Where our funding comes from

The Network has traditionally been funded by donations and the fundraising efforts of The Network’s volunteer members. In the past, this has been done on a small scale, and meant that we have relied on the support of volunteers to facilitate our support groups and other activities. 

We have also been fortunate to have the support of a number of community organisations. Bendigo Bank Richmond and the Rotary Club of Kurrajong have provided their valuable financial support over the years. Furthermore, we have been lucky enough to have received the assistance of a number of other organisations and businesses, who have supported us in specific programs and initiatives. They include:  

• Hawkesbury Council
• Springwood Cycling Club
• Semicolon Charity
• Bunnings
• Sam’s Gourmet Café

Muster Grant

In early 2019, after being posed with the question – What are the suicide rates for the Hawkesbury, Blue Mountains and Penrith? – we were encouraged to provide a submission to the Federal Minister for Families and Social Services.

Despite the simplicity of the question, it was not an easy one to answer.

There are not yet specific statistics available for those three local government areas. The Australian Bureau of Statistics does however tell us that suicide rates in our area is higher than the national average.

Our initial submission was received favourably. In mid-2019, we were encouraged to apply for a grant under the Mutual Understanding, Support, Tolerance, Engagement and Respect (MUSTER) Initiative as part of the Strong and Resilient Communities Program. 

In November 2019 our funding proposal to establish and fund the operation of six suicide bereavement support groups in 2020 and 202 was successful. A small research project in the Hawkesbury LGA would also be partially funded by this grant.

Due to the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on our efforts, we have agreed to a variation of our initial agreement, as well as an increase in our funding.