Goodman Group, through its philanthropic arm, the Goodman Foundation, has pledged $5 million for bushfire recovery efforts in Australia.
Jo Cameron, CEO of the Goodman Foundation explained, “We understand that it will take some time to effectively manage the lifecycle of this unprecedented disaster. Our initiatives will be focused on funding projects over the short to medium term, that will provide tangible and sustainable benefits to the community, now and in the future.”
Jo said they are working with existing charity partners and other organisations over the coming months and years, to support the rebuild and recovery of our impacted communities and help to minimise the impact of disasters like this in the future.
The Goodman Foundation has kicked off distribution of the funds with a $750,000 donation to the NSW Farmers Natural Disaster Relief Fund to support the bushfire recovery process for farmers in NSW. The funds will initially be used to help provide fodder and water to farmers in the north east and south east bushfire affected regions. Further short-term support may also include access to generators, emergency fencing repairs to contain livestock or irrigation repairs for orchards.
Long-term charity partner Good360 Australia, is also set to receive further assistance from the additional funds. Good360 is partnering with Australian businesses to manage and coordinate the delivery of donated non-food items to people affected by the bushfires. As a Founding partner, Goodman has pledged financial support to Good360 Australia as it sets about providing a central distribution point that will match communities with the right goods, at the right time during all stages of disaster recovery.
The Foundation is working hard to formalise the selection criteria and identify the appropriate projects to ensure that it delivers long term, sustainable solutions. Funds will be allocated and distributed as the projects are approved over the short to medium term.