Search
Close this search box.

Hillcrest Community Public Fund launched

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Hillcrest Community Public Fund launched

Devonport City Council, in partnership with MyState and the State Government, has launched the Hillcrest Community Public Fund to support the school, families and local community impacted by Thursday’s tragedy at Hillcrest Primary School.

Devonport Mayor, Annette Rockliff said anyone who wants a way to help the families and local community affected can donate to the appeal.

“There has been an enormous outpouring of grief, as well as support, for those involved and one of the best ways to help those who have been directly affected is to donate to the fund,” Cr Rockliff said.

“There are no words to express the sorrow felt by our local community and beyond, our hearts are broken. People are looking for practical ways to support the Hillcrest Primary School community into the future, they just want to do something, and this fund is gives them the opportunity to do that.”

Zoe Smith, the creator of the ‘Support for Families – Hillcrest Primary School’ GoFundMe campaign has confirmed that she will direct the funds from her GoFundMe campaign into the public fund.

Ms Smith has agreed to be on the Board to oversee the distribution of all the funds to the school, the Parents and Friends Committee, the families affected and others.

“I have been so amazed by the incredible response to my GoFundMe campaign. I never expected such an overwhelming response, and I am so grateful to everyone who has donated so far,” Ms Smith said.

“It is so touching to see the support that has come in from the community, and around the world, in response to such a terrible tragedy. Originally the plan was to distribute the money through the school committee to the families affected.

“However, from the outpouring of generous donations, the fund has exceeded beyond my wildest expectations so I am a please to partner with the Council and the State to ensure the money will still be distributed to the families, but it will also go towards the school and the school community to support them through the long term.”

MyState Bank General Manager of People, Community and Public Affairs, Janelle Whittle, said MyState was proud to assist.

“This devastating incident has impacted our customers and employees greatly. We want to ensure that all community donations get to where they need to go. MyState Bank will be making a donation to kick-start the appeal and we’ll be contacting various community partners to do the same,” she said.

Tasmanian Government Education Minister Sarah Courtney MP said the Tasmanian community had come together to support one another in the toughest of times. 

“We have seen the generosity of Australians from across the country through donations made to the campaign started by Zoe,” she said.

“This tragedy has clearly profound impact on so many children, families and the broader community and, with pledges continue to be made, demonstrates the support for those impacted. With Zoe’s assistance, and in partnership with MyState Bank and Devonport City Council, the Board will ensure that the donations go to those in need.”

You can make a donation:

·       Via online banking:

BSB: 807009

A/C: 30194756

Name: Business Services

·         Or by visiting your local branch of MyState.

If you want to help it is much better to make a financial contribution than providing donated goods. Should you wish to discuss any arrangements please contact [email protected]

Media contacts:

Tahnia Creedon | Communications and Engagement Officer | Devonport City Council | 03 64240562| [email protected]       

Mia Greves | Senior Manager Public Relations | MyState | 0499 520 482 | [email protected]