The Heart of Melbourne Appeal

Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation launched its Heart of Melbourne appeal in 2006 in response to Melbourne’s increasing rates of homelessness. According to the ABS Census in 2006, homelessness was a major social issue with approximately 15,000 Melburnians without a permanent residence and 4000 families in need of safe accommodation. (Census 2006).

The Heart of Melbourne Appeal was held each September for five years from 2006 to 2012, raising funds for charities supporting people experiencing homelessness. The appeal was well received by Melbourne’s charitable sector who had expressed their concern about the increased rates of homelessness particularly for women and young people.

The Foundation received support from the Lady Mayoress Committee who organised and managed the Heart of Melbourne Ball.  They were very successful fundraising events with all proceeds being donated to the Foundation for the appeal with entertainment often being performed by high profile performers such as Marina Prior and David Hobson.



The Lady Mayoress Committee worked tirelessly to attract some of Melbourne’s best and well brands including Audi, Cadbury, City of Melbourne, Intercontinental Melbourne The Rialto, Spotless and Westpac.

Ongoing media partners for the Heart of Melbourne appeal were Nine Network, 3AW and Herald Sun who provided extensive support in encouraging public donations. Some of Melbourne’s well-known actors, businesses and community leaders also provided their support to the Heart of Melbourne appeal by participating in advertising features.

Next Century of Impact article

Sir John Swanson – Melbourne’s charitable visionary thinker

More Generous Melbourne articles
‘By and For the People of Melbourne’: Establishing the Future of Public Health
‘By and For the People of Melbourne’: Establishing the Future of Public Health

A lot has changed in Melbourne in the last 100 years. And as the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation celebrates its centenary year, we look back at the origins of this visionary Melbourne organisation and discover a city not unlike our own.

Flower Day - Melbourne’s most beautiful fundraising appeal
Flower Day - Melbourne’s most beautiful fundraising appeal

Lord Mayor’s Radio Fund - Singing Sessions Bring Melburnians Together
Lord Mayor’s Radio Fund - Singing Sessions Bring Melburnians Together