52 DEGREE FOUNDATION LIMITED
We support children and young people living with disability, chronic illness or disadvantage through practical grants, scholarships and community initiatives designed to remove barriers to participation, independence and opportunity.
Australian Registered Charity · Public Benevolent Institution · Deductible Gift Recipient
WHO WE ARE
52 Degree Foundation Limited exists to provide practical assistance where a child’s health, disability or circumstances create barriers that families and communities cannot always overcome alone.
Our programmes are designed to support needs such as mobility, communication, essential health equipment, educational participation, inclusive community resources and opportunities for young people to develop their abilities.
Every programme has its own eligibility criteria. Applicants should review the relevant guidelines before applying.
HOW WE HELP
Practical assistance for eligible Australian children living with disability or long-term health conditions who require essential equipment or support directly related to their needs.
Funding for eligible Victorian schools and community organisations seeking equipment and resources that improve access, inclusion and participation for children.
Support for eligible students facing barriers to participation in education, including essential learning materials, equipment and approved educational resources.
Support for young Australians with demonstrated talent who are living with disability, chronic illness or financial hardship and need assistance to continue developing their abilities.
OUR PURPOSE
A piece of mobility equipment can change how a child moves through the world. A communication device can change how they participate in it. Educational support can determine whether a student is able to take part fully at school.
The Foundation focuses on practical interventions that can make a meaningful difference to a child’s everyday life.
Our role is not to replace government, health, education or disability systems. It is to help eligible children and families where a genuine gap remains and the Foundation’s programme criteria can be met.
LITTLE RED HEART APPEAL
The Little Red Heart Appeal is a 52 Degree Foundation fundraising initiative created to bring individuals, families, businesses and communities together in support of approved programmes benefiting children and young people.
Individual campaigns may support a specific Foundation programme, beneficiary group or charitable purpose. The purpose of each campaign will be clearly identified when donations are invited.
OUR JOURNEY IN PICTURES
These photographs and videos are preserved from the Foundation’s existing website archive. They document fundraising events and community participation connected with the Foundation’s philanthropic journey.
Gala fundraising highlights from the Foundation’s media archive.
Some highlights include:
Images and videos demonstrate documented activity; they do not by themselves represent a current endorsement, partnership or funding commitment.
OUR SUPPORT NETWORK
Recognising organisations represented in the Foundation’s sponsor archive.
WHY WE EXIST
The story behind 52 Degree Foundation began in 2004, when the Romano family experienced an extended period of hospital care for their daughter.
The support provided by medical professionals, charitable organisations and the wider community during that period left a lasting impression on the family and shaped a long-term commitment to giving back.
Over the years that commitment developed from family philanthropy into a formal charitable organisation. 52 Degree Foundation Limited was established as an Australian public company and became an ACNC-registered charity in 2025.
Today the Foundation is building structured programmes intended to deliver practical and accountable support to children, families and community organisations.
The Foundation grew from a long history of family and business support for charitable and community initiatives.
A LONG-TERM COMMUNITY ASSET
52 Degree Foundation Limited is progressing the proposed acquisition of the purpose-designed Airlie Beach Yacht Club premises at 1–7 The Cove Road, Airlie Beach.
The objective is to establish a permanent home for a community-based Yacht Club serving members, sailors, competitors, families, visitors and the wider Whitsunday community.
The proposed Club is being developed as more than a hospitality venue. Its future programme is intended to bring together sailing, marine competition, membership, community participation, recreation, events and hospitality within a professionally governed not-for-profit Club structure.
The wider development also incorporates substantial structured public parking, supporting both the Club precinct and broader visitor activity in Airlie Beach.
The property development itself is being delivered separately through Brookfields La Perla Landco Pty Ltd, the project-specific development SPV.
WHY IT MATTERS
The Foundation’s proposed purchase of the Yacht Club premises is intended to secure the property for long-term not-for-profit Club use rather than short-term private operation.
Through Airlie Beach Yacht Club, the premises are intended to support a broad programme of sailing, competitions, member activities, youth and community participation, hospitality, recreation and major Club occasions.
The Foundation’s role is to provide the long-term legal and governance structure behind the Club. Club governance and day-to-day operations will sit within the established Committee and management framework.
The proposed acquisition remains subject to the applicable transaction documentation, development process and required approvals.
COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE
The wider development includes a four-level structured car park designed to provide substantial undercover parking within the Airlie Beach precinct.
While part of the development supports the operation of the Yacht Club, the parking facility is also intended to serve broader public and visitor demand.
The long-term ownership and professional operation of the parking facility may be structured separately from the Foundation and Yacht Club, allowing an experienced car-park operator or investor to manage the facility as dedicated public parking infrastructure.
GOVERNANCE
52 Degree Foundation Limited is governed as an Australian registered charity and Public Benevolent Institution.
The Foundation operates within its governing documents, applicable Australian charity law and the regulatory framework administered by the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.
GET INVOLVED
Support the Foundation’s approved programmes and charitable work.
Work with the Foundation through funding, programme support, services or an approved corporate partnership.
Register your interest in contributing time or expertise to future Foundation activities.