Together We Make a Difference
A community-driven initiative to improve health outcomes in North East Victoria and the Riverina Border Region.
Regional Australians deserve healthcare that is accessible, equitable, and of a quality consistent with that of their metropolitan counterparts. Rural communities face unique challenges – geographic isolation, resource shortages, and systemic inequities. These issues demand local solutions, designed and led by the communities they affect.
RAHMs was created to meet this need. By establishing a perpetual Community Philanthropic Fund under Border Trust, RAHMs will pool resources to address health inequities in NE Victoria and the Riverina Border Region. The fund will drive projects that save lives, improve well-being, and build healthier futures for regional Australians.
At the heart of our mission is a simple yet transformative concept: 10,000 people giving $1 a day can create lasting, systemic change. But to bring this vision to life, we need your support.
We’re inviting local families and individuals to join us and lay the foundation for a movement that empowers our community to take charge of its health.
Regional Australia Health Matters (RAHMs)
RAHMs began as a grassroots effort, inspired by the success of ‘Terry’s Big Bearded Ball Drop’ in 2020. This community-led fundraiser raised $180,000 in just 10 weeks for the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre, demonstrating that:
• People care deeply about the health of their communities.
• Trust and transparency are critical to encouraging generosity.
• Collective action can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
Building on this momentum, RAHMs was conceived in January 2024 and formally established in December 2024 with Border Trust as the host organisation.
Border Trust is providing a RAHMs Sub-Fund to receive, invest and distribute funds via Border Trust’s grant-making program. With governance and accountability ensured by Border Trust’s experienced team, RAHMs is positioned to become the region’s most enduring and impactful health-focused philanthropic initiative.
Rural and regional Australians face persistent disparities in healthcare:
• Access Gaps: Fewer healthcare providers and longer travel times.
• Outcomes Inequities: Higher rates of preventable diseases and poorer health outcomes.
• Resource Shortages: Limited infrastructure and funding.
These challenges demand solutions that are tailored to the specific needs of regional communities. That’s where RAHMs comes in.
RAHMs provides a simple and impactful way for communities to pool their resources and drive meaningful change:
• Local Focus: Every dollar raised stays local, addressing the unique healthcare challenges of our region.
• Evidence-Based: Funding is guided by research and community consultation, ensuring maximum impact.
• Accountable: Funds are managed by Border Trust, with grant-making informed by an Advisory Group of qualified health and community professionals.
Regional Health Education & Empowerment
RAHMs is not just about fundraising; it is also about education and empowerment. Addressing regional health challenges requires not only funding but also informed and engaged communities. RAHMs aims to:
• Raise Awareness: Highlight the unique healthcare challenges faced by rural Australians and the opportunities to address them.
• Provide Resources: Share practical, evidence-based health information tailored to our region.
• Inspire Action: Encourage individuals and groups to advocate for better health services and adopt healthier lifestyles.
RAHMs invites everyone in the community to become a subscriber to its educational initiatives – entirely free of charge. Subscribers will receive:
• Regular updates on regional health issues.
• Access to community stories and local health resources.
• Invitations to workshops, webinars, and community forums focused on health education and engagement.
By subscribing, individuals can stay informed and play an active role in shaping the future of health in their region.
Our Flagship Fundraising Campaign
10,000 People – $1 a Day
This campaign represents the heart of RAHMs’ mission:
• By contributing $1 a day ($30/month or $360/year), 10,000 people can create a sustainable, perpetual fund for regional health.
• Every contribution is tax-deductible and will be directed to initiatives that improve healthcare accessibility, quality, and equity.
Open and Ongoing Fundraising for Improved Regional Health
While the $1 a day campaign is our flagship initiative, we welcome and value support at any level. Some may choose to give $50, $100, or even more, while others may contribute smaller amounts—every dollar makes a difference. RAHMs is about empowering everyone to participate in improving regional health, no matter the size of their contribution.
The campaign’s success depends on the collective power of our community. With your help as a founding donor, we can inspire everyday Australians to join this transformative movement.
Seeking Start-Up Support
To establish RAHMs and launch its flagship campaign, we need start-up funding to cover:
• Sub-Fund Establishment Fees: Ensuring robust governance and compliance.
• Graphic Design & Branding: Creating a strong, recognisable identity that resonates with the community.
• Community Engagement & Education: Building awareness and rallying participation through education, community engagement and partnerships.
Estimated Start-Up Costs
| Activity | Estimated Cost |
| Named Sub-Fund Establishment (one-off expense) | $1,000 |
| Social media and web page establishment (one-off expense) | $1,000 |
| RAHMs Brand Development | $5,000 |
| Fundraising & Community Engagement resource development | $5,000 |
| Marketing, communication & printing costs | $1,000 |
| Community engagement & education costs | $2,000 |
| Total | $15,000 |
As a Founding Donor You Will
Lead: Be recognised as a leader in improving regional health outcomes.
Inspire others to join the cause through your example.
Contribute to a legacy that will benefit generations to come.
Ways to Support
Contribute: funds to cover start-up and ongoing costs (not tax-deductible).
Donate: Provide a one-time or recurring contribution to grow the perpetual RAHMs sub-fund and grant-making program (tax-deductible).
Partner: Collaborate with RAHMs to amplify the campaign and engage your networks.
Advocate: Help spread the word about RAHMs and its mission.
Donations
Online
Donations can be made directly via the Border Trust Online portal – HERE
Donors are asked to reference their donation ‘RAHMs’.
or
Donate via Direct Debit
Donate via Direct Debit Directly into the Trust account.
Receipts will be issued for any monies received.
Name: Community Foundation for the Albury Wodonga Region (Trust)
Bank: Hume Bank
BSB: 640 000
Account: 111 057 043
ABN: 11 064 494 169
Tax Deductible: Yes
Donors are asked to reference their donation ‘RAHMs’.
Contributions
Where corporate entities provide funding to the Trustee for RAHMs, they are responsible for seeking appropriate tax advice regarding the tax deductibility of their contributions. The trustee is not a DGR registered entity. However, corporate entities may be able to claim this contribution as a deduction if it is of benefit to their business for marketing purposes. We are happy to work with contributors to maximise their marketing benefit from our relationship.
Donate via Direct Debit
Name: Community Foundation for the Albury Wodonga Region Ltd (Trustee)
Bank: Hume Bank
BSB: 640 000
Account: 111 051 225
ABN: 34 111 519 012
Tax Deductible: No
Donors are asked to reference their donation ‘RAHMs’. Border Trust can issue an invoice for contributions upon request.
Together, we can build a healthier, stronger future for our region.
When governments can’t support us, we support ourselves.
Contact Us Today
Rob Dore | 0417 346 774
hello@rahms.com.au
www.RAHMs.au