improving lightning around the hall.

Womn-Kind

Womn-Kind aims to close the gap in effective wellbeing education and support for young women and gender-diverse young people aged 12-24. This grant will support Womn-Kind to deliver wellbeing workshops to 1,000 young people at public schools across Far North Queensland, which was impacted by Tropical Cyclone Jasper and is a region prone to natural disasters.

Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council

Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council fosters unity, respect for elders, celebrates courage, facilitates connection, refines for efficiency, acknowledges equality, and governs with integrity. This grant is being used to bolster its emergency response capabilities during extreme weather events and natural disasters by procuring an emergency response equipment package, consisting of chainsaws, portable LED signs and barriers, in line with the Queensland State Disaster Risk Management Plan.

1300KOALAZ

1300 KOALAZ is a not-for-profit volunteer organisation in the Adelaide Hill that aims to rescue, rehabilitate and release sick, injured or orphaned koalas. The Adelaide Hills is an area prone to bushfires and during the Black Summer bushfires 23,000 hectares of land, 84 homes, more than 400 outbuildings were lost. The fires also devastated the area’s natural wildlife, including the koala population and their food supply. This grant will fund the update of the koala tracking system used in times of natural disasters and the website, allowing better collaboration during disasters with organisations such as the Country Fire Association and Department of Primary Industries.

Australian Wildlife Conservancy

Australian Wildlife Conservancy effectively conserves all Australian native animal species and the habitats in which they live, implementing practical programs to protect wildlife and wild places. This grant is being used to prepare Kangaroo Island to withstand future wildfire, and to aid bushfire recovery and readiness by implementing best-practice ecological fire management across Western River Refuge.

Basket Range Primary School Council

Basket Range Primary School Council in Adelaide, SA aims to ensure every child has a sense of wellbeing that will support them to be happy, creative, and inclusive learners. Following the Cudlee Creek bushfires in 2019 that destroyed 72 homes, the Basket Range Primary School Council would like to promote bushfire education and preparation for students and their families. This grant will fund bushfire preparedness and awareness packs which include woollen socks, fire blankets, goggles, face clothes, spare clothes, torches, safe drinking water and books on bush fire awareness and preparation.

Edithburgh Football Club and Sports Association

The Edithburgh Football Club Association is an incorporated entity in the Yorke Peninsula which aims to provide a safe temporary refuge venue in the event of a natural disaster. During the November 2019 bushfires in the Yorke Peninsula, the town of Edithburgh lost 5000 hectares of land and 11 homes. This grant will fund landscaping around the perimeter of the grounds with low growing, low flammability native flora to increase the fire resilience of the property.

Foodbank South Australia

Foodbank of South Australia is a registered charity that aims to end hunger by sourcing food for people in need and are the primary providers of food relief in times of disaster in Central Australia. Remote communities in Katherine, NT have experienced intense flooding and road damage making it difficult to access food. This grant will fund a recycled and repurposed shipping container as part of the disaster resilience food locker for flood affected communities in Katherine.

Hills Environment Centre

Hills environment centre is an organisation that aims to encourage and support community actions for climate change, sustainable biodiversity and indigenous culture. The Mt Lofty Ranges is in a high fire danger region and has been impacted by the Ash Wednesday (1983), Cherryville fire (2013) more recently the Cudlee Creek fires in 2019. This grant will fund deliver of the Red Cross Climate Ready Communities workshops enabling attendees to share learnings and suggested actions with the community in readiness for natural disasters.

Kingscote Football Club

Kingscote Football Club has been nominated by the council as the location for the island's emergency relief centre and last resort refuge. The club infrastructure is used by community and emergency services to provide services and support to communities during natural disasters such as bushfires. This grant will fund restorations to the club rooms used during the 2019/2022 bushfires and new energy efficient drink fridges which were recommendations made by the emergency service personnel.

Mount Barker Family House

Mount Barker Family house is a registered charity in Mount Barker SA that aims to offer responsive and inclusive opportunities and support the community to develop connections. Mount Barker was impacted by the Black Summer bushfires and continues to be at extreme bushfire risk. This grant will fund age-appropriate emergency planning and preparedness for children and families in collaboration with Country Fire Service and Red Cross.

Mount Gambier & District State Emergency Service

The Mount Gambier & District State Emergency Service is an organisation which aims to minimise loss of life, injuries and damage from emergencies and natural disasters. This grant will fund the replacement of seven chainsaws, allowing them to assist the community in preparing their properties for severe weather.

