The Margaret Lawrence Bequest (MLB) has announced the distribution of more than $220,000 in grants to charities and community organisations in Healesville and the surrounding district.
This significant investment reflects MLB’s commitment to supporting local initiatives and strengthening the social fabric of the Yarra Valley.
Approximately half of the Bequest’s annual distributions—directed exclusively to Victorian not-for-profit organisations—were allocated this year to projects based in the Healesville area.
Beneficiaries include: The Good Life Farm, Chum Creek, supporting youth development programs; Coranderrk Aboriginal Station, preserving and promoting local Indigenous heritage; Tarrawarra Museum of Art, for its education program; Healesville Interchurch Community Care Inc (HICCI), assisting families in need; Healesville Living and Learning Centre, providing community education and training; and Yarra Valley Arts, including two artist-led projects auspiced by the organisation.
Local Trustee Jan Cochrane-Harry welcomed the opportunity to broaden the Bequest’s support across the community.
“I am delighted we, as trustees, decided to spread donations this year to a wider group of not-for-profit organisations doing important and inspiring work in serving the local community,” Ms Cochrane-Harry said.
Ms Cochrane-Harry is also working with a group of community volunteers to help establish the Healesville and District Community Foundation—a permanent endowment fund that will allow local people to invest in their own community’s future.
“I’m excited that many people are welcoming the idea and wanting to be involved in building a stronger community for the long-term future of all families and individuals in this place,” she said.
The Margaret Lawrence Bequest was established in 2001 by philanthropist Margaret Lawrence (1914–2005), with the assistance of Ms Cochrane-Harry and Perpetual as co-trustees. Since then, MLB has distributed more than $9 million to 70 not-for-profit organisations across Victoria, supporting a diverse range of projects in education, the arts, social services, and community development.
Through prudent investment, the fund continues to grow, ensuring its impact expands with time.
“We hope the Healesville community will succeed in establishing its own foundation, which MLB intends to support in its early years. This will provide a permanent source of resources to nurture growth and opportunity for decades to come,” Ms Cochrane-Harry said.
The Bequest honours Margaret Lawrence’s legacy of generosity and her vision of strengthening communities across Victoria. With this year’s grants and the prospect of a local foundation, Healesville is well-positioned to benefit from both immediate support and enduring investment.
