National Pies has announced the recipient of its $10,000 grant, the final instalment of its 12-month long National Pies for Local Legends program aimed at supporting local community groups.
Confident Girls Foundation has been awarded the grant thanks to the positive impacts it's making on the community. By breaking down barriers to participation in netball, the organisation seeks to ensure more girls, regardless of their background or circumstances can play, grow and thrive.
National Pies CEO Geraldine Tebbutt said this first year of the National Pies for Local Legends grant program has been an enormous success.
"Since launching the National Pies for Local Legends initiative in January 2024, we have received thousands of entries from local community groups across Australia," Geraldine said.
"Each month, we're had the privilege of awarding grants to a variety of organisations from local football teams to theatre clubs, knitting groups, and grassroots charities - all united by a dedication to uplift their communities.
"With so many worthy applications, selecting our major grant recipient was no easy task, but we are incredibly proud to award our major $10,000 National Pies for Local Legends grant to the Confident Girls Foundation. Like National Pies, they believe in the power of sport to bring people together and create inclusive communities.
"This cause is deeply important to us. National Pies has been a part of community celebrations for generations, from footy matches to family birthdays. With the rising cost of living making it harder for families to access sports and activities, National Pies for Local Legends is our way of giving back to the communities that have always supported us."
National Pies has been awarding $1,000 each month to selected community organisations for the past year, rounding out the program with one final grant of $10,000. The initiative which is open to any registered local community group, sports club or not-for-profit organisation across Australia is an important part of National Pies' commitment to giving back at a grassroots level.
Confident Girls Foundation Head of Fundraising Fiona Dickson said the team is extremely grateful for National Pies' generous $10,000 grant.
"This money will go a long way at Confident Girls Foundation. It will help us provide assistance such as travel grants for athletes with intellectual disabilities competing in the Marie Little Shield national competition. It will also strengthen our First Nations programs, creating safe spaces for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls to engage in sport, leadership and mentorship," Fiona said.
"This grant isn't just about funding; it's about encouraging opportunity and inclusion. Most importantly, National Pies' grant will help more young women facing adversity feel seen, supported and empowered to achieve their full potential."
National Pies for Local Legends ambassador and AFL legend Jack Riewoldt was on hand to present Confident Girls Foundation with a cheque for $10,000 at the Waverley Netball Centre.
Representing Confident Girls Foundation at the event was Ambassador and Australian Diamonds player, Amy Parmenter along with Confident Girls Foundation Board Director Caitlin Thwaites, and Head of Fundraising Fiona Dickson. Monash Mayor, Councillor Paul Klisaris was also in attendance.
In true National Pies fashion, everyone was treated to some delicious hot pies and as part of the celebration.
National Pies is continuing its National Pies for Local Legends grants program in 2025 and is encouraging all registered local community groups and not-for-profit organisations across Australia to apply via the company's website: https://tasmanianbakeries.com.au/local-legends/.
National Pies products are available in every Australian city through Woolworths nationwide, selected Coles supermarkets and many independent retailers such as IGA and FoodWorks. They are also served in selected Bunnings Café & Cart locations and Muffin Break stores.