Mount Torrens CFS

Mount Torrens CFS brigade is a volunteer-led organisation that aims to provide rescue and emergency service to the community, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In December 2019, the Mount Torrens district lost more than 25,000 hectares including homes, outbuildings, vehicles, and other property. This grant will fund updates to the stations training provisions for the community, fire farm units, volunteers and rescue operations ensuring a safter and more resilient preparation for the fire season.

Mount Torrens Soldiers Memorial Hall

The hall supports the community and provides a place for them to gather. This grant will fund critical lighting upgrades, which will improve building safety. The hall is a vital gathering point of the town, and in the wake of the 2019/20 Black Summer fires provided basic services such as power, which was cut off for weeks, and will continue to be used in the event of future disasters.

Point Pearce Aboriginal Corporation

The organisation is based in Point Pearce and aims to support and represent the people of the community and provide service to those in need. This grant will fund the full consolidation and upgrade of the Point Pearce Council’s communication systems, including installation of cables and NBN and the purchase of phones, headsets, licences and an emergency back-up SIM. Due to a currently inadequate system, the community is vulnerable in the event of a natural disaster - the new system will allow better information sharing during emergencies.

Rural Business Support Service

Rural Business Support Service is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to provide relief to primary producers and small business owners in rural communities who are doing it tough and experiencing distress. Pandemic restrictions prevented farmers impacted by the 2019-2020 Black Summer fires on Kangaroo Island from connecting with their community and participating in activities to build resilience to future disasters. This grant will fund two days of fire ground farm tours, a community mental health and wellbeing forum as well as an opportunity to strengthen connections and peer support.

Southern Koala and Echidna Rescue

Southern Koala and Echidna Rescue aims to advance the natural environment by protecting and supporting native animals. This grant will fund a 1000 litre trailer for fire-fighting and supplementary watering of koala food tree plantations, enabling effective decisions regarding evacuation or defence of property and wildlife.

Sturt SES

Sturt SES aims to minimise loss of life, injuries and damage from emergencies and natural disasters. This grant will fund the purchase of a Traverse Mule stretcher, which would enable the Sturt unit to rescue people in difficult terrain in events such as natural disasters, while minimising risk of injury to rescuers.

The Bradbury Conservancy

A community organisation based in Bradbury, which aims to protect against fires and invasive flora, preserve existing native vegetation and restore damaged areas of land. This grant will fund weeding efforts across three properties bordering the Mount Bold Reservoir and the Scott Creek Conservation Park. These areas are in dire need of regenerative work since the 2021 Cherry Gardens bushfires, which destroyed native biodiversity and allowed the area to be overrun with invasive weeds.

The Hills Christian Community School

For this school is based in Verdun, the grant will fund the purchase of mobile firefighting equipment which can put out small fires before they develop into larger bushfires. As the school’s rural and located in a high-risk fire zone, access to this equipment could save lives and prevent damage to property.

The Trustee for Adelaide Botanic Gardens Foundation Fund

This charitable trust in Adelaide aims to provide long-term financial security and funding to the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium of South Australia. The grant will fund urgent field trips to survey flood affected areas on the Murray River and assess impacts on rare and endangered native species. It will also allow researchers to collect plant specimens, population data and seeds to add to long-term storage collections at the Seed Centre.

Uniting Communities

Uniting Communities is a registered charity in Adelaide SA that aims to build compassionate communities and great lives. Uniting Communities operates Lifeline Adelaide, which has a strong evidence-based knowledge of communities needs in times of disaster. This grant will fund training workshops for approximately 180 people in communities impacted by floods and bushfires to strengthen mental health and wellbeing preparedness during disaster events.

Wildlife Welfare Organisation (SA) Incorporated

Wildlife Welfare Organisation (SA) Incorporated provides 24/7 wildlife rescue and rehabilitation in South Australia. This grant is being used to enable wildlife rescue and rehabilitation efforts by purchasing and fitting out a dedicated wildlife ambulance which will be utilised to rescue wildlife during natural disasters.

Anam Cara House Colac

This community founded and funded Hospice based in Barongarook West cares for people of any age living with chronic life-limiting illness. This grant will fund a new fire panel system, and emergency training for staff and volunteers to ensure readiness in the event of a fire.

