Fraser McKinley flew in for the day to boost Project Independence. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.
Project Independence secured a collaboration with vintner superstar Fraser McKinley to stage an intimate gathering of about 20 philanthropic A-listers for a fundraising event like no other.
Fraser’s wine label Sami-Odi, which was recently named the 2025 Best New Winery award at the Halliday Wine Companion Awards, has waitlists of up to two years.
It was a significant get for Project Independence, a charity with a unique model that empowers people with intellectual disability to acquire equity in a property while enjoying the freedom of living independently.
The Barossa winemaker, who has amassed something of a cult following for his low-fi shiraz, rose ahead of the sun to drive to the nearest airport for an early morning flight to Canberra, where he graciously paired his coveted wines with a delicious three-course meal at fine dining institution Courgette.
“He’s a very busy man. The whole country wants his wine. But he agreed to give us his time – his whole day – to do this,” Project Independence’s May Bhattacharya says.
“Fraser actually served the wine himself and ensured everyone got a taste. We had a few games, and he brought prizes for them as well.
“He’s so humble and a really nice guy. We’re so grateful to him.”
At the exclusive closed-door lunch event, attendees, some of whom had flown interstate for the affair, learned more about Sami-Odi ways and wines but also more about Project Independence.
The charity’s locations house 20 to 130 people with disability, many of whom would be at high risk of homelessness without Project Independence.
The majority of funding to cover its operational costs, including the maintenance and repairs on its properties and the running of programs such as Pathways to Independence, comes from private donations and philanthropy.
Project Independence’s May Bhattacharya says the current economic climate means charities have to think outside the box when it comes to fundraising.
“People are doing it tough with the cost of living, and we can’t just rely on people who are already stretched, so we decided to focus on the people who not only can give but also want to give,” she says.
“Getting key players in the philanthropic market all in one room gave us the opportunity to present what we do at Project Independence so they could support us in our journey.
“We surpassed our fundraising goal, which showed us we’re on the right track.”
Speakers at the event included Project Independence founder Glenn Keys AO, as well as two residents, who shared with the audience insights into how the charity had transformed their lives.
There was also talk of Project Independence’s future plans.
The charity currently has properties in Latham, Harrison and Phillip, with others more recently acquired in Glen Huntly (Victoria) and Frenchs Forest (Sydney), and a further three Canberra prospects on Northbourne Avenue, as well as in Deakin and on the Kingston Foreshore.
For more information, visit Project Independence.
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