Stand Like Stone Foundation

Inspiring community kindness and courage

Sold out Swinging With The Stars event to boost our impact

EIGHT regional personalities will compete in a sold-out gala dance-off this Saturday night as Swinging With The Stars returns to The Barn.

This year’s eight stars have been leading a packed social calendar of fundraisers across the Limestone Coast over recent months ahead of strutting their dance moves to a capacity audience of over 500 people.

Stand Like Stone Foundation’s annual major fundraiser will see the stars progress from rehearsals and fundraising campaigns to competing on the dancefloor in a glamourous night of entertainment.

All funds raised by stars in the lead-up and on the night supports their chosen Stand Like Stone cause-based sub-funds to increase the impact of the Limestone Coast’s community foundation.

This year’s volunteer stars are Adam Smith, Sarah Laurie, Sofie Maiorano, Samantha Brown, Josh Hancock, Brody Virgo, Adam “Hoggett” Merrett and Ailie Staples.

Stars have been partnered with accomplished local dancers and developed their techniques in rehearsals with Envy Dance Studio over recent months under the guidance of Tamara Kilsby.

A unique band of leading Limestone Coast musicians has been assembled by Dale Cleves to provide a thrilling soundtrack to the night, led by vocalist Tamara Seeley.

This year’s event has been supported by a range of businesses and other contributors, with Ray White Mount Gambier, Robe and Penola stepping up as the event partner.

Meet our new CEO

THE Limestone Coast’s own community foundation is set to transform its impact following the appointment of Jason Wallace as the chief executive officer of Stand Like Stone Foundation.

Mr Wallace has become a familiar face in the region through his work with social services agency ac.care over the past six years after previously serving as the editor of The Border Watch newsgroup.

“I am passionate about exploring how regional resources can be galvanised to build resilience in country communities, overcome barriers and ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive,” Mr Wallace said.

Mr Wallace will continue to work part-time with ac.care to support a range of projects while serving the community as the foundation’s chief executive.

Stand Like Stone chairperson Georgie McKay said the board looked forward to the next chapter of the foundation under Mr Wallace’s guidance and vision.

“The board of Stand Like Stone Foundation is delighted to welcome Jason as our new CEO – his passion for community, strong leadership and commitment to the Limestone Coast region aligns strongly with the foundation’s mission to create lasting impact across the region,” she said.

“Jason’s extensive connections across the Limestone Coast, along with his deep insight into social issues and the barriers affecting regional people make him the ideal candidate to lead the next chapter of the foundation and grow its social impact.”

The appointment follows the retirement of former Stand Like Stone Foundation chief executive officer Roger Babolka earlier this year.

Contact Mr Wallace at ceo@standlikestone.com.au if you would like to discuss how you can contribute to social impact in the region through Stand Like Stone Foundation.

School vouchers support Limestone Coast families

MORE than 350 Back to School vouchers have been distributed by the Stand Like Stone Foundation this year to public primary and area schools in the Limestone Coast thanks to generous donations from local people and businesses.

The $50 vouchers are given to families to assist with the purchase of essential school items such as uniforms, clothing, shoes, school bags and stationery – items necessary for children to engage and participate at school.

SLSF chairperson Georgie McKay said the Back to School program made a real difference to families and was more than a $50 gift, enabling children to attend school with dignity, fit in with their peers and experience the sense of excitement that comes with a new backpack, pair of shoes, pencil case or drink bottle.

“The Back to School program has proven to have significant impacts on children’s attitudes to attending and being engaged at school and for many students having a new shirt or jumper for school means they ‘fit in’ and have a sense of belonging,” Ms McKay said.

Since its inception in 2005, Stand Like Stone’s Back to School program has distributed over $685,000 worth of vouchers across the Limestone Coast thanks to the support of the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) and local donors.

You can give a gift of kindness to school students in the Limestone Coast by donating to the Back to School program here (please use reference Back to School) or by contacting the Stand Like Stone office.  All donations over $2 are tax deductible.