Initially, we were a group of individuals united through several Facebook groups, collectively amassing over 16,000 members, all of whom opposed a specific proposal. As time went on, it became clear that our efforts required more organisation and strategic planning & direction, especially since we anticipate this to be a long-term opposition. Transitioning into a formal association provides us with a stronger foundation, enabling us to be more effective and coordinated in our actions.

The membership fee is multifaceted in its purpose within our association. It encourages members to actively participate, giving them the opportunity to be involved in decisions that impact the Illawarra region.

The funds raised are vital for organising events and information sessions, essential for our outreach and educational efforts. These funds also support the production of marketing materials such as flyers, keeping the community informed and engaged.

Furthermore, being a financial member grants the right to vote at Annual General Meetings on important matters including resolutions and positions of Office Bearers. This empowers our community members to play a pivotal role in shaping the leadership of our association by selecting Committee members and Office Bearers, ensuring that our actions and strategies are truly representative of and responsive to the community’s wishes and needs.

Responsible Future (Illawarra Chapter) Inc. is proud to be a community-funded association. Our funding primarily comes from individual donations, community fundraisers, and community members who offer grants that support specific projects aligned with our mission. We also collect membership fees from those aligned to our objectives.

No, we do not receive any funding from big businesses. Our commitment to independence and integrity means we rely on community contributions and avoid financial ties with large corporations.

In alignment with our dedication to environmental sustainability, we do not knowingly accept donations from the fossil fuel industry or any entities whose practices conflict with our values and goals.

We operate independently of labor unions and do not receive funding from such organisations. Our resources are sourced from individual supporters and community-based activities.

Depending on your location and the specifics of your contribution, your donation may be tax-deductible and we recommend consulting with a tax professional to understand the applicability in your case.

We are committed to transparency and accountability in all our financial dealings. Detailed financial reports are available to our members on request with all personal information removed to comply with Australian Privacy Law 

Contributions from individuals like you are our lifeline. You can donate through our website, participate in our community fundraisers, or volunteer your time and skills to support our initiatives.

As an association we are not promoting any Political Party, however we will listen and stand next to any political party who supports our communities fight against the current government’s mantra of environmentally, economically and technologically unsound rollout of renewables that threaten the very fabric of our ocean and region. Our focus is actively engaging in advocacy and lobbying to promote community-driven initiatives that foster a sustainable and responsible future.

As an association, we maintain a neutral stance when it comes to endorsing specific types of alternative energy. We believe in the expertise of our government and industry professionals to propose sustainable and responsible energy plans. These plans should consider the well-being and needs of all stakeholders, both in the present and the future. Our focus is on advocating for responsible and considerate energy development, rather than backing any single alternative.

For more information or specific inquiries, please feel free to contact us directly through our official channels.