New partnership launched to preserve and enhance the historic Robe Institute

A new partnership between Stand Like Stone Foundation, the Friends of the Robe Institute and the District Council of Robe will provide a long term pathway for community investment in one of Robe's most significant heritage buildings.

The newly established Robe Institute Heritage Preservation and Enhancement Sub Fund will enable individuals, families, businesses and bequests to make tax deductible contributions towards the preservation, restoration, enhancement and community activation of the historic Institute.

The Friends of the Robe Institute have long advocated for the preservation and active use of the building and see the fund as an important step towards securing its future.

Friends of the Robe Institute Chair Jill Davidson said the fund would help translate community support into lasting impact.

"The Friends group has always been passionate about ensuring the Institute remains an active and valued part of community life,” Ms Davidson said.

“We are excited to see this new fund established as a way for people who care about the building to contribute to its future."

Ms Davidson said the structure would allow people to support the Institute in a variety of ways, both now and into the future.

"Whether through a donation today or a gift through a future bequest, community support will help ensure the Institute continues to be a place where people gather, connect and celebrate the history and spirit of Robe," she said

Established through a Memorandum of Understanding between the three organisations, the fund has been designed to support both immediate projects and the gradual growth of a sustainable community resource for ongoing preservation and enhancement works.

An initial priority for the partnership is supporting works to remove deteriorating render and reveal the Institute's original stonework, helping restore the building's heritage character while addressing important conservation requirements.

District Council of Robe Mayor Lisa Ruffell said the initiative would complement the council's ongoing commitment to the institute while creating new opportunities for community involvement.

"The Robe Institute is an important part of our town's history and identity,” she said.

“Council is pleased to be partnering with the Friends of the Robe Institute and Stand Like Stone Foundation to provide a structured way for community members to invest in the future of this much loved building."

Mayor Ruffell said preserving significant community assets required collaboration.

"This initiative complements the council's ongoing commitment to the Institute and creates an opportunity for the wider community to play a meaningful role in preserving and enhancing an asset that belongs to all of us."

Stand Like Stone Foundation chief executive officer Jason Wallace said the partnership was an example of the community coming together to protect an important local asset while creating a lasting source of support for future generations.

"The Robe Institute is a remarkable community asset with both historic significance and enormous potential for future community use,” he said.

“This partnership provides a practical way for people to contribute to its preservation while creating a long term fund that will support the building for generations to come."

Mr Wallace said there was a meaningful connection between the project and Stand Like Stone Foundation's role as a community foundation.

"There is something particularly fitting about helping reveal the original stonework through a partnership with Stand Like Stone,” he said.

“As that stone emerges once again, it serves as a visible reminder of the strength, resilience and community spirit that built Robe and continues to sustain it today."

Donations to the Robe Institute Heritage Preservation and Enhancement Sub Fund are tax deductible and can be made through the Stand Like Stone Foundation website.