Our mission is simple
The Foundation’s purpose is to connect with and strengthen our community, foster giving and generate hope.
Our aim is to support a thriving community through partnerships, leadership and giving. We focus on building and supporting long
lasting initiatives.
Supporting Our Community
Vital Signs Report Release
Today the SHCF releases the Vital Signs Report The Southern Highlands Community Foundation today released its long-awaited research reportdetailing our community’s successes and challenges. “I
Nicole Smith SHCF CHAIR
The Southern Highlands Community Foundation is delighted to announce the appointment of long-term Director, Nicole Smith, as Board Chair.
Nicole replaces Shelley Boyce, OAM, who is retiring from the role as Chair and Board Director after 16 years of service working tirelessly for the Foundation and the Southern Highlands community.
Message from our Patron
Dr Hugh McKay
How We Help
The Foundation also offers advice and support to individuals and organisations making philanthropic decisions and we foster leadership by bringing people together from all sectors to identify and address issues and to leverage opportunities in the region.
Deep Dive into the successes and challenges of the community
PhotoVoice
Watch our inspiring video from our 2021 book launch ‘PhotoVoice’.
Renewal & Resilience
An amazing photo essay remembering the resilience and renewal of the Southern Highlands post Black Summer Fires 2019/2020 All funds raised from sale to be returned to impacted families
Fire Aid Card
We are delighted to share the news that we have been entrusted with the funds from the recent FireAid concert organised by highlands locals John and Zoe Waters, Leo Sayer and their wonderful team.
Due to the success and generosity of the community, over $300 000 was raised. This money has been transferred to the Southern Highlands Foundation so that we can manage the distribution of the funds to ensure that it goes directly to the southern highlands community in the most effective ways to assist with the recovery process from the recent bushfires.
We have arranged for an EFTPOS card with a pre-approved amount to be distributed throughout the southern highlands for those families that lost their homes during the recent bushfires. The card can be used at designated southern highlands businesses, in this way we can keep the business local which will also benefit our community.
Relief Fund
“Working with the team from FireAid has been very rewarding. Where there is an opportunity to work together as a community, we see the very best of humanity, new engagement, empowerment and a growing sense of goodwill. The end effect is a more cohesive and caring community.” Shelley Boyce Chair SHF
To date the relief fund is distributing approx $180,000.00 for the FireAid Card. Funds have also been gazetted for local RFS brigades and Wildlife recovery has received approx. $50,000. There will be a residual of approx. $80,000 for ongoing FireAid emergency relief and mental health assistance.
Support
Providing Support
We also support projects that promote self-sufficiency and long-term sustainability. As an independent charitable organisation, we are limited only by the will and imagination of our donors. We believe in the power of individuals and organisations working together to effect positive change in our community.
The Foundation has partnered with Givit – the national online charity donation platform to specifically drive local engagement for community groups in need of goods, services and donations. The aim is to inspiring giving, fill real need, do no harm, reduce landfill and buy locally.
"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."
Become a Board Member
If you are interested in becoming a board member, forward your EOI to our Chair, Shelley Boyce OAMMake a Donation
Help us to grow a connected Southern Highlands community. Your donations are tax deductible.Ngununggula Dancers
In the spirit of reconciliation the Southern Highlands Foundation acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
