South Tweed New Soup Kitchen: strengthening stability and social inclusion        

Agape will establish and operate a soup kitchen within a new shelter, providing nutritious meals for residents as well as members of the wider community experiencing homelessness and food insecurity. The soup kitchen will be run by a Coordinator/Chef, supported by a roster of volunteers responsible for the fit-out, meal preparation, food safety, and the delivery of wholesome meals.

Agape will also create employment and training pathways through developing cooking, barista, and hospitality skills.

This project delivers a holistic and sustainable response to homelessness in the Tweed region by integrating housing, nutrition, safety, and community connection.

Love Impels Us

Sr Margaret Valentine rsc serves as the Family Liaison Officer for the K–6 Campus at All Saints Catholic College, Liverpool. In this role, she supports the Principal by visiting families and assessing their needs within the school community.

Funding supports her outreach to families experiencing financial hardship – whether at home or in covering the costs of school-related items and activities.

Supporting young people to reach their full potential

Altitude works in partnership with school principals across Australia to identify students who demonstrate strong academic potential and personal motivation but face financial disadvantage. In collaboration with each school principal, Altitude supports selected students throughout their remaining years of high school and into university or college by providing $1,500 per year to help cover essential educational expenses such as laptops and textbooks.

Altitude currently supports more than 70 students nationwide.

Employment Pathways for Refugees        

Amani Community Centre supports recently arrived refugees to build skills by providing training, traineeships, and pathways to employment and financial independence. Amani also plays a key coordinating role for refugee support services in the Logan area. This grant funding will employ someone to provide bilingual support, translation services and transport assistance, helping participants overcome language barriers and geographic isolation.

Safe Homes for Renters – Free Legal Help for People in Crisis             

This grant will help fund a community lawyer to provide free legal help to renters facing eviction, unsafe housing, or housing-related financial crisis.

‍The lawyer will assist approximately 250 renters over 12 months. Each client will receive tailored, ongoing support to negotiate urgent repairs, challenge retaliatory evictions, or recover unfairly withheld bonds, among other issues. The lawyer will also supervise volunteer law students and pro bono lawyers.

Steering Independence: Driving Program for Migrant Women             

Supports newly arrived and culturally diverse women to obtain their driver’s licence, a critical step toward independence, employment, and social inclusion. The program provides personalised, one-on-one support in Dari and other relevant languages to pass the NSW Learner Licence test. After gaining their licence, 40 women will be offered free driving lessons with qualified instructors to build confidence and practical skills on NSW roads. Additional support will assist with test bookings and procedural requirements.

Employability and Social Basecamp        

Supports autistic young adults transitioning from school to meaningful employment. It aims to build participants’ practical skills, confidence, independence and community connection through tailored training and mentoring.

‍Autistic individuals face major barriers to employment, with only 38% in the workforce compared to 80% of the general population. Many experience isolation, limited post-school options, and a lack of inclusive support. The Basecamp directly addresses this by providing a dedicated Hub where participants can develop employability and social skills in a safe, welcoming environment.

‍Activities include workshops on communication, teamwork, and workplace readiness; mentoring from neurodiverse and industry professionals; creative projects that showcase individual strengths; and partnerships with inclusive employers for work experience.

Women Focus Group           

A peer-led, culturally attuned initiative aimed at empowering Afghan and CALD women in South-East Melbourne by tackling linguistic challenges, social seclusion, restricted access to resources, and unemployment.

‍Participants acquire essential expertise in English literacy, computer proficiency, financial management, and employment preparedness, including resume composition and interview techniques, through weekly peer-led seminars, mental health courses, and community involvement activities. Women are linked to essential services such as Centrelink, legal aid, and housing assistance, while guest speakers will educate participants on subjects such as domestic violence and labour rights.

‍Women will also be connected with mentors, professional networks, and regional training organisations to enhance their educational and employment opportunities.

First Nations Digital Mentorship Program            

Aims to address socioeconomic disparities by connecting Indigenous youth with experienced online mentors. The program also provides skill-building workshops in employment readiness, digital literacy, financial management, and confidence-building. These activities will directly benefit participants by improving employability, boosting confidence, and fostering a sense of empowerment and social inclusion.

Practical and emotional support for male DFV victim-survivors             

Provides consumable resources to males escaping family violence – such as overnight survival packs that contain basic toiletries, grooming and hygiene products; vouchers for food and other daily needs; referrals to paid accommodation for several days; and information packs for additional support.

