Dear Friends and Colleagues,
These past few months it has been awesome to spend extended time with some of our partners at two enriching Retreats:
'Lead the Way', our inaugural immersive leadership program concluded with the Sydney Retreat at The National Centre of Indigenous Excellence and participant Shaun Christie David's fabulous restaurant Kyiv Social, both perfect settings to close the five-month journey with 27 partners.
Snow Entrepreneurs Retreat - We spent three days with the Snow Entrepreneurs at Glenworth Valley, filled with insightful sessions and meaningful connections. It's a privilege to see these social entrepreneurs grow their impact and build trusting friendships with each other.
We're passionate about improving literacy education and excited to support literacy modules, available for secondary schools nationally, helping teachers assist struggling readers. Together with ACT Alliance for Evidence-Based Education, we're urging the new ACT Government to fulfill pre-election promises for educational reform following the ACT Inquiry into Literacy and Numeracy in Public Schools.
There's lots of progress in Our Place, Canberra including growing our scholarships to benefit 76 scholars! We're excited for the inaugural scholarships from Australian Business Community Network Accelerate to be awarded to school students and for a major new scholarship announcement coming soon - stay tuned!
We had a great evening with The Funding Network Canberra at the Crowdfunding event for three organisations dedicated to driving positive change across the ACT.
Our long-term partner Sydney Women's Fund proudly celebrated the extraordinary Chancellor, Professor Jennifer Westacott AO as the 2024 Sydney trailblazer at the annual Saluting Sydney Women event. The celebration was a tribute to her remarkable achievements and contributed to significant fundraising for women and families
throughout Sydney. Sydney Women's Fund is also embarking on a major essential place-based program in Western Sydney.
Enjoy the read!
Best wishes,
That's a Wrap on Lead the Way...
After five months of learning, sharing stories, and building connections, our first Lead the Way cohort has completed the journey! Twenty-seven of our wonderful partners from Canberra and Sydney completed eight leadership masterclasses, supported each other through challenges, and created strong networks.
Co-designed with Social Impact Hub, Lead the Way focused on building capacity for leaders in the for-purpose sector, offering a space for growth, inspiration, and connection.
Annette Brodie, CEO, The Reconnect Project said "I am so grateful for this opportunity to learn, share and be alongside others in this space. To be vulnerable and feel supported. To have the moment to reflect on the skills I do have and where I excel, as well as be exposed to difficult topics that I would otherwise avoid. Thank you for this experience."
While the 2024 cohort’s journey is complete, we are excited to see the lasting impact of these leaders in their communities.
The Banksias cohort tackling a challenge requiring collaboration, communication and agile adjustments
Reflecting on an inspiring Snow Entrepreneurs Retreat!
This was the second time the ‘Snowies’ gathered for a face-to-face retreat, as part of the Snow Entrepreneurs fellowship program for 17 social change leaders. The trust and strong connections they’ve built were evident. From thought-provoking workshops on navigating productive conflict to sharing stories around the campfire, and even a friendly ‘Survivor’ team challenge, the retreat sparked new insights, deeper connections, and renewed energy to tackle the challenges ahead.
These amazing Snow Entrepreneurs openly shared and workshopped real-life problems in small ‘practice pods’, offering valuable insights and diverse perspectives.
The Welcome to Country by Tim Selwyn and Arwen Julian from Girri Girra provided a great start and we are immensely grateful to our two First Nations entrepreneurs, Jason Urrandulla Davis and Georgia Weir, for sharing their stories and inviting us to learn about their history and culture.
Back row: Georgina Byron, Tony Rothacker, Nicole Dyson, Ren Fernando, Georgia Weir, Jason Davis, Loki Ball, Geoff Smith, Neala Fulia, Skye Riggs, Alex Lagelee Kean. Front row: Reece Miller, Maryanne Harris, Joel Anderson, Melanie Greblo, Pia Clinton-Tarestad, Joe Kwon, Bhanvi Anand
Literacy
One in five Australian students start secondary school at or below minimum standards for literacy or numeracy. This puts them at least 3 years behind their peers.
When students struggle they risk disengaging from school, falling further behind, and making it difficult to catch up. We are co-funding respected Jessica Colleu Terradas' free national literacy modules for secondary schools. Weekly online training for teachers and leaders launched every Friday in Term 4, equipping schools to support struggling readers and address literacy, mental health, and employability issues.
As the new ACT Government takes shape, we are calling for full implementation and appropriate funding of the recommendations from the ACT Inquiry into Literacy and Numeracy in
Public Schools, as championed by ACT Labor, the ACT Greens, and the newly elected Independents during the campaign.
This includes the much-needed investment in up-skilling teachers in the science of reading and numeracy and a Year 1 Phonics Check. These reforms are backed by evidence and are critical in ensuring that all children in the ACT have the skills they need to succeed.
The Funding Network Canberra
Community spirit was alive with the crowd raising over $125, 000 for three local for-purpose organisations.
Tender Funerals Canberra Region raised $36,900 to help kickstart their Pay It Forward Benevolent Fund, ensuring more families have access meaningful and affordable funerals.
Women's Justice Network raised $35,670 to enable their Healing from Within Group Program.
Fearless Women raised $52,900 to support their Mentor Program, ensuring more girls and young women in the ACT get the support they need.
Sydney Women's Fund - Saluting Sydney Women
What a great pleasure to honour the remarkable Chancellor Professor Jennifer Westacott AO at the Sydney Women's Fund Saluting Sydney Women event.
Each year, they recognise an outstanding trailblazer and fundraise to improve the lives of Sydney women and families. Thanks to the incredible supporters, who raised over $1, 230, 000 on the day!
Jennifer shared heartfelt insights from her personal and professional journey, highlighting the experiences that have shaped her into the extraordinary leader she is today.
"I learned early – including from my parents – that hard work really matters. Nothing comes to people like me, without striving for it and without grabbing at it. Don’t chase positions and titles for some type of hollow prestige. Instead, be the change you seek.”
