Mr Lonesborough embarked on a crowdfunding campaign to assist with his Sydney Film School project, The Children, which he intends to film in and around the Bega district.

With the council’s unanimous approval of a $500 contribution, he has now passed his funding goal of $2000 to assist with travel, catering and accommodation costs for his cast and crew.

Cr Liz Seckold, who raised the idea of contributing, said Mr Lonesborough is “an exceptional young man”, a comment roundly endorsed at Wednesday’s council meeting.