THE Colac Community Fund – one of the region’s most impactful local giving initiatives – is celebrating an exciting milestone in 2025: 15 years of strengthening the Colac Otway community through grassroots philanthropy.
Since it began, the Fund has injected over $250,000 in small grants into the hands of local organisations and changemakers – supporting everything from education and wellbeing to cultural heritage and the environment.
To mark this incredible achievement, South West Community Foundation (SWCF) will host a special morning tea celebration on Friday 23rd May, uniting volunteers, past grant recipients, community leaders and supporters.
A gala dinner is also planned for Spring 2025, and both events will double as part of a one-off fundraising campaign designed to build the fund’s reserves – ensuring even greater impact for the next 15 years and beyond.
“On reflection, we are extremely proud to have made a difference to the region of Colac Otway Shire over the past 15 years by giving back to a wide range of community groups and supporting their wonderful community projects,” Colac Community Fund Chair, Robyn Alexander said.
“The Colac Community Fund is a wonderful example of a community working through the giving cycle, giving to the fund and then giving it back to the community to meet the needs”.
SWCF Executive Officer, Annabel Cussen, echoed Ms Alexander’s sentiments and said the event will be as much a celebration of community spirit as it is of the fund itself.
“Volunteers and grassroots organisations are at the heart of what makes Colac a vibrant, thriving community,” she said.
“This anniversary is a chance to recognise their efforts, celebrate what’s been achieved, and raise funds to keep that momentum going for years to come.”
The Colac Community Fund has supported a wide variety of projects over its 15 years, including Colac Maker Space, empowering creative learning through hands-on workshops; The Eat Up Colac program, addressing food insecurity for local students; and Colac Scouts, supporting youth connection and skill-building.
As we celebrate this milestone, it is vital that we extend our gratitude to all those who have supported and travelled on this journey with us, our donors and supporters and Colac Community Fund members, past and present, “ Ms Alexander said.
“Local money going to local needs – that’s the power of a sub fund like this. Because the fund is held in perpetuity, every donation made now will benefit the community long into the future.
“However we wish to continue into the future so we welcome any support from you, the community, to assist us with our desire to build our funds that are held in perpetuity.”
SWCF and the Colac Community Fund invite support from all corners of the community – from council and businesses to families, farmers and former grant recipients.
EVENT DETAILS:
Friday 23rd May 2025
10:30am
Colac Otway Performing Arts & Cultural Centre, Colac
RSVP by Friday 16th May 2025: https://events.humanitix.com/swcf-colac-community-fund-15th-anniversary-celebration-launch
