Less than a year after its launch, the Golden Plains Fund is already helping strengthen the local community, with two important projects in Bannockburn receiving support through the Geelong Community Foundation’s 2026 Community Grant Round.
Launched in September 2025 at Austin’s Wines, the Golden Plains Fund was established to create a permanent source of funding dedicated to supporting communities across the Golden Plains Shire. Since then, local residents, businesses and supporters have come together with a shared vision of building a stronger future for the region.
As a Golden Plains resident and one of the Fund’s first donors, Geelong Community Foundation CEO Amy Waters said it had been incredibly rewarding to see the community embrace the opportunity to invest in its own future.
“Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the Fund so far. Your generosity is helping create a lasting source of support for our region. While the Foundation has proudly funded projects across Golden Plains for many years, the establishment of the Golden Plains Fund allows us to deepen that commitment and grow local impact over time.”
Although the Fund is still in its early stages, the Foundation has strategically invested in two local initiatives that respond to important community needs and demonstrate the type of impact community philanthropy can achieve.
Supporting Food Relief in Bannockburn
Hesse Rural Health, in partnership with YMCA Geelong, has been awarded $30,000 to establish the Bannockburn Food Pantry.
The pantry will provide accessible and dignified food relief for local residents experiencing hardship, while also creating a welcoming space where people can access practical support and build community connections. Funding will assist with establishing the pantry and employing a part-time coordinator to support volunteers and ensure the service can continue to grow sustainably.
The Bannockburn Food Pantry is expected to open in early July and will operate every Thursday from 11.00am to 2.00pm.
Community members who are friendly, reliable and passionate about supporting others are encouraged to volunteer and help bring the pantry to life.
Supporting Young People to Thrive
The Reach Foundation has received $24,000 to deliver a youth wellbeing program for students at Bannockburn P–12 College.
Developed in response to needs identified by the school community, the program will help young people build confidence, resilience and stronger connections through workshops exploring healthy relationships, identity, values and emotional wellbeing.
By equipping students with practical skills and supportive relationships, the program aims to help young people thrive both at school and in their wider community.
Growing Community Impact
These first grants reflect the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to supporting local communities across Golden Plains and demonstrate how community philanthropy can address local priorities, from food security and wellbeing to stronger community connections.
As the Golden Plains Fund continues to grow through local generosity, so too will its ability to invest in community-led initiatives that create lasting opportunities for people across the Shire.
Every contribution helps build a permanent community endowment that will support Golden Plains for generations to come.
To learn more about the Golden Plains Fund or make a tax-deductible donation, visit our Golden Plains Fund page.
