Commenced in 2002 Community Plus Incorporated, now trading as Southern Tablelands Community Foundation, has provided support for community building projects within the Goulburn Mulwaree region. Initially to support refugees with language, living skills and education programs the project grew into the Goulburn Community College with support through an NSW government grant.
Growth of community building support
When NSW government support finished the college closed in Sloane Street, Goulburn and was incorporated into a new initiative, partnering with Goulburn Mulwaree Council, to establish Workspace 2580 at 65 Clinton Street, Goulburn. In Workspace 2580 adult education shared space with arts and housing organisations, migration settlement, counselling and disability services and provided accommodation for microbusinesses. The partnership was eventually dissolved, but the concept continues today as a Goulburn Mulwaree Council program.
We will meet our vision by investing raised funds and distributing earnings to assist eligible community not for profit organisations and associations meet their goals
Recovery phase
Covid-19 then impacted Community Plus Inc activities and resulted in a recess until 2023 when new Board members were appointed and work began to establish the Southern Tablelands Community Foundation. The initial focus was on fund raising with the intention to reduce the reliance on government sourced funding for community building(attachment 1) projects in the Goulburn Mulwaree region. As part of this transition, it was decided that Community Plus Incorporated should trade as Southern Tablelands Community Foundation (STCF) and establish a fund in perpetuity with the GreaterGood in Canberra.
Philosophy retained
The Southern Tablelands Community Foundation is still driven by the original philosophy of Community Plus Incorporated (attachment3), utilising the existing ABN and tax office registrations. Registration with Australin Charities and Not-for profits Commission (ACNC), Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and NSW Fair Trading have all been adjusted to reflect the new trading entity.
Progress our financial growth
In 2023-24 financial year STCF initiated its first fundraising project with the development of the Goulburn Monopoly Board funded by local businesses and members of STCF. Sales of the board game have nearly completed with the assistance of local businesses and the Visitor Information Centre. Our investment with GreaterGood has grown and we have also attracted new sponsorship from other local businesses.
Dick Kearins
Chair Southern Tablelands Community Foundation
