Creative Regions is one of more than 100 organisations to receive a Westpac Foundation grant for its Crash Box Crew program, supporting the region's young people.
Westpac Foundation is providing Rural Community Grants to over 100 local organisations that provide employment, education, and training support for some of Australia’s most vulnerable.
Among this year’s recipients is local community organisation, Creative Regions, who has been recognised with a $10,000 Westpac Foundation Rural Community Grant awarded in partnership with the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR).
The partnership sees FRRR selecting 50 rural and regional recipients to receive a grant.
Creative Regions is a charity focusing on connecting communities through the delivery of creative experiences.
The grant will help fund the program Crash Box Crew which aims to build identity and confidence in youth aged 12-18 attending an alternate education facility.
“Creative Regions is eager to begin working with youth disengaged from mainstream education through our pilot program ‘Crash Box Crew’ thanks to funding from this Westpac Foundation Rural Community Grant,” Creative Regions Artistic Director Di Wills said.
Westpac Foundation Chief Executive Officer Susan Bannigan said the rural grants have been designed to provide assistance for those in rural areas who have faced a particularly challenging year.
“Supporting organisations focused on employment, education and training is at the heart of our strategy, and by partnering with FRRR, this has enabled us to leverage their expertise in rural, regional and remote areas and extend our reach to help these communities in need.”
Rural and regional communities play a vital role
Natalie Egleton, Chief Executive Officer, FRRR said “Rural and regional communities play a vital role in Australia’s prosperity and vibrancy. They are facing continuing challenges to growth and development – from drought, to bushfires, to floods, and now COVID-19. Targeted financial support for education, training and employment pathways is critical during these times, particularly for vulnerable groups.
“Through the Rural Community Grants program, FRRR and Westpac Foundation are proud to back local groups to improve the opportunities within their communities so they can continue to prosper.”
In addition to funding, all grant recipients receive pro bono support and access to leadership development programs, legal support, and financial capability training via Westpac’s Changemaker program.
“While access to funds is incredibly important, the collaborative support we also offer through our program partners, like access to expert skills and resources, has become integral in driving these deeper relationships with our grant recipients,” added Bannigan.
With many Australians facing job loss or reduced working hours in the wake of COVID-19, the total $2.25 million funding from Westpac Foundation aims to help these organisations sustain operations and continue facilitating employment opportunities for those who need it most.
In January, Westpac Group also established a $1.5 million Bushfire Fund to support affected customers, communities, and rural fire services with the recovery process.
For more information on the Westpac Foundation Community Grants program and recipients, please visit their website.
