Foundation officially charitable

By Tina Seirlis

The west of the Shire is set to benefit from a new foundation which has taken its next step towards becoming business-ready.

The West Moorabool Foundation has now officially achieved Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status meaning the organisation can receive donations which are tax deductible, in addition to gifts from other DGR charities.

The concept for the West Moorabool Foundation came about following community consultation on opportunities for use of the proceeds from the recent sale of Ballan District Health & Care (BDHC) to Mecwacare.

Whilst a range of other projects are also set to benefit, the majority of proceeds at a value of $1.55 million, are to be directed to the West Moorabool Foundation to utilise in future activities focused on health promotion and disease prevention across Ballan and surrounding districts.

The DGR status provides the Foundation with the necessary pathway to receiving the promised funds.

Lyn Gunnell, President of Ballan District Health & Care said the BDHC board “can begin winding up now that there is a DGR-endorsed charity to receive the funds from the sale.”

Interim Directors include Ann Griffin, Committee Member, Tor Roxburgh, Company Secretary, and Robert Eskdale in the role of Interim President.
Mr Eskdale shared with The Moorabool News that while it is an honour to be a registered DGR charity, it doesn’t yet mean that the Foundation is ready to start funding programs or activities in the community.

“This is money that has its origins in fundraising that started in the 1940s,” he said.

“That sort of legacy deserves huge respect and stewardship”.

The three interim Directors are also due to start a membership drive and hope to meet with members over the coming months.

“We’re looking at ways to strengthen our understanding of health promotion and disease prevention. We’ll also be preparing for our first annual meeting.”

Whilst funding decisions will be made by Directors, it is hoped that members will help establish priorities, along with sharing of ideas on the best ways to prevent disease and promote good community health.

Anyone eager to join as a member can email the Foundation Secretary at [email protected]