In this special Podcasthon episode, Neil sits down with Natalie Egleton, Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) — an organisation dedicated to strengthening the social and economic fabric of remote, rural, and regional communities across Australia.
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With over 25 years in the non-profit and philanthropic sectors, Natalie brings deep experience in partnerships, consulting, fundraising, and organisational development. Since stepping into the CEO role in 2015, she has led FRRR through remarkable growth, facilitating more than $136 million in funding to rural communities through hundreds of partnerships and collaborative initiatives.

In this conversation, Natalie reflects on her personal journey relocating to regional Australia, what drives her passion for community-led change, and how FRRR’s innovative grantmaking and capacity-building programs empower local leaders to create lasting impact. Together, Neil and Natalie explore the resilience, creativity, and generosity that define rural communities — and why investing in their future is vital for a stronger Australia.