Gippsland Community Foundation

05/11/2026

Gippsland Community Foundation (GCF) was pleased to attend the Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund (GERF) AGM in Morwell today.

GCF was formed in response to the 2019–20 Black Summer bushfires, when the importance of local support and community resilience across Gippsland became clear. GERF's President, Andy Tegart was GCF's first Treasurer, his influence was pivotal in setting GCF up for long term success.

Since then, GCF has grown beyond its East Gippsland disaster-response beginnings to become a region-wide philanthropic foundation, supporting community-led initiatives and creating positive, lasting change across Gippsland.
While our organisations have different roles, we share a common commitment to supporting local communities. GERF provides vital immediate relief to individuals and households impacted by natural disasters, while GCF focuses on longer-term community aspirations, opportunities and resilience.

By working together and alongside other local organisations, we can strengthen our collective impact and make a meaningful difference across the region.

Both organisations have DGR status and welcome donations of any size so that funds raised in Gippsland, by Gippslanders, benefit Gippsland communities.

Different roles, shared purpose – stronger together for Gippsland. 💚

03/11/2026

Wonderful to see our contribution deliver great results like these. Well done to all involved.

Seven local residents have successfully completed intensive training at the Orbost pool last week to become certified Swim Teachers and Lifeguards, directly addressing seasonal staffing requirements ahead of summer.

📸 Seven Orbost residents completed fast-tracked swim instructor and lifeguard training at the local pool through a collaborative community initiative supported by Life Saving Victoria and East Gippsland Shire Council. (PS)

Read more ⬇️
https://snowyrivermail.com.au/19411/new-lifeguards-qualified-for-orbost-pool/

29/10/2026

We're excited to invite you to the launch of

Generous Gippsland Community Grants

A new grant round from Gippsland Community Foundation, offering up to $5,000 for community-led projects across all six Gippsland local government areas.

This is Gippsland funding, from a Gippsland Foundation, exclusively for Gippsland community-led projects.

Whether you're involved in a community group, work alongside local organisations, advise clients on their giving, or simply want to see Gippsland communities thrive, join us as we introduce the new grant round, explain how it will work and answer your questions.

There'll also be an opportunity to meet the GCF Board and connect with others who are working on community-led initiatives to make a difference across our region.

Since 2021, Gippsland Community Foundation has awarded $10.8 million to community projects across Gippsland. We're looking forward to opening this next grant opportunity and learning more about what is important to our region, right now.

We'd love to see you there.

REGISTER HERE: https://events.humanitix.com/generous-gippsland-grant

Community Grant Launch & AGM
When: Monday 7 December 2026, 3.00 pm
Where: Traralgon Greyhound Club

28/10/2026

TWO brilliant events coming up in Cann River and Orbost next week to mark 40 Years of Landcare.

Hosted by Far East Victoria Landcare, the events feature Australian writer Sean Dooley, known far and wide as 'The Bird Man'.

A conservationist and birdwatcher, Sean has written for TV comedies like Full Frontal, Hamish and Andy and Spicks and Specks, is author of books such as The Big Twitch, and is currently editor of Australian Birdlife magazine. He was also the national Big Twitch birdwatching champion, holding the record for seeing the most birds seen in one year.

Bookings are open to this fabulous community event, by registering at the link or QR code in the Far East Victorian Landcare post, below.

Proudly supported by Gippsland Community Foundation.

Big Thank you for support from the Gippsland Community Foundation
Book for Cann River event NOW for a chance to meet Sean Dooley (Orbost is almost full) River - Centre of Far Eastern Victoria ABC Gippsland East Gippsland Catchment Management AuthorityEast Gippsland Landcare Network

28/10/2026

OOPS!! WE’RE SORRY about the fuzzy video, but we could not hold off on sharing this important update for Mallacoota! Stick with the video… the focus clears up, we promise. Note: Add videography training to our team's Professional Development list 😅

In Mallacoota the idea of a local pool has been part of the community’s story for decades. And thanks to the determination of local people and organisations, that dream is becoming part of a bigger vision for the town’s future.

Last week, Gippsland Community Foundation’s EO, Michelle Dowsett, made a conditional offer of $230,000 from Bushfire Recovery Funds towards a proposed Aqua Therapy Facility within Mallacoota’s planned community-owned Wellbeing and Recreation Centre.

The Centre is a long-held community vision, bringing health, recreation and wellbeing together in one place. The Aqua Therapy Facility plays a key part, with the potential to provide accessible water-based exercise, support rehabilitation and help people build strength and mobility.

