Community get it together

They may not have the funds of philanthropic legends Richard Branson or Andrew Forrest, but a small group of local people have come together to prove everyday people can make a huge difference to the community.

With the motto “getting together to give”, the Albany Community Foundation was officially launched on Thursday night.

Led by a board of prominent young Albany business people, the foundation aims to support local people who may be struggling financially or are falling through the gaps of other charity organisations.

The foundation will focus on providing families and individuals suffering hardship with emergency financial support, educational scholarships and supporting existing charities and community groups.

Led by chairman Tae Wood (GM Taxation) and vice-chairman Jeremy Stewart (Merrifield Real Estate), founding members also include Bernadette Duell (HHG Legal Group), Mark Dowling (Life Insurance and Super), Rob Stockdale (Regional Training Services), Mark Ireland (Advances Family & Sports Podiatry), Nick Walls (Opteon)and Michelle Gonsalves (Legal Aid).

Mr Wood said his success in business along with his fellow board members had come from the support of the local community and believed the time was right to give something back.

“Until you start looking, it seems you are generally oblivious to the needs in a community,” he said.

“It is now evident the needs are many and it is very satisfying being able to address some of the needs.

“I am at a stage where I feel pretty comfortable in life and wanted to start to build a legacy, outside of my professional career, that my children can be part of.”

Property valuer Nick Walls, the youngest of the eight board members at the age of 30, has integrated himself into the Albany community since moving to the region from Geraldton in 2010.

Likewise, lawyer Bernadette Duell who moved to Albany from Sydney, has wasted no time becoming part of the city in her profession and role as Albany Chamber of Commerce and Industry vice-president.

Both currently mentor students at St Joseph’s College on career and life choices.

“When I was younger I probably took it for granted what volunteers do to make the town you live in a better place,” Mr Walls said.

Ms Duell has been involved in setting up 30 charitable foundations during her legal career and said donors could now bequest money which will directly benefit the local community.

“They want their money to stay in Albany,” she said.

Inaugural ambassador Ian Brayshaw, a former State cricketer, footballer and journalist who has returned to the region, lauded the drive of the “young tykes” behind the foundation.

“It’s fantastic that young people like that are wanting to get involved in something so worthwhile, they are full of energy,” he said. “When I was asked (to be ambassador), I was honoured.”

For more information visit www.acfwa.com.au.