Recently, members of our team had the joy of attending the launch of The Angry Wives Club, the newest book by our inspiring Women’s Giving Circle member Gabbie Stroud.
With more than 80 women gathered in the room, the evening was alive with conversation, laughter, music, and connection — a true celebration of community spirit.
Gabbie’s book is light, witty, and wonderfully engaging, yet it also bravely explores deeper themes such as domestic violence and coercive control. Through storytelling, she opens space for awareness, empathy, and important conversations — a powerful contribution to our region and beyond.
We are incredibly proud of Gabbie for this milestone. Her creativity, courage, and generosity reflect the strength and diversity of women in our Giving Circle and across the Bega Valley.
In true giving spirit, the launch also raised funds for the Bega Women’s Resource Centre, supporting their vital work with women in need.
Congratulations, Gabbie — your voice is making a difference, both on and off the page.
Our Women’s Giving Circle has launched its monthly coffee catch‑ups — a relaxed way for members to connect and a welcoming space for women who are curious about the Circle to come along and learn more.
☕ In February, we held a wonderful catch‑up at the Cobargo Bank cafe where local women joined us for conversation, connection, and a chance to learn more about the Circle. It was a warm and engaging morning that set the tone for our monthly gatherings with a few of our Circle memebers.
☕ Our second catch‑up took place at the Wharf Local cafe in March, where we enjoyed delicious food and great conversations. A couple of local women joined us to hear more about the Circle, and one of our newest members, popped in to say hello.
We’ll continue meeting once a month at different local cafés across the Bega Valley — making it easy to connect across the community while supporting local businesses.
It’s all about connection, conversation, and community — and discovering the power of collective giving.
✨ Join us for the next coffee catch‑up, whether you’re already a member or just starting to wonder if the Women’s Giving Circle might be for you.
Keep an eye on our socials for the next date and location.
The Bega Valley Women’s Giving Circle — an initiative of the Mumbulla Community Foundation — has now been officially launched at this year’s International Women’s Day event in Bega. The celebration offered a wonderful opportunity to introduce the Circle publicly and honour the generosity and leadership of women across our region.
Since beginning in August 2025, the Circle has grown to nearly 30 members, reflecting a strong appetite for women‑led, community‑focused philanthropy in the Bega Valley. By pooling contributions and making decisions together, members will support initiatives that strengthen the lives of women and young people locally.
Circle Member and Labor Councillor Helen O’Neil delivered a thoughtful and inspiring speech capturing the purpose and potential of this new initiative. Several Circle members joined us on the day, helping to mark this milestone with pride and connection.
We are grateful to the Bega Chamber of Commerce and the Bega Women’s Resource Centre for welcoming us into such a vibrant and uplifting event. Meeting keynote speaker Lucy Bloom added an extra spark to the celebration. This launch marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for the Bega Valley Women’s Giving Circle and for the Mumbulla Community Foundation’s commitment to strengthening local philanthropy.
🌿 Join the Circle If you’re passionate about supporting women and young people in the Bega Valley, we warmly welcome you to become part of the Circle. Every new member strengthens our collective impact and helps grow a culture of generosity across our region.
As we reflect on 2025, we are proud to share the Mumbulla Community Foundation 2024/25 Annual Report and celebrate 25 years of giving where we live. For a quarter of a century, your generosity — through donations, grants, partnerships, and volunteer leadership — has strengthened the Bega Valley and helped build a more connected, resilient community.
This milestone is not just a marker of time, but a testament to what local people can achieve when we back each other. Every contribution, large or small, has helped create opportunities, support local organisations, and uplift individuals across the region.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we enter our next chapter, we’re focusing on several key priorities that will deepen our impact and expand opportunities across the Bega Valley:
Growing the Bega Valley Women’s Giving Circle, where, through collective giving, local women unite to uplift and nurture community — starting with women and young people.
Launching a Gifts in Wills program to build a lasting community legacy for generations to come.
Leveraging our new DGR Item 1 status to expand tax‑deductible giving and open new pathways for community support.
Expanding our Continuing Education Scholarships so more local people can access training, study, and opportunity.
These initiatives reflect our ongoing commitment to backing local people and strengthening the foundations of community life. Thank you for being part of the journey so far — and the future we’re building together. Your support ensures that the Bega Valley remains a place where generosity thrives, opportunities grow, and community spirit continues to shine.
Mumbulla Community Foundation – Annual Report 2024-2025 Link Here
Mumbulla Community Foundation is delighted to celebrate our Chair, Mick Pryke, who has been named Bega Valley Senior Citizen of the Year — a well‑deserved recognition of his extraordinary commitment to community.
For more than a decade, Mick and his wife Nellie have dedicated themselves to strengthening the Bega Valley through tireless volunteering. Mick brings deep experience, generous energy, and a remarkable ability to listen, connect, and create opportunities for others. His leadership is grounded in humility and a genuine belief in the power of community. Leading With Purpose at Mumbulla Community Foundation.
As Chair of Mumbulla Community Foundation, Mick provides strong governance, fresh ideas, and access to multiple sources of grant funding that directly benefit local people and organisations. He has also been involved with the Board in establishing the Bega Valley Women’s Giving Circle initiative, which is supporting community‑minded women to pool their skills and resources to uplift local comminty starting with women and young people.
Mick’s contribution extends well beyond MCF. He serves as a Director of the Cobargo Community Development Corporation, supporting the long‑term rebuild of Cobargo following the Black Summer bushfires. He is also a Director with Southern Cross Housing, where he contributes governance and strategic direction to support safe, secure, and affordable housing across the region.
Everything Mick does is anchored in service. His passion for helping others, building community, and strengthening local resilience makes him one of the most community‑minded people in the Bega Valley. His leadership continues to inspire those around him and create lasting impact.
Congratulations, Mick — an outstanding achievement and a truly well‑deserved honour. 👏👏👏