Healing Circles: Women’s Wisdom, Culture & Wellbeing Program          

A culturally led initiative supporting the healing, empowerment, and wellbeing of Aboriginal women and girls in Mount Isa and surrounding communities.

Many Aboriginal women in the region experience intergenerational trauma, social isolation, family violence, and cultural disconnection, often alongside limited access to culturally safe services in remote areas. The program will provide monthly yarning circles, cultural workshops such as bush medicine, weaving and storytelling, trauma-informed wellbeing sessions led by Elders and Aboriginal health workers, and On-Country healing camps to strengthen connection to land, identity and culture.

The initiative aims to foster resilience, cultural pride, and peer support while creating a safe, community-led space for healing, connection, and long-term wellbeing across generations.

Food security and meal provision program

Provides free meals and social connection to people experiencing food insecurity in Wagga Wagga, including those facing mental health challenges, social isolation, domestic violence, homelessness, and financial hardship. Volunteer teams prepare nutritious meals three days a week in the organisation’s warehouse kitchen, producing more than 600 meals weekly. These are distributed frozen through service providers, with additional fresh meals served to the community at various locations four nights each fortnight.

Food Support Programs      

Provides food hampers to individuals and families experiencing hardship in Sunbury and surrounding areas. The hampers are designed to provide a balanced diet for around four days, include bread and fresh produce, and are available for collection or delivered to housebound clients and those with additional needs. Surplus bread and fresh produce sourced are also shared with a local St Vincent’s community facility, and a school meals program. In addition, a monthly community lunch is now hosted in partnership with Sunbury Neighbourhood House.

This grant helps cover essential operating expenses such as delivery van running costs, rent and utilities, insurance, communications, and software.

Expanding our service to support more people in need            

A new outreach van will visit three central Brisbane locations, distributing healthy breakfasts to young people and adults experiencing mental health challenges, addiction, loneliness, and housing insecurity.

By providing nutritious food and social connection, the initiative will reduce isolation, build trust, and improve wellbeing, while helping individuals access further support services.

Mobile Food Pantry

Helps meet growing demand for accessible, dignified food relief across southeast Melbourne. While traditional services often require travel or registration, creating barriers for those already under strain, this service removes obstacles by taking pantry staples, fresh produce, and household essentials directly into the communities where they are most needed.

Walking With Her: Supporting Strong Beginnings for Aboriginal Mothers and Babies

This grant will deliver 65 baby care bundles to mothers in remote and regional communities. Each Coolamon bundle includes an ACCC-compliant safe sleep space, wraps, nappies, clothing and breastfeeding support items, and will be gifted to new and expecting mothers by trusted Aboriginal midwives.

With One Voice Social Inclusion Choirs 

A national movement of inclusive choirs that bring people together to experience joy, connection, and community through singing. With 25 choirs and more than 1,000 members across Australia, the program welcomes people from all walks of life and abilities – participants don’t have to audition to join.

Weekly rehearsals feature an hour of facilitated singing led by professional community music leaders, followed by opportunities for social connection through shared supper and the Wish List reciprocal giving program. These gatherings foster friendship, belonging, and supportive, connected communities.

Bridging the Gap: Reignite Literacy & MathLearn           

Aims to reduce the high risk of educational disengagement among culturally and linguistically diverse young people, particularly those from refugee and low-income migrant families in Ipswich, Logan, and surrounding areas. Many of these students are from African, Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asian backgrounds, and face disrupted schooling, limited English proficiency, trauma, and a lack of culturally appropriate academic support.

‍The Reignite Literacy & MathLearn program will support around 40 students aged 12–17 through a 32-week after-school intervention. Participants will receive small-group tutoring in foundational literacy and mathematics, culturally responsive mentoring, and access to digital learning tools. Social-emotional learning and confidence-building activities will also reconnect students with learning.

Cuisine for Carers   

This project will benefit foster/kinship/informal carers and the children and young people in their homes. Practical and pastoral support can make a huge positive difference, while engaging community members around carer families also increases awareness, understanding, and compassion.

‍This grant will fund the purchase of food supplies so church groups can make meals and baked goods for carer families.

New dishwasher and dishwashing area 

Volunteers turn food donations into healthy meals for people in need in Warragul. This grant will help purchase a commercial dishwasher, allowing volunteers to spend more time preparing meals, and ensuring clean cooking equipment is readily available when needed.

