CANBERRA-BASED NATIONAL CHARITY ENTERS VOLUNTARY ADMINISTRATION

OzHelp Foundation, a long-standing Canberra-based national charity that has been providing mental health and wellbeing services to construction, transport and logistics workers for almost 25 years, was today placed into voluntary administration.

At a meeting today, the OzHelp Board appointed Jonathon Colbran and Adam Cormack, from RSM Australia Partners, Joint and Several Voluntary Administrators of the Foundation.

OzHelp Foundation Board Chair Leanne Wells and Chief Executive Officer Caroline Walsh issued a statement explaining why the charity had entered voluntary administration and steps the Foundation had taken to safely wind up its counselling and support services. 

RSM Australia Partner Jonathon Colbran said the OzHelp Board advised the Administrators that it had implemented a number of measures in recent months to maintain its services, but ultimately it did not have sufficient funds to continue operating.

“It’s a very challenging economic environment, and unfortunately we are seeing more entities, including not-for-profits, seeking expert assistance to help them navigate both legacy and short-term financial challenges,” Mr Colbran said.

RSM Australia Director of Restructuring and Recovery in Canberra Adam Cormack said an early review of OzHelp’s financial statements and records, which were yet to be reconciled, showed less than 15 creditors were owed approximately $1 million, with the majority of money owed to the Commonwealth and ACT Governments in relation to unacquitted grants.

“We are also undertaking an assessment of the Foundation’s assets so that we can formulate a strategy to realise the benefit of these for creditors,” Mr Cormack said.

“At this early stage, all figures are preliminary and subject to change as we undertake a more detailed review of the Foundation’s books and records and engage with creditors,” he said.

The Administrators will write to creditors this week to advise them of their appointment and outline the rights of creditors and the steps involved in a voluntary administration.

Mr Cormack said the first meeting of creditors would be held online and in-person on 12 August in Canberra.

Creditors impacted by the administration of OzHelp Foundation are encouraged to contact RSM via email, [email protected].

Individuals requiring mental health and wellbeing support are encouraged to contact Lifeline’s confidential 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services on 13 11 14.

About RSM Australia: 
Having grown into one of Australia’s leading professional services firms over the last 100 years, RSM Australia is committed to enabling clients through a greater understanding of what matters most to their business. In addition to local knowledge provided by advisers in 32 offices across Australia, the firm’s specialists draw on their international reach and scale to ensure clients stay at the forefront of the world’s best practices, technology, and innovation within a rapidly changing global economy. RSM has won the prestigious Client Choice Award for Best Accounting and Consulting Services Firm (>$200m) for six consecutive years. In 2024, they also won the Best Professional Services Firm (>$200m), Best Provider to Mining, Oil & Gas and Best Provider of ESG Services: Accounting & Consulting Services awards, reflecting their dedication to excellence in serving their clients and communities.

Media contact:
Jess Whitby
Account Leader
BBS Communications Group
[email protected]
Ph: 0434 787 986