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Karinya News - March 2026
Dear Friends of Karinya
We hope you are enjoying these glorious sunny days before the weather really turns chilly. With the long weekend just around the corner, we’re keeping our fingers crossed that the Easter Bunny makes a special appearance!
As we move further into Autumn, we are reminded of the sense of renewal and hope that this time of year can bring. Over the last few weeks, we have received referrals for 23 women seeking support. As we walk alongside each of these women and support them to take steps towards independence, we are reminded of the incredible strength and determination that women can display during difficult times.
March gave us the opportunity to mark International Women's Day and Harmony Day, and to think about the importance of inclusivity, respect, and belonging for all women within our diverse community.
As mentioned in our last newsletter, preparations are well underway for our 2026 Home. Hope. Horizon. Charity Luncheon which will take place on Friday the 22nd of May 2026. This is a very special event in our annual calendar, and we’re excited to bring together the Karinya village to celebrate and support our work. You can read more about the Luncheon in the section below and follow the link to secure your tickets. We would love to see you there.
We are also looking for Maternal Support Workers to join our team, supporting women in residence overnight and across various weekend shifts. You can read more about this important role in the section below.
As always, we hope you enjoy reading about the recent events outlined below and thank you for being part of the Karinya Village community.
Please note references to events or appeals below are for the information of all our Friends. If you are an existing donor of Karinya House, be assured we value the current extent of your financial support, and no additional support from current donors is being sought through the sharing of this news, other than asking you to consider sharing this eNews with friends or family if it may be of interest to them.
The 2026 Home. Hope. Horizon. Charity Luncheon
Now in its fourth consecutive year, the Home. Hope. Horizon. Charity Luncheon celebrates and supports Karinya House's vital work walking beside women, providing safe housing, health and trauma support, casework and essential care throughout pregnancy and beyond.
With the generous support from Principal Partner, Parker Coles Curtis, the luncheon has evolved into a leading highlight of Canberra’s social and business calendar.
This year, we also acknowledge a wonderful cohort of Associate Partners including BAL Lawyers, Parbery, the North Belconnen Community Association, William Cole Funerals and DOMA Group.
On Friday the 22nd of May we will gather for a wonderful event that includes a long lunch with premium local food and wine, high quality entertainment and an inspirational guest speaker - Heidi Prowse OAM.
Tickets to join us at the luncheon are available at the link below now.
Safety first
At Karinya House, care extends beyond the everyday; it is reflected in the time our team invests in staying informed, skilled, and ready to support women and children safely.
Recently, members of our team, including our Property Manager, Caseworker and Senior Health Professional, undertook car seat fitting training to ensure they are up to date with the latest safety practices. It is a practical example of the depth of care that underpins our work, making sure that every detail, including safe transport, is considered.
This ongoing learning allows our team to provide informed, confident support to the women and children we walk alongside. Thank you to Kidsafe ACT for sharing your expertise and supporting our team through this training.
Join the Karinya Team
The Karinya House Maternal Support Workers, are an important part of ensuring seamless care for the women and children living at Karinya House. Support Workers provide practical, hands on support, after hours and on weekends both at Karinya House and in the community.
We are currently looking for individuals who are respectful, caring, and flexible to join our Support Worker Team.
This role requires people who can work onsite of an evening (including a sleep over) and during the day on weekends and public holidays. We have found in the past, this role is great for people who have their own children and have family support to facilitate the overnight/ weekend shifts, (noting being a parent is not a requirement of the role) or people who are studying a relevant qualification.
If you or someone you know are interested in this role, further information is available at the link below.
Community connections
Over the last couple of months, we have again been reminded that support comes in many forms.
Recently, we have been fortunate to receive support in ways that are both generous and unique and examples of thoughtful, community-led efforts that leave a lasting impact.
At Binalong Public School, two Year 6 students chose Karinya House as part of their Passion Project. With initiative and care, they baked goods, created signage, and hosted a stall to raise funds to donate.
The Canberra Hot Rod Association selected Karinya House as a charity partner for their 2026 Canberra Rod and Kustom Krooze, raising funds and awareness through their event.
These moments are a reminder of the many ways people choose to show up for our community. To everyone who supports Karinya House, in ways big or small, thank you.
Walk for Hope - Save the Date
Building upon a fabulous event in 2025, please save the date for the Karinya House Walk for Hope event, which will be held on Sunday the 13th of September 2026.
With support from DOMA Group, The Walk for Hope event is a lovely community walk/run event based on the lakes of Lake Burley Griffin, starting and finishing at the Canberra Southern Cross Club Yacht Club.
All funds raised from this event will go directly to support women who are pregnant or parenting and who are in crisis in the ACT region.
Save the date and stay tuned for more information as it becomes available on our website over the coming months.
Partner Spotlights
We are continually humbled by the generous support we receive from across the Canberra community. This month we would like to acknowledge two of our long-term corporate partners.
Over the past 12 months, Karinya House has greatly valued the support of Icon Water, who have been a committed partner for several years through their Community Support Program.
Icon Water's contribution has helped meet essential non-salary expenses critical to our service delivery. Alongside support from a range of other corporate and community supporters, this funding has enabled us to cover a range of vital costs for women we are walking alongside in both our residential and outreach programs. This funding has included the purchase of educational resources and training materials to facilitate group programs, telecommunications costs, and the operation of motor vehicles used to deliver our services. Icon Water’s support has played a meaningful role in ensuring we can continue providing comprehensive, responsive care to those who need it most. Thank you to the team at Icon Water for their continued commitment and generous support of Karinya House.
Riverview Group
This month, we are proud to once again acknowledge the generous support of one of our longest-standing partners, Riverview Group.
Riverview Group have been part of the Karinya House journey since its earliest days. Their continued contribution over the past twelve months is a powerful reflection of their ongoing commitment to our mission and the women we walk alongside.
We extend our sincere thanks to the team at both Riverview Group for their continued and unwavering support.
Snippets....
A few snippets from the Karinya "Green Notebook" ...
"Just wanted to say thank you girls, each week has been better than the last, and I really appreciate the support and love you have all shown me. Thank you girls for believing in me"
A recently moved out KH resident said during an outreach appointment- "when I look through my photos and see the KH lounge room I smile and have happy memories of baby's first home."
A text message received by staff immediately after meeting an outreach client for the first time: "Thank you so much for meeting me today. I felt so good talking to both of you I can't explain, and also thank you for the medical stuff [it is] really appreciated."
#humansofkarinya #walkingalongsidewomen
Bud of Hope
Flower bloom at different times, but they need care every single day. That’s what Bud of Hope represents: year-round support for women through Karinya House. Your regular donation creates the foundation for lasting growth. When you contribute to Bud of Hope, you are watering the metaphorical garden every day by providing consistent care through every season of a woman’s journey with us.
We invite you to Be a Bud of Hope in the Karinya Garden, from as little as $2 per month. Each new sponsorship tier for Bud of Hope is named for a native Australian flower meaningful to our tight-knit community. Choose your tier, Bluebell, Wattle, Bottlebrush or Eucalypt, based on your budget or select a flower that holds personal significance and help real hope grow, month after month.
Thank You!
For following your interest in the happenings at Karinya House, and for your support. We look forward to sharing more about our events and impact across the year.
#supportingwomen #standingalongside #ourvillage #ourcommunity
Karinya House is committed to reconciliation. We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land and pay respects to Elders past, present and future. In this recognition, we acknowledge the never-ending connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People have to land, water and sky.
