Born out of a need identified as a result of the prolonged drought conditions that culminated in our area ‘looking after our mates’ in 2006, it was decided to be proactive rather than reactive in times of need.  Three years on and a new face has joined the nine-member board. Katie Price, a successful career woman, wife and mother has taken on the treasurer’s role after original Foundation treasurer, John Mendl, stepped aside.

Mrs Price, a chartered accountant at Dawson and Partners Goulburn, said that becoming part of such an important group in a small regional area is something she is looking forward to growing with into the future.

“It really is only in the early stages,” Mrs Price said.  “We are keen to target and step up the marketing side of things this year.  We have formed a marketing sub-committee to try and drive this forward. I think that what the Foundation is doing is a really good thing and I agree with everything it stands for.  There is a really good cross-section of people on the board, not just people from Crookwell but from the entire Shire.”

The Upper Lachlan Shire has always shared amazing community spirit and compassion for each other, the Crookwell Community Trust being a shining example of this.  The Community Trust fulfils the vital role of providing financial assistance to those in urgent financial hardship due to ill health or unforeseen circumstances.  The Trust enables this to be done on a personal basis very quickly and efficiently.  

The point of difference, however, between the Crookwell Community Trust and The Foundation is that the Foundation provides an opportunity of financial support to the entire Upper Lachlan community over a much wider framework. Funds are raised and invested in perpetuity (forever) to provide annual returns that are distributed to non-for-profit organisations to help fulfil their vital roles.

Katie and her husband, local grazier Sam Price, together with their two children Harry and Gabrielle moved to Crookwell early 2014.  Being part of a regional community agrees with Mrs Price. “Sam and I are very involved in the Crookwell community. We enjoy being able to be close to the farm as well as joining in the social activities the town offers for a young family.  Being part of the Upper Lachlan Foundation just takes it up another level for me.”

The Foundation can be best described as a likeness to a community bank that is created by the community for the community. “Almost any kind of asset can be used as a donation – cash, shares, stock, real estate, life insurance, bequests and private foundation assets are all suitable” Mrs Price said.   Named or dedicated funds can be setup to provide opportunities for our youth in perpetuity e.g. Crookwell Potato Association Annual Agricultural Scholarship at the Crookwell High School.  This is only one example of many great initiatives under the care of the nine member board of the Foundation.  The Board comprises of community volunteers who take great pride and satisfaction in seeing the Foundation becoming the pillar of our community’s self sustainability.

Mrs Price said she has plans to help build the profile of the Foundation and introduce awareness through social media by way of our website and Facebook.   If you would like to become involved with the Foundation, an easy way to start is to become a member.  Annual membership of $20.00 ensures your investment in you and your community’s future.  For further information please contact a board member or like us on Facebook.

Board Members                            Contact

Don Burbidge (President)              4835 2300

Charlie Prell (Secretary)                4848 1244

Kate Price (Treasurer)                  1300 885 761

Chris Croker (Vice President)       4843 3141

Tim McCarthy                                4832 1055

Garry Kadwell                               0428 402 476

John Mitchell                                 4837 3325

Catherine Byrnes                          4848 0046

Leanne Houghton                          4837 3342