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South West Community Foundation Latest News

  • Alison
    February 26, 2026

    Leadership Transition Complete, Meet Our New Executive Officer

    We are delighted to welcome Alison Byrne as our new Executive Officer. Alison brings more than 35 years of experience across the not-for-profit, health, and education sectors, with deep expertise in philanthropy, governance, strategic leadership, and community engagement. Based on...

    Read More

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Apr 24

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Today, we pause to remember and honour those who have served, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

ANZAC Day is a time to reflect on courage, mateship and community - values that continue to shape and strengthen the way we support one another.

Lest we forget.

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Apr 23

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We’re proud to support initiatives like this through our partnership with the @gardinerdairy.
Plates & Paddocks is a hands-on hospitality program giving young people across Corangamite the opportunity to build skills, confidence and connection, all while celebrating the incredible local produce and primary producers in our region.

From training and preparation through to delivering a community meal, this program is about more than food. It’s about creating pathways, fostering community pride, and bringing people together in a meaningful way.

A big congratulations to @camperdowncommunityhouse and everyone involved in bringing this project to life. We’re excited to see the impact it continues to have.

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Apr 15

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Are you looking to make a difference and give locally? 
At South West Community Foundation, we make it simple to support the communities you care about most, right here in South West Victoria.

We connect local generosity with local need, ensuring every dollar is invested thoughtfully and reinvested back into our region to create lasting impact.

What makes us different?
1. We are place-based - we live and work in the communities we support
2. Funds are held in perpetuity, creating impact year after year
3. We work alongside donors, community groups and partners to direct funding where it’s needed most
4. We support grassroots projects that strengthen connection, resilience and opportunity across the region

Whether you're an individual, family or business, giving locally means you can see the difference your contribution makes.

If you’ve been thinking about how to give back, we’d love to start that conversation.
Learn more at southwestcommunityfoundation.org (Link in Bio)

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Apr 9

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Our new Executive Officer, Alison met with the Koroit & District Community Fund board at @Noodledoof recently to celebrate the latest round of funding.

It was a great opportunity to come together, reflect and see firsthand the impact these funds are having within the Koroit community. Conversations like these are a powerful reminder of what community-led giving can achieve.

A big thank you to the local leaders and volunteers who continue to steward this fund and support projects that strengthen connection, inclusion and opportunity across the region.

Congratulations to the latest grant recipients:
- Brophy Youth & Family Services
- Koroit Community Exercise Group
- Koroit Community Garden
- Koroit Football Netball Club
- Leadership Great South Coast
- Lions Club of Koroit
- Macarthur Advancement and Development Association
- Riding for Disabled
- Koroit Scout Group

We look forward to sharing more about these projects very soon.

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Apr 7

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We're excited to welcome Stacey Barnes to the South West Community Foundation Board! 💚

Since 2013, Stacey has called South West Victoria home, and although originally from the UK, she says it feels like the place she was meant to be. Her early work in local government gave her a deep appreciation for the power of place-making, community connection, and the role that creative activity plays in wellbeing.

Now leading the Creative Industries Strategy at Regional Arts Victoria, Stacey works closely with creatives and communities across the Great South Coast. She brings to the board a strong background in governance, community engagement, and regional leadership.

So, why SWCF?
“The Foundation’s focus closely aligns with my values. I’m passionate about empowering regional communities and the people who make them thrive.Together, I hope we can harness the power of place-based philanthropy to create positive, long-term outcomes for our region,” Stacey said.

We’re thrilled to have Stacey join the team and can’t wait to see the impact she’ll help shape across South West Victoria.

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Mar 31

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As the Colac Showgrounds continues to grow in use and popularity, we’re proud to support upgrades that help keep everyone safe - from event organisers to competitors and visitors.

Through this funding, important improvements are being made, including:
- Updated first aid kits to meet current safety standards
- Support for up-to-date Event Management Plans
- 50 safety cones to clearly mark horse arenas

With events attracting up to 200 people, these practical upgrades play an important role in protecting both participants and the wider community.

It’s a great example of how small, targeted funding can make a big difference, helping community spaces remain safe, compliant and ready for the events we all enjoy.
Our supporters

South West Community Foundation is proud to acknowledge our sponsors and partners.

Contact us
PO Box 478
Warrnambool VIC 3280
info@southwestcommunityfoundation.org
Connect

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land we live and work on, the lands of the Gunditjmara, Giraiwurung, Guilidjan, Gadubanud and Djabwurrung. We recognise the diverse needs of our community and we ensure our services are inclusive of all children, young people and their families including those who are of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, those who identify as LGBTIQ and persons living with disability.

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  • About
    • Our People
    • History
    • Our Funds
      • Koroit & District Fund
      • Colac Community Fund
      • Donors & Named Funds
    • Partners
    • FAQs
    • Our Impact
    • Annual Reports
    • Join Us
  • Support
    • How to Donate
    • Bequests
    • Start a Sub Fund
    • Charity Partner
  • Grants
    • Previous Grants
  • Services
    • Advice & Support
    • Community Fundraising
  • News
  • Events
  • Contact