It’s been full steam ahead for the Yarra Valley Community Foundation.
Since launching in April, we’ve been listening, building relationships, raising funds and helping local groups through auspice arrangements. We’ve been inspired by the encouragement we’ve already received, and even more excited about what comes next.
As we move through the final month of the financial year, we’re now inviting tax deductible donations of all sizes. Even $10 will have an impact as we invest it and direct the fund’s profits back into the community for years to come.
Importantly, our founding donor has very generously committed to covering the Foundation’s operational costs. That means 100% of every donation will go directly into the Thriving Community Fund, which will grow and provide annual funding to community groups across the Yarra Valley.
We’ve also recently submitted applications to two philanthropic trusts, seeking $100,000 and $30,000. Keep your fingers crossed for us, we’ll share more when we can!
“Happening In Healesville” - Healesville Traders
A number of us from the Foundation attended the latest Healesville Traders’ event last week.
It was such a fantastic event where locals could come together and learn about what’s happening in their community. We heard about the exciting plans for the new Beechworth Honey location (Cnr Church St & Maroondah Hwy), the development of 12 new double villas at the RACV Country Club, and the Yarra Valley Railway’s huge redevelopment project between Healesville and Yarra Glen.
In particular, we listened to the questions raised by attendees:
What kind of jobs will be created and where will employees be housed?
Will local honey producers be affected by the new business in town?
Are the new buildings sustainable and environmentally conscious?
How many volunteers does the railway group have? (Over 300!)
Well done to everyone involved, it was a great night and we’re looking forward to inviting all of the Yarra Valley’s traders to our Business Lunch at the end of July.
Community Consultation Announcement
Over the next period, we’ll be holding a series of Community Consultation sessions. These sessions are an opportunity for the Foundation to hear directly from local people about the issues, ideas and priorities shaping life in our region. First up will be our place-based sessions:
Coldstream | 1 July 5.30pm
Yarra Glen | 3 July 5.30pm
Gruyere | 6 July 5.30pm
Toolangi & Castella | 10 July 7.30pm
Healesville | 13 July 5.30pm
Please pass these links on to people you know who would also be valuable to include in these conversations. We’re already hearing clearly that people are facing significant pressure in our community leading up to winter. Specifically:
- There is almost no affordable housing
- The cost of everyday essentials is rising
- Staying warm is becoming more difficult
As a community with the backing of a Community Foundation, we have an opportunity to find ways to alleviate these problems in the long term. Coming to the community consultation sessions is a great first step!
In the short term, we are lucky to have several wonderful op shops in the Valley. If you have spare warm clothing, please consider dropping some off to your local store.