Spanning almost three years from concept to conclusion, these FRRR-funded projects within our Wheatbelt South zone 18 have delivered some fantastic initiatives. Each of them was developed with the common goal of uniting and invigorating our local Wheatbelt communities, strengthening connections and networks, while also building capacity and resilience to better prepare for tough times such as drought.
As we have now reached the conclusion of these projects in July 2025, the Corrigin Farm Improvement Group (CFIG), as the Zone Coordinator for Wheatbelt South zone 18, proudly shares an overview of these projects, the impact they have had on our local Wheatbelt communities and reflections for the future.
The success and strength of these projects would not have been possible without the dynamic and passionate Project Leads and their support teams: Kerryn Chia & Tahnee-Lee Lubke (Shire of West Arthur, Economic & Business Diversification). CFIG would like to congratulate everyone on delivering such a high calibre of projects throughout the Wheatbelt, benefiting and strengthening their local communities and beyond. Together with their support teams and project partners, their hard work and dedication to their community shone through each of these projects and the positive feedback was testament to their commitment.
Project: Economic & Business Diversification
Who: Shire of West Arthur
Project description: Improve capability, coordination and collaboration between networks, other community organisations and sectors that can be drawn upon in future drought through networking sessions, information, events and through the increase in the utilisation of community infrastructure.
Building Business Resilience
- Ideation workshop
- Business bootcamp
Two workshops were part of the grant's developing business resilience component. A business bootcamp session and an ideation workshop. How to make a business idea a reality was the focus of the ideation workshop. During the two-hour interactive session, participants were able to brainstorm using design thinking approaches, prioritise strategies and customer validation of new ideas. Additionally, it included business modelling techniques to help attendees determine the next steps for their business. Feedback from the session indicated that 100% of participants would recommend the event to other people, and 85% of people learnt new skills or techniques that they did not previously use in their business.
Tash Teakle led the business bootcamp session, which was intended to teach businesses how to create a strategic business plan by utilizing pre-existing business models, establishing objectives, and looking into funding sources. For businesses looking to go deeper into their strategic business ideas, this bootcamp also provided one-on-one feedback sessions. According to the response, 100% of participants said they would suggest the session to others, and it provided excellent networking and skill-sharing possibilities. It also indicated potential areas for additional training.
Roadmap to Happiness Bonfire
The Roadmap to Happiness Bonfire was held at the Darkan Caravan Park. With agriculture under threat, we felt that it was important to have an event tailored to the farmers, shearers, stock agents and other community members with a connection to agriculture. This event included two guest speakers, Jayden Webb and Barry Hamilton (Happiness Co.). Jayden shared his unique story and the hurdles he has had to overcome. Many attendees were able to resonate with parts of Jayden’s story and appreciated his openness and vulnerability. Barry’s presentation focused on how he turned his life around, and although it is still not perfect, he can see the good things in each day. Barry gave the audience some practical tools to implement in their own lives, based on gratitude, positivity and self-care. Roughly 40 people attended this event, and there were several positive comments that came out of it, including “I came not knowing what to expect and at the start I thought, oh maybe I didn’t need to be here but as it went on, I realised how powerful it was”.
About the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR)
The Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) is the only national foundation specifically focused on ensuring the social and economic strength of remote, rural and regional communities. FRRR are assisting with the delivery of the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund (FDF) to help communities prepare for the impacts of drought and build drought resiliance.
FRRR work alongside local people and communities to facilitate increased social connection, strengthen network opportunities and link capacity building opportunities to ensure widespread local benefit so that communities are better prepared for future challenges such as drought.
For more information, visit the FRRR WEBSITE