Council reinvigorates focus and funds for local foundation
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In a move to better support a broad range of local community and service groups, Cardinia Shire Council will re-establish the philanthropic ‘Cardinia Foundation’.
“This exciting philanthropic foundation will help many of our local community groups and projects that often do it so tough – but are the absolute lifeblood of our communities,” said Cardinia Shire Mayor, Councillor Jeff Springfield.
“As part of the upcoming annual budget process, Council will be considering ways to invest in the future of the Cardinia Foundation and our community.
“We’ll also work strategically to attract additional local funding support to leverage various avenues and come together as a single, strong and sustainable local foundation.
“Our businesses, our groups, our clubs and our people have all shown just what our broader community is capable of – especially through our recent storms, fires, and the pandemic.
“It’s exactly this spirit that will come together in the Cardinia Foundation to deliver a stronger, healthier and more viable model for community funding and support in Cardinia Shire – especially when and where that extra support is needed.”
Beacon Hills Ward councillor Brett Owen, who has been a Director on the Foundation for close to 10 years, said he was pleased Council supported this move at last night’s council meeting.
“The foundation aims to support the social, community and general welfare of those living in Cardinia Shire,” Cr Owen said.
“With an unprecedented opportunity to leverage philanthropic, not-for-profit and volunteer support, Cardinia Foundation will also work to bolster the discretionary effort in Cardinia Shire over the coming years and beyond.
“We know how much our local community groups, sporting clubs, and local festivals and events are a vital part in the richness of our community – particularly in a fast-growing community like ours.
“The Cardinia Foundation will be here to provide support into the future and to lift these projects and groups that will help make a growing shire like ours the greatest place to live, work and play.”
It was first established in 2003, and later transitioned to the Casey Cardinia Foundation in 2013.
Cardinia Shire Council will consider its future financial investment to the Cardinia Foundation through the 2022–23 budget process.