MOREE East Public School’s mainly music program and Mungindi’s History Park are among 80 community groups across remote, rural and regional Australia to receive funding through the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal’s flagship grants program, Strengthening Rural Communities.

The Moree East mainly music program received $7585 to help build school-readiness for vulnerable children through weekly interactive music sessions.

Mungindi’s History Park was awarded $9186 to increase tourism in a remote community through improving promotional materials and storage in the park.

Over the border, Goondiwindi and District Historical Society was awarded $10,000 to enhance inter-generational knowledge-transfer and social connection by supporting older volunteers to share their skills with a series of lost trades workshops and the launch of a military display.

Bec Beness established mainly music in Moree nearly 20 years ago.

The non-funded volunteer community group meet at the Lifehouse Church Monday mornings, led by Bec, and Moree East Public School Friday mornings, supported by Peony Daniels.

Funding totalling $820,000 will be used by grassroots not-for-profit organisations for a wide range of initiatives.

Jill Karena, head of granting at FRRR, said the SRC team is continually inspired by the strength and resilience of not-for-profits dedicated to helping remote, rural and regional communities thrive.

“What makes rural communities amazing are the people that live there,” Ms Karena said.

“These places are filled with locals working hard to keep community spirit alive and willing to step up to see their region navigate the highs and lows that come with living in the country.

Moree East Public School’s mainly music program recently received funding through the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal’s flagship grants program, Strengthening Rural Communities.

“We see our role as walking beside them and empowering local groups to lead the projects they know will have a real impact,” she said.

“Small grants really do make a big difference and FRRR’s SRC program is so popular because it offers flexible small grants year-round to remote, rural and regional communities in all states and territories.

“Our grants are often just one part of the bigger picture in terms of getting projects off the ground. “But we know that this funding is often a crucial catalyst, encouraging further investment in local solutions,” Ms Karena said.

To read an earlier story about Mainly Music in Moree and how it all began, click HERE

Parents and carers interested in taking part in Moree Mainly Music can contact Bec Beness on 0408 963904.