Spanning almost three years from concept to conclusion, the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) funded projects within the Wheatbelt South zone have delivered some fantastic initiatives. Each project was designed with the intention of uniting and invigorating local Wheatbelt communities, strengthening connections and networks, while also building resilience within the community.
The success and strength of these projects may not have been possible without the dynamic and passionate project leads and their support teams: Kerryn Chia & Tahnee-Lee Lubcke (Shire of West Arthur, Economic & Business Diversification). The purpose of the grant was to improve capability, coordination and collaboration between networks, other community organisations and sectors that can be drawn upon in future droughts or hard times. This would be achieved through networking sessions, information, events, and to increase the utilisation of community infrastructure.
As part of the FRRR funding, the Shire delivered the following projects.
Project: Economic & Business Diversification
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”.
Streetscaping along Darkan Main Street
The installation of the art path was designed to connect Coalfields Highway with the main street of Darkan. The 6 interpretive signs installed in the centre of town promote the town's facilities, tourist attractions and community members representing different backgrounds. Feedback received from the community is that it has brightened up the Darkan railway reserve area, creating a vibrant, friendly and welcoming space. The final aspect of the streetscaping was the installation of a mural on Burrowes Street. The mural was painted by Jerome Davenport. The mural depicts a setting from the Shire overlooking Lake Towerrinning. It showcases the Shire’s natural assets whilst promoting what the Darkan community and community members are renowned for. In difficult times, the mural provides a place for community members to reflect.
The Station Stop
The Station Stop opened in September 2024 and played a vital role in bridging the gap that the Darkan community had whilst the Café, Pub & Roadhouse were closed, as well as showcasing the exceptional products, artworks and craft items from 24 local and regional businesses. It created a space for locals to meet and tourists to visit, as well as allowing our younger residents to gain employable skills and experience. Staff underwent barista and customer service training and operated the shop on weekends and school holidays with the assistance of the project coordinator.
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