Badger Creek Fire Brigade

For this regional fire brigade in Badger’s Creek, the grant will fund the purchase of two thermal imaging cameras. In the event of a bushfire, they can locate potential reignition points that may be burning near control lines or within underground tree roots, that can’t be seen with the naked eye.

Bethany Village Arts Hub

Bethany Village Arts Hub is a community organisation which aims to provide a community garden and art space to welcome the community and promote wellbeing. Following the devastating 2019/20 Black Summer bushfires experienced in the area, the Bethanga community are transforming the general store into a community hub to support healing, cohesion, and resilience to tackle future disasters. This grant will fund the refurbishment of the art space and decking for the community garden, allowing the space to be functional for children and the wider community, still reeling from the impact of Black Summer fires.

Black Duck Foods

An Aboriginal social enterprise based in Wallagaraugh, it aims to re-engage and empower indigenous communities’ utility of pre-colonial food systems and land stewardship practices, on the journey to food sovereignty. The grant will fund expansion of Black Duck Foods mosaic burning initiative, enhancing natural disaster resilience and accelerating post-disaster recovery, while also allowing Aboriginal communities to heal country and enrich their cultural practices.

BlazeAid

BlazeAid is a social enterprise in Kilmore East, aiming to relieve the poverty, suffering, distress and helplessness experienced by survivors of bushfires and other natural disasters. This grant will fund the purchase of K450 High Risk Portable First Aid Kits for Combat Ready Trailers, which are used to respond to natural disasters all around Australia.

Bungalook Creek Wildlife Shelter

Bungalook Creek Wildlife Shelter is a volunteer led not for profit organisation that restores wildlife and habitat to their natural condition fostering community awareness and appreciation of the intrinsic value of native wildlife and its habitat. This grant will fund the landscaping expenses involved in the expansion of the rehabilitation area which shelters macropods, wombats and endangered grey headed flying foxes to protect wildlife populations during bushfires and severe storms.

Cardinia Environment Coalition

Cardinia Environment Coalition engages the community on environmental issues and runs an indigenous nursery, supplying locally native plants to the community, environmental groups, government agencies and other organisations. The grant will fund the production of a tool that rates the fire risk of native flora found in Melbourne to help create gardens and landscapes that are more resilient to uncontrolled bushfires. The resource will be used by councils, Landcare Groups, community groups, designers, nurseries and residents.

Carisbrook Country and Fire Association

The Carisbrook CFA is a community fire brigade in an area prone to natural disasters. The grant will purchase two new breathing apparatus sets for first responders to use while fulfilling their duties (entering toxic atmospheres, rescuing trapped victims and conducting other dangerous operations). This equipment will provide additional capacity for a rapid intervention team to rescue fellow firefighters in the event of an emergency.

Cathedral Landcare Group

This community organisation from Buxton works to minimise pests and weeds and revegetate indigenous plants, collaborating with individual landholders, the broader community and government and non-government agencies. This grant will fund a rehabilitation project along Andrews creek, which is suffering serious erosion issues due to heavy flooding in recent years. The plan involves rehabilitating the erosion by installing rock gabions and undertaking revegetation along degraded sections.

Churchill Neighbourhood Centre Incorporated

Churchill Neighbourhood Centre is a registered charity in Churchill Victoria that aims to foster a supportive environment where people are encouraged to actively develop their community and to realise their potential. The Churchill area is often impacted by floods and fires including the Black Saturday bushfires and most recently the floods in 2021 which left community members land locked and unable to leave. This grant will fund a mobile trailer kitchen to provide emergency food relief and meals in times of natural disasters including power outages, fires, and flood providing a vital resource for the local community.

Clonbinane Community Action Group

Clonbinane Community Action Group aims to build leadership and development within the community and bring residents together. Clonbinane is located in a bushfire prone area and was significantly impacted by the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires. This grant will fund a clean-up challenge to encourage residents to prepare their property for the 23/24 bushfire season and other natural disasters such as severe storms.

Common Ground Project

The project is a community organisation based in Freshwater Creek. It aims to cultivate a stronger, fairer, more resilient local food system and empower agency and access for those needing it most. This grant will fund a Community of Practice Workshop for emerging farmers, households and organisations with large properties and migrants to Greater Geelong. It will focus on climate disaster and readiness and allow Common Ground to use an expert facilitator, provide opportunities for knowledge sharing and distribute disaster readiness kits.

Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation

This community organisation is based in Bendigo and aims to support the Dja Dja Wurrung People's aspiration to have healthy, well and culturally strong people, lands and waters. The grant will fund the Yapenya Campout, gathering the Djaara community to connect to country through activities including discussions on how the Yapenya land has responded to cultural burnings completed earlier this year, and how this can be applied across Dja Dja Wurrung Country. Other activities include teachings on sustainable tree harvesting and determining sites for food and fibre revegetation.

Down Syndrome Victoria

Down Syndrome Victoria (DSV) is a registered charity in Melbourne, Victoria that aims to represent people with Down Syndrome and their families in Victoria and support them to reach their potential. This grant will assist in funding a dedicated resource from DSV to coordinate support services and develop resources for Victorians with disabilities in rural and remote areas in the event of natural disasters.

Engineers without Borders

Engineers Without Borders is a registered charity in Melbourne, Victoria which aims to harness the potential of engineering to create an equitable reality for the planet and its people. In February 2022 the Northern Rivers experienced their worst flooding in history with more than 6,000 homes flooded, and roads and bridges damaged blocking access to basic necessities such as food and water. The Northern Rivers Engineering Flood Recovery Support Project expedited the repair and restoration process, reducing prolonged delays, improving the lives of residents, increasing economic stability, and enhancing public safety. This grant will fund transport and implementation costs for the reporting and evaluation aspect of the ongoing project delivering engineering planning services to affected communities, including site visits, assessments, and options reports in the Northern Rivers region.

Friends of Koolunga Native Reserve Inc

Friends of Koolunga Native Reserve Inc is a registered charity in Ferntree Gully, Victoria which aims to preserve and enhance the unique flora and fauna of Knox into the future. This grant will fund the establishment of breeding habitat for Powerful Owls, a vulnerable species, in the Dandenong Ranges National Park which lost 25,000 trees to severe storms in June 2021.

Gecko CLaN Incorporated

Gecko CLaN Incorporated represents the interests of landcare groups and community in Benalla to protect and enhance the natural and farmed environment. This grant is being used to upgrade weather stations’ connection from 3G to the 4G network, thereby ensuring their continued utilisation and availability during natural disaster events for critical information.

Hobson Bay SES

Hobson Bay SES aims to minimise loss of life, injuries and damage from emergencies and natural disasters. This grant will fund the procurement of spinal boards and casualty lifting equipment, that the Hobson Bay unit needs to assist Ambulance Victoria in extricating injured people from difficult terrain. Currently they must borrow this equipment from other units, delaying response time.

Kerang and District Community Centre Incorporated

Kerang and District Community Centre Incorporated aims to enrich and build their community by providing opportunities for connection, participation, learning, and growth. This grant aims to enhance the preparedness and resilience of the Kerang community in the face of natural disasters by installing boxes with emergency equipment around the town, purchasing a generator and fire pumps and delivering training to the community about disaster preparedness.

King Valley Learning Exchange

The exchange is a community house based in Moyhu, providing adult education programs, computer training, disability projects and community events. This grant will fund the purchase and fit out of a shipping container at the community house, which will be used to store emergency provisions and supplies. A central location means the supplies can be accessed by all members of the remote, fire-prone community of the King Valley.

Landcare Australia

Far East Victoria Landcare aims to enhance the natural environment, sustainability of agriculture and land use and address issues affecting the social capacity of communities within the region through supporting education, social cohesion and wellbeing. This grant will fund a mental health pilot program for community members impacted by natural disasters including the 2019/20 Black Summer bushfires and flooding in the area in 2021.

Landcare Victoria (Mornington Peninsula Koala Conservation)

Landcare Mornington Peninsula aims to help the local koala population by providing suitable habitats and a safe environment to ensure a healthy population. This grant will fund the increase of tree canopy and revegetation of farmland, education of landholders and the community about climate change, biodiversity (including koalas) and the importance and benefits of retaining vegetation in order to increase ecosystem resilience by creating a diverse landscape.

Maroondah SES

Maroondah SES aims to minimise loss of life, injuries and damage from emergencies and natural disasters. This grant will fund the upgrade of the unit’s portable lighting equipment to be brighter, longer lasting and rechargeable, improving their capability to run emergency recovery operations.

