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Building Stronger Communities

Building capacity in our local communities to develop their priorities, seize opportunities and tackle challenges.

Impact Snapshot

As a durable Community Foundation we use our investment earnings and donations to support our community.

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Scholarship funding
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Donations received
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Our Impact
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There are many opportunities to support need in our community through giving: donate to an existing fund, start your own fund, or leave a gift in your will to provide future support.

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Need support from the Community Foundation?

At the Mirboo North and District Community Foundation we support our communities through the following programs:  Community Grants, Education Support and Sponsorship.  

Find out more about these programs below. 
If you are looking for support beyond these programs, get in touch to discuss.

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Stay Informed, Be Inspired

Read Our Latest News
Foster Family Endowment Fund established to support local Students 

The Mirboo North & District Community Foundation is delighted to announce the establishment of the Foster Family Endowment Fund, made possible through a significant and generous donation from Rob and Robyn Foster.  Investing in Future Generations This durable fund has been created to support the education, health and wellbeing of students at both Mirboo North Primary School and Mirboo North Secondary College, providing opportunities for local students to enhance their learning and development for generations to come.  Rob attended Mirboo North Primary School and Mirboo North Secondary School before studying pharmacy and building a successful career in the profession.  He has lived and worked in Melbourne for many years but maintains a connection with Mirboo North.  “Growing up in Mirboo North, I had a good education at the primary and secondary schools, which enabled me to continue studying and establish my career,” explains Rob Foster.  “I am now in a position where I can give back and I am pleased to support the students of the Mirboo North schools in achieving their potential.”  Creating Opportunities for Local Students The donation has been made in recognition of Rob’s parents, Clarrie and Pat Foster, whose contribution to the Mirboo North community over many decades (1951-1992) left a lasting legacy.  Rob notes the fund reflects the values instilled in them by Clarrie and Pat.  Clarrie and Pat moved to Mirboo North in 1951 with their young family after purchasing a local drapery business. Over the following decades, they became deeply involved in community life, with Clarrie in particular dedicating countless hours to local schools, sporting clubs, service organisations and community projects.  Among his many contributions, Clarrie served for more than 20 years with Mirboo North Primary School and 30 years with Mirboo North High School. Clarrie and Pat also personally funded annual scholarships for students and were known for quietly assisting young people in need.  In recognition of his outstanding service Clarrie was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 1988.  “Through their parents, Rob and Julie learned the value of giving, whether as a volunteer in community activity or giving financially to support those less fortunate than themselves,” says Executive Officer of the Mirboo North & District Community Foundation, Ruth Rogan.  A Legacy of Education, Community and Giving “Rob and Robyn have chosen...

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People making an Impact

Update from the Community Foundation Over the last few months we have had a number of important ‘people’ changes within the Community Foundation:  the retirement of Director Walter Aich at the end of 2025, the appointment of Lorraine Sainsbury to the Board and the retirement of Joy Koh, member of the Investment and Finance Committee, both in April of this year.  At the AGM last November, Walter Aich finished up as a Director of the Community Foundation after 11 years of service, including two years as Vice Chair.  Walter’s background in education, both in the secondary and adult learning sectors, led to an on-going interest in the connection between well-being and learning which he brought to his work as a Director.  A long term resident of Dumbalk, Walter also brought his interest in learning and teaching skills to his work with community organisations, like the local Dumbalk Fire Brigade and the local CFA district.   “While Walter has stepped down from the Board, we are very pleased that he will continue to provide his skills as a member representative of the Audit and Risk Committee,” noted Ruth Rogan, Executive Officer. After a well advertised Director recruitment campaign, the Community Foundation’s Nominations Committee’s process recommended Lorraine Sainsbury be appointed to the Board.  The Board was delighted to approve this appointment and welcome Lorraine in April.  Lorraine, who hales from New Zealand, has been a resident of the Mirboo North district for ten years.  In this short time she has made a very positive contribution to a range of local community groups; the Cemetery Trust, the community newspaper, Friends of the Library, and as one of the South Gippsland representatives on the Community Advisory Committee for Myli Library.  Lorraine joined the Community Foundation’s Audit and Risk Committee as a member representative in...

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Gardiner Grant supports Teen Mental Health First Aid across South Gippsland 

This year 750 young people across South Gippsland will benefit from Teen Mental Health First Aid training thanks to a grant from the Gardiner Foundation in support of Live4Life South Gippsland.  Live4Life South Gippsland is a community embedded initiative that takes a whole of community approach to addressing youth mental health challenges and reducing youth suicide.  Mental Health at a local level Live4Life operates effectively at a local level due it its broad local partnership including all the secondary schools in South Gippsland, South Gippsland Shire Council, regional health services and community organisations. As a partner in Live4Life South Gippsland, the Mirboo North & District Community Foundation applied for this funding to support of the implementation of this training for teens across South Gippsland in 2026.    “Each year Live4Life South Gippsland provides: teen mental health first aid training for all the Year 8 and Year 10 students in South Gippsland’s schools; mental health first aid training for adults, educators and community members to support young people; and a Shire-wide peer to peer support initiative called ‘Crew’ at each of South Gippsland’s schools,” explained Ruth Rogan, Executive Officer of the MN&D Community Foundation.   “This on-going program is really critical in equipping our young folk, their parents, educators and the broader community with the knowledge and confidence to recognise mental health challenges in young people and to support them with the information needed to seek help.”  The Live4Life model is protecting young lives where it matters most, through empowering rural and regional communities to improve youth mental health and reduce suicide.  This is critical given the statistics:  mental ill-health among young people aged 16–24 has increased by more than 50 per cent in the past 15 years, while more than 60 per cent of young people in rural and regional areas are unable to access the mental health services and supports they need.   Getting involved Support from the Gardiner Foundation will ensure that Teen Mental Health First Aid training continues to reach students across the region in 2026, building the capacity of the South Gippsland community to address youth mental health challenges effectively. The impact is seen not only in improved awareness...