Ongoing parenting program for families affected by domestic violence         

A targeted, trauma-informed parenting program for mothers and children affected by domestic and family violence.

In Newcastle, domestic violence rates exceed the NSW average. Eighty per cent of Got Your Back Sista’s clients are single mothers raising children who have witnessed abuse, placing them at higher risk of emotional, behavioural, and intergenerational trauma.

Delivered in two six-week series by trauma-informed facilitators, the parenting program uses guided reflection, mindfulness, and group discussion to strengthen confidence, emotional regulation, and parent-child connection. Participation will enhance parenting capacity, improve children’s wellbeing, and help break cycles of violence and trauma in Newcastle families.

Link Worker Program            

A trauma-informed reintegration initiative that supports people leaving prison to rebuild their lives in the community. It is designed for individuals impacted by incarceration and cycles of abuse who face multiple barriers to housing, employment, and wellbeing.

‍Link Workers have lived experience of the justice system and/or abuse, enabling them to foster trust and build genuine connection with participants. Link Workers connect with participants pre-release to build trust and co-design practical transition plans. After release, they maintain contact via phone and video to help participants navigate services, secure housing, and access mental health, NDIS, and employment supports.

‍The program bridges critical service gaps and ensures no one is left to navigate complex systems alone. By fostering stability, confidence, and connection, it empowers participants to rebuild their lives and reduces their risk of returning to custody.

‍This 12-month pilot will directly support up to 40 people in NSW and Victoria, improving access to essential services, reducing social isolation, and helping to create safer, more inclusive communities.

Freezer            

A South Australian not-for-profit providing free food relief and wellbeing support to thousands of people facing food insecurity due to low income, disability, unemployment, housing stress, or crisis.

Funding will be used to purchase and install a commercial chest freezer and upright display fridge at a key food relief hub to meet rising demand, increase access to fresh food, and reduce waste.

Operation Family Protect

In 2024, 43% of all murders in Australia were related to family and domestic violence. This grant will be used to purchase and install security cameras in the homes of high-risk victims whose lives are at serious risk. Once the threat has been deemed over (e.g. the perpetrator has been jailed) the cameras will be reused in other homes.

Clothing Our Community: Sustaining Compassionate Support through Wage Assistance

Provides free, quality clothing to people experiencing financial hardship, which supports their access to education, training, and employment.

‍This grant supports continued employment of skilled staff who manage operations, volunteers, and trauma-informed, dignity-driven support. Core activities include clothing distribution through the Hobart Clothing Hub, mobile van and site-based wardrobes, volunteer engagement, and collaboration with community services.

Go Remarkable Program    

A critical, peer-led, trauma-informed intervention for financially disadvantaged girls and young women (12-25yo) in the Sunshine Coast region. ‍The program addresses the inadequacy of traditional ‘talk therapy’ for individuals with complex trauma, particularly survivors of abuse. The core service is a minimum of 12 private, personalised, 90-minute weekly equine therapy sessions delivered in a nature-based setting by facilitators with lived experience.

By providing life-changing support for moderate to severe mental health challenges, the program empowers participants to successfully re-engage with their education, work, and community, effectively breaking the cycle of trauma and disadvantage.

Bags of Hope

A compassionate initiative designed to support children undergoing the trauma of transitioning into foster care, fleeing domestic violence, or seeking refuge.

Each bag is thoughtfully curated with brand-new essentials tailored to the child’s age and gender, and include pyjamas, socks, underwear, personal care products, blankets and toys.

WomEmpower          

A weekly program for young women aged 15 to 25 in Melbourne’s inner north that promotes community, leadership, cohesion and recreation. The participants are mostly from African/Muslim backgrounds and may be from asylum seeker/refugee families, international students unable to access government support, and significantly lagging in educational outcomes. All program sessions are codesigned with participants.

Caring Conversations: Emotional Support for Caregivers       

Provides free, targeted emotional support to unpaid carers of people with serious illnesses being cared for at home. Many carers are elderly, isolated, or experiencing health challenges themselves.

The program delivers:

• One-on-one counselling to help carers navigate stress, grief, role changes, and emotional exhaustion.
• Regular peer “cuppa and chat” catchups in local venues, providing a safe space to share experiences and reduce isolation.
• Facilitated group sessions on topics such as relationship strain, self-care, and coping strategies.