McCormack Park Management Committee

McCormack Park Management Committee is a community organisation which aims to provide the community an evacuation centre during natural disasters. Merrijig was impacted by alpine fires in 2006. This grant will fund refurbishment of the community kitchen which will be used for emergency meals during a bushfire event, helping the community better prepare for bushfires.

Mental Health and Well-being Foundation

Mental Health and Well-being Foundation aims to make mental illness understood and accepted, with resources available to offer early interventions, treatment, and support. This grant is being used to provide an educational program, practical and strategic planning that helps Victorian African and culturally and linguistically diverse communities in and around Kalkallo prepare for a natural disaster.

Mitchell Shire Council

Mitchell Shire Council is a local government entity in which aims to work with the community to build a better quality of life, protect the environment and build a safe and healthy future. During the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires the Mitchell Shire were directly impacted with lost stock, homes and sadly fatalities. This grant will fund workshops in five local communities across the shire delivered by emergency services providing information on preparedness, response, and recovery, building resilience and enabling the community to help each other and make better decisions in the event of bushfires and other natural disasters.

Mitchell Shire Council received a second Community Grant in 2024 to implement a community action plan for Seymour, which will include the delivery of community consultation sessions and training workshops.

Mitchell Shire Neighbourhood Watch Incorporated Group

The Mitchell Shire Neighbourhood Watch Group aims to improve the safety and security of community life through crime prevention, create resilient communities and social inclusion. This grant will fund a community clean up challenge to encourage residents to prepare their property for bushfire season and other disasters.

Moorabool Catchment Landcare Group

Moorabool Catchment Landcare Group (MCLG) is a registered charity in Moorabool, Victoria which works towards an environmentally sustainable future in the Moorabool region by supporting landholders to sustainably manage their land, running educational seminars, fauna monitoring programs and citizen scientist projects. This grant will fund 2,000 plants and trees to revegetate native flora in areas that have experienced Black Summer bushfires.

Morwell SES

Victorian State Emergency Service in Morwell aims to assist Morwell and surrounding areas during floods, storms, fire, search and rescue. This grant will fund the replacement of the Service's road, air, industrial and rail rescue stabilisation trailer to enable critical timely rescues and avoid irreversible injuries, and possible deaths in times of disasters.

Mt Rothwell Landcare Volunteer Inc

Mt Rothwell Landcare Volunteer Inc is a registered Charity in Mt Rothwell, Victoria which aims to manage and maintain the largest feral predator-free ecosystem in Victoria. The Mt Rothwell Sanctuary covers 473 hectares and was established for wildlife recovery and rehabilitation. This grant will fund dual axle trailers to set up fire units across the sanctuary to create firebreaks to enhance their ability to slow or control bushfires and their impact on native fauna, surrounding properties and the You Yangs National Park.

Mums of the Hills Inc

Mum of the Hills is a not-for-profit organisation in Belgrave, Victoria that aims to support the wellbeing of mothers by creating a blended online and face-to-face community where mothers connect and thrive. The Yarra Ranges have been severely impacted by storms in 2021 where 25,000 trees fell taking out vital infrastructure and destroying homes, businesses, and lives throughout the region with many homes still needing repair. This grant will fund natural disaster communication and preparation events with CFA, including first aid, mental health first aid and chainsaw safety bringing together local emergency services to improve community preparedness, response, resilience and recovery.

Nillumbik State Emergency Service

Nillumbik State Emergency Service is a registered charity in Nullumbik, Victoria which aims to provide a holistic service for community safety, including community education and emergency management. This grant will fund the purchase of trailers to be used for the transportation of stabilisation equipment, pumps and sandbags to be used in severe storm and flooding scenarios, and the transportation of educational equipment for community resilience training events.

Our Haven Wildlife Shelter

This community organisation is based in Stradbroke and aims to rescue and rehabilitate all kinds of native Australian animals. The grant will fund a bushfire sprinkler system, essential for the shelter as it’s located in a high-risk fire area between a state park, a flora and fauna reserve and tree plantations. The sprinkler system will ensure the shelter’s better prepared to withstand a bushfire, and will better protect the animals being rehabilitated.

Parklands Albury Wodonga

A community organisation, it works to restore, improve and maintain the network of bush parks connecting urban and rural communities. This grant will fund planting of scrubs and trees in the Murray River restoration corridor, mixing the provenance of species to improve resilience. This project will not only help the region adapt to changing climate and provide a corridor for fauna to travel cross country, it will also support long-term recovery and build resilience against future disasters.

