Leave a legacy of conservation and caring for nature

In life, you’ve always cared for nature and loved the unique beauty of the natural world of Cooloola Coast – and that never has to change.

By leaving a gift in your Will to Cooloola Coastcare, you can continue your commitment to the conservation, restoration and protection of nature long into the future, helping provide equipment and resources for fieldwork, research to understand our complex ecosystems, hope for people addressing the impacts of rapid climate change – and vital environmental care wherever it’s needed most.

It’s a meaningful way to let your commitment to caring for nature on the Cooloola Coast live on, providing support and hope for nature conservation by supporting future conservationists to care for the Cooloola Coast for generations to come.

Over the years Cooloola Coastcare has …

• Monitored and assisted our endangered and threatened marine turtles as they return to nest on our surf beaches, counted our migratory seabirds who fly thousands of kilometers to raise their chicks nestled on our shores, monitored the ebb and flow of our seagrass and mangroves that feed our dugong and provides a nursery for so many marine species and the foundation of the marine food chain. 

• Restored areas where people's impact has degraded our beautiful environment by cleaning up our beaches, waterways and bushland; weeding and regeneration of degraded natural areas; and restoring areas overrun or overused. 

• Educated our residents from across the road and our visitors from across the world about this unique and ancient ecosystem. Fostered a love of nature in our youth and inspired them to take action for nature.

• Advocated for nature under threat by tirelessly campaigning against poor development decisions and championing those species who can't speak up for themselves. 

You may have been part of this journey or appreciated the work done to protect a place you have loved living or visiting. 

A Guide to Leaving a Bequest to Cooloola Coastcare Association Inc. in Your Will

Leaving a bequest to Cooloola Coastcare Association Inc. in your will is a powerful way to support their conservation efforts for the Cooloola Region. It's a straightforward process that can be tailored to your specific wishes. Here's a guide to help you get started.

1. Speak with Your Lawyer 🤝

The first and most important step is to consult with a solicitor or a qualified legal professional. They will ensure your will is legally binding and that your wishes are accurately reflected. A solicitor can provide expert advice on the different types of bequests and the specific wording required to make your gift effective.

2. Choose the Type of Bequest 🎁

There are several ways you can leave a gift in your will. You can choose the one that best suits your financial situation and intentions:

• Residuary Bequest: This is a gift of the remainder of your estate after all other debts, taxes, and specific gifts have been paid.
  For example, you could leave 20% of the residue of your estate to Cooloola Coastcare. This type of bequest is a popular choice as it keeps pace with inflation and doesn't require constant revision of your will.

• Pecuniary Bequest: This is a gift of a specific amount of money.
  For example, you could leave $10,000 to Cooloola Coastcare. While simple, it's important to remember that this amount may lose value over time due to inflation.

• Specific Bequest: This is a gift of a specific asset, such as a piece of property, shares, or a valuable item.
  For instance, you could leave a particular piece of land or an investment portfolio to the association.

3. Use the Correct Wording ✍️

To ensure your gift is received by the correct organization, it is crucial to use the full and legal name of the association in your will. The correct wording is:

"I give and bequeath [insert your gift here: either the residue, a specific sum of money, or a description of the property] to Cooloola Coastcare Association Inc. (ABN: 41 112 645 288) for its general purposes, and the receipt of an authorized officer of the association shall be a full and sufficient discharge to my executor."

You may also want to include a clause stating that if the name of the association changes or if it merges with another organization, the gift should still be directed to the new entity or the one with similar purposes. Your solicitor can help you with this.

4. Let Them Know (Optional) 📧

While you are under no obligation to do so, informing Cooloola Coastcare Association Inc. of your intentions can be helpful. This allows them to thank you personally and understand the future support they can count on. It also gives them the opportunity to keep you updated on their projects and achievements, so you can see the direct impact of your generosity. You can contact them via their official website or by mail. All information shared will be kept in strict confidence.

5. Review Your Will Regularly 🔄

It's a good practice to review your will every few years, especially after significant life events like a marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child. This ensures your will remains up-to-date and continues to reflect your wishes accurately. A periodic review also allows you to adjust your bequest if your financial situation or philanthropic goals change.

President Email

President@cooloolacoastcare.org.au

Secretary Email

Secretary@cooloolacoastcare.org.au