Donation that launched the TLC named one of Australia's top 50
In 2001 three mates chipped in $50 each to create the Tasmanian Land Conservancy and kick-start a vision aimed at protecting Tasmania’s special places. This story of our humble beginnings is one we’re really fond of–biased though we are–because it’s such a testament to what can be achieved purely by ‘giving it a go’.
These mates were our co-founders Nathan Males, Jim Mulcahy and Greg Blake and they were celebrated today at an event in Melbourne to honour Australia’s Top 50 Philanthropic Gifts.
The significance of the $50 that they each pooled over coffee at Hobart’s Retro Café to kick-start the organisation was recognised over donations of substantially higher amounts. Jim said that the donation covered the $101 fee to register the organisation and that the remaining $49 was used to open a bank account.
“With that, the TLC was born. It was a small, slow and steady start but I think it’s a great testament to grassroots organisations who, instead of sitting around and waiting for others to do something, they think: 'Why not have a go ourselves?’" he said.
The story demonstrates the power of a small gift combined with a strong vision to realise a big idea; nurtured in no small part along the way by an army of extremely passionate supporters and a skilled team.
Our CEO Jane Hutchinson said it’s a thrill that Nathan, Jim and Greg’s contribution has been recognised at this very special event.
“The saying is ‘from little things, big things grow’ and the start of the TLC is such a fabulous example of just that,” she said.
Celebrating Australia’s ‘Top 50 Philanthropic Gifts’ was the brain child of the Myer Family Company, The Myer Foundation and Sidney Myer Fund, Pro Bono Australia, Philanthropy Australia and the Asia-Pacific Centre for Social Investment and Philanthropy at Swinburne University of Technology.
It is one way to recognise the incredible impact that philanthropy can have in our society and to inspire more people to contribute to shaping our culture, society and public policy. A great gift is not just about a large sum of money. It can be a vision that understands what can be achieved by taking small steps and encouraging others to follow.
The public is invited to vote for their top 10 favourite stories online and we're hoping that you all like us enough to jump on their website and put in a good word for us! Find out more, along with our ‘origin story’, here - http://bit.ly/19m8O7H