Minderoo Foundation supports WA community organisations responding to COVID-19

Minderoo Foundation is committing $5 million to assist a broad range of community initiatives across Western Australia, as part of the philanthropic organisation’s COVID-19 response.

Minderoo Foundation will support local organisations working with some of Western Australia’s most vulnerable people right across the state, including Indigenous Australians, people experiencing homelessness and victims of domestic violence.

Minderoo Foundation co-founder Nicola Forrest AO said trusted local organisations were best placed to provide for the Western Australian community during this crisis.

“WA is our home and we know people are doing it tough,” Mrs Forrest said.

“Local organisations know what their communities need.  Many are already struggling as demand for their services increases due to the rise in unemployment and economic uncertainty.”

“Minderoo Foundation will be working with a range of community organisations to scale their response to COVID-19 and provide effective, targeted support to people who need it most.”

Minderoo Foundation launched its community support program with a commitment to St Patrick’s to begin its ‘Doorstep Dinners’ project in Fremantle this week. The McCusker Foundation is also provided funding for the project.

With support from the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce, United Way and Rise, St Patrick’s will deliver 200 meals a day for 45 days, to vulnerable individuals in the Fremantle area. The meals will be provided by local businesses Benny’s, La Sosta, Strange Company and The National Hotel, and will be delivered by a team of volunteers. The project provides reliable income for the restaurants, which have been affected by the social distancing and isolation requirements of the COVID-19 crisis.

Generation One CEO Shelley Cable is leading Minderoo Foundation’s community response to COVID-19.

“We have been so inspired by community service providers who leapt into action to respond to COVID-19.” Ms Cable said.

“It’s a privilege to support community organisations who have responded immediately and innovatively in this crisis, putting the needs of their community ahead of their own.”

“The ‘Doorstep Dinners’ pilot is a great example of a collaboration between organisations and across sectors in response to this crisis,” Ms Cable said.  

“We’re proud to support St Patrick’s deliver great food from local restaurants to the people who need it most.”

Minderoo Foundation will be announcing further updates on its COVID-19 community support program in the coming weeks.

Generation One CEO Shelley Cable is leading the Minderoo Foundation’s community response to COVID-19.

“The Doorstep Dinners pilot is a great example of a collaboration between organisations, across sectors in response to this crisis,” Ms Cable said.  

“We’re proud to be able to support St Patrick’s to get the food deliveries to the people who need it most and we look forward to following its progress.”

More information on the “Doorstep Dinners” here.

Minderoo Foundation will be announcing further updates on its community support partnerships in the coming weeks.