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Timber Reclamation Project: Free Firewood for eligible local households

Timber Reclamation Project: Free Firewood for eligible local households Following through on its commitment post the 2024 storm, the Mirboo North Timber Reclamation Project is now making a cubic metre of free firewood available to eligible households who are resident in the 3871 postcode. In order to access this offer, local residents with a concession card must complete a simple online form (also available in hard copy at Co-Space). Keeping it local The Mirboo North Timber Reclamation Project was a practical off-shoot of the Mirboo North Storm Cell Volunteers’ community-led response to the February 2024 storm. While the Storm Cell Volunteers were coordinating volunteers to clean up properties, provide food and resources and make care checks, the Mirboo North Timber Reclamation Project focused on securing the wind-blown timber for the benefit of the community. This benefit was in the form of milled wood for community projects and processed firewood for community members in need. Thanks to a partnership with the Wednesday Warriors, the dry reclaimed wood best suited for firewood is now being cut up and split by the Wednesday Warriors, who will then deliver it by trailer to those who have signed up. Who can Apply To be eligible you must have a Pensioner Concession, Department of Veteran’s Affairs or Health Care Card and use firewood as a primary heating source. Supply is on a first come, first served basis, so fill in the online form as soon as possible using this link code or drop in to Co-space at 96 Ridgway for a hard copy version. As the cooler weather approaches, this initiative offers both practical assistance and a reminder of what can be achieved when a community works together.

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Understanding Aged Care Services: Live Well at Home

On February 25th a large group of local residents gathered at the Baromi Centre for an informative and practical session focused on understanding aged care services. Jointly hosted by the Community Foundation and U3A Mirboo North & District, the session was about ensuring that members of our community — and those who care for them — feel informed, supported and empowered to make decisions that enable them to live safely and comfortably at home for as long as possible. Delivered by a team from Latrobe Community Health Service, the session brought together three speakers who each shared insights into different parts of the aged care system. · Laura provided a clear overview of the My Aged Care and Support at Home programs ; · Iris spoke about the Carers Program and the supports available for those caring for others; and · Cynthia explained the Care Finders program, which helps those older people who don’t have family support to navigate the aged care system. The session was designed for anyone planning ahead, supporting a loved one, or seeking guidance for themselves — and it delivered exactly that. Participants came away with a better understanding of what services are available and what these may cost, as well as who is considered a carer and the supports available to them. “Importantly, this was only the beginning,” explained Ruth Rogan of the Community Foundation. “For those who need more personalised guidance, there are free one-on-one support sessions available each month at Co-Space. The feedback has been fantastic: individuals and families have found the sessions really hands-on and beneficial.” Going forward these sessions will be facilitated by Robyn Barrie, continuing the valuable work previously undertaken by Laura Corbett. Book your free and confidential appointment with Robyn for any of the following Thursdays: 9th April, 7th...

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Community celebration of International Women’s Day 

A warm and lively crowd of the Community Foundation’s members and their friends gathered at Cospace last Wednesday at a special evening to mark International Women’s Day. Guest speaker Professor Jo Porter, Director of the Collaborative Evaluation and Research Centre at Federation University’s Gippsland campus, captivated the audience with findings from her research capturing the voices and experiences of 1,000 rural women.  The audience — a diverse mix of ages and genders — was highly engaged throughout the evening, with many attendees commenting on particular findings relating to their own experiences and those of people they know.  “Jo’s research really resonated with people in the room,” said Ruth Rogan, Executive Officer of the Community Foundation.  “The research highlighted some challenging realities of life in rural areas, but also the passion that the women had for living rurally and their strong connection with their communities.”  In regional communities especially, women often carry many roles — as leaders, carers, volunteers, professionals, business owners, farmers, artists and quiet community builders whose contributions shape community life every day.  The evening provided an opportunity not only to recognise those contributions, but also to reflect on the opportunities and challenges facing rural women. The themes emerging from the research offered plenty of food for thought, and perhaps inspiration for future community initiatives.  To become a member of the Community Foundation, you can email us on info@mirboodistrictfoundation.org.au or drop in to Co-space (96 Ridgway) for an application form or click here to download and complete your own.

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What the Community has to say about us

"Such a wonderfully warm, inviting and professional space to host meetings. I appreciate this space being available to us as a non profit organisation as well as personally for meetings and workshops."

Sarah Lawless

"The Community Foundation has meant development and enhancement for our community.  It has brought on-going growth in many forms, from facilities like the Medical Centre, to the recognition and support of the work that the community does in the form of grants.  It contributes to a lot of resilience in the community."

Margaret Peters
Member

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