THE SEEDS of Renewal program is now open for grant applications from community groups.
Over the past 23 years, the program has provided more than $6 million to support around 870 community groups to achieve their goals.
Administered independently by the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR), the program offers grants of up to $15,000 for local projects that support environmental sustainability and making a real difference.
This could include improving access to housing or financial wellbeing in regional communities of fewer than 15,000 people, improving digital access, supporting youth, protecting the environment, or building stronger, more connected communities.
Bellingen based OzGREEN, a past recipient, developed Rethink Waste Coffs Harbour in 2023.
Run by Program Manager Kathleen Hannah and delivered at local events, OzGREEN’s Rethink Waste program supports event managers to rethink their waste management plans and to educate patrons about recycling, composting and items destined for landfill.
“Event holders face big challenges with waste,” Kathleen told News Of The Area.
“It can be expensive to process and difficult to sort, with all waste often sent to landfill at the end of an event.
“Surprised and delighted by the response from the community, the Rethink team has now had thousands of engaging conversations around waste.
“The majority of people coming to the bins appreciate the guidance we offer on where to put different items. Most people want to do the right thing, they are just not equipped with the right information.
“There is a lot of mixed messaging out there and it’s not uncommon for us to answer questions around other tricky items like bottle tops, small electronics and UHT containers”.
To volunteer with or book the Rethink Waste team, visit ozgreen.org/rethinkwaste.
Now in its 23rd year, the Seeds of Renewal program is a long-standing partnership between ANZ and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) and is designed to ensure the ongoing prosperity of regional Australia through vibrant, sustainable rural communities.
FRRR Head of Partnerships Jillian Kirwan-Lee said: “Not-for-profits and social enterprises are often the backbone of rural and regional Australia.
“They play a crucial role in addressing the environmental, financial, housing and economic challenges that local people face, and help their community to thrive.”
Since its inception in 2002, the program has provided more than $6 million in funding to more than 900 community-led projects.
Last year, $250,000 in grants were awarded to 22 community groups, supporting initiatives ranging from establishing a safe, free laundry facility for people experiencing homelessness in Orange, to delivering digital literacy programs for women in the Kimberley region.
Applications close at 5pm (AEST), 31 July 2025.
For community groups interested in applying in 2025, a Grantseeker Webinar is scheduled for 8 July, 12:30pm – 1:30pm (AEST).
To register, visit FRRR’s website.
By Andrea FERRARI
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