Our impact
Building stronger communities through:
Impact Snapshot
As a durable Community Foundation we use our investment earnings and donations to support our community.
Securing Affordable Healthcare
The story of the Mirboo North Medical Centre is one of local vision, community investment and long-term care.
The Community Foundation secured accessible and affordable healthcare for the district through investing some of its capital in a purpose-built Medical Centre facility. The facility, which sits in the heart of Mirboo North, is leased at a reduced rent to the local medical practice to ensure continuation of their bulk billing practice.
Building Stronger Communities through
Giving
and a channel for generous donors to create impact.
$2.37 million distributed since 2010 impacting the following
Over $1 million raised and distributed to fund community projects and support local organisations.
Yinnar Community Garden
May 12, 2020 Yinnar Community Garden Since the Yinnar Community Garden was established back in 2011, it has aimed to be a sustainable and creative space. Led by the community, it has been designed by local people, planted with the local climate in mind, and has been used as a living educational resource. Situated next to the ARC Gallery, the
Thorpdale Potato Festival
Sponsorship Thorpdale Potato Festival The Thorpdale Potato Festival is a biennial event that celebrates the rich history of potato farming in Thorpdale, a town nestled in the fertile foothills of the Strzelecki Ranges in Gippsland, Victoria. Revival of the humble country show, one where you can meet the farmer and learn about your favourite foods, has been nothing short of
The gift that Joe Zadnik left in his will secured the availability of locally available pathology services for the Mirboo North community. This is an invaluable service for locals, particularly for our older members or anyone suffering from illness, who might not have access to transport.
Joe’s gift not only helped secure access to this important element of healthcare, it continues to contribute to the wellbeing of the community. The Zadnik Fund remains invested as a durable fund and in 2025 its earnings supported easing of financial hardship in the community through grants to local schools and food distribution organisations.
Financial Hardship Fund
Provide financial and practical support for when life takes an unexpected turn.
The Financial Hardship Fund helps local individuals and families who are struggling to meet basic needs due to rising living costs or unexpected life events.
Your donation goes directly toward practical, immediate support for community members experiencing hardship.
Building Stronger Communities through
Facilitating
Research
Supporting understanding how we are faring as a community and what our priorities are is a key part of building stronger communities.
Facilitation
Facilitating discussion in the community to establish community priorities and develop community led solutions
Advocacy
Engaging with government and other stakeholders to articulate the local experience and local solution needing support.
Our second Mirboo North & District Vital Signs Report was published in 2025 to look again at how our communities are faring in key quality of life areas. With a report for each of Boolarra, Yinnar, Mirboo North and Thorpdale, there is key data on our health, education, economy, environment and belonging.
Live4Life is a sustainable evidence-based model which supports youth mental health and suicide prevention and is designed specifically for rural and regional communities.
Following the February 2024 storm event, the Community Recovery Fund has supported local recovery, resilience and rebuilding efforts through practical community-led projects, wellbeing initiatives and volunteer support across the district.
Building Stronger Communities through
Investing
Durable Funds
Durable funds secure financial capital and grow community capacity
Impact Investments
Investing directly in infrastructure and services needed in our community
The Mirboo North & District Community Foundation was set up in 2010 with the proceeds of the sale of our community aged care facility for $5M. Rather than spend this money on an infrastructure project, it was decided to create a durable or perpetual fund for the future of Mirboo North & District.
When the local Senior Citizens group chose to wind up its operations in 2021, it decided to donate its remaining funds to create the durable Mirboo North Seniors Fund.
Since then the earnings on the invested funds have been distributed in support of programs and activities to increase connection and reduce social isolation.
The Mirboo North & District Community Foundation has invested in a community hub building that allows volunteers, individuals and businesses a space to work and collaborate.
It also operates a community bus in collaboration with the Mirboo North Community Shed Cooperative.
The Community Foundation secured accessible and affordable healthcare for the district through investing some of its capital in a purpose-built Medical Centre facility.
The facility, which sits in the heart of Mirboo North, is leased at a reduced rent to the local medical practice to ensure continuation of their bulk billing practice.
Make a Lasting Impact Today
What the Community has to say about us
"The Community Foundation has meant development and enhancement for our community. It has brought on-going growth in many forms, from facilities like the Medical Centre, to the recognition and support of the work that the community does in the form of grants. It contributes to a lot of resilience in the community."