The Connected stream sees the TFFF collaborate with the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) to provide one-off project grants strengthening community connectedness. The TFFF recognises the FRRR's expertise in this type of responsive grassroots grantmaking and further resources its capacity to deliver support to Queensland and the Northern Territory.
The TFFF's support is specific to the FRRR's Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) program, which preferences applications from communities with populations under 15,000 people. Small & Vital grants up to $10,000 are available for a range of community-led projects that strengthen local people, places, and climate solutions. The FRRR receives SRC applications on an ongoing basis which are assessed and announced quarterly, and occasionally awards larger Tailored Grants for time-critical applications.
From FY24-26, the Strengthening Rural Communities program and administration has an annual TFFF investment of $400,000 at its disposal. A further $30,000 was approved for 3 organisations.
FRRR Small & Vital grants
FRRR Tailored grants
of SRC funding awarded to First Nations organisations and/or projects^
total Connected funding distributed
The figures in the infographics above refer only to funding approved and distributed in the 2023/24 financial year.
The modern Men's Shed is an updated and purposeful version of the Australian backyard shed. They are supportive environments for men to stand shoulder to shoulder and unlearn stoic habits. Not all Men's Sheds are the same; programs, projects, and facilities vary by location and groups with a broader membership, including women, may call themselves Community Sheds. Regardless of local flavour, all Sheds provides a comfortable area for members to gather and talk, probably over a cuppa.
The Men’s Shed movement has become a powerful tool in addressing men's overall health and wellbeing. Many 'Shedders' report improved mental health outcomes including increased self-esteem and destigmatisation of such issues. The combination of physical activity, skills building, contributing to community, and connecting with mates supports members from all walks of life to navigate isolating and bumpy times. All you need to join is time on your hands and the desire to do something meaningful with that time.
Proston is located in the South Burnett Region, Queensland, on Wakka Wakka country. The Proston Men’s Shed held its first meeting nearly ten years ago, attended by 47 men (plus a few women). Today's Shed opened to the community in 2023, along with an amenities building and a workshop where members can engage in woodwork, metal work, and gardening. The Shed offers social activities twice weekly, health and wellbeing seminars throughout the year, and assists other community groups and vulnerable members of the community. In their own words: "We are a friendly bunch and it is a place where men can just be themselves."
Funding through the FRRR SRC program supported the Proston Men’s Shed to install a split system air conditioner to make the space more comfortable and welcoming all year round.
Photographs courtesy of Proston Men's Shed.
Enhancement of community capacity in marine conservation and the building of employment pathways for Indigenous women through a three-week intensive training program on Magnetic and Palm Islands.
Building the skills and confidence of older community members to safely access essential services online by providing a program of IT workshops, 1:1 sessions and monthly follow-up morning teas across four remote communities.
Provision of a dedicated youth space in the library to support social connection and skills building for geographically isolated 12 to 25-year-olds.
Building of local skills while improving social connections, confidence and community pride by supporting a community theatre production in September 2024.
Enhancement of community capacity for cultural and environmental preservation by the sharing of knowledge across Indigenous Ranger groups through a ranger exchange.
Improvement of the club’s ability to support and service the community through the purchase of a new computer.
Cultivation of local leadership and retaining skilled early childhood educators in the Isaac region with a place-based professional development program.
Provide outdoor play facilities for preschool children, supporting the development of physical skills, coordination, and balance.
Improvement of amenities and volunteer operating conditions at the showground by upgrading cold storage equipment from eskies to a fridge.
Improvement of community safety and compliance with food handling regulations by replacing the Hall’s worn vinyl flooring.
Foster community connection by providing after-school dance lessons for children in an isolated community, culminating in a public performance.
Purchase a specialised all-terrain vehicle to support volunteers to increase the number and safety of prescribed burns to protect the community.
Encouragement of students' learning and development with outdoor play equipment that stimulates and challenges older children.
Expansion of hands-on learning and enrichment opportunities for students experiencing educational disparity by building a garden for use as a teaching space.
Support a series of creative arts workshops and events to foster youth engagement with the arts, improving social outcomes and youth resilience.
Enhancement of organisational capacity and community awareness of Mission Beach's First Nations culture and colonial history by upgrading IT equipment and the creation of a virtual museum website.
Install a perimeter fence around a public hall to create a safe and welcoming space that will facilitate increased community use.
Expansion of the use of the shed by installing a split system air conditioner to make the community meeting space more comfortable and welcoming.
Reduction of the need for frequent excessive travel by volunteers to regional training facilities by building a local training site for skills development and regular practice.
Undertake landscaping works to improve safety and amenity of a local CWA hall, ensuring the community has access to a comfortable and safe gathering space.
Assistance for families living remotely to engage with their peers while accessing early childhood educational resources and specialists by the creation of an interactive website and online playgroup.
Enhancement of community hall use by upgrading fridges to improve food safety.
Improvement of the Club's financial capacity to support the community with power cost savings created by installing a solar system.
Fostering students’ curiosity and lifelong learning through the purchase of a STEM activity cart and engagement of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
