help Rhiannon keep her family home

I'm reaching out to ask the public if you would like to please help me keep my family home?

WHO AM I?
My name is Rhiannon Jorgensen and I am the Granddaughter of Justus Jorgensen, the founder of Montsalvat.

WHY I NEED YOUR HELP
Currently the Montsalvat board are taking me to the Supreme Court to try and evict me from my childhood home where I have lived the majority of my life, prior to moving to the family farm, I was born and raised at Montsalvat Arts Colony

I have spent over two years and tens of thousands of dollars on lawyers for standing my ground against the Montsalvat board fighting for my right to stay at my family home which I have lived at since I was seven years old. 

 

I am encouraged to ask the public now if you would like to help me financially in any capacity, anything will be so greatly appreciated.

WHERE WILL YOUR DONATIONS GO
Any funds donated will go towards the legal fees and/or the potential to find a settlement. 

URGENT TIMELINE 

The timeline is quite imminent as the date for the Supreme court has been set for 3rd May.

 

HISTORY
These last two or so years have been emotionally and mentally challenging, having lost both our parents, and in between, our older brother to suicide. The board waited six months after my dad died to send me an eviction letter.

 

I have spent a significant amount of money over a number of decades on repairs and maintenance, supporting community arts projects, and held events and fundraisers such as the #floorthebarn campaign to restore the house and the barn, which was built by my grandfather, Justus Jorgensen.

The property itself has a long history of artistic and community connection and has been heritage listed. I would like to continue the restoration of the buildings and conservation for the wildlife. 

 

MONTSALVATS DUTY OF CARE
The Montsalvat board had a duty of care to maintain the property and buildings and neglected to do so leaving it up to myself and my elderly father whom I cared for, for many years in the lead up to his passing.

 

(Now) The board are currently using Montsalvats funds to pay for four lawyers to take me to the Supreme Court.

 

The Montsalvat board have not supplied me with detailed financial records.

 

I have been offering for many years to help management with any concerns or issues they have moving forward including fundraising, maintenance and business plan building.

I have studied finance, business plans and worked in advertising, PR and the arts, being an artist myself.

 

The current board did not appoint another family member after my uncle Max died until 3 years later. When we pushed for change and family representation through our campaign with the MMPI, The Montsalvat meeting Pool Incorporated.

You can find out more about our campaign at www.themontsalvatmeetingpool.org

 

I have not spoken about this to the public or media as yet as I am already vulnerable, grieving and did not want to add public scrutiny to the equation.

 

I feel it is time for me to reach out and ask for help in this, it is my blood, my heritage, my family and its legacy, my own dreams, and artistic pursuits have all been diminished, and are under threat. I would really appreciate any financial assistance given if you are able to donate. I have tried to pull things together as much as I can on my own as we all are I know.

 

Much love,

Rhiannon Jorgensen