March 23, 2015
An unregistered Brisbane-based charity, which allegedly collected money on behalf of flood-affected South Burnett residents, has been in the media spotlight in Brisbane.
The Brisbane Times newspaper reported on Friday that the “First 24 Hrs Foundation” had never been licensed with the Queensland Office of Fair Trading for fundraising.
However, the First 24 Hrs Foundation had been granted charity status by the national regulator, the Australian Charities and Not-For-Profits Charity Commission (ACNC).
In 2013, it reported to the ACNC that it had provided sponsorship and donations to the Cherbourg Aboriginal Community annual football tournament.
The group’s information statement continued:
“This event is a year long event to promote team work and to try and address the high incidence of youth suicide in the indigenous community. The charity provided advice and support on how the community responds to disaster and emergency situations to enable the community to be better prepared for future events. One of the contributing factors to the high suicide rate was how the community reacted when they faced the total loss of there (sic) household goods and some family members as a result of disaster. Each household in the community was given access to the F24hrs Foundation Family Safety Plan and guidence (sic) on how to prepare for emergency or disaster events.”
The ACNC revoked the registration of the The Trustee For First 24 Hrs Foundation on July 1, 2013.
Cherbourg Aboriginal Council CEO Warren Collins told the Brisbane Times he knew of no sponsorship or donation to the Cherbourg Hornets.
Mr Collins told southburnett.com.au today he did not know of Eddy Andrews, the founder of the “First 24 Hrs Foundation”, or had ever spoken to him.
“I am not aware of any donations that he has made to this community,” Mr Collins said.
- External link: Brisbane Charity Never Registered Continues To Solicit Funds