Strong Foundation Community Nutrition Program        

A culturally responsive nutrition and food security program based in Alice Springs. Addresses food insecurity, poor nutrition, and social isolation – critical issues in Alice Springs’ town camps and low-income housing. The program aims to improve health outcomes and prevent chronic disease while celebrating Indigenous food and culture. Local youth and Elders train to help design and deliver the program, ensuring community ownership.

Foodbank Project       

To provide basic food and toiletries to people seeking asylum and refugees.

Essentials Relief Bags

Provides vulnerable children and families with staple nonperishable food and hygiene items like: rice, pasta, passata, tinned tuna, cereal, long-life milk, tinned fruit and vegetables, vegetable oil, dried chickpeas, muesli bars, flour, sugar, coffee, tissues, soap/body wash, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, women’s hygiene products, spray & wipe, toilet cleaner, toilet paper, dishwashing liquid and laundry detergent.

Practical support enhances children’s wellbeing and quality of life by increasing school attendance and improving educational outcomes. When children arrive at school clean and nourished, they are better able to focus, engage with their peers, and participate fully in learning opportunities.

Grandparent/Kinship Care Information, Support and Advice Service            

Provides assistance to grandparent/kinship carers across Australia, most of whom receive no financial or casework support. By developing and widely disseminating information tailored to this cohort, caregivers will be empowered to take advantage of available resources in their communities – including peer support and professional community services – to reduce their isolation and promote better mental health.

School Health Lunch Box Project

Supports vulnerable people in western Sydney, such as those on low incomes or Centrelink benefits, and refugees or migrants who may be isolating themselves because of communication barriers.

Providing lunch has a significant positive impact on vulnerable children who are unable to bring their lunch to school due to financial difficulties, allowing them to stay longer and perform better at school.

Youth Voices, Stronger Communities       

A 12-month community support initiative supporting young people aged 12–25 who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The program provides safe, inclusive spaces for youth to reconnect through weekly group sessions, cultural workshops, peer-led activities, and community events. By fostering belonging, building life skills, and strengthening support networks, the project aims to reduce isolation, promote wellbeing, and empower young people to re-engage with community life across Camden and surrounding areas.

Kitchen Equipment 

Purchase and install an air conditioner and commercial dishwasher.

‍Volunteers working in the kitchen are usually 60+ and find the heat very uncomfortable. Air-conditioning will greatly improve the comfort and safety of the working environment.

‍The addition of a quick-cycle dishwasher will improve efficiency and hygiene.

Essential Beginnings              

Deliver up to 400 baby boxes over 12 months to disadvantaged families in the Perth and Peel regions to ensure families receive early, practical support during the critical postnatal period, reducing financial and emotional stress. Recipients include young mothers, refugees, those escaping domestic violence, and households experiencing intergenerational poverty.

Enables parents to focus on caring for their newborns, improving mental health, wellbeing, and parent-child bonding, as well as freeing up resources for other urgent needs such as rent, food, and transport.

Power up 4 Dust up 

A culturally responsive food education initiative designed to empower Aboriginal youth in remote Western Australian communities, it builds practical cooking skills, fosters cultural pride, and promotes social inclusion through hands-on workshops and community engagement.

Grocery Store             

‍Each household in the local area can come and shop once weekly at the free grocery store in Seven Hills, NSW. Stocked with fresh fruits and vegetables, bread, milk, pantry items, household cleaning products, baby products etc, the service is designed to give immediate support and relief during people’s time of need.

‍This project will allow for more visits for refugees and newly arrived immigrants, providing them with 50 free visits per household and increasing the amount of culturally appropriate grocery items available.

Family Assistance Project

Assists families with a range of needs whose children attend Mary Immaculate Catholic School in Wollongong.

Educational Scholarship Program 2026 

Provides financial scholarships to up to 50 disadvantaged high school students in the Hunter region. Each scholarship, valued at approximately $2,000, enables students aged 15 and over to access essential educational tools such as laptops, uniforms, trade equipment, and internet access – items often out of reach due to cost-of-living pressures.

‍The program targets students entering Year 11 or the final stages of vocational studies who are at risk of disengaging from education due to financial hardship. Scholarships are awarded based on commitment and determination, not academic achievement, and are designed to help students remain engaged in school, complete their studies, and pursue further education or employment.

