Additional emergency relief accommodation for First Nations communities facing cyclones, and campsite equipment for volunteers in flood affected Western Queensland and Mid North Coast of NSW, are among the projects that have received a boost from NAB Foundation’s Community Grants program.
NAB Foundation has recognised the important work of 25 organisations across Australia, and granted $600,000 to projects that will help communities to rebuild and recover from a natural disaster through its Community Grants program.
The grants support various aspects of disaster recovery and preparedness, including training and planning, environment and wildlife, community recovery, and infrastructure development.
NAB Retail Executive Paul Carter said: “After a natural disaster strikes, the recovery can take months, or years, and it is the tireless work of local community organisations that keep it going and help these areas get back on their feet.
“These grants will continue to support local groups in their efforts to prepare for and recover from natural disasters, ensuring they have the resources needed to make a real difference. Our goal is to help local organisations build a sustainable future, ultimately benefiting the entire region.”
The NAB Foundation Community Grants program was designed to help local communities strengthen their resilience and enhance their recovery efforts. NAB Foundation awards $1.2 million in Community Grants each year across two grant rounds.
The program is part of NAB Ready Together, an initiative that helps customers, colleagues and their communities withstand natural disasters. Since 2021, 395 projects across Australia have so far benefited from $5.2 million worth of community grants.
The next round of Community Grants will be open for applications in August.
Providing safe housing after a natural disaster
Scott McKeen, CEO of CAAPS, has seen the devastating impact cyclones and floods have had on thousands of displaced Aboriginals in the Northern Territory, long after the event.
“When returning to remote flood affected community homes, food insecurity, unsafe housing and reduced employment means that it is often months before our NT community members can safely restart their normal lives,” Mr McKeen said.
The $50,000 grant from the NAB Foundation will mean CAAPS can add an extra dwelling to their emergency relief accommodation, creating another safe housing option for Aboriginal Territorians who have been displaces by natural disasters.
Mr McKeen said it was a “miracle” to be able to grow CAAPS’ services.
“The continued support from NAB Foundation Community Grants means we can increase critical services, ensuring our community and Aboriginal people are provided with safety to heal and thrive,” he said.
CAAPS is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) supporting individuals and families through services that reflect its values of caring, openness, respect and empowerment. For more information visit www.caaps.org.au.
Restoring the community
Hundreds of farmers across New South Wales and Queensland remain without fencing around their properties following recent flood events. Without the help of volunteers, organised by BlazeAid, these properties could go years before they are restored.
“For many farmers they struggle to see how they are going to recover. BlazeAid is there for the first step in their recovery,” Melissa Jones, BlazeAid CEO, said.
With the support of a $50,000 grant from NAB Foundation Community Grants program, BlazeAid will be able to buy two new mobile kitchens to help provide hearty meals for the volunteers while they rebuild communities.
“There are around 40 volunteers a day at the BlazeAid camp currently and many of those volunteer for many months. They are just wonderful people; they give their heart and soul to help people they have never met before and who are doing it really tough, “ Ms Jones said.
“These kitchens will be amazing and will help us to be more portable and have easier access to areas that are damaged.
“BlazeAid is run on volunteers and donations from the community. Without grants like this NAB Foundation one we would not exist – it keeps us going.”
Blaze Aid is a volunteer-based organisation that works with families and individuals in rural Australia after natural disasters such as fires and floods, to rebuild fences and other structures that have been damaged or destroyed. For more information visit blazeaid.com.au.
Community Grant Recipients by State:
- NSW: Hey Mate, Carwoola Bush Fire Brigade, Barayamal, Koala Conversation Australia, Pottsville & District Men’s Shed
- VIC: The Cool Australia Trust, Boisdale Consolidated School, Feed One Feed All
- SA: The Hut Community Centre, Adelaide Koala and Wildlife Centre
- NT: CAAPS Aboriginal Corporation, Aboriginal Resource and Development Services,
- WA: Wild Life West, Shire of Donnybrook Balingup, Pemberton Youth Emergency Service Cadets
- QLD: Ingham Cutters Rugby Union, Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre, Baby Give Back, SunnyKids, Ingham Football Club, Torres Strait Kaziw Meta, Bollon District Children’s Residence
- ACT: The Australian Outward Bound Development Fund
