More than a dozen young people will now be able to further their education, thanks to funds raised at the Illawarra Police Charity Ball.
In July 2024, more than 200 people attended the 36th Illawarra Police Charity Ball at the University of Wollongong to raise funds for the Multicultural Communities Council of Illawarra (MCCI), and NSW Police Legacy.
The Ball raised $14,500 for MCCI towards the Youth Scholarship Program, which supports young people further their education goals.
Each year a portion of the fundraising is donated to NSW Police Legacy to provide care and ongoing support to the families of police officers who have suffered a loss. The 2024 Illawarra Police Charity Ball raised $3600 for NSW Police Legacy.
During the MCCI annual general meeting, Wollongong Police District Commander, Superintendent Karen Cook APM, on behalf of the Ball Committee presented $1000 education scholarships to 25 young people to further their education. The 2025 scholarships were jointly-funded by MCCI and the Illawarra Police Charity Ball.
Supt Cook said it was great to have the opportunity to meet the young people who benefited from the ball’s fundraising efforts.
“It was wonderful to be invited to present the education scholarships to these young people and hear their stories. We know these scholarships will not only benefit the successful individuals in their educational endeavours, but also use the skills they learn to continue to be great leaders in our community,” Supt Cook said.
MCCI CEO Chris Lacey welcomed the funding towards the 3rd Youth Scholarship Program
“The Youth Scholarship Program helps support the next generation of multicultural leaders in our community. We are grateful to the team who coordinated the Illawarra Police Charity Ball this year and to all of the donors who have made our scholarship program for 2025 possible,” Mr Lacey said.
Since 1985, the Illawarra Police Charity Ball has raised more than $500,000 for Illawarra and South Coast charities, with assistance from the local community and businesses.
A variety of charities have benefited including the Wollongong Hospital Children’s Ward, Lifeline South Coast, South Coast Disabled Surfers Association, Illawarra Cancer Carers, KidzWish and Orange Sky Laundry.
Planning is underway for the return of the Illawarra Police Charity Ball in mid-2025.
