Facing its worst drought in over a century, the Colac community in South West Victoria is banding together through a new locally led philanthropic fund.
The ‘Hey Mate, We Have Your Back’ Fund is a grassroots initiative born from community conversations and driven by a desire to support those most affected by the prolonged dry conditions. The Fund aims to deliver a year-long, event-based program offering consistent, community-driven support to individuals and families experiencing hardship.
“This is the community getting on with their own solution,” says Annabel Cussen of the South West Community Foundation (SWCF), where the Fund is held.
“It’s a wonderful example of what community-led philanthropy can do beyond grants – building relationships, fostering resilience, and creating a sense of belonging.”
The impact of the drought is devastating: farmers spending upwards of $20,000 in just eight days on hay, livestock dying from malnutrition, and families grappling with emotional and financial strain.
You can’t underestimate the power of bringing the community together
Yet, unlike floods and bushfires, drought is not classified as a natural disaster under Australian legislation, meaning communities like Colac are ineligible for government disaster relief funding. In response, the people of Colac are taking matters into their own hands.
“You can’t underestimate the power of bringing the community together,” says Kane Leersen, financial planner and community organiser. “Sometimes it’s just about putting a hand on someone’s shoulder and saying we’ve got you.”
The idea for the Fund came to Kane through his wife’s involvement in local community events. After speaking with colleagues in Melbourne, Kane was connected to Australian Communities Foundation (ACF).
Andrew Binns, ACF CEO, recalls, “Having grown up in regional communities myself, I connected with the idea straight away. We saw an opportunity to support a truly community-led initiative and connected Kane with SWCF to provide local support and expertise.”
With support from Australian Communities Foundation as South West’s implementation partner, the Fund was established within 48 hours and has since seen a groundswell of support from across the region.
In June, the initiative’s ‘Band Together’ fundraiser drew over 3,000 attendees and raised more than $70,000. Organised by local councillor Zoe Hudgell, the event featured a food and fibre market showcasing local producers, children’s face painting, and a concert stage with performances from local artists.
This is what happens when a community decides to lead with heart
“It wasn’t just about raising funds,” Kane explains. “It was about bringing people together – farmers, families, kids – just to connect. Sometimes, that’s all someone needs to feel supported.”
The Fund is designed to direct all resources back into Colac and the surrounding communities in partnership with local charities and providers, who will deliver four tailored events over the next 12 months. These could range from financial counselling and mental health support to family engagement activities and educational workshops.
“We’re not taking a one-size-fits-all approach,” says Annabel. “This is about deep listening – understanding what different sectors of the community need and responding with dignity, accessibility, and inclusion.”
The impact of the drought is far-reaching. Businesses are seeing turnover reductions of up to 40 per cent. Mental health challenges are escalating, with elevated suicide rates and emotional trauma from the loss of livestock and livelihoods.
“This is not just a bad season,” Kane warns. “If we don’t get rain in August to October this year, the consequences will be catastrophic.”
Other communities in South West Victoria are now reaching out to SWCF, asking how they can replicate the model. Larger philanthropic organisations are also expressing interest in contributing to the Fund or scaling similar efforts.
“There’s a real opportunity here to break down silos,” Annabel says, “and bring together local knowledge and national resources for maximum impact.”
Looking ahead, the organising committee hopes to build lasting relationships with other community foundations and philanthropic partners. The goal is not just to weather the current crisis, but to build long-term resilience and capacity within the region.
As Colac faces the ongoing challenges of drought, the Hey Mate initiative is proving that resilience doesn’t always come from policy or funding – it comes from people.
Annabel puts it simply: “This is what happens when a community decides to lead with heart.”
Learn more and get involved
Images: Tash Thompson.
