Grantus Blog - $200M Disaster Ready Fund. Photograph: State Control Centre.

How will you support your community’s resilience with this $200M Fund?

Driving through the Grampians recently, I was reminded of the devastating impact of the bushfires that swept through the region. The scars on the land are still visible, but so too are the signs of recovery, businesses reopening, communities rallying, and people working together. These moments of resilience, while inspiring, don’t happen by chance. They require planning, resources, and collaboration.

The Australian Government’s Disaster Ready Fund (DRF) is a vital opportunity for councils, water corporations, not-for-profits, and First Nations organisations to prepare their communities for future challenges. With $200 million available in 2025-26, the DRF supports projects that reduce disaster risk, strengthen resilience, and enhance preparedness for all-hazard emergencies.

Why the Disaster Ready Fund Matters

The Grampians bushfires are a stark reminder of how vulnerable our communities can be to natural disasters. The immediate bravery of firefighters and emergency services often captures our attention, but it’s the long-term recovery efforts, often led by councils, water corporations, and community organisations that ensure regions bounce back stronger.

The DRF is designed to fund projects that address these critical needs, offering support to:

  • Construct flood levees, bushfire shelters, and other hazard mitigation systems to protect lives and property.
  • Strengthen water supply systems to withstand extreme weather events and ensure reliable access during crises.
  • Develop community education programs and initiatives that address the psychological and practical impacts of disasters.
  • Create tailored resilience strategies for remote communities or First Nations groups.

Seizing the Opportunity

Applications for the DRF must first be submitted to state and territory agencies by 2 April 2025​.

Eligible organisations should act quickly to identify potential projects and ensure their applications meet the DRF’s requirements. Projects must deliver enduring benefits, align with national and local resilience strategies, and demonstrate a clear capacity for implementation​.

The bushfires in the Grampians showed me both the devastation disasters can cause and the power of collective action in recovery. Now is the time to take the next step by investing in resilience. The Disaster Ready Fund provides a unique opportunity for organisations to build stronger, safer communities, ones that can withstand future challenges and recover more effectively when disaster strikes.

If your organisation is ready to make a difference but isn’t sure where to start, Grantus can help. We specialise in crafting compelling funding applications, designing resilience strategies, and guiding organisations through the complexities of disaster preparedness.

Let’s work together to ensure a resilient future for your community.

Simon Coutts - CEO of Grantus

Simon Coutts

Simon is the CEO and Founder of Grantus, a trusted advisor in strategic funding, complex problem solving, and stakeholder management, driving growth and public benefit for organisations dedicated to making a lasting impact. Book a ‘Borrow My Brain‘ session with Simon.

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