The Motion Picture Industry Benevolent Society

The Motion Picture Industry Benevolent Society is a helping hand when you’re in need.

Founded in 1931 by people working in the motion picture industry, the MPIBS provides financial and emotional support to currently employed, or retired, members of the film industry – exhibition, distribution, production or post-production – who have fallen on difficult times and have a genuine need.

“The Society helped me get back on my feet”
“I can tell you my stress levels have decreased since the MPIBS made me a beneficiary”
“It is always a comfort to know that industry people do care”
Those are just a few of the comments from MPIBS beneficiaries.

WHAT IS THE LEVEL OF SUPPORT PROVIDED BY THE MPIBS?

There is no set yardstick or formulae.  It all depends on the circumstances of each individual. In addition to individual needs, the MPIBS provides annual “Winter Comfort” and “Christmas Cheer” payments to beneficiaries.

HOW DOES THE SOCIETY ASSESS AND SUPPORT BENEFICIARIES?

Assessments are undertaken in the strictest confidence by the MPIBS Chairman of Investigation & Relief, who recommends to the MPIBS Council a level of support appropriate to the particular needs of the individual.  Financial assistance only supplements government pensions, and may include a quarterly subsidy for gas, electricity and telephone.  The MPIBS can also provide ‘in kind’ support by way of essential medical aids, such as wheel chairs or breathing apparatus, replacement washing machines, heaters and even TV sets.

HOW LONG DOES THE ASSISTANCE LAST?

For as long as is needed.  Beneficiaries are reviewed carefully and confidentially every 18 months to 2 years to ensure that there has not been any significant change to their circumstances.  Depending on how they are going, their relief payments can be increased, decreased or left at existing levels.

WHERE DOES THE MONEY COME FROM?

The Society relies on donations from industry enterprises and individuals and has been particularly encouraged by the increasing number of film production companies and personnel who have made regular donations over the past few years.  However, as generous as these contributions are, we must increase the current level of annual donations in order to meet the continuing call on the Society’s funds.

Make a donation

The Australian Production Design Guild endorses the MPIBS and asks you to donate generously so the Society can continue its important work helping our industry colleagues in their times of need.

Donations over $2.00 are tax deductible and can be sent to:

Ross Barnard
Secretary/Treasurer MPIBS
7 Keir Avenue
Hurlstone Park 2193
Mob: 0417 404 103
Email: barnard_ross@yahoo.com.au

(NB.  Please make cheques payable to the Motion Picture Industry Benevolent Society, no abbreviations please.)

Direct deposits can be made to:

Bank: ANZ
BSB: 012-010
Account Number: 86 43764
Account Name: Motion Picture Industry Benevolent Society

NB.  If paying by direct deposit, please e-mail Ross Bernard at barnard_ross@yahoo.com.au with your mailing address so he can send you a receipt for tax purposes.

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