How giving can enable long-term renewal in disaster-affected communities 

This summer, communities across Victoria and New South Wales have withstood the worst of catastrophic bushfires and, tragically, five people lost their lives. Flooding in western Queensland has also caused devastating losses in remote communities.  

Natalie Egleton, CEO of the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR), shares with Giving News how philanthropy can enable long-term renewal in disaster-affected communities, not just short-term recovery. 

“People do give generously to support communities to rebuild, and communities impacted by natural disasters welcome support as they work to recover,” Natalie says. 

“But there is a growing sense of donor fatigue around natural disasters and a feeling among communities that regional and rural Australia is only top of mind for others at times of crisis. We have seen this develop in the wake of the Black Summer fires five years ago.” 

FRRR recognises this change by championing a model of giving that enables longer-term resilience building. It is working with communities at risk of natural disasters to develop new models of preparing, including local giving structures, ensuring they are ready to face disasters and able to bounce back quickly after devastation. 

“While towns and areas ravaged by natural disasters do receive immediate government support and generous charitable support, it can take communities six to 12 months, and often longer, to transition to a new normal following a catastrophic disaster,” Natalie explains.  

“That’s when FRRR works with the community, local fundraisers and locally led non-profits – who are the backbone of the recovery efforts – to build long-term paths to sustainable recovery.  

“As mentioned, government support typically comes in early, but when vital infrastructure is destroyed, and treasured lives are lost, recovery can take even longer.” 

FRRR looks at what communities need to rebuild and to be as prepared as possible for the next disaster or major disruption. Needs can range across mental health support; projects that bring people together to process and heal, building-back-better damaged or destroyed infrastructure; or creative or local produce-focused events to draw visitors and stimulate the local economy. 

There is also a significant focus on helping communities to be ready to face the worst. FRRR is collaborating with Red Earth Community Foundation, Minderoo Foundation and the National Emergency Management Agency on a project to strengthen the capacity and resources of six small communities to prepare for and respond to disasters. This includes really practical steps like setting up phone trees or alternate sources of power during an emergency event. 

“Bringing a local-first approach to fundraising and recovery is a powerful model; it means givers have a greater confidence that their generosity will have a tangible impact in devastated communities,” Natalie says. 

You can learn more about FRRR and community-led approaches to disaster preparedness and recovery on its website. You can support FRRR’s current recovery appeal, which is supporting communities affected by fire and flood, by donating here.