Maintaining community capacity

Context: Regional

The Maintaining Community Capacity project strengthened six Mid West community and grower groups by funding essential coordination roles and enabling them to operate with greater stability and confidence. By supporting executive, administrative and project functions, the initiative helped groups maintain momentum, improve governance, and participate more effectively in regional collaborations.

The project also created space for strategic development, professional growth, and stronger partnerships across the agricultural network. This foundation allowed groups to pursue new opportunities, contribute to regional planning processes, and continue delivering services that underpin local resilience, community engagement, and long-term organisational sustainability.

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Project funded by

This project was supported by the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.

Project Impacts

The Maintaining Community Capacity project strengthened six Mid West grower and landcare groups by funding essential coordination roles, reducing volunteer burnout, and enabling long-term organisational stability. This support generated significant regional benefits.

Groups were able to maintain core social functions such as AGMs, strategic planning, and cross-regional engagement, while newer organisations like 3FIN advanced their governance through their first strategic review. The project also expanded professional development opportunities, with Yuna Farm Improvement Group (YFIG) leveraging secretary time to participate in training and industry events.

Economically, the project directly contributed to drought-resilience planning across the North Midlands and Midwest and enabled multiple groups to codesign and submit major Future Drought Fund applications. Two groups secured additional funding with NACC NRM’s support, and Yarra Yarra Catchment Management Group (YYCMG) grew its workforce and successfully accessed further grants. Continued sponsorships, such as Morawa Farm Improvement Group (MFIG)’s support for a Morawa Agricultural College student, further demonstrate the project’s lasting community value.