Stand Like Stone Foundation

Inspiring community kindness and courage

Newsletter - February 2023

Message from our CEO

Hello everyone and welcome to our first newsletter for 2023.

Since my last CEO message, the team at Stand Like Stone continues to provide tangible support across this region, including the delivery of both our annual spring Small Grants program and the 2023 Educational Scholarships. Both of these important programs are only possible due to the ongoing generosity of the Limestone Coast Community.

Late last year we held our ’Year in Review’ event at the Commodore on the Park, which was an opportunity to provide our stakeholders with an overview of the Foundation’s activities during the 2021/22 financial period. We were pleased to inform those in attendance that we distributed more than $213,000 in scholarships, grants, program delivery and fundraising support across our region. The night also included an inspiring presentation by Hayley Wakefield, a past Youth Opportunities student and recipient of a Stand Like Stone scholarship.

I would certainly encourage you to take time out to read the Foundation’s 2021/22 Annual Report, to understand the breadth of activities and support the Foundation provided last year. The annual report can be found via the link below, or you can contact the team at Stand Like Stone to request a hard copy.

In November last year the Foundation was honoured to be invited to attend the 50years celebration of Mondelez International (Kraft) manufacturing presence here in Mount Gambier. It was at the celebration that Stand Like Stone, along with the Mount Gambier RFDS, were awarded each with a $5,000 donation. So, a very big shout out and thanks to Adam Borchers and the great team at Mondelez for thinking of us.

In conjunction with the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) and some very generous private donors, Stand Like Stone has been able to support many local families right across the region with the costs of going back to school. This year we’ve been fortunate enough to distribute 1,000 $50 vouchers to 40 schools across the region, and since 2005 we’ve been able to distribute over 12,000 vouchers totaling more than $628,000. What a great and valued program this has been over the years, so a very sincere thanks to FRRR, and of course those local donors that enable us to do more.

As always, our newsletter provides an opportunity to share stories of kindness and courage from across the region, so I look forward to sharing more inspirational stories with you in the months to come.

…..and remember, life is mostly froth and bubble, two things stand like stone, kindness in another’s trouble, courage in your own.

SLSF CEO, Roger Babolka receives $5000 from Mondelez International plant lead Adam Borchers and Mondelez Australia/NZ/Japan supply chain president Mohamed Shalaby, watched on by Premier Peter Malinauskas and Minister for Primary Industries & Regional Development Clare Scriven.

A Year in Review &

Launch of 2022 Annual Report

Late last year we hosted an event called 'A Year in Review' at Commodore on the Park, where over 50 guests, comprising of sponsors, staff, supporters and grant/scholarship recipients joined us in celebrating our achievements for the 2021/22 financial year. Guest speaker, Hayley Wakefield shared with us her inspiring story about how Stand Like Stone and her experience with Youth Opportunities has changed her life. Georgie McKay gave a tribute speech dedicated to the late Mr Brian Page detailing his significant involvement with Stand Like Stone and the community.

Copy of Annual Report

A snapshot of 2021/22 achievements

Annual Spring Small Grants 2022

We have recently awarded over $68,000 in grants for 12 community-led projects that will help support the region.

We would like to thank everyone who applied for a grant and congratulations to the following successful recipients.

2022 Successful Grant Recipients:

The Tatiara Men's Shed Inc.: $3,609 to provide assistance with weather-proofing a lean-to which is attached to the main shed. This will provide greater comfort for its members and ensure all timber and equipment remains dry and out of the elements..
Penola Coonawarra Music Gathering Assoc.: $5,000 to provide assistance with the purchase of critical infrastructure to facilitate necessary hygiene management practices for the music event.
Penola Terra Rossa SACWA: $2,418 to purchase of a good quality marquee, with enclosed sides, to be used for event catering by the group.
Imagine Millicent (IMAG): $5,000 to assist with the installation of a large public mural on a 168sqm wall in Davenport Street Millicent.
Mil-Lel Memorial Park Inc.: $10,000 to provide assistance with the installation of more efficient and effective heating for the hall, which is used regularly by community groups.
Mount Gambier City Band Inc.: $10,000 to assist with re-roofing of the original 1965 roof structure which is in urgent need of replacing.
Mount Gambier Cancer Support Group Inc.: $1,798 to Assist with the purchase of wigs and turbans for the Mount Gambier Oncology Unit, to gift to cancer clients.
Millicent United Soccer Club Inc.: $7,460 Provide assistance with the upgrade of existing (1994 build) facilities, ensuring the Club meets community expectations with regards to inclusiveness.
Rapid Relief Team Ltd: $10,000 purchase of a trailer to support the delivery of emergency catering activities during bushfires, floods and other emergencies across the Limestone Coast.
Fringe Mt Gambier: $10,000 As part of the wider Fringe Mt Gambier festival, funds provided will enable festival activities to be accessible to vulnerable community members living across the Limestone Coast.
Millicent High School Pathways $807 A grant to support students at the centre in Millicent to tailor personalised and alternative education outcomes.
Keith & District Hospital $2403 annual grant to support the Keith Hospital.

