Community
5 June, 2026
Bookaar’s first steps in upgrades
THE Lake Bookaar Recreation Reserve Committee of Management has made its first steps towards upgrading the toilet facilities at the Old Bookaar School thanks to a recent grant.
The Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) awarded $1,148,973 in grants to 79 projects across the country through its Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) program.
The program provides funding to not-for-profit organisations in rural and regional communities to deliver locally-driven solutions which address service gaps, strengthen economies and building resilience.
One of the three funding streams – the Small and Vital stream – saw the Lake Bookaar Recreation Reserve Committee of Management receive $10,000 to go towards upgrades to toilet facilities at the reserve.
The committee was among 48 other organisations to receive a share of $402,615 to deliver practical initiatives to respond to a wide range of local priorities.
Committee chair Jane Bennett said the committee members were thankful for the funding.
“We had been looking to upgrade our ride-on lawnmower, and we didn’t have the initial funds,” she said.
“We were looking for different grants we could apply for and someone recommended FRRR.
“We applied for one of their grant rounds with our fingers crossed and we’ve been very successful in receiving the $10,000 grants which we’re very thankful for.
“This project – an upgrade to the toilets attached to the school, has been on the agenda for quite some time.
“This is the fantastic first step of getting an all-abilities toilet attached to the school.”
Ms Bennett said the toilet upgrades would assist in encouraging more people to hire the Old Bookaar School for events.
“We’re a small, active committee living in a fantastic community,” she said.
“Keeping the Lake Bookaar Recreation Reserve active and growing is important.
“It’s an important hub of the community.
“We have two events throughout the year at the hall, and it’s also hired out to an art group on a regular basis.
“We’re looking to other organisations to hire such a wonderful building in such a wonderful environment.”
FRRR head of granting Jill Karena said remote, rural and regional communities each face unique challenges and opportunities, and local people are best placed to understand what’s needed.
“Every community is different, with its own priorities, strengths and circumstances, which is why locally led approaches are so important,” she said.
“We’re continually inspired by the way community groups step up to shape solutions that reflect their local context and aspirations.
“SRC’s flexible funding is vital because it allows communities to respond to what matters most to them, whether that’s strengthening essential services, building local capacity or creating new opportunities.
“By backing community-led ideas, we’re helping places become more self-sufficient, resilient and ultimately better positioned to thrive.
“We’d welcome any donors who share our commitment to these communities to join us and our partners and become a program co-funder.”
FRRR accepts applications to the SRC program year-round, with funding awarded quarterly.
Community groups and NFPs are encouraged to review the guidelines and apply via www.frrr.org.au/src.
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