Bundaberg, Hervey Bay named most generous cities in Australia

Two neighbouring Queensland towns have been named the most generous city in Australia by the world’s leading fundraising platform Go Fund Me.

Bundaberg and Hervey Bay have been named as some of the most generous cities in the country according to GoFundMe.

Bundaberg has once again been named the most generous city in Australia according to the world’s leading fundraising platform GoFundMe, and its neighbour Hervey Bay taking out the #3 slot.

The cities were named as part of the organisation’s annual Year in Help report, with Bundaberg climbing back from number 3 in 2022.

Three of Bundaberg's top fundraisers raised more than $131,000 alone, just a fraction of the good given back by the community to those in need.

Overall, the organisation raised a record $1.4 million in 2023, with recent data revealing one in five Aussies have used the platform to help others.

Bundaberg Mayor Jack Dempsey spoke on what it means for the region to be given such a heartwarming title.

“This recognition is a testament to our region’s culture of kindness and compassion which defines us,” he said.

“It is a reflection of the countless acts of kindness, big and small, that happen in our community every day.

“A sincere thank you to each and every resident in the Bundaberg region community.”

A GoFundMe was created for Asaiah Williams in order to purchase and train an assistance dog to help detect the multiple seizures he has daily.

GoFundMe Australia regional director Nicola Britton said the hard work of communities to quickly help out those in need was a testament to the Aussie spirit of regional areas.

“It is equal parts humbling and inspiring to see a record number of donations on the platform this year, especially against the backdrop of economic uncertainty for so many Australians,” she said.

“Despite the challenging circumstances, compassion and generosity is certainly not showing signs of slowing down.

“Bundaberg should be proud to be recognised as this year’s most generous town; as should every person that started, was the beneficiary of, or donated to, a GoFundMe fundraiser or helped spread the word.”

Local digital mastheads the Fraser Coast Chronicle and the NewsMail played their own small role in supporting GoFundMe campaigns, sharing the stories of those in need.

A GoFundMe was created to support David Smith’s recovery after he miraculously survived a catastrophic car crash that killed his friend Illiana Palella in May.

The region has seen a number of devastating accidents on its roads in 2023, with GoFundMe campaigns created to help support families and cover funeral costs.

In September, a fundraiser was launched for 17-year-old Hayden Kerr who was tragically killed in Maryborough.

Not all fundraisers have been created because of such tragic circumstances, and in July of 2022 the Bundaberg community raised more than $8000 in 24 hours for Asaiah Williams to purchase and train a desperately needed support dog.

Read more Go Fund Me stories from the Wide Bay Burnett:

Community raises almost $8000 for family of one punch death victim

GoFundMe launched for Mia Selby after Kinkuna crash

David Smith miracle recovery backed by GoFundMe

Murder victim’s sister launches GoFundMe to pay for burial

Go Fund Me page started after Biggenden murders

GoFundMe launched to help Gympie kid fight cancer

Friends, loved ones raise money for Tyeson Mackie’s family