Reedy Creek Progress Association Incorporated

Reedy Creek Progress Association Incorporated provides high-quality assistance to the community of Reedy Creek and Tyaak. This grant will be used to purchase a reliable fire pump to replace the current pump which is no longer in working order.

SHIFT (Sustainable Hurstbridge: Ideas for Transition)

SHIFT is a sustainable-living organisation that runs workshops, campaigns, events and programs to encourage locals to live sustainably. This grant will fund the expansion of a community garden called the 'Edible Hub'. This will allow SHIFT to involve more locals in their programs, helping to share valuable resilience skills such as food growing, energy use, seed saving, waste reduction and social connection.

Sunraysia Wildlife Carers

This community organisation based in Mildura focuses on helping injured, distressed, orphaned, or displaced animals. The grant will fund a specialised ‘donut’ enclosure birds of prey can use to regain fitness as they rehabilitate, the closest similar facilities located in Melbourne (550km away). This is critical, as an increase in the regularity and severity of natural disasters will mean more birds of prey will need wildlife sanctuaries.

The Penguin Foundation

The Penguin Foundation is a registered charity that aims to protect and conserve Phillip Island’s natural environment, wildlife, habitats, marine and coastal environments.

This grant will fund green firebreaks in Australia's largest Little Penguin colony to protect vulnerable Penguins against bushfires. The firebreaks also reduce the risk of bushfire impacting the tourism and local business economy.

The Sisterhood Project Inc

The Sisterhood Project Inc is a registered charity in Moorabool, Victoria which aims to improve access to first aid training for parents and carers in low social demographic areas, providing free first aid workshops on common childhood accidents, illnesses and injuries along with CPR. This grant will fund five 2-hour workshops over a five-month period to refugee groups, aid workers and carers in flood affected areas to empower families to respond to their children's needs in a natural disaster.

Upper Plenty Mechanics Institute Hall Association

Upper Plenty Mechanics Institute Hall Association aims to enrich the lives of the community and support people to engage, connect and grow. The 2009 Black Saturday bushfires had a devastating impact on the community with the Hall being a focal point to gather and seek local information. This grant will fund upgrades to the hall allowing it to be used as a recovery hub following a disaster.

Victoria State Emergency Service Brimbank Unit

The Brimbank SES is a charity that aims to provide timely and effective emergency management services and contributing to risk prevention. This grant will fund helmet mounted headlamps, iPads and mounts to use inside unit vehicles for navigating to and effectively responding to emergencies, cribbing blocks to help train and operationally support potential structure collapses after a disaster, replacement bags for emergency shelters and lighting to help operate more effectively on scene.

Victorian State Emergency Service Manningham Unit

Victorian State Emergency Service Manningham Unit is a volunteer led organisation in Manningham Victoria that aims to provide timely and effective emergency management services, and build community preparedness and disaster resilience. The SES are the primary response agency to support all other emergency services during times of disasters. This grant will fund the lighting upgrade which is crucial for lighting areas affected by storm damage, flooding, trees on roads/houses and rescue/search location base lights.

Victoria State Emergency Service Hobsons Bay

The Hobsons Bay SES is a charity that aims to provide emergency response services for floods, landslides, earthquakes and other natural disasters. This grant will fund five volunteers to participate in accredited 4WD training to adequately prepare them to respond to emergencies across the State.

Victoria State Emergency Service Lilydale

The Lilydale SES is a charity that aims to provide emergency services to the local community during natural disasters. This grant will go towards funding for a rescue truck, the organisations single most important piece of equipment, enhancing our ability to respond to the ever-changing weather climate events.

Victoria State Emergency Service Whitehorse

The Whitehorse SES is a charity that aims to provide emergency assistance to minimise the impact of emergencies and strengthen the community’s capacity to plan, respond and recover when emergencies occur. This grant will fund an upgrade of the portable battery-operated lighting on five emergency response vehicles.

Warriors 4 Wildlife

Warriors 4 Wildlife is a community organisation in Hartwell, dedicated to the rescue and transport of sick, injured, orphaned or abandoned wildlife. During the 2020 bushfires, many animals had to be relocated from their shelters due to inadequate conditions. Warriors 4 Wildlife aim to rectify this, and this grant will be used to fund improvement of local wildlife shelters through the purchasing of incubators, upgrading of enclosures and purchasing PPE for fire/flood preparedness.

