There’s something deeply reassuring about knowing your final act can shape the future of your community. Across Greater Geelong, the Surf Coast and the Bellarine Peninsula, more and more people are quietly making the decision to leave a gift in their will to charity - helping ensure the care, services and opportunities they valued in life continue for generations to come.

It’s a powerful legacy. And it’s far more common than people realise.

International research has shown that when a professional, like a solicitor or financial advisor, asks a client if they would consider leaving a bequest to charity, the number of people who say yes increases dramatically. The conclusion is clear: when people are prompted to think about it, many are happy to give.

And contrary to what some might think, legacy giving is not just for the wealthy. Most charitable bequests are made by ordinary people like you and I, health care workers, teachers, nurses, tradespeople, retirees - people who simply want to give back to the communities that have shaped or impacted their lives. In our case, it’s often the people who’ve had a personal experience with our local service - a grateful patient who received care - or those grateful for the care received by a loved one - are often most moved to include a gift in their will.

In Geelong, there’s a proud tradition of this kind of generosity. From the early days of the Geelong Infirmary in the 1800s to today’s modern and growing hospital and health centres, our region has always been grateful for the support of its people. We look after our own.

That tradition continues today through the Barwon Health Foundation. Independent, community-focused, and governed by a board committed Geelong region locals, the Foundation ensures that every bequest - no matter the size - is used with transparency and care. Gifts can be directed to a specific area, like cancer research, children’s health, cardiology, critical care or left to be used where the need is greatest. Typically, bequests are invested to generate funds for sustainable support so that the gift can keep giving, in perpetuity. Every dollar helps improve the health and wellbeing of the people of Geelong and surrounding regions.

People like Mike and Barbara Fairweather are part of this quiet movement. After receiving what they described as world-class care at University Hospital Geelong, they made the decision to include a gift to the Barwon Health Foundation in their will. Their story is one of gratitude - But it is also becoming a more familiar story. As more Australians approach estate planning as an extension of their values, legacy giving is becoming a simple yet hugely generous way to support the future.

Leaving a bequest isn’t about making a grand statement. It’s about doing something meaningful beyond life. It’s about making sure the care we’ve benefited from is there for the next family, the next child, the next neighbour.

In Geelong, we’re known for our generosity, our pride in our community, and our belief that everyone deserves the very best care, close to home. A legacy gift to the Barwon Health Foundation is one way to keep that tradition going.

Zoe Waters
Executive Director
Barwon Health Foundation