Our supporters reflect the diverse nature of the Hobsons Bay community. The individuals, groups and businesses that support the Fund are all connected by a sense of the importance of making a difference to organisations and people in our local community.

Our supporters have contributed to the Hobsons Bay community by:

  • Establishing and contributing to a corpus that is now close to $1 million for the benefit of the Hobsons Bay community in perpetuity.

  • Supporting us to provide annual grants to worthy, grassroots organisations through the HBCF Grants Program.

  • Supporting us to provide longer term grants to Fund partners to develop and deliver high impact initiatives.

  • Supporting or sponsoring our fundraising events including the annual Charity Golf Day and Business Lunch.

  • Becoming a HBCF Patron or member of the HBCF Philanthropy Club and providing ongoing support.

We thank the following organisations for their generous support of the Hobsons Bay Community Fund.

Patrons Club Members

We thank the following Patrons Club Members for their generous support of the Hobsons Bay Community Fund:

  • Russell Cocks

  • Peter Dawkins, AO & Sue Sleep

  • Julie & Tertius du Plessis

  • Cr. Peter Hemphill

  • Bill Jaboor

  • Hayden Raysmith, AM

  • Cr. Pamela Sutton-Legaud

  • Richard van der Merwe & Sue Laws

Philanthropy Club Members

We thank the following Philanthropy Club Members for their ongoing commitment to the work of the Hobsons Bay Community Fund. Philanthropy Club members commit to an annual donation to the HBCF to amplify their contribution through collective giving.

  • Altona Sports Club

  • Checkpoint Building Surveyors

  • Russell Cocks

  • Peter Dawkins, AO & Sue Sleep

  • Julie & Tertius Du Plessis

  • Cr. Peter Hemphill

  • Melissa Hilton

  • Bill Jaboor

  • Loaram Constructions

  • Peter Sadler Removals & Logistics

  • Qenos

  • Hayden Raysmith, AM

  • Signcraft

  • Pamela Sutton-Legaud

  • Symal Group

  • Richard van der Merwe & Sue Laws

  • Williamstown Community & Education Centre

  • Sandra Wilson & Gordon Lescinsky

Major Sponsors and Partners

Key Supporters

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VALE RAY HORSBURGH, AM (1943-2022)

 The Hobsons Bay Community Foundation is deeply saddened by the passing of prominent Williamstown resident and businessman Ray Horsburgh AM.

In the formative years of the HBCF, when it was trying to build a solid corpus to reach its goal of becoming a significant local philanthropic organisation, the State Government offered matching funding if the HBCF could raise $50,000. Ray, who was then chairman of Toll Holdings, offered to hold a business fundraising luncheon at the transport company’s premises. This luncheon raised $76,000, triggering the State Government funding. Importantly, it gave the Hobsons Bay Community Foundation the boost it needed to reach higher goals.

The Hobsons Bay Community Fund now has a big enough corpus to distribute about $50,000 a year in grants to disadvantaged local groups.

Ray was a prominent businessman in Victoria. He began his career at the ACI Glass factory in Spotswood, rising to become its chief executive officer. After 31 years there, he joined Smorgon Steel Group as its chief executive officer and remained there for 14 years. Ray was also a board member and, later, chairman of the Essendon Football Club. In an expansive business career and his time in sporting circles, Ray was always ready to help the less fortunate and build capacity in young people – the same goals underpinning the Hobsons Bay Community Fund. In the 2006 Australia Day Honors, Ray was awarded and Order of Australia for services to the steel industry, but also to services to disadvantaged youth. The Hobsons Bay Community Fund is deeply indebted to Ray for giving it the boost it needed back 10 or more years ago. His legacy will continue through the Fund for many years to come.