Bendigo Bank Grants Night Speech

Tuesday 11 November 2025   6pm

St Ives Club, 100 Killeaton Street, St Ives

Good evening, my name is Janine Kitson and I am Vice President of FOKE and I am here with Christiane Berlioz FOKE Committee member.  

I wish to convey FOKE President Kathy Cowley’s sincere apologies as she cannot be present tonight.

On behalf of FOKE, I wish to sincerely thank the Board of the Bendigo Adelaide Bank and Sharon Franke (Community Development Director) for the invitation to attend the Director’s Grants Presentation tonight and to thank Celesse Yang for selecting FOKE to receive a Staff Grant of $1000.

FOKE or Friends of Ku-ring-gai Environment was established 31 years ago, and its mission and work is dedicated to the conservation and protection of Ku-ring-gai’s built and natural environment. One of our major projects is the establishment of the Ku-ring-gai Geo-Region which was commenced in 2018. 

This Ku-ring-gai GeoRegion celebrates one of Australia’s most geologically and culturally significant landscapes — from ancient volcanic formations to diverse ecosystems and rich Aboriginal heritage. It spans six protected areas, including Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, that we promote through self-guided geotrails, educational signage and immersive storytelling. Our Ku-ring-gai GeoRegion project  promotes conservation, education and sustainable tourism — and is a first step toward potential UNESCO Global Geopark recognition.

The grant will enable FOKE to purchase an IPAD which will be instrumental in supporting and promoting our GeoRegion project as well as our other work.  It will enable us to record photos of Ku-ring-gai’s natural, built and cultural heritage. We can use the Ipad to assist us with PowerPoint presentations at our community meetings and at our information stalls such as the ones we hold at Gordon Markets.

Thank you again Bendigo Bank for your wonderful support.

21 November 2025