Whitehorse SES

Whitehorse SES aims to minimise loss of life, injuries and damage from emergencies and natural disasters. This grant will fund an upgrade of small equipment, including purchasing battery-operated pole pruners and replacing damaged chainsaw tools. As this funding isn’t provided by the state head office, the unit relies on donations and grants. Purchase of this critical equipment used to respond to disaster emergencies such as flooding, ensures SES volunteers are safe in the field.

Wildlife Victoria

This social enterprise is based in Abbotsford, and aims to help and protect wildlife through rescue, education and advocacy activities. The grant will fund the ‘Train-the-Trainer’ course for up to 10 of Wildlife Victoria’s experienced volunteers, giving them the skills to run basic rescue training for new volunteers. This will be delivered in regional communities, enabling them to better respond to wildlife emergencies caused by natural disasters.

Yea Community Service Group

Yea Community Service Group is a registered charity in Yea, Victoria which aims to be a focal resource for the Yea district, delivering activities and services that support and inspire, in an atmosphere where people enjoy taking part. This grant will fund the establishment of a database of people and services that are available to assist local residents during a natural disaster, with a focus on matching vulnerable community members with the supports they need to withstand bushfire season.

Yoruba Heritage and Cultural Association of Victoria Incorporated

Yoruba Heritage and Cultural Association of Victoria Incorporated promotes cultural, economic and social welfare for the community of Shepparton. The grant money is being used to facilitate seven free Youth Mental Health First Aid Training session across 12 months for groups and individuals that provide support for the youth population, which is critical for a community that has exacerbated mental health issues due to natural disasters.

ABC Foundation

A majority Aboriginal owned social enterprise based in Brockman, the foundation focuses on building communities and improving the lives of the mob through community initiatives and programs. This grant will fund a two-day tree planting event in Carnarvon, planting 2000 native tree species with the help of 200 volunteers from the local community. In coastal locations like Carnarvon, vegetation is extremely important in creating liveable, resilient towns that can withstand the increasing pressures brought by climate change and increased risk of natural disasters.

BlazeAid

Blazeaid aims to work with rural communities after natural disasters to rebuild fences and structures that have been damaged or destroyed by fires, floods, cyclones or drought. This grant will fund base camps in communities impacted by the February 2022 fires in WA (located in Denmark, Bridgetown, Corrigin/Bruce Rock and Narrogin) for volunteer armies to rebuild kilometres of damaged fences enabling farmers to contain their stock and restock their land after a fire.

Bunuba Dawangarri Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC

Bunuba Dawangarri Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC supports the Native Title holders and manages its affairs financially and socially. This grant will be used to purchase and maintain a new boat and motor, along with providing all the required safety equipment with extra life vests to support rescues in the Fitzroy Valley.

Capricorn Riding For Disabled Association

Capricorn Riding for Disabled Association aims to develop the ability and enrich the lives of people with disabilities through sporting, therapeutic, educational and recreational equestrian activities. This grant will fund the renovation of the charity's fire reticulation system (recycled water) ensuring they have the most up to date, relevant and manageable bushfire plan in preparation for the bushfire season.

Corrigin Farm Improvement Group

The Corrigin Farm Improvement Group aims to provide a positive and resilient future for farming. This grant will fund a landscape recovery planning and mapping workshop in Corrigin for 49 landholders directly impacted by the Corrigin and Bruce Rock fires in February 2022 to enable revegetation, fencing of reserves to assist the return of native fauna and flora and sharing of ideas between landholders for greater catchment rehabilitation.

Donnybrook Balingup Shire

Donnybrook Balingup Shire in Donnybrook WA aims to facilitate and advocate for services and facilities to improve quality of life for all residents. In 2020 a large bushfire caused an 18-hour power outage, and the Balingup community lost all telecommunications. This grant will fund the purchase of a generator to be stored at Balingup Shire Depot for the use of key community members and emergency services to be used in times of disasters. 

