Heartbeat of Rural Australia study
Posted on by jen.newman@rdatasmania.org.au
In September 2021, Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal (FRRR) commissioned the Heartbeat of Rural Australia study, exploring how not-for-profits and community groups in remote, rural and regional Australia are faring, in the wake of nearly two years of constant disruptions.
Key findings:
- Nearly nine in 10 organisations (87%) contribute to the local economy. Almost all provide some form of cultural and social support.
- In the last two years, nearly half of responding organisations had to contend with drought; 37% faced bushfires; 26% floods; and nearly 20% dealt with the mouse plague.
- By far the most detrimental effect has been the inability to meet with one-another, resulting in isolation, reduced wellbeing, and increased stress.