By reducing attrition and increasing educational access, the program fosters equity, builds confidence, and empowers students to break cycles of disadvantage and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Keeping Mowana Alive         

A non-clinical, trauma-informed, volunteer-led drop-in service supporting people in emotional or suicidal distress. Based in Narrabeen on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, trained volunteers with lived experience offer confidential, compassionate, and non-judgemental support to anyone feeling overwhelmed, isolated, anxious, or in crisis.

‍Mowana fills a critical gap in the mental health system by providing immediate, walk-in support without appointments, waitlists, or stigma.

Employment Pathways Program  

Ngabul Foundation and Dhinawhan Landscaping are partnering to support 10 Aboriginal young people transitioning from custody into safe, supported employment. This initiative will provide job placements through Dhinawhan’s bush regeneration and landscaping work, underpinned by Ngabul’s trauma-informed cultural mentoring.

This grant will fund critical wraparound support including work-ready gear, transport, mentoring coordination, and group cultural activities that build identity, motivation, and long-term employment readiness.

Open Pantry 

A food relief and community wellbeing initiative in Melbourne’s inner north offering dignified, low-barrier access to good food. The program is grassroots and volunteer-powered, with local neighbours helping to prepare a feast for the community each week.

The program includes free weekly community lunches attended by around 100 people, a discreet, self-serve community pantry, and a bimonthly free fresh food market held at the Fitzroy Public Housing Estate.

‍Open Pantry serves people who face barriers to nutritious food and social connection, including public housing residents, single-parent families, people with disability, migrants, older people and students.

Assisting the Socially Disadvantaged      

Provides ‘food only’ cards to families and people in need, allowing them to make their own purchasing choices regarding allergies, food intolerances, preferences etc.

Mobilising clothing and coaching support across Melbourne               

Provides essential styling, clothing and career support to young jobseekers in greater Melbourne facing barriers to employment, by expanding current mobile support services.

Feeding the homeless and disadvantaged           

Provides food relief to people in need in Bundaberg through weekly meals and food packages. Bundaberg is economically challenged, with numerous people living on the streets and others who cannot afford groceries.

‍The people being fed are now contributing by cooking, cleaning and packing up, and being empowered to see change.

Seeds of Change: Growing skills, confidence, and futures for women through horticulture, training, and community enterprise

A social enterprise initiative focused on supporting women experiencing barriers to employment including women 45+, women from CALD backgrounds, women with disabilities, and those facing mental health challenges or long-term unemployment. These groups often encounter challenges such as ageism, interrupted work histories, discrimination, and social isolation. ‍

Women gain hands-on skills in horticulture, propagation, customer service, and micro-enterprise. Participants receive individual mentoring, personalised learning plans, and access to wraparound support, including career coaching, food relief, English classes, and housing referrals.

‍Graduates are supported to transition into government-subsidised accredited horticulture training, improving long-term employment prospects.

RISE Drop-in Centre               

Provides essential services to eX-detainee refugees and asylum seekers in Melbourne’s CBD.

‍The Centre provides a range of services to address the complex needs of its members. Access to an internet-enabled computer lab supports educational activities, employment applications and digital literacy development. A multilingual resource library offers support materials. A biweekly clinic offers personalised support in resume development and job searching. Crisis referral services connect members to emergency accommodation, health care and welfare. Creative workshops encompass music, writing and visual arts. A community message board is vital for social networking, news and opportunities.‍

Essentials Package & Yarning Group         

Ex-prisoners often face immense stigma, creating severe barriers to employment, housing, and education. Without support, these challenges fuel high recidivism rates.

Essentials Packages address immediate, practical needs at the point of release. Many individuals leave prison without access to food, transport, or basic items, which increases instability and the risk of reoffending. Essentials Packages provide transport assistance, grocery vouchers, and other necessities, offering a foundation of stability.

‍Yarning Circles offer culturally appropriate, safe spaces where participants can share stories, address personal challenges, and receive peer and community support. These circles reduce isolation, improve emotional wellbeing, and strengthen cultural identity. Through ongoing engagement, participants build confidence, develop coping strategies, and regain a sense of purpose which is essential for long-term reintegration and safer communities.

Homelessness to Wholeness Program

People experiencing homelessness often face complex, overlapping challenges, such as poor health, addiction, trauma, mental health challenges, domestic violence etc. Research shows that addressing only one issue is far less effective than providing wraparound care that treats the whole person.