Facey Group

Facey Group is a registered not for profit organisation in Wickepin WA that aims to improve on-farm practice to keep farms healthy and profitable. During the February 2022 Narrogin East bushfire 16,000 hectares of land was burnt including large bush reserves and many kilometres of vegetated creek lines and farm bush corridors. This grant will fund 40,000 seedlings and fodder shrubs for the landscape, creating wildlife habitats, encouraging the return of fauna, flora, birds and ground dwelling species which will provide support for farmers still living within a bared landscape. This project will be supported by Blazeaid and Facey Group volunteers.

Geographe Community Landcare Nursery Incorporated

Geographe Community Landcare Nursery Incorporated specialises in growing local native flora of the Busselton district and surrounding catchments for land rehabilitation, regeneration, and domestic and public gardens. This grant is being used to increase the production of native species with local provenance by adding additional benches and trolleys to the nursery which can increase the number of plants propagated each year.

Marra Worra Worra Aboriginal Corporation

This community organisation is based in Fitzroy Crossing and is the oldest and largest Aboriginal Resource Agency in the Kimberley. It aims to strengthen culture, support community and create sustainable solutions for the Fitzroy Valley. The grant will let the Corporation install a teleconference system and internet access in Yiyili, the area’s most isolated community, 175km from Fitzroy Crossing. Connecting Yiyili to the rest of the Valley will provide access to information and financial services if an emergency or natural disaster isolates them from Fitzroy Crossing, where residents currently must travel to access these resources.

Parkerville Community Care

Parkerville Community Care is an organisation that aims to support individuals by providing culturally appropriate and accessible services for the vulnerable and basic support to people in emergency situations. The Parkerville community was impacted by bushfires in February 2021 and again in January 2022. This grant will fund information sessions to educate the community on sustainable practices and how to improve resilience against natural disasters, with a focus on coastal hazards.

Scotsdale/Shadforth Bush Fire Brigade

Scotsdale/Shadforth Bush Fire Brigade (SSBFB) aims to protect lives and property in the event of bushfires in the Shire of Denmark, a local government area with the highest bushfire risk in WA. This grant will fund the procurement and installation of a backup power supply at the SSBFB, which is ideally located to provide essential communication and incident control function when a bushfire occurs.

Shire of Denmark

Shire of Denmark serves and represents the interests of community members as a local government entity. This grant is being used to replace six manual Australian Fire Danger Rating (AFDR) to electronic signage so the Shire’s community can get timely danger warnings.

Shire of Perenjori

The Shire of Perenjori is a local government which oversees the social and economic development of the area and aims to provide resources and services to its residents. This grant will fund the community toolbox initiative containing equipment such as blower vacuums, high pressure cleaners, drills, and hand tools readily available in the shire depot for the community to prepare their properties for the bushfire and cyclone seasons.

South West Refuge

A not-for-profit organisation based in Bunbury, the refuge provides crisis accommodation and outreach services for lone women and women with children escaping family and domestic violence. This grant will provide a vegetable garden to compliment established chicken coups, helping create self-sufficient food production and enabling some readiness in the event of a natural disaster disrupting food supply.

The Mulloon Institute Public Fund

This environmental public fund works to inspire individuals, communities, corporations and government at every level to invest in sustainable methods of repairing Australian landscapes. The grant will fund a 3-day workshop on internationally recognised, ground-breaking landscape rehydration training aimed at land managers in drought prone agricultural regions of southwest WA, with a priority focus on the Wheatbelt. The Mulloon Institute plans to provide free workshop participation for First Nations peoples and also subsidise farmers.

Western Australian Assistance and Therapy Dogs

Western Australian Assistance and Therapy Dogs is a registered charity in Muchea WA that aims to provide support, training and advice for those requiring assistance dogs and therapy dogs in Western Australia. Western Australian Assistance and Therapy Dogs new premises in Muchea has been examined by the Shared Location Information Platform as a Bush Fire Prone area. This grant will fund crucial fire breaks ensuring that during a fire individuals with disabilities and their families will be able to safely leave the area.

The NAB Foundation is proud to have supported the following organisations in the work they do in supporting and solving domestic and family violence, financial resilience, environmental wellbeing and building the social enterprise ecosystem in Australia.

• Australian Land Conservation Alliance (ALCA)
• Australian Wildlife Conservancy
• Infoxchange
• Odonata
• Our Watch
• Reef Restoration Foundation
• StartSomeGood
• Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation
• Terrain NRM
• The Nature Conservancy
• Two Good Co.
• University of Melbourne
• Women's Information Referral Exchange (WIRE)