ANZ commits $250,000 to help regional and rural communities

ANZ and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) today announced the opening of the 2014 Seeds of Renewal program, which will provide $250,000 worth of grants for education and employment projects in rural, regional and remote communities.

ANZ General Manager Regional Business Banking, Tania Motton, said: “We’ve seen real changes in regional communities through the Seeds of Renewal program, which has now been running for more than 10 years.

“Last year, 41 regional groups received up to $10,000 in grants - from hospitality training for at-risk youth in Ballina, New South Wales, to lavender oil distilling equipment in Timboon, Victoria, to support the local school’s agriculture and commerce streams.

“ANZ has a long history of supporting regional Australia and the communities in which we live and work. Through programs like Seeds of Renewal, we’re committed to making an ongoing contribution,” Ms Motton said.

Alexandra Gartmann, FRRR Chief Executive Officer, said the Seeds of Renewal program is a crucial way to help build both prosperous and sustainable communities.

“A strong local economy is critical to a vibrant rural and regional community. Projects that focus on developing skills, creating jobs or support life-long learning lead to real outcomes. Importantly local communities are best placed to know what will work for their area and these grants help them bring their ideas to life,” Ms Gartmann said.

Seeds of Renewal is funded by ANZ and independently administered by FRRR. For more information, visit the Seeds of Renewal page on www.frrr.org.au/seeds. Applications close 5.00pm on 26 August 2014 and successful applicants will be notified in November 2014. 

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