The program will support up to 20 participants with structured one-on-one case management, group support, access to a qualified dietitian, and personalised exercise and wellness activities. Participants will also receive reflective journals and resources to encourage healing and long-term goal setting.‍

This initiative promotes lasting recovery, reduced relapse, and stronger community reintegration – creating the conditions for genuine transformation.

Community Care Hub           

The centre is a place of safety, consistency, and welcome, where people experiencing hardship can access food relief, emergency hampers, fresh produce, and genuine social connection.

Weekly drop-in sessions allow community members to share a cuppa, enjoy a sandwich, and find a listening ear, as well as connect with resources, referrals, and support in a non-judgemental environment.

The grant will fund the centre’s ongoing rental costs and utilities.

Give a Child a Chance

Provides educational resources to vulnerable children so they have an opportunity to attain an education equal to their peers. Assistance can include uniforms, resources, computers and stationery.

Yarra Valley Winter Shelter              

Provides overnight accommodation for 25–30 people experiencing homelessness during winter. In partnership with seven local churches, the shelter runs nightly with the support of around 150 volunteers who offer meals, warm beds, and a sense of community. The shelter exists to create a place of rest, care and connection, helping guests feel less alone and more supported.

Grant funding helps employ a Welfare Coordinator who assists guests facing complex challenges like trauma, mental health, and housing barriers, and helps them take real steps toward a better future.

Working with traumatised refugee mothers and infants during pregnancy, birth, and first years of life       

The program provides:

• ‍Weekly individual psychotherapy and group therapy for three years.
• ‍Doula support before, during, and after childbirth.
• ‍Supervision for preschool staff and SaCC (School as Community) workers.
• ‍Educational resources, videos, and booklets tailored for refugee mothers.
• ‍Digital engagement, building on a Facebook community of over 800 refugee women.

‍Expected changes include reduced trauma symptoms, strengthened maternal-infant bonds, and attachment relationships resilient to past persecution.

Providing healthy meals to those in need              

Volunteers serve hot, nutritious dinners in the Sydney CBD for people experiencing homelessness, and hive out extra meals and snacks to sustain them overnight.

‍Beyond Martin Place, the organisation collaborates with partner organisations to deliver meals to vulnerable groups, including families affected by domestic violence, Aboriginal communities, youth centres, and low‑income families.

Reliable, home‑cooked meals improve nutrition, stability, and outlook – especially for those facing mental health challenges or barriers to income and self‑care.

Mobile library program for people experiencing homelessness          

Provides books, reading glasses and safe, welcoming spaces via mobile library services for people experiencing homelessness. ‍

Research shows reading has a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing, reducing stress and anxiety and enabling people to escape the daily struggles associated with living without a home.

Rebuilding Lives: Trauma-Informed Pathways to Employment for Survivors of Modern Slavery in Sydney             

Supports 10-15 survivors of modern slavery in Sydney through a trauma-informed program that builds life skills, restores dignity, and opens the path to independence.

‍Survivors have escaped trafficking, servitude, or forced labour. Many arrive highly traumatised, socially isolated, and without access to long-term support. Government programs are often short-term and restricted by rigid eligibility.

‍Each survivor co-designs an individual ‘Success Plan’ that maps their goals for healing, stability, and future employment. They then participate in small group-based, trauma-informed vocational training, including financial literacy, digital skills, workplace communication, and employment preparation. Peer mentoring, alumni engagement, and social outings help build confidence and community.

Inclusive Parenting Support            

Makes trauma-informed, culturally inclusive parenting education accessible to families who face barriers to attending in-person sessions – particularly those in regional and remote areas.

As of April 2025, 427 children in South Australia were placed on new child protection orders. Parents typically have 3 to 9 months to demonstrate improved parenting capacity before long-term care decisions are made. If unsuccessful, children may remain in out-of-home care until age 18.

Reily’s online parenting education modules will remove geographic and cultural barriers, empower parents, improve reunification outcomes, and help break cycles of generational involvement in the child protection system.

The Young Warrior Woman Program          

Empowers 30 young women from western Sydney, who have grown up in out-of-home-care, to become financially independent adults who live safe, secure lives.

