On Tuesday, Four Winds executive director David Francis presented a cheque to Bega Valley Shire Mayor Kristy McBain for the Tathra and District Mayoral Appeal Fund.

Those attending this year’s Four Winds Easter Festival had responded to an appeal to donate funds to support those affected by the March 18 bushfire, raising just over $73,000.

This appeal was underpinned by a match-fund challenge from the Four Winds Foundation, an independent charity which was set up by the late Neilma Gantner of Barragga Bay.

The foundation’s chairman and Ms Gantner’s son Carrillo Gantner launched the appeal at a free community concert on Good Friday and said it was in the spirit of his mother who would have wanted to help the community at such a challenging time.

“We are so pleased to have had the opportunity to appeal to the Four Winds community to support those affected by the Tathra bushfires,” Mr Francis said.  

“Many of our visitors come from beyond the region, but the Sapphire Coast and the communities who live here are dear to their hearts.

“The generosity of the Four Winds Foundation was a great incentive for people to give over the course of the Easter Weekend and we are delighted that these funds will help our neigbhours in Tathra and surrounds rebuild their lives and homes.”