Help Me Build a Bridge to the Other Side

For more than fifteen years, I've dedicated my life to telling stories that matter. As a photographer, filmmaker and conservation storyteller, I've worked with communities, councils, environmental organisations and businesses to create stories that inspire people to care about the world around them.

At home, Richard and I have spent more than fifteen years caring for the Bog Conservation Area—96.5 acres of protected habitat in the Northern Rivers of New South Wales. Together we've restored habitat, protected wildlife, recovered from the Black Summer bushfires and the devastating 2022 floods, and continued caring for a place we hope will benefit future generations.

I've always been far more comfortable helping others than asking for help myself. Today, I'm asking.

Why I'm Asking?

Like many small businesses, mine has weathered one challenge after another.

The Black Summer bushfires.

COVID.

The Northern Rivers floods.

Each one chipped away at the financial reserves I'd spent years building.

Rather than walking away, I chose to rebuild.

I'm currently participating in a government-supported small business program through ETC because I still believe I have something valuable to contribute. Over recent months I've been rebuilding my photography and filmmaking business from the ground up—developing a business plan, creating a new showreel, expanding my services, designing educational workshops, networking, approaching new clients and working every day to build a sustainable future.

There are encouraging signs.

New opportunities are beginning to appear.

Richard's vegetable gardens are thriving, helping reduce our living costs.

Workaway volunteers have helped us continue restoring the Bog and clearing tracks damaged by fire. For the first time in a long while, I can genuinely see a path forward.

But I've simply run out of runway before reaching it.

Then Life Threw Another Challenge. Just as my remaining savings disappeared, two of my dogs needed veterinary care.

Junior has recently been losing condition, and my veterinarian is concerned about two lumps that may be aggressive. He now needs blood tests, X-rays and an ultrasound before we know whether surgery is the best option or whether our focus should be on giving him the best quality of life possible.

At the same time, Zali has been receiving treatment for a lump beneath her eye. It could be an infection or a skin cancer.

Anyone who shares their life with animals knows they aren't "just pets."

They're family.

Why This Fundraiser Matters

This fundraiser isn't about replacing my income. It's about buying time. Time to care for Junior and Zali. Time to continue rebuilding my business.

Time to secure the new clients I'm already working towards. Time to keep the Bog Conservation Area protected while I reach the next stage of financial stability.

GoFundMe has suggested beginning with an initial fundraising goal and increasing it as the campaign grows. That approach feels right to me because this campaign is about building a bridge, one step at a time.

Every donation extends that bridge.

Every share helps this story reach someone new.

Every recommendation for my photography, filmmaking or creative services helps me become less reliant on fundraising and more reliant on the work I love doing.

That's the future I'm working towards.

How You Can Help

❤️ Donate

Every contribution, regardless of size, helps buy precious time and moves me one step closer to the other side.

Share

If you're unable to donate, simply sharing this page could help it reach someone who can.

Hire or Recommend My Work

If you know someone looking for photography, filmmaking, drone cinematography, video editing, website development, SEO or creative storytelling, I'd be incredibly grateful if you could recommend my services or introduce us. One new project can make an enormous difference.

Follow the Journey

I'll continue posting updates about Junior and Zali, the Bog Conservation Area, new business opportunities and exactly how your generosity is helping us move forward. Transparency is important to me, and I want everyone who supports this campaign to know the difference they're making.

Thank You

Asking for help has been one of the hardest things I've ever done.

For most of my life I've tried to be the person behind the camera—the one helping others tell their stories rather than telling my own.

This time, it's my story.

Your kindness won't just help pay veterinary bills or keep the lights on for a little longer. It will help me keep caring for a place I love, continue doing meaningful creative work, and give Junior, Zali and the rest of our doggie family the care they deserve.

Whether you donate, share this campaign, recommend my services or simply take the time to read my story, thank you.

Every act of kindness helps build the bridge.

I can see the other side.

I just need a little help getting there.

— Jimmy Malecki