Sony Foundation Aus Announces Grants For Projects In Bushfire-affected Communities

Sony Foundation Australia has today confirmed grants for two projects in bushfire-affected communities including Mallacoota in Victoria and Ulladulla in New South Wales.

Sony artist Guy Sebastian presented a $200,000 cheque at February's Fire Fight Australia concert in Sydney on behalf of Sony Foundation Australia with funds directed to the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR). 

The two communities who will share in that $200,000 are:

• 'The Sanctuary’, Mallacoota Youth Group, VIC – Sony Foundation's support will contribute to building the capacity, resilience and wellbeing of the young people in Mallacoota, through the activities and operations of an emerging youth centre called ‘The Sanctuary.’
• ‘Sanctuary of Wellbeing and Renewal’, Ulladulla High School, NSW – Fifteen Ulladulla High School students lost their homes in the fires. Additionally, many students have been dislocated due to damage to their properties and family businesses.

The grant announcements come as sales for the Fire Fight Australia charity album, which debuted at #1 on the ARIA Albums chart in March, have ticked over $450,000 with all proceeds being donated to support additional projects benefiting young Australians in bushfire affected communities.

“We are continually reminded that the path to recovery in communities affected by the unprecedented bushfires is a long and challenging journey," CEO of Sony Foundation Australia, Sophie Ryan and Chairman and CEO of Sony Music Entertainment Australia and New Zealand, and Founding Board Director of Sony Foundation Australia, Denis Handlin AO said in a joint statement.

"We hope these communities see the success of this funding and special album as Australia’s way of saying we are standing by your side. We are overwhelmed and humbled with the generosity from everyone involved, which now includes the retail partners who have passed on profits so that more funds can go to these communities.

"Thank you also to the FRRR and its Board for the incredible work to enable us to contribute to the lives of so many young Australians.”