Philanthropic organisation, the Northern Rivers Community Foundation (NRCF) celebrated two decades of community-driven impact last week, which includes $10 million in donations across more than 645 projects since its inception.
Organisers say the event at Elements at Byron brought together over 220 donors, grant recipients, and community leaders ‘to celebrate the power of community giving, a defining trait of our region’s resilience through floods, fires, and the pandemic, and to unveil this year’s Community Grants recipients’.
‘This anniversary celebrates the profound impact of community giving,’ said NRCF CEO, Sam Henderson.
‘From humble beginnings, we’ve witnessed the extraordinary capacity of our region to come together and create meaningful change. Tonight is about honouring our journey and those making a difference on the ground.’
Grant recipients
The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the 2024/25 Community Grants Program recipients.
Organisers say, ‘From ecocultural fire training and community emergency hubs, to supporting families with neurodivergent children to prepare for natural disasters, empowering changemakers, and preserving cultural heritage, these initiatives reflect our commitment to creating positive, lasting change’.
This year’s grant recipients are: Zero Emissions Byron, Autism Camp Australia, Positive Change for Marine Life, Resilient Uki, Resilient Byron / Plan C, Byron Bay Community Benefit Fund, Numulgi Memorial Hall, Nimbin Aquarius Foundation, Australian Seabird & Turtle Rescue, Agape Outreach Inc., Northern Rivers Women’s and Children’s Services, Lower Clarence Community Garden, Northern Rivers Performing Arts, Ballina Hot Meal Centre, RiverTracks, Mullumbimby Sustainability Education & Enterprise Development, Gummyaney Aboriginal Preschool, Woodenbong Community Men’s Shed, Tweed Coast Youth Service, Zephyr Education and Mental Health Support Group.
‘Without the support of NRCF, resilience groups like ours would be in a far more challenging situation,’ shared Melanie Bloor, President of Resilient Uki.
‘With these funds, we’ll develop a guide to empower Northern Rivers communities to better respond to crises, using lessons from past floods and successful models like those in New Zealand.’
‘NRCF’s support has been truly transformative for our work at Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue,’ said General Manager, Steve Whalan.
‘With grants that will help us install solar panels and a Tesla battery, we’ve significantly reduced our energy costs, which means more resources can go directly towards rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife. This support not only sustains our immediate rescue operations, such as maintaining our Turtle Hospital, but also aligns with our mission to educate and inspire the community about sustainable practices.’
NRCF organisers also say, ‘In a testament to the strength and generosity of the Northern Rivers community, patron John Callanan and chair Johan Kortenhorst pledged $50,000 each to establish sub-funds of their own, inspiring on-the-spot commitments totaling an additional $850,000’.
Sub-funds
‘Sub-funds can be established by families, individuals or businesses to manage their charitable giving in a strategic and stress-free way. NRCF takes care of the administration and compliance while sub-fund owners receive an immediate tax deduction and enjoy all the joys of giving.
‘The evening featured heartfelt reflections from NRCF founding members and community partners. Founding member and deputy chair, Lynda Dean OAM, spoke of the foundation’s origins and growth: “This journey began as a simple idea – a way to unite locals who care.
‘Today, we are witnessing a legacy of care and community-driven change”.’
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