Thank You to Australian Mutuals Foundation (AMF) and Bunnings

Australian Mutual Foundation held a Bunning BBQ for Barnardos Australia Yurungai Bus
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Thank You to Australian Mutuals Foundation (AMF) and Bunnings

On the 26th of April, Australian Mutuals Foundation hosted a Bunnings BBQ held at Bunnings Alexandria to raise funds for a bus to ensure children’s safe journey to the Yurungai Learning Centre.

The AMF team rallied together with great energy and enthusiasm, helping to make the day a sizzling success! Thanks to their hard work and dedication, over $4,600 was raised in support of the Yurungai Bus Appeal — a fantastic achievement that will make a real difference for the children and families we support.

We are so grateful for AMF’s ongoing partnership, commitment, and passion for helping create brighter futures!

You can learn more about the campaign, see the progress towards our $120,000 target or donate here: https://donate.barnardos.org.au/donate-now/yurungai-bus/ 💚

If you would like to learn more about how your organisation can partner with us, please get in touch via partnerships@barnardos.org.au.

Barnardos Mudgee receives $25,000 Yancoal community grant

BA Mudgee Yancoal community grant
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Barnardos Mudgee receives $25,000 Yancoal community grant

Barnardos have been successful in receiving a $25,000 community grant from Yancoal, Moolarben Coal mine based in Mudgee.

The funds will be used for brokerage costs such as; emergency accommodation, identification records, health assessments and other household costs to support the DV specialist role in Mudgee.

Yancoal held a morning tea/presentation event in Mudgee on the 3rd March – photo above

From Left To Right:
Brian Wesley, (Yancoal) Paul Duncan,(Yancoal) Mark Hoare, (Barnardos)  Gina Johnson, (Barnardos) Ainslee Halls, (Barnardos) Tim Oliphant (Yancoal)

If you would like to learn more about how your organisation can partner with us, please get in touch via partnerships@barnardos.org.au.

The Giving Movement – New Partnership

The Giving Movement – New Partnership
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The Giving Movement – New Partnership

We are excited to announce that Barnardos has partnered with The Giving Movement for 2025!

Born in the UAE, The Giving Movement (TGM) is a dynamic, sustainable fashion brand blending streetwear and athleisure. At the end of 2024, they launched their online store to Australia, marking an exciting milestone for them, with plans for physical retail stores in 2025. As part of their $40K partnership agreement for 2025, TGM has already generously donated $10K towards the Family and Domestic Violence campaign. Additionally, they will be donating $4 from every item sold in their Australian stores to support Barnardos’ work in breaking the cycle of disadvantage for children, young people and families, and to create safe, stable homes.

To kick off the 2025 school year, The Giving Movement generously gave back to the Barnardos children by donating Back-to-School kits, which included Smiggle backpacks with matching lunch boxes, water bottles, stationery and notebooks! The TGM team kindly visited both the Yurungai Learning Centre and Auburn Centre to personally hand the bags to the children – click here to watch the video. This was incredibly beneficial for the parents/guardians/carers of the children as it relieved the financial burden that returning-to-school supplies can create.

In addition, the TGM team participated in their first working bee at the Bundaleer Working Bee Day in January, helping to refresh the centre for the families, children and young people who rely on it. The day’s activities included painting, gardening, organising toys and assembling furniture.

We are thrilled to be collaborating with such a generous brand who is also passionate about making a positive impact!

If you would like to learn more about how your organisation can partner with us, please get in touch via partnerships@barnardos.org.au.

The Unbound art show

Unbound art show 2025
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The Unbound art show

Barnardos Australia is proud to present our annual fundraising art show – the Unbound Art Show. This year’s exhibition theme, ‘Horizons of Hope’ embodies Barnardos passion to provide support in the present so that together, we can shape a brighter future for children, young people and families without a place to call home. The theme reflects our commitment to create a lasting impact that opens the door to limitless potential.  Hosted on Thursday 20th of March at the National Art School in Sydney, this multi-disciplinary art show provides the opportunity for emerging and established artists to create a piece of artwork that reflects the theme.

All proceeds will be dedicated to Barnardos Australia safety and prevention programs.

If you can’t make the event, all artwork will be available via our online auction site where you can bid from anywhere in Australia.

You can keep up to date by following our Instagram @theunboundartshow or visit our website for updates.

