THE Wanaruah Local Aboriginal Lands Council (WLALC) will benefit from ANZ’s Seeds of Renewal program with a grant of $10,463 being used to purchase new IT equipment that will significantly enhance their ability to support their local community.
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The Muswellbrook-based organisation was formed in 1984 and works to improve the lives of Aboriginal people in the Hunter Valley across a range of areas, including cultural awareness and preservation, housing, land preservation and spiritual wellbeing.
WLALC chief executive officer Noel Downs is excited by the opportunity the grant presents.
“It will allow us to respond quickly and effectively to local needs and, ultimately, help Wanaruah build a creatively and culturally vibrant community,” he said.
The Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) announced last week that a total of 27 community groups will share in $250,000 in grants, plus a further $12,990 in IT equipment, through the ANZ Seeds of Renewal Program.
The funds donated by ANZ and the IT equipment provided by Lenovo will help build vibrant and sustainable rural communities, ensuring regional Australia’s ongoing prosperity.
Since its inception, Seeds of Renewal grants have contributed to a variety of initiatives in communities of fewer than 15,000 people, including the development of social enterprises, education, training and mentoring programs, and improving community facilities.
ANZ regional executive, business banking, Paul Cragg said the program played an important role in supporting regional Australia, with $4.6 million invested by ANZ since 2003 to help more than 800 community groups achieve their goals.
“Our rural communities are strong and important contributors to Australia’s economic health,” he explained.
“Keeping our communities thriving is vital and we’re proud to support the important services these programs provide to their communities, all around Australia.”
FRRR chief executive officer Natalie Egleton said the aim of the grants was to empower regional communities to build a strong and sustainable future, and to kick-start many of the great ideas that exist in regional and rural Australia.
“The range of groups receiving funding is a great example of the diverse needs in rural, regional and remote communities, and reinforces why flexible programs like ANZ Seeds of Renewal are so important for building strong, vibrant and sustainable communities,” she added.
