Cathy McGowan (Indi, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Philanthropy is about giving, and Indi is well and truly into giving. Following the 2009 fires, when the whole of Australia gave, the Into Our Hands Foundation was established to support the affected communities in the Alpine and Indigo shires. The Into Our Hands Foundation was set up following extensive community consultation. I am delighted to report that I attended the annual general meeting two weeks ago when over $120,000 was given to 19 groups. This follows on from the $119,000 provided to 17 community projects in 2013.

The groups who benefited are varied—Myrtleford scouts, Alpine Valley Playgroup, Alpine Valley Community Leadership Program, Burgoigee Creek Landcare, Dederang-Mount Beauty Football Netball Club—great news—Yackandandah Men's Shed, Gundowring Rural Fire Brigade, Riding for the Disabled and Bruarong hall. Congratulations to the Into Our Hands Foundation. I know how much work you have put into this—all unpaid. To Loretta Carroll, to your board and to the whole of the community, can I say on behalf of the people of Australia, you are truly walking the talk of community empowerment and we are very proud of you.