Australia of the Year headlines fundraiser

A SOLD out gala event in Coonawarra raised over $20,000 to launch the Limestone Coast Environmental Resilience Sub-Fund, marking a significant step toward strengthening environmental sustainability across the region.

Hosted by Stand Like Stone Foundation at Parker Estate, Our Resilient Future: An Evening with Dr Richard “Harry” Harris brought the community together for an inspiring night of connection, storytelling and generosity.

In addition to funds raised for the new sub-fund, the event also generated around $15,000 to support the ongoing work of Stand Like Stone Foundation.

Stand Like Stone Foundation CEO Jason Wallace said the event demonstrated the strength of community support and a shared commitment to the region’s future.

“The event was about creating something new for our community – but more importantly, it was about all of us doing it together,” Mr Wallace said.

“What we built won’t just make a difference in the short-term, but has established a new dedicated Limestone Coast fund that will continue to grow and be invested to return grants to the community year after year, generation after generation.”

Mr Wallace said the new sub-fund reflects the foundation’s ongoing evolution while staying true to its core purpose.

“For more than 20 years, Stand Like Stone has focused on building the resilience of people and communities across the Limestone Coast,” he said.

“This is a natural and necessary expansion, recognising that a resilient community depends on a resilient environment.”

The Limestone Coast Environmental Resilience Sub-Fund will support grassroots environmental enhancement projects, strengthen existing organisations and help attract funding into the region to deliver long-term impact.

Stand Like Stone Foundation Chair Georgie McKay said the initiative buildt on the fundamental role of community foundations in supporting local priorities.

“A resilient community also depends upon a resilient environment,” Ms McKay said. “This sub-fund is an important step in supporting grassroots environmental projects and partnerships that will strengthen the long-term sustainability and wellbeing of our region.”

Special guest speaker Dr Richard “Harry” Harris OAM – author, Australian of the Year, anaesthetist and key member of the Thai cave rescue – attended the event pro bono and supported the launch of the fund.

“What a pleasure it was to support the launch of Stand Like Stone’s new environmental sub-fund,” Dr Harris said.

“With increasing concerns about the region’s ground water and the ecosystems that depend on it, I’m thrilled to see initiatives like this helping local community build resilience into the environment.”

The event was made possible through the support of the local community, including generous donors of auction and raffle items, volunteers and sponsors, as well as Parker Coonawarra Estate, which hosted the event.

The new sub-fund will be held in perpetuity, with earnings distributed through future grant rounds to support environmental priorities across the Limestone Coast.