Mungindi Grasshoppers Club President Charlie Tootell was ecstatic when he was notified by local Growers – Sam Heagney, South Bunarba Ag and Merryn Barlow, Wyadrigah Pastoral Co. 

“This is so fantastic for our club, we are so grateful for the community partnership that takes place here in Mungindi between our local Mungindi Cotton Growers Association and our town,” Mr Tootell said.

“This year not only have these growers nominated our club forward for this substantial grant, but also have chosen us as one of their 11 Mungindi Charity Groups and given $1,000 to our Junior Netball girls, to go towards their uniform costs for 2018. 

“We have never had an organised winter sport for our girls in Mungindi, and the need for girls Saturday sport has been asked and answered with over 50 young girls aged between 4 and 13 years of age travelling and participating in our club. 

“It is tremendous. Our Mungindi Cotton Growers Association has made an enormous impact on our community this year and we are so grateful for their support.

“A big thank you to Monsanto for getting behind regional communities, where all too often sadly times are tough. 

“We are truly honoured by Monsanto’s support of our Mungindi Grasshoppers Junior Rugby League Club and the projects we have outlined,” he said. 

Thirty not-for-profit and community organisations across cotton growing regions will benefit from a $5,000 grant just before the festive season, awarded under the 2017 Aussie Cotton Farmers Grow Communities grants program.

The program is delivered in partnership by the Monsanto Fund and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal and has now distributed $600,000 to New South Wales and Queensland cotton communities in the past four years.

“After four years, the positive effect that these grants have on recipient communities is becoming even more apparent,” Natalie Egleton, Chief Executive of FRRR, said.

“With these grants, local community groups are able to address ongoing challenges and deliver lasting benefits in their communities.

“Often the funding is a catalyst for further investment, with grants typically leveraged at least three times over with additional financial or in-kind support.

“Sometimes they may seem like simple things, but new transport equipment for the Meals on Wheels Service or upgrading disabled access to a community hall has far-reaching impacts.

“With increasing pressures on rural communities making it harder to raise funds locally, we are delighted to be able to provide support for the wonderful work that many local leaders do, to build strong, vibrant and sustainable communities,” she said.

Cotton Australia Chief Executive, Adam Kay, said the organisation was encouraged to see another 30 diverse projects awarded grants for the betterment of cotton-growing communities.

“In recent years these grants have played an important role, either as seed funding to enable organisations to get projects off the ground, or as the deciding factor in an existing project’s successful completion,” Mr Kay said.

“We congratulate all of this years’ recipients and look forward to seeing what is accomplished in the coming year.”

Monsanto Fund Representative in Australia, Jessica Douglas said that it was clear from the nominations received that there are many dedicated people within cotton areas committed to providing quality and much needed community services.

“Monsanto is proud of the Aussie Cotton Farmers Grow Communities program and the ongoing, positive impact of the grants over the past four years is noteworthy,” Ms Douglas said.

“This year we saw many community support programs being nominated, providing the opportunity to fund a range of projects that focus on mental health, disability care and education.

“Monsanto would like to thank all the cotton growers who nominated community projects – your support for the program ensures its success.

“The stories that have emerged over the past four years are astonishing. With such a wide mandate the grant program is able to offer support to many people. Congratulations to this year’s recipients,” she said.

Conditions for entry

Farmers must be 18 years of age or older and in one of the fourteen Cotton Grower Association (CGA) areas listed in the Program Guidelines.

Organisations working across a range of areas such as social, economic, environmental, health and education are eligible for nomination.

Only not‐for‐profit and charitable organisations that offer clear benefits for rural and regional communities and are located in, or servicing, one of the fourteen CGA areas are eligible to receive the grants.

Nominations will be independently assessed by FRRR. For more information please visit www.aussiecottonfarmers.com.au.