Photo Jeff ‘Bequeathed But Not Dead Yet’ Dawson
Have you ever wondered how you could make a difference in the world?
Perhaps there is an issue that you feel passionate about where you would like to make a lasting impact?
Two locals who have been on the ground making a difference throughout the Northern Rivers for years are Paul Jameson and John Bennett, and they have set up a long-term approach to making a difference both now and into the future.
John is a founding member of the Northern Rivers Community Foundation (NRCF), while Paul wrote the first business plan.
NRCF celebrates its 20th year in 2024.
And now they are the driving force behind developing and building the NRCF’s bequest and gift giving fund.
‘Over 20 years, the NRCF have donated $10.5 million to over 600 organisations across the seven local government areas on the Northern Rivers,’ explained Paul.
‘Following the 2022 flood, we took donations of $1.8 million over a matter of months and much of that was hitting the ground for flood-affected communities in a matter of weeks.’
Tony Narracott – the beginning
The NRCF’s bequest and gift giving fund began with a bequest from well-known Byron Bay local, Tony Narracott.
‘Tony and Barbra moved here in the late 1980s and he was instrumental in building up the Byron Bay Chamber of Commerce from around 30 to 100 members,’ said John.
‘In around 2007, Tony was diagnosed with terminal cancer, and when his time was near, I took him to lunch and told him that the NRCF would like to recognise his contribution to this area. He was our first bequestor, and gave his son Andrew a cheque for $20,000 to start the Tony Narracott Youth Fund.
‘This fund has since grown to over $250,000, with major contributions from his son Andrew, and other friends that recognise Tony’s contribution to youth, and remember Tony.’
Tony Narracott memorial
Barry Wallace and John Bennett are organising a Tony Narracott memorial on September 13, from 2pm at the Byron Bay Golf Club. It was the scene of his notorious living wake, held there in 2007. All those who knew Tony and would like to join in remembering him are welcome.
‘John and I are now focusing on bequests, and are looking for people who have some assets – when they die a proportion of their estate comes to the NRCF,’ explained Paul.
‘The bequest fund is a way for people to support community projects that will continue in perpetuity, in a sustainable way,’ explained NRCF Engagement Manager, Sandra Duncan.
Morning tea
Paul and John are both big contributors, with John having bequeathed $1 million to the NRCF, and Paul having left 100 per cent of his estate to the foundation.
‘We are arranging morning teas with up to ten people to discuss the option of leaving the NRCF a bequest,’ Paul said.
‘We are being proactive about talking to people about the idea of leaving a bequest,’ said John.
‘When like-minded people sit down and talk in a round table discussion it gives people a chance to really consider if this is an option they would like to look at.’
Paul explained that, ‘the money you leave is invested and then the interest from that is distributed as grants. You can leave money to the general fund, or look at leaving a specific fund that supports a particular area of the community like youth, the environment, disability, LGBTQI+ etc.’
‘You need to look after your family first,’ said John.
‘My principle is to give your kids enough money for them to have a bed to sleep in, but not enough that they don’t get out of it,’ he said with a laugh.
‘NRCF is leading the way with our bequest fund,’ said NRCF CEO, Sam Henderson.
‘The vision is a form of community capital that can provide support across the region. It forms a community pool of capital that can work for generations to come. Once these endowment funds are created they give back forever. The region becomes more self reliant.’
To find out more about the bequest fund, look online at www.nrcf.org.au/giving/bequests.
You can get your friends together to create a morning tea with Paul and John, or ask to join one they are running.
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