The demise of a local community group has delivered a silver living to a much sought after Mount Gambier charity organisation.


The former Women in Business & Regional Development Board made the difficult decision to wind up the not-for-profit organisation last year.


However, once the board had been wound up, group members opted to donate residual funds to the Sunset Community Kitchen’s Christmas appeal.


The organisation was one of the highest profile member-based organisations in the Limestone Coast, passionately supporting and developing the capabilities of regional women in the community over the past 25 years.


Former board chair Brittany Shelton said the volunteer board’s dedication to WiBRD’s mission to support regional women to create powerful legacies and present a strong regional voice was evident in the achievements of the organisation in the previous financial year.


This included hosting over 15 networking and professional development events, inducting several truly inspiring women into the Hall of Fame in November 2023, rolling out a Mentor Connect Program (featuring several interstate mentors of significance, as well as local experts), hosting the 2023 Business Awards in partnership with the Mount Gambier Chamber of Commerce, and also reaching a 25 year milestone.


“Unfortunately, over these past three years, the board has faced unprecedented challenges, much like all businesses have faced,” Ms Shelton said.


“The COVID-19 pandemic, followed so closely by the economic downtown, left our community feeling burnt out, overloaded, and stretched thin. 


“What this meant for our organisation, is that partnerships and memberships declined, event bookings became less predictable, and volunteer numbers thinned out.


“This, coupled with an increase in expenses left us in a situation which was no longer sustainable.”


Ms Shelton said while it was “bittersweet” for the group, the former board was glad to be able to “pay it forward” and see the funds utilised for such a wonderful cause.


“Women in Business & Regional Development’s values are Authenticity, Advocacy, Bravery, Community and Humility, and it was important to us to find a cause that aligns with those values to donate the funds to,” she said.


Ms Shelton said the importance of community and the invaluable support provided by volunteers was highlighted by the former WiBRD Board.


“The community built by Women in Business & Regional Development does not just disappear with the winding up of the organisation,” she said.


“The relationships, bonds and connections forged will last a lifetime, and the positive impact on businesses, individuals, and our region will continue to flow on, grow and evolve.


“I’m proud of the inspiring legacy built by the organisation, including all those who have contributed to it over the years, or touched it in some way.”


Her sentiments were echoed by the group’s former executive officer Jacinta Jones.


“One of the key discussions of the board prior to winding up had been the establishment of a foundation to support vulnerable women in our community, and we are so glad that we can still contribute something towards achieving that mission through this donation,” she said.


Former WiBRD Deputy Chair Toni Vorenas said at a special meeting a motion was moved to wind up the not-for-profit group, and it was then determined that any residual funds would be donated to the Sunset Community Kitchen.


“One of the key considerations of the board when determining where to donate our residual funds was supporting other not-for-profits who lift our community up,” she said.


“There has been a drastic increase in women of all ages experiencing critical financial hardship, and we know that this time of year can be so difficult for many families.


“I am passionate about food bringing people together, and every family deserves to have a delicious meal for Christmas.”


Sunset Community Kitchen President Maree Thompson said the group was humbled to receive the help from the board.


“The funds will be used towards hot meals and Christmas hampers full of essentials,” she said.


“We are just so grateful, every contribution helps.”