Stand Like Stone Foundation

Inspiring community kindness and courage

Newsletter - September 2024

Celebrating 20 years of service to the Limestone Coast community

Message from our CEO

As usual, it’s been a busy time for all of us here at the Foundation.

Firstly, congratulations must go out to all those who helped make the 2024 Swinging with the Stars event the overwhelming record success it truly was. Whether you were one of the 8 fantastic Stars or their dance partners from Hype that graced the dance floor at the Barn in June, were one of the many local organisations and individuals that supported the event and the Stars right up until the big night, or indeed one of the nearly 550 who attended the night, thank you very much!

Additionally, we’ve also welcomed three new Directors, Tracey Grosser, Sandra Parsons and Scott Harlock, all of whom bring a wealth of knowledge, skills and passion to the Stand Like Stone Board. We know they’ll add great value to our wonderful organisation over the coming years.

For those who may not be aware, Stand Like Stone celebrates its 20^th year in 2024 and as such we’re busily planning a celebration of the last two decades, to be held at the Barn on Friday 8^th November. You’ll hear more about this in the coming weeks, but I’d strongly suggest you put the date in your diary!

Finally, our annual small grants and educational scholarships programs will be opening for applications very soon. So, if you’re a local not-for-profit organisation looking to do something for your community, or a Limestone Coast student undertaking any type of Australian accredited studies in 2025, I  recommend you give serious consideration in applying for support through Stand Like Stone.         

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

Roger Babolka

2024 Swinging with the Stars participants

The Stand Like Stone Foundation were delighted to, once again, host the annual charity fundraiser at The Barn on Saturday 22nd June 2024.

With 550 people attending this year’s event, the crowd danced the night away supporting their local Stars, whilst also raising over a whopping $139,000 for the Stand Like Stone Foundation.

“We can’t thank our community enough for getting behind the Stars and this premier event, year after year. The money raised from the night, and of course the fundraising activities held by the Stars over the last few months, assists the Foundation in providing a critical range of community support across this region. We’re so proud of our community and simply can’t thank everyone enough”, said Roger Babolka, CEO of the Stand Like Stone Foundation.

The 8 local “Stars” spent months learning 4 dance routines under the tutelage of Kim Cella and Keana Soper from Hype Dance, all while raising awareness and funds for the Foundation.

“Kim Cella has again choreographed the dances for the night, and I think everyone was blown away with the standard of the routines this year, with the Judges finding it very difficult to decide. So much so, the Judges had to select the top four dancers for the night, and it got even harder to pick the final winner. They were all just so good”, said Mr Babolka.

However, a winner had to be chosen on the night, and we were thrilled to announce and congratulate the Swinging with the Stars winner for 2024 Kezia Feast with dance partner Andrew Lockwood.

We also announced the People’s Choice winner for 2024 for raising the most money, and this year it was won by Bec Hurst, who has done an amazing effort raising a record amount of over $52,000.00.

“The amazing support this event receives from a wide range of local businesses and individuals year after year is unbelievable, and goes a long way in making the whole night the success it continues to be”, said Mr Babolka.

2024 Stars 

Ella Boston: An SSO at Naracoorte High School, raised funds for the Naracoorte & District Sub Fund.

Kezia Feast : A teacher at Allendale East Area School, raised funds for the Steven Noble Memorial Sub Fund.

Nathan McCarthy: A stock agent for Elders raised funds for the Lucindale Area School Sub Fund.

Shekinah Horsburgh: A Grant High School teacher raised funds for the Grant High School Sub Fund.

Tyler Michielan: An electrician with Godrik Construction & Electrical, raised funds for the Stand Like Stone General Sub Fund.

Bec Hurst: A registered nurse and a farmer’s wife, raised funds for the Poppy Crozier Memorial Sub Fund.

Cory O’Connor: A teacher at Penola High School, raised funds for the Penola Coonawarra Wellbeing Sub Fund.

Chris Williams: Owner of Chris Williams Painting, Chris raised funds for the Mental Health & Wellbeing Limestone Coast Sub Fund.

"We were so excited to have such a diverse and committed group of Stars from all across the Limestone Coast and were super keen to follow their progress!", said Donna Jaeschke, chair of the SWTS committee.

Office News!

GRANTS OPEN 15TH SEPTEMBER 2024

SCHOLARSHIPS OPEN 15TH OCTOBER 2024

Please visit our website for further information www.standlikestone.com.au

Meet our Board

Thank you to our generous sponsors & 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 Financial Year.

• Trans Australian Livestock and Freight Management
• City of Mount Gambier Council
• Ray Scott Pastoral Company
• Tatiara District Council
• Robe District Council
• District Council of Grant
• Kingston District Council
• Wattle Range Council

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

• Sinclair Wilson
• Galpins
• Hello Friday
• Green Triangle Electronics
• Sam Sinclair at Jim's Pest Control
• RW & DD Gabriel Electrical Contractors

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 us 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.