Rural

Water scarcity solutions must address the environmental, economic and social issues related to this precious natural resource. These include improving water efficiency, promoting conservation and increasing groundwater storage, as well as implementing agricultural strategies to alleviate water pressures. 2.3 billion people live in countries with water scarcity, and this number is increasing. This is caused … Read more

School leaders from rural communities have commenced a unique program at Flinders University that helps them overcome their challenges and harness outside-the-box opportunities to benefit students. This is part of a larger effort to improve education quality in remote and rural communities across Australia. Schools in tightknit rural communities can be a great place for … Read more

The future of the Australian Outback is at a crossroads. It can be shaped either by default and inaction or deliberately, preserving the natural, cultural and economic value of this irreplaceable landscape. Households in outer-urban and remote areas of Australia are more likely to experience transport disadvantage than those in urban areas. This is due … Read more

Rural youth are eager to develop into productive individuals and become connected with their communities. But they need good income-generating opportunities to do so. A survey of 10 – 18 year old out-of-school rural youth showed that they aspired to careers in farming and building and construction trades. CapED is facilitating skills development to fulfill … Read more

First responders prioritize the safety and well-being of their communities, which can be stressful and traumatic for them. This can lead to burnout, depression, substance abuse, vicarious trauma and unhealthy coping mechanisms. Fortunately, many resources exist for first responders to get help and treatment. Whether it’s one-on-one counseling, peer support or crisis hotlines, these options … Read more

A range of community services are available for people living, working or travelling in rural and remote South Australia. These include telehealth and a variety of local support services. Participants in three rural and remote regions of SA were asked to complete a computer-assisted telephone interview about their perceived barriers to seeking help for either … Read more

Educators can celebrate cultural diversity in many ways, from inviting students’ families to share their culture in the classroom to hosting an international movie night. This collection of stories can inspire conversations about diversity and inclusion while highlighting what we have in common. Rural communities are increasingly multicultural. But what does this mean for the … Read more

Local communities recognize that farmland is a finite resource and have sought ways to protect it. Regulatory tools ranging from agricultural protection zoning to purchase of development rights have been used with varying degrees of success. Agricultural protection zoning ordinances prohibit non-farming development on prime agricultural soil and may include subdivision limitations, land-use conflict resolution … Read more

Adaptive reuse can be a way to save a historic building from demolition. It also allows for attractive architectural characteristics to be preserved. Whether it’s an old factory, office space or water tower, adaptive reuse is good for preservation and sustainability. But it’s not without its challenges. The Robert Frost Stone House Museum in Bennington, … Read more

If agriculture-dependent communities are to be resilient, they need to be able to respond to drought preparedness needs at a grassroots level. This can be achieved by leveraging community assets, knowledge and networks. FRRR, with support from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, is working with communities to develop and implement regional drought resilience planning … Read more