A high-energy event at 136 Grace Street will today mark the official launch of “Let’s Build This”, the public fundraising campaign for The Grace Street Project. With music, local supporters, and special appearances, including SIX60’s Chris Mac, the launch brings the community together in support of a bold new vision for South Invercargill.

The campaign now seeks to raise the remaining funds required to complete the much-needed community hub for the area and is calling on the community, businesses, and philanthropic partners to help.

To date, over half of the total funding has already been secured, including $3.6 million raised, the purchase of the Grace Street building, design finalisation, consent submission, a five-year partnership with SIT and Yours Corps Youth Technology Hub confirmed as an anchor tenant.

The campaign 

The public fundraising campaign, operating under the tagline "Let's Build This," will leverage key activities such as the multi-channel advertising campaign launched today, multiple fundraising initiatives involving Invercargill schools, youth, and community members, and being named the charity recipient of the Southland Party at Parliament on 25 July 2025.

Supporting this activity is a range of other fundraising initiatives designed to involve the community.

The Grace Street Project named 2026 PlaceMakers Scooter Challenge charity partner

The Grace Street Project is thrilled to be named the official charitable recipient of the 2026 PlaceMakers Scooter Challenge. This iconic fundraising event, set for March 2026, is expected to provide a major boost to the campaign.

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Tash Clay, PlaceMakers Southland Trade Support Manager said, “PlaceMakers Southland is proud to be partnering with The Grace Street Project as our chosen charity for the next Southern Scooter Challenge, our ninth time running this iconic event.”

Known for its unique blend of adventure and generosity, the PlaceMakers Scooter Challenge is a much-loved event that sees participants travel by 50cc scooters along a set course for charity. In 2026, riders will journey from Invercargill to Te Anau, taking in some of the most breathtaking scenery Te Waipounamu has to offer.

“This year, we’re taking things up a notch with a brand-new route from Teretonga to Te Anau, an idea sparked by our Hub Manager, Micheal Archer. The journey promises to be a fresh challenge for our riders, offering breathtaking scenery and a renewed sense of adventure.” Clay said.

As the chosen charity, The Grace Street Project will benefit directly from rider fundraising and public support.

“We’re thrilled to be working alongside Janette and the entire Grace Street Project team, whose dedication to community wellbeing aligns perfectly with our values. Their work will make a real difference in Southland, and we’re excited to support their mission through this event.”

“Together, we hope to raise awareness and funds that will have a lasting impact on our community. We invite everyone to get involved, cheer on the riders, and help us make this year’s challenge the most meaningful one yet.” Clay says.

The Why

South Invercargill faces significant challenges, including high rates of youth disadvantage and exclusion, entrenched intergenerational poverty, and a severe lack of community facilities despite making up 34% of Invercargill's population.

"For generations, a chronic lack of infrastructure has held this community back," says Janette Malcolm, Chair of the Invercargill Community Connections Charitable Trust. "Local leaders have called this project 'the biggest opportunity we've ever had' to break cycles of disadvantage.”

Significant progress and a final push

"We have the plans. We have the passion. We now need your support to help bring this vision to life," adds Malcolm. "Every dollar brings us closer to opening the doors and creating life-changing opportunities for all. This isn't just another building, it's infrastructure for hope and a tangible, community-owned platform to lift generations."

How to support

The Grace Street Project invites individuals, families, businesses, and philanthropic organisations to contribute to this transformative initiative. Most donations are eligible for a 33% tax rebate.

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