Following deductions for administration and other support, the donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Mumbulla Foundation who will award grants of up to $5000 to improve social and community opportunities in the Bega Valley Shire.

Mayor, Bill Taylor said the donation strengthens the partnership with the Mumbulla Foundation, and in doing so it provides the community with vital assistance and services.

“This is a partnership that has been forged over many years and its success has been felt by many people in the shire.

“Knowing the Mumbulla Foundation is there as a generous community advocate is reassuring, and I am pleased that much of their work addresses issues identified by Council’s social planning team,” he said.

Chair of the Mumbulla Foundation, Olwen Morris, said many small community organisations in the shire struggled to find money to fund their projects.

“The Mumbulla Foundation realises this, which is why it was set up more than 10 years ago, in partnership with the Bega Valley Shire Council,” she said.

“Since then, with Council support, the Foundation has distributed more than $600,000 in grants to local community groups, making a real difference to the lives of shire residents.

“The Foundation is grateful for ongoing support from Council and this cheque, together with other funds raised, will enable us to distribute a further $70,000 this year.

“As a tax-deductible trust, the Mumbulla Foundation is able to receive donations and distribute them to the community. It can also help organisations that are applying for funds from other trusts and foundations.

“The grants for this funding round have gone to a wide range of 34 projects across the shire from Eden to Bermagui,” she said.

For more information go to www.mumbulla.org or phone Council’s development officer, Emma Benton, on 6499 2317.