CHIRF, Mallacoota Inlet Aged Care and the wider community have already raised more than $2 million towards the Centre - an extraordinary commitment to creating something that will serve the community for years to come.

As President Ronda Jacobs explains, however, the Aqua Therapy component remained outside the project’s existing funding agreements, and GCF’s offer could help bridge that gap.

Congratulations to everyone who has helped bring this project to where it is today. We look forward to seeing what comes next!

26/10/2026

Far East Flaneur

Today we supported the next generation of traditional owners by supporting the B**g Yarnda Ranger program to deliver the welcome to country for the East Gippsland Flaneur event.

We met the at the Keeping Place for a history of the Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust an overview of work On Country being undertaken by the Rangers - lots of revegetation; mapping of flora and fauna; installing frog bogs; fencing; w**d control; seed collection; establishment of a nursery.

The event will see participants walk, paddle and cycle 100kms from Lake Tyers Tavern to Sailors Grave Brewing, Marlo.

GCF is proud to be supporting our future traditional owner generations in capacity building and intergenerational learning. The interactive Q&A and history of the Trust from Brandon was inspiring.

23/10/2026

HAPPY 25 YEARS!! 🎉
We're sending our congratulations to the Gardiner Foundation on their 25th anniversary of representation, advocacy, research, community building, and funding into the Dairy Industry.

As a valued funding partner of GCF, we're proud to work alongside an organisation that supports the strength and future of our regional communities.

25 years of the Gardiner Effect!

Last night, more than 150 people from across Victoria's dairy industry came together in Melbourne to celebrate 25 years of Gardiner Foundation.

It was an evening to recognise the people, ideas and partnerships that have helped shape our industry and communities over the past quarter-century.

From research and innovation to education, leadership and community development, Gardiner has supported more than 700 projects and created opportunities whose impact continues well beyond the original investment.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, and to the many people who have contributed to Gardiner's story over the past 25 years.

Here's to the people and possibilities that will shape the next 25.

The Gardiner Effect continues.

Read on: https://gardinerfoundation.com.au/news/the-gardiner-effect-celebrating-25-years-of-people-purpose-and-lasting-impact/

22/10/2026

We were excited to be invited to attend Food and Fibre Gippsland’s ‘Gippsland Trusted’ launch today at the beautiful Narkoojee winery.

We are fully supportive and advocates for the initiative as we know booming local businesses means thriving communities.

We took the opportunity to hear from Rod Hayes the FFG Resilience and Innovation Senior Manager, and the FFG work on resilience programs and current community engagement.

17/10/2026

The SKILLUP: Youth Arts Exhibition marks the first public exhibition of works created through East Gippsland Art Gallery's SKILLUP program. Featuring painting, drawing, digital art, sculpture and mixed media, this exhibition celebrates the creativity, dedication and artistic growth of young people, offering a glimpse into the next generation of creative talent.

​Conceived and managed by East Gippsland Art Gallery, SKILLUP is a free, structured visual arts program that provides high-quality training through weekly studio classes led by program coordinator, Lee Nickless, visiting professional artists and specialist tutors.

Gippsland Community Foundation, along with other community supporters, got behind this project’s belief that every young person should have the opportunity to explore their creativity, develop their potential and build a creative future.

Congratulationsr to East Gippsland Art Gallery, guest artists and all participants on a brilliant first year!

13/10/2026

Look at this clever volunteer fundraising initiative from Lakes Entrance Running Festival 👀

Co-ordinator Mia sent us this message explaining how it all works...

Hi Gippsland Community Foundation team,
Just wondering if you could help connect us with local community groups or volunteers for the Lakes Entrance Running Festival, with donations made in return for their support.

The festival is being held on Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November 2026, based around the Lakes Entrance Rotunda. It includes a marathon, half marathon, 10km, 5km and junior 2km, bringing runners and their families to Lakes Entrance for a weekend of running and community activities.

We’re particularly looking for volunteers on Sunday 1 November to help with course marshalling and aid stations. We’ll provide clear role information and briefings, with morning and later shifts available.

Through our VTeam volunteer program, Fit City Events donates $20 to a nominated community organisation for every volunteer hour completed. For example, five volunteers completing four-hour shifts would raise $400 for their organisation.

VTeam is Fit City Events’ volunteer team and online portal, where volunteers register, view available event roles and sign up for shifts.
Volunteers can register (at the link in the comments).

Anyone signing up, select Lakes Entrance Running Festival and let us know your names and the organisation you’re supporting, so we can link their completed hours and arrange the donation after the event.

- Thanks Mia, a brilliant win-win for community!