50K for Rural Hero project
The Aussie Farmers Foundation is offering up to $50 000 for a winning idea that makes a difference to Australian rural and regional communities in need.
The Rural Hero Grant gives charities the chance to pitch an innovative solution that addresses key issues impacting farming communities, with the winning project decided via public vote.
Foundation executive officer Julia Hunter said projects that focused on current or emerging rural issues would be highly regarded.
‘‘In its first year, the 2016 Rural Hero Grant helped to highlight both the tough living conditions of many rural communities as well as the inspiring people and organisations that are out there making a difference,’’ she said.
‘‘It’s a way to start a conversation about rural and regional issues, while supporting projects that make a positive impact on the ground. We hope the Rural Hero Grant draws attention to the challenges facing these communities, and inspires all Australians to get behind them.’’
The winner of the inaugural Rural Hero Grant in 2016 was Royal Far West’s Healthy Kids Bus Stop, a mobile clinic that provides free health screening for young children.
In NSW alone, more than one third of children living in rural areas have difficulty accessing health services and some children are on specialist waiting lists for up to 16 months. Thanks to the grant, the program visited five rural communities in NSW in 2016 and 2017.
Royal Far West chief executive officer Lindsay Cane said the organisation was thrilled to win the Rural Hero Grant in 2016.
‘‘The Rural Hero program is an inspired way for many great community organisations to tell their stories and showcase the needs of rural communities,’’ she said.
Shortlisted grant applicants will be invited to create a short, engaging video that shows how their project is the ‘Rural Hero’ needed in their community.
Projects must address at least one of the foundation’s five key areas of focus:
■ Economic and environmental sustainability for Australian farmers;
■ Disaster relief for farming communities;
■ Country children’s health and healthy eating; ■ Food waste and food relief; and ■ Mental health of farming communities.
Eligible charities operating in Victoria, NSW, ACT, Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia, or who run national programs, are encouraged to apply.
The final videos will be posted on the Aussie Farmers Foundation website, with public voting to kick off in August.
All eligible charities must complete and submit the official Expression of Interest (EOI) application form by Wednesday, May 31. ■ Details of the Rural Hero Grant program, applicable terms and conditions and the application process are online at: www.aussiefarmersfoundation.org.au/ grants/aussie-farmers-rural-hero-grant/