First Nations Crowdfunding Event
The Lyone Foundation has committed $35,000 in funding to support three First Nations–led charities, following a collective giving event hosted by The Funding Network Australia (TFN) on 12 November 2025.
Mara and Casimir Lyone attended the event, which brought together everyday Australians, businesses and philanthropic leaders to support grassroots organisations working directly with communities.
TFN is Australia’s largest collective giving movement, connecting donors with grassroots organisations through the power of storytelling, shared learning and community. Its model enables non-profits to access funding, skills, networks and visibility, while creating an accessible and joyful way for people at all income levels to give together. Beyond raising funds on the night, TFN events are designed to build lasting relationships and sustained momentum for organisations long after the event concludes.
By participating in TFN’s collective giving model, the Lyone Foundation was able to support three organisations that are deeply embedded in their communities and led by lived experience. Together, these investments reflect a shared belief that when communities are resourced to lead their own solutions, meaningful and lasting change follows.
Coolamon Community
The Foundation’s largest contribution of $15,000 was directed to Coolamon Community, a First Nations–led charity addressing the shortage of safe baby essentials in remote communities across the Northern Territory and Western Australia.
Working through trusted Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, Coolamon Community provides culturally safe sleep spaces known as Coolamons, bundled with baby essentials, books and affirming resources. These are gifted by local health staff to new parents at the point of care, ensuring dignity, connection and early engagement with health services from a child’s first days.
The Lyone Foundation’s donation will help equip Aboriginal Health Services in communities such as Katherine and Karratha to deliver more Coolamons, while also supporting the growth of Coolamon Baby, the organisation’s social enterprise. This investment strengthens infant health and wellbeing today while helping sustain support for families and communities into the future.
Deadly Runners
A further $10,000 was donated to Deadly Runners, a mob-led organisation delivering free, culturally safe running and leadership programs.
Since 2023, Deadly Runners has supported more than 160 participants, helped 25 community members gain accredited qualifications and created employment for Aboriginal staff. Its programs build confidence, resilience and pride, while creating pathways to leadership and visibility through local, national and international events.
The Foundation’s support will help establish the first trail running event in a planned annual series. Designed to connect people to Country, the event will bring community and allies together while creating employment and leadership opportunities for local coaches. With governance, delivery capability and a corporate partner already in place, the initiative is expected to generate a recurring revenue stream that expands opportunities for First Nations communities well beyond race day.
Woganurra Aboriginal Corporation
The final $10,000 contribution was made to Woganurra Aboriginal Corporation, an organisation grounded in the legacy of Elders Aunty June and Uncle Roy Barker.
Centred around the Goondee Aboriginal Keeping Place in Lightning Ridge, Woganurra serves Yuwaalaraay, Gamilaraay, Yuwaaliyaay, Murrawarri and Gomeroi communities by safeguarding collections, sharing history and delivering education that fosters intergenerational knowledge transfer, pride and language revitalisation.
The donation will support essential refurbishment of the Goondee, Lightning Ridge’s first Aboriginal museum, ensuring it is climate-resilient, functional year-round and able to meet growing demand from local families, schools and visitors. The upgrades will protect precious collections, expand truth-telling and language programs, and create training and employment opportunities, particularly for young people.