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Announcing Cohort Four of Backing the Future Changemakers

The Backing the Future by VFFF and FRRR grants program supports individuals and groups of individuals working to back young people aged 12-30 in rural and regional NSW and QLD. Backing the Future grants award $50,000 over 12 months to work that is focused on rural and regional young people across one or more of VFFF's four focus areas: Decent Work, Caring for the Environment, Contributing to Society and Exploring Christian Faith and Values.

The fourth round of Backing the Future by VFFF & FRRR opened in February 2024, for individuals based in QLD. In May 2024, a group of amazing individuals from rural and regional QLD were selected as the fourth Backing the Future cohort. Below is a brief summary of their early stage ideas to support rural and regional young people.

Backing the Future is delivered in partnership with the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR). To find out more about this grants program, click here.

Dennis Fay: Igniting Torres Strait Youth Entrepreneurship

Conducting workshops in remote Torres Strait communities designed to ignite entrepreneurial passion, foster skill development, promote environmental stewardship, and encourage active societal contribution

Fraser Nai: Ailan (Island) Guardians

Launching a tourism training program for young people in the Torres Strait that focuses on fostering on-country learning to cultivate tourism professionals that are committed to cultural preservation.

Justin Ballantyne: The Teacher Wellbeing Academy

A program focused on supporting the wellbeing of young Australian teachers in rural QLD schools by providing them with reputable psychological tools and processes to use in teaching.

Rheanca Lincoln: We are not alone

Delivery of conferences in regional Queensland that aim to empower and connect young people living with disabilities, chronic illness or who identify as neurodivergent.

Robyn Cook: Bringing Youth to Regional Events

Development of a business case and content to expand STUFFit Student Film Festival’s Certificate III in Events to other existing regional events in Queensland enabling young people to gain experience and qualification in event management.

Shonae Hobson: Research and development of Indigenous botanicals on Southern Kaantju Country

Reviving cultural education of traditional bush medicines amongst young people through botanical fieldwork with Southern Kaantju Elders, Indigenous rangers and scientists.