Interested?! We invite you to join us for this special evening filled with art, creativity, live music and community support. By attending the Unbound Art Show this year, you’ll not only experience a stunning display of talent and perhaps purchase a new piece, but also contribute to a brighter future for children, young people and families in need.

Tickets are now available! So don’t miss out for your chance to be part of this wonderful event, click here to secure a spot and help us make a lasting impact!

We look forward to seeing you on March 20th !

If you would like to learn more about ways in which your organisation can partner with us on the Unbound art show, please get in touch via partnerships@barnardos.org.au.

BlueScope WIN Community Partners support Barnardos South Coast Centre

BlueScope WIN Community Partners support Barnardos
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BlueScope WIN Community Partners support Barnardos South Coast Centre

Thanks to the generous support of the BlueScope WIN Community Partners Grant, Barnardos South Coast Centre has been able to purchase much-needed supplies and resources for their local facility. This funding has helped ensure they can continue to provide essential services to families and children in the community, fostering a safe, supportive environment for those who need it most.

Barnardos staff were able to purchase essential supplies and resources to clean and paint the facility’s interior, build and arrange new furniture, and provide toys and books. They also refreshed the garden, creating a more welcoming environment for child and family services, as well as educational support.

The Barnardos team were joined by local volunteers and corporate partner, The Giving Movement , who got stuck into cleaning, tidying, and painting tasks, whilst others took on the responsibility of gardening and constructing brand new furniture to complement the centre’s new look.

We’re proud to see this opportunity make such a positive impact on the South Coast, and grateful for the support that allowed Barnardos staff and volunteers to refresh the Bundaleer centre and strengthen our connection with the local community.

“Thank you to BlueScope WIN for the opportunity to refresh the Bundaleer Learning Centre. With your support, we have been able to purchase a new oven to enhance cooking activities with children and families, introduce new furniture that fosters a calm and engaging learning environment, refresh our internal doors with new paintwork, and add play mats, a play kitchen, and a revitalized garden space.

The feedback from our community and staff has been overwhelmingly positive—everyone is loving the fresh and inviting atmosphere! Your support helps us provide a space that is critical for outreach and learning support, ensuring children and families experiencing disadvantage in our community have the resources and opportunities they need to break cycles of disadvantage. “
— Melissa Andrews, Program Manager, Barnardos South Coast

“How great to have an oven that works—now we can cook nachos with the young people! That’s been on their wish list for ages.”
— Playgroup Mum.

“The space looks so clean and uncluttered, I love it!”
Playgroup Mum.

If you would like to learn more about ways in which your organisation can partner with us, please get in touch via partnerships@barnardos.org.au.

Penrith Toy and Gift Packing Volunteering

Penrith Toy and Gift Packing Volunteering
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Penrith Toy and Gift Packing Volunteering

Prior to the festive celebrations with the children, the Barnardos Penrith Centre received invaluable support from dedicated AMF volunteers. Employees from G&C Mutual Bank and Australian Mutual Bank joined volunteers from another incredible Barnardos partner, BNP Paribas, to sort through toys and gifts donated through the Barnardos Gifts for Kids appeal. Their efforts ensured that children and young people from the local area had a brighter holiday season.

The day began at the Penrith Centre, where the volunteers were greeted by Program Manager, Mel Cooke, who guided them on a tour of the centre and shared the incredible work the team does. After, the volunteers rolled up their sleeves and got to work, sorting the donated gifts into categories such as male, female, gender-neutral, and age ranges. These gifts were then labelled and organised into gift packs, ready to be delivered to children and young people on Christmas Day.

The day concluded with an inspiring talk from Mel, who spoke about the vital support the team provides and the rewarding albeit challenging scenarios they face. Mel provided the volunteers with a deeper understanding of the early intervention and prevention programs that make a real difference in the lives of children, families and communities.

We are incredibly grateful for the time and effort of all our corporate partners and community volunteers who supported Barnardos centres and programs last year!

If you would like to learn more about ways in which your organisation can partner with us, please get in touch via partnerships@barnardos.org.au.

