A partnership between Suncorp and the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) will offer $300,000 in initiatives for rural Victorian communities affected by flooding and storms in the past year.  

The grant, which is supported by the FRRR’s Rebuilding Futures program, will be for Victorian Local Government Areas affected by flooding and storm between October 6 last year and January 13.  

Funds will help support initiatives that build resilience against natural disaster events and rebuild damaged communities.  

FRRR Disaster Recovery and Resilience Lead Nina O’Brien says it is important the initiatives supported by the fund accommodate members of the community who are most vulnerable  

“Different groups within the community, such as those living with disability, homelessness or who speak English as a second language, will be impacted differently, and as such, will have their own needs in terms of building resilience and how they can prepare for future disaster events,” Ms O’Brien said.  

“We encourage community groups to be inclusive with their initiative ideas and consider how their project can support community members from all nationalities, socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.”  

She also encourages communities to “think out of the box” with projects by “harnessing clever use of design” and resilient materials that would help strengthen defences against future disaster events.  

Suncorp’s Group Executive People, Culture & Advocacy Fiona Thompson praised the efforts of FRRR to help communities, noting that the impact of natural disasters is often “complex, context-driven and long-lasting”.  

“This is the third disaster-affected region that we’ve supported through this program over the last couple of years, so we know that the impacts in each place are different,” Ms Thompson said.  

“One thing is always the same though; local people are best placed to know the needs and priorities of their community, especially following a natural disaster event.”  

Suncorp will host a workshop and Q&A session for applicants on June 7 between 12pm and 1pm.  

Applications for the program will be open until July 6.