MEAA has relationships with several benevolent and support funds which have been established to help members of our industries who are in need.

With the exception of the Media Safety and Solidarity Fund, these funds are not managed by MEAA, however, members are encouraged if they wish to make donations or bequests directly to the funds.

MEAA recommends that you seek independent legal and financial advice before making a bequest in your will to a benevolent funds.

The following benevolent funds for are currently active:

Journalists Benevolent Funds

NSW Journalists Benevolent Fund

The NSW Journalists Benevolent Fund is managed by a group of trustees and is affiliated with the Media section of MEAA. The trustees meet regularly to review applications and status of their investment portfolio. Donations and bequests can be made online at: nswjbf.org

Victorian Media Section Benevolent Fund

The Victorian Media Section Benevolent Fund exists to support journalists in circumstances of extreme financial distress. Requests for support can be sent to Victorian Media Section Branch President Marisa Wikramanayake.

The Charles Blackall Journalists Fund

The Charles Blackall Journalists Fund, established on December 31, 1947, is a small charitable fund registered with the Australian Charities and Not-For-Profits Commission. You can email the Trustee for the Charles Blackall Journalists Fund for more information, remembering to cite the full name of the fund and and the fund’s ABN 62431391982. More information on the fund is available from the Commission’s website. However, it is important to repeat that this is a small charitable fund. Click here for a history of the Charles Blackall Journalists Fund.

Queensland Journalists Benevolent Fund

The Queensland Journalists Benevolent Fund exists to support journalists in need. Requests for support can be sent to Queensland Media section branch president Anne Syvret.

WA Media Section Committee Benevolent Fund

The WA Media Section Committee Benevolent Fund’s main purpose is to provide benefits for financial members of the Western Australian MEAA Branch whose primary union membership is with the Media Section of MEAA and/or their dependants who are in circumstances of extreme financial distress. See the Fund by laws here. Make an application for assistance here.

Canberra Journalists Benevolent Fund

The Canberra Journalists Benevolent Fund provides grants or interest-free loans to journalist members of the ACT Branch experiencing financial hardship and, at the discretion of the trustees, can pay a benefit to the next of kin of a deceased member or former member.  The fund was founded in the early 1980s by members of the then-Canberra Branch of the Australian Journalists Association. While maintaining a strong connection with MEAA, the fund is an independent incorporated association. Apart from the funeral benefit, the Fund has offered direct donations, “no interest loans” to members in in the past financial hardship, funds to assist in some legal proceedings and our largest donation to MEAA members whose houses were burnt down in the 2003 Canberra bushfires. The fund is managed by a group of trustees. Contact the public officer Michael White with requests for support.

Actors Benevolent Funds and Trusts

Actors Benevolent Funds, Trusts and Guilds provide assistance to professional performers who, due to injury, illness or disability, are unable to work either temporarily or in some cases for the rest of their lives. The guilds, trusts and funds are nonfor- profit charitable organisations that are administered by management committees of volunteers from the entertainment industry. Assistance is offered in many forms, both practical and financial.

Support the charities that support us.

Actors Benevolent Fund of NSW
actorsbenevolentfund.org.au
Phone: 02 9333 0915
Email: info@actorsbenevolentfund.org.au

Actors & Entertainers Benevolent Fund (QLD)
abfqld.com.au
Phone: 1300 656 513
Email: info@abfqld.com.au

Victorian Actors Benevolent Trust
vabt.com.au
Phone: 0411 524 929
Email: enquiries@vabt.com.au

Artist Relief Fund WA
artistreliefwa.org.au
Email: apply@artistreliefwa.org.au

Performers Support Fund of South Australia
psfsa.org.au
Email: assistance@psfsa.org.au

New Zealand Actors Benevolent Fund
nzabf.org.nz

Other Support Funds that may assist MEAA members

Support Act

Support Act is a Fund that exists to assist singers, songwriters, composers, musicians, roadies, techies, managers and staffers.  This Fund is not connected with MEAA, though many MEAA members would be able to make an application for assistance. Donations and bequests can be made online at: supportact.org.au

Entertainment Assist

Entertainment Assist aims to assist people working in the entertainment industry, particularly those with mental health issues. The MEAA Equity Director sits on the board of Entertainment Assist. Donations and bequests can be made online at: entertainmentassist.org.au/ocd.aspx

The Walkley Foundation

Established by a $30,000 bequest from Sir William Gaston Walkley, the Walkley Foundation provides options for donations and bequests that aim to benefit new generations of journalists through training, awards and professional development. Donate online at: walkleys.com/get-involved/philanthropy/