If you could make one thing happen for Tenterfield, what would it be? A new locally based foundation wants to hear the answer, and everyone is invited to share it.
Community First Foundation (CFF) will officially launch on Saturday, 31 October, from 5pm to 7pm in the Banquet Room at the Sir Henry Parkes School of Arts. Anyone with an interest in the future of greater Tenterfield and the border communities is welcome.
“We know this region has no shortage of people who care, ideas worth pursuing and people willing to have a go,” said Operations and Governance Director Rob Evans.
“CFF is about bringing those strengths together and creating opportunities for our community to shape its own future.”
CFF is building an enduring local fund. Unlike traditional fundraising, where money is raised and distributed and then the process starts again, contributions to CFF are invested to grow the fund over time.
Every dollar raised stays in the region. As the fund grows, it can provide ongoing support for community-led projects and opportunities. It can also respond when communities face a crisis, through rapid relief grants.
Local people and local knowledge will be at the heart of decisions about what matters, so that the resources built through the foundation respond to the needs, ideas, and aspirations of the communities they are meant to support.
CFF was born from Fire to Flourish, a program led by Monash University with support from the Paul Ramsay Foundation and Metal Manufactures Pty Ltd. CFF is now taking that work forward as an independent, local, community-led not-for-profit organisation.
The launch will include a Wish Bowl, where people can share an idea, initiative, or opportunity they believe could make a real difference. It might support young people, strengthen community connection, protect the environment, or respond to a need people see every day. The idea does not have to be fully formed.
People can place their wish in the Wish Bowl on the night, email it to office@communityfirst.org.au, or post it to Community First Foundation, PO Box 540, Tenterfield NSW 2372.
An RSVP is essential by Monday, 26 October, by email to office@communityfirst.org.au or by calling 0475 722 843. More information is at www.communityfirst.org.au.
“We’re really looking forward to hearing what people hope to see for our region and starting those conversations together,” Mr Evans said.
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