Hillcrest Community Public Fund video

Devonport City Council Tasmania

Devonport Mayor Annette Rockliff and Zoe Smith talk about the Hillcrest Community Fund in a short video (and below).

Cr Rockliff said “This fund was only set up to ensure all donations, including the GoFundMe proceeds initiated by Devonport woman Zoe Smith, will support the longer-term needs of the families affected.”

“It’s important to reiterate that the money is not coming to Council or the State Government – it’s going directly to a bank account at MyState to ensure all donations are safe and secure.

“No one expected this much money to be donated this quickly and making sure that the money goes directly to all those families affected and the Hillcrest school community is our main focus.

“Sadly, some social media comments have painted a negative picture on what has been an intentional, transparent move to ensure those funds are managed securely.

Immediate funding of $500,000 from the State Government is already helping the families – this includes counselling and social worker support and importantly immediate financial and practical support to the families who have been impacted.

The Federal Government also announced on Saturday that they would provide $800,000 in funding for counselling and mental health support for those affected by this tragedy.

At last night’s Council meeting, Devonport City Council announced we will donate $30,000 to the Fund and our staff will continue to work tirelessly with various local and regional teams, often around the clock, helping in anyway they can.

“We know our community is hurting, we all feel impacted in some way and our hearts are broken for the families and the school community.”

/Public Release. View in full here.