Bisinella Developments is proud to mark 10 years of supporting the Give Where You Live Foundation, reaffirming the developer’s commitment to building a fairer, more equitable community across Geelong.

As a driving force for social change in the region, the Foundation addresses inequality through strategic funding, advocacy and collaborative action.

Each year, it invests in programs that tackle systemic issues across housing, education and employment - empowering people with the resources and support they need to build brighter futures.

In 2024/25, the Foundation provided more than $1.1 million in funding to 23 local community organisations working to make Geelong a fairer place for everyone.

Bisinella has been a Gold Partner of the Give Where You Live Foundation since 2015, reflecting a broader company commitment to community investment and social responsibility.

Bisinella Developments Director Richard Bisinella said the partnership aligns closely with the company’s values and vision.

“As a locally owned and operated business, we believe it’s our responsibility to contribute to the community that supports us,” Richard said.

“Partnering with the Give Where You Live Foundation allows us to be part of a bigger movement - one that’s transforming lives, strengthening communities and helping to build a more inclusive Geelong for all.”

Richard encouraged other local businesses to get involved to help shape a more inclusive community.

“We would like to thank the Give Where You Live Foundation for its unwavering leadership and dedication to positive social impact,” he said.

“The Foundation’s work continues to inspire, bringing together businesses, individuals and communities with a shared goal of building more equitable and connected Geelong.”

Across the region, the most urgent social equity challenges include the rising cost of living, a shortage of affordable housing, growing mental health issues and social isolation.

This year, the Foundation responded to these pressures by prioritising support for food security, homelessness services and inclusive employment through more than $1.1 million in grants.

Give Where You Live Foundation CEO Zac Lewis said these latest grants come at a crucial time.

“As the cost of living continues to rise, so too does the number of people in our region seeking help,” he said.

“Almost half of the grant applications we received identified cost of living pressures as the biggest challenge facing their communities.

“Food security remains a major concern, with 80% of funding requests focused on this area - a clear reflection of the growing need.

“These grants are only possible thanks to our generous donors, corporate partners, thousands of workplace givers, as well as other supporters, and we thank them for helping the Foundation to create a fairer region.”

Over the coming year, the Foundation’s main priorities include releasing its ‘Homes Truth’ report on homelessness and ‘Food For Thought’ report on food insecurity.

The Foundation will also continue to support The Paddock – its seven-acre urban farm in Leopold which promotes food security and employment pathways – and lead the Feed Geelong Appeal, a targeted campaign to fight hunger across the region.

To learn more or to become a supporter, visit: www.givewhereyoulive.com.au.

Impact story – how your donations are making a difference

Emma* never imagined she would struggle to provide the basics for her children. A single mother of three – each with complex health needs – her days are consumed by medical appointments and school runs. Unable to work, Emma constantly worries about how she’ll put food on the table.

At one point, Emma had to siphon petrol from the lawnmower just to get her kids to a vital medical appointment. And when the fridge is empty, she’s often faced with an impossible choice:  food or medication.

Through the Give Where You Live Foundation’s Community Choice program, Emma was able to access fresh, nutritious food for her family – easing the burden and giving her some peace of mind.

Emma’s story is one of many across the Geelong region. Right now, you can help change the story for another local family doing it tough.

*Name changed to protect identity.