AN inclusive arts program designed to help the community with flood recovery will run in Kerang thanks to a $10,000 grant to Kerang Neighbourhood House.
Kerang and District Community Centre Inc was awarded the money by Suncorp Insurance, AAMI Insurance and the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal in the aftermath of the October 2022 and January 2023 floods.
In Kerang, the money will go to the arts program, which is aimed at connecting people through positive creative activities.
Suncorp Group chief executive Steve Johnston said the grants would help the community lead the recovery.
“Australia is no stranger to natural disasters and unfortunately I’ve seen all too often the devastation and emotional toll they have on our communities,” Mr Johnston said.
“That’s why we are supporting affected Victorian communities through the Rebuilding Futures program – to not just build back but to build back better than before, making them even more resilient.
“These communities have been through a lot, and we know that recovery from severe weather events can sometimes take years.
“We also know that each community’s priorities during that recovery are different.
“We’re pleased to provide support to a range of different community groups and local not-for-profits that are run by people who know and understand what it is their community needs in order to rebuild.”
Nina O’Brien, disaster resilience and recovery lead at FRRR said there were long-term impacts of natural disasters.
“In this round of grants, we’re seeing projects that are about building community amenities and improving infrastructure but there’s also an emphasis on initiatives that are about building community resilience and promoting social wellbeing,” she said.
“It’s nearly a year since the floods first started, so this just goes to show that the impacts of floods are long lasting and go far beyond the physical damage that’s caused.”
A total of $300,781 has been awarded to 18 remote, rural and regional not-for-profit groups in Victorian communities.
The grants range from $4040 to $20,000 and will be used for a range of projects from building community infrastructure and improving emergency facilities, to youth activity programs and community workshops.