Yurungai End of Year Celebration

Yurungai End of Year Celebration
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Yurungai End of Year Celebration

To wrap up 2024, we were fortunate enough to have the incredible volunteers from AMF join us again to celebrate the children of Yurungai Learning Centre at their End of Year celebration which was held at Pancake on the Rocks. We were joined by Centre leaders Aunty Viv and Uncle Bruce, who provide vital academic and cultural support for children that attend the Aboriginal Learning Centre. AMF treat the children to a meal to celebrate their achievements and those that are graduating to High School each year. The event is always filled with laughter, festive cheer, and a heartwarming sense of community to conclude the year.

“On December 10th, I joined Gaylene from Unity Bank to host 25 kids and supporters from the Yurungai Learning Centre to a Christmas celebration at Pancakes on the Rocks at Darling Harbour. It was a fantastic experience as we interacted with the kids and got to hear their stories. Their joy and enthusiasm for life is so inspiring.”
–Paul Dawson, Foundation Manager, Australian Mutual Foundation

If you would like to learn more about ways in which your organisation can partner with us, please get in touch via partnerships@barnardos.org.au.

Rosehill Christmas Party

Rosehill Christmas Party
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Rosehill Christmas Party

The Rosehill Christmas Party is an incredible event where children are invited to celebrate the holiday season with exciting interactive activities, face painting, rides, and a visit from Santa, all aimed at creating unforgettable memories. None of this would be possible without AMF’s ongoing support.

The day kicked off with our dedicated AMF volunteers meeting children at Rosehill racecourse. The volunteers were briefed by Barnardos staff and buddied up with a child to accompany throughout the day. Volunteers and children alike had a wonderful day participating in a range of activities and enjoyed entertainment at their own pace and comfort. This wonderful event not only gives the children a fun start to the Christmas season but also encourages and strengthens the bonds with the AMF team, whose ongoing support makes these memorable moments possible.

If you would like to learn more about ways in which your organisation can partner with us, please get in touch via partnerships@barnardos.org.au.

Premier partner, Australian Mutual Foundation commits to additional support

Premier partner, Australian Mutual Foundation commits to additional support
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Premier partner, Australian Mutual Foundation commits to additional support

We are delighted to announce that our premier partner Australian Mutuals Foundation (AMF) has extended our partnership in support of Barnardos Beyond Barbed Wire program. AMF has committed additional funding to the unique Beyond Barbed Wire program over the next three years, equating to greater support for incarcerated mothers in preparation for their return to their family and community.

Beyond Barbed Wire relies on corporate and philanthropic funding. Your organisation can partner with Barnardos and create sustainable impact through support for our early intervention and prevention programs. Contact our team at partnerships@barnardos.org.au to explore a tailored partnership in line with your company’s CSR & employee engagement strategy.

For many years, AMF has provided funding for several Barnardos programs through our partnership. As part of this, the foundation engages their members and employees through volunteering events to support children and Barnardos Centre Managers. This includes  accompanying them on days out, support program activities and initiatives, collaborating with staff on Working Bee-style events to improve facilities and assisting with organisational tasks.

We are deeply grateful for our long-standing partnership with AMF, which has grown into a strong and dedicated team that shares our passion and commitment to supporting the children and young people at Barnardos. AMF’s dedicated support, along with the contributions of its members and employees, enables us to create a positive impact on the lives of children and families in need.

As well as this additional funding, Australian Mutual Foundation member organisations have elevated their CSR and employee engagement functions by collaborating with Barnardos. Teams of employees participated in the Barnardos Amazing Race or volunteered their time to support our children and family centre programs and activities during 2024.

Gifts for Kids result

Gifts for Kids result 2024
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Gifts for Kids result

Once again, the holidays have been made special by our generous supporters. Many children, young adults and their families were not only facing personal challenges last year but also navigating the current cost of living and housing crisis. Barnardos supporters dug deep, along with many organisations, to make sure that children received a gift during the festive season generating over $200,000 worth of gifts for those that might otherwise have gone without.

Barnardos is a multicultural organisation, supporting children and families from diverse backgrounds and joins communities in celebrating a range of cultural days of significance, as well as children’s birthdays and school achievements. If you missed last year’s Gifts for Kids appeal, but would like to enjoy the gift of giving and help children celebrate a special day during the year, you can make a donation here.

If you would like to learn more about ways in which your organisation can partner with us on the Gifts for Kids Appeal, please get in touch via partnerships@barnardos.org.au.


LEARN MORE ABOUT GIFT FOR KIDS