Funding and Transparency Statement
I want to provide a clear and accurate account of the funding associated with Isla’s name.
Isla Bell’s Legacy is my independent advocacy campaign, operated by me, Justine Spokes, as a sole trader under ABN 99 822 710 531. It is not currently a registered charity or Deductible Gift Recipient. Payments made directly through this website are therefore not tax-deductible.
Direct financial support and the net proceeds from apparel sales help sustain my advocacy work. This includes research, correspondence, administration, public awareness, meetings, travel, professional advice and the ongoing work of navigating complex legal and government systems.
The Isla Bell Charitable Fund
The Isla Bell Charitable Fund was established on my behalf during the very earliest stage of my grief. Although the fund was intended to support work in Isla’s memory, I was not consulted about its structure, governance, administration or the restrictions applying to how its funds could be used.
As I began to find my feet and my voice, I came to understand that the fund had been established through Australian Communities Foundation. This structure significantly limits my agency in relation to the fund. I do not govern or administer it, I do not control its funds, and I cannot access or use the money directly. Any distribution must comply with Australian Communities Foundation’s requirements.
The fund is separate from Isla Bell’s Legacy and currently holds approximately $26,000 in tax-deductible donations. I want to sincerely acknowledge everyone whose generosity contributed to that amount. Approximately $15,000 was raised by Lev Lafayette through the extraordinary sale of his personal collection of games and books, approximately $1,500 was contributed by Feldspar, and the remaining funds came from members of the community. I remain deeply grateful to every person who contributed in good faith to honour Isla and support the work undertaken in her name.
I intend to recommend that the remaining balance be granted in accordance with Australian Communities Foundation’s requirements and that the fund then be closed. This page will be updated when those arrangements have been confirmed.
The Justice for Isla & All Women and Children fundraiser on 26 August 2026 will be the first fundraiser held under the Isla Bell’s Legacy campaign. The net proceeds will directly support the campaign and its advocacy work. Further information about the campaign and its purpose is available through the Isla Bell’s Legacy website.
I make this statement personally and in good faith to ensure that the circumstances are represented accurately, the public has transparency, and the generosity of those who have supported Isla is properly acknowledged.
Justine Spokes
Founder, Isla Bell’s Legacy
16 August 2026