‍The need to break the cycle of intergenerational out-of-home-care is documented by the Create Foundation which found that up to 28% of young women leaving care become young mums who are 10x more likely to have their own child removed, adding to their trauma and perpetuating the cycle of trauma and disadvantage.

The program will achieve this through:

• mentor training
• psychoeducation
• workshops for financial literacy, work skills and life skills
• ‍one-to-one mentoring
• social connection

Food Security Support for Poverty Stricken People in Local Communities  

Provides reliable food security support for people in the local community from December 2025 to November 2026 in the form of:

• ‍10,000 food-hampers containing fruit and vegetables, groceries, dairy and bakery items
• ‍50,000 nutritious pre-cooked meals
• ‍personal care/hygiene products for adults and infants
• ‍pre-loved clothing items

Support is available to any family or individual experiencing poverty.

Supporting Women to Succeed Scholarships 2026      

Supports women and gender-diverse apprentices in non-traditional trades to succeed in their chosen careers by addressing the financial and social barriers that contribute to high dropout rates, helping more apprentices complete their training and remain in the workforce.

‍Through this round, five apprentices will each receive a $2,500 scholarship to ease cost-of-living pressures, along with mentoring, connection, and advocacy opportunities through Tradeswomen Australia.

Crisis Relief Support for Vulnerable Children and Families    

Provides essentials like cots, clothing, toiletries, toys, formula and nappies to children and families affected by poverty, domestic violence, homelessness, neglect, and displacement.

Emergency Food Relief Pantry       

Provides food hampers to individuals and families in need. The numbers of people needing support has steadily increased due to unemployment, mental illness, dysfunctional relationships, homelessness and financial stress. Clients receive a food hamper fortnightly while necessary, and a supermarket card for fresh food (when possible).

Warrigunya On Country Fencing and Cattle Project      

Warrigunya houses residents who have completed their prison terms on its 20-acre property at Darriman.

This project will purchase fencing to create a secure 10-acre area, to run approximately six cattle, to be sold off for continual income. Benefits include:

1) Establish an income-generating business, increasing organisational self-reliance and self-determination

2) Provides meaningful work for the men in caring for cattle and the property

3) Reduces the fire risk for the area.

Begin Bright Hunter: Safety essentials for a child’s first 2,000 days

Gives vulnerable children in the Hunter region aged 0–5 a brighter, safer start to life by providing cots, bassinets, toddler beds, baby blankets, sleepwear, monitors, car seats, prams, baby carriers, nappy bags, nappies, wipes, bottles, formula, safety gates, books, clothing, craft items, and more.

Many of these children live with significant trauma, and their families face homelessness, financial hardship, domestic violence and social isolation.

Increasing Numbers and Not Enough Food          

Food insecurity in the southeastern suburbs of Melbourne has increased in the last few years, exacerbated by cost-of-living pressures and the inability of some clients to access government benefits.

The charity’s food supply is mostly meeting the needs of current clients but increased demand will see a significant shortfall in that supply. At the start of 2024, 80-100 families were being supported every week, and currently the charity is supporting 150-200 families per week.

Willan Foundation establishment and development   

In 2024, Uncle Ricky co-founded the Willan Foundation to provide culturally safe and appropriate programs and services to Aboriginal people, to assist them to obtain employment.

‍The charity is fast becoming a key support to the Victorian Aboriginal community and has identified the next phase is to become fully operational and compliant. Grant funding will cover the development of a website and email accounts, subscription to an accounting package, and obtaining professional services in finance and governance.

Community Connection Support 

The Centre provides regular community meals in the Blue Mountains and Lithgow. This project would train volunteers to deliver meals to people in the community who are older, living with a disability or cannot attend for other reasons, to see if they need further support and develop a meaningful relationship with them over time.

Let’s Read Cairns: Empowering Indigenous Youth in Cairns Through Literacy

Empowers unemployed and out-of-school Indigenous young people in Cairns by equipping them with foundational literacy skills essential for employment. In Cairns, there are approximately 1,200 Indigenous youths aged 12 to 17 who left school early and lack basic reading abilities. The absence of these skills severely restricts their opportunities for work and future growth.

‍The project will deliver structured weekly literacy classes to small groups of ten participants over twelve months. These sessions are designed not only to teach reading and writing, but to foster a sense of confidence and belonging among the young participants.

Purchase a new van

Purchase a people mover van to have safe transport while providing support to people experiencing homelessness, and mums and babies.