At the end of the day, it’s thanks to our sponsors, donors, supporters, and grant applicants that we can realise our vision of inspiring community kindness and courage.

Ms Sarah Dally, University of South Australia

Educational Scholarships

Late last year we were delighted to offer 30 scholarships totaling $75,000 to students right across the Limestone Coast to help with the costs with study in 2023.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we are thrilled to be able to continue supporting local students in a variety of ways, whether it is paying for school fees, to purchase equipment for study through to assisting with general living expenses for students studying away.

One of this year’s successful recipients is Sarah Dally, an ex Mount Gambier High School student who is heading off to Adelaide to start studying an Honours Degree in Psychology, specialising in Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of South Australia. Sarah's application embodied the very essence of Stand Like Stone, inspiring courage and determination whilst overcoming life’s challenges.

"Our scholarships are all about giving local students the opportunity to thrive so that they, in turn, can make great contributions to our community in the future,” said CEO Roger Babolka.

We wish Sarah and all the applicants the best of luck with their studies.

FRRR Back to School Program 2023

This year we have handed out 1000 fifty dollar vouchers to 40 public schools in the Limestone Coast.

Local families received the back to school relief thanks to an initiative delivered by Stand Like Stone. Funds from Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal (FRRR) provided a grant of 760 fifty dollar vouchers to Stand Like Stone, while funds for an extra 240 vouchers were received from generous donations from private donors.

The schools allocate vouchers in the most appropriate way to assist families and children with the greatest need. This program is unique , in that the recipient families can choose what they actually need for their children.

This is the nineteenth year we have issued vouchers, through the FRRR Back to School Program, to help students with the purchase of uniforms, books, stationery and other equipment needed to get students back to school.

Thank you to FRRR and our generous private donors for helping make this happen.

Last week we held a voucher presentation afternoon tea in the Noel Barr Toyota showroom. Representatives from local schools enjoyed a beautiful afternoon tea and received their vouchers. A special thanks to Courtney Fox and Noel Barr for organising the catering and hosting us in such a great space.

Noel also generously provided a car for Roger to deliver the vouchers to the schools in the region that were unable to attend the event.

Become a Friend of Stand Like Stone today!

This is the starting point of your philanthropic journey. We want to help more people become a local philanthropist for the community they love, so we are inviting people and organisations to sign up as a Friend for $500 per year.

Donations are tax deductible and 100% of your donation stays in the Limestone Coast, helping a community you love today, as well as leaving money for tomorrow. We will pool the Friend money to help with our operational costs, establish a Friends sub fund and provide an annual grant to the region, in which you will get the opportunity to have a vote on.

Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us if you, or someone you know, is looking for a meaningful way to give back to the Limestone Coast and become our Friend!

We would like to thank the following who have joined us in becoming our Friend this financial year.

Bordertown Veterinary Clinic
Stephanie Brooker-Jones
Vicki Osborne
Sally Klose
Robert & Glenda Mock
Carol Kay
Justine Drew
Sunnyside Instant Lawn
Woodstock Partners
Graham & Gail Adams

Become a Friend Today

Meet our Board

Ann Aldersey

Donna Jaeschke

Jeanette Emery

Peta Crewe

Kate Facy

Rhett McDonald

Robert Mock

Sally Klose

Steve Duldig

Thank you to our generous sponsors and supporters

Sponsorship partners play a critical role in helping with our operational costs so that we can ensure more money from donations goes directly back into our local community.

We are privileged to be supported by a wide range of people and organisations through their financial and in-kind support.

We’d like to say a massive thank you to our financial sponsors for this year.

City of Mount Gambier Council
Noel Barr Toyota
Ray Scott Pastoral Company
Tatiara District Council
Robe District Council
District Council of Grant
Kingston SE Council
Wattle Range Council
Naracoorte Lucindale Council

We’d also like to say a massive thank you to our in-kind sponsors for this year.

Sinclair Wilson
Hello Friday
Green Triangle Electronics
Galpins

Connecting with the Stand Like Stone Foundation
There are many ways local people can get involved with our work:

Give: Donations to the Foundation, large or small are welcome. Give and support your local community.

Volunteer: Want to give your skills to help progress the work of the Foundation? Contact Roger for further information.

Leave a legacy: Sometimes the biggest gift is the one we never see - a gift in your will means a lasting impact for the places and causes you care about.

Got more to tell us? We'd love you to stay in touch and hear about your feedback and ideas. Email us at info@standlikestone.com.au or pick up the phone and call (08) 7701 9259.

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