MacKillop Family Services

MacKillop Family Services is committed to supporting foster and kinship carers who play a vital role in creating safe, nurturing environments for children and young people. We’re proud to sponsor and participate in the National Foster & Kinship Care Conference, held in Sydney from 28–30 November. This year’s theme, Empowering Carers to Transform Lives, reflects the shared mission of everyone in this sector. The conference provides an invaluable opportunity to: ✅ Share best practices in trauma-informed care ✅ Explore strategies for supporting neurodivergent children ✅ Discuss cultural identity and connection ✅ Prioritise carer wellbeing Our Foster Care Development National Leader Jasmine Perry will be presenting on our Spotlight Project, an initiative we developed to enhance foster care practice, and the impact it’s had at MacKillop. She will also share sector-wide research and recommendations and on supporting carers when a child leaves their home. . We look forward to connecting with carers, sector leaders, and advocates to strengthen the support systems that make a lasting difference.

Every year, from International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (25 November) to Human Rights Day (10 December), millions of people around the world unite for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. This global campaign is a powerful movement that calls on all of us to challenge the attitudes, systems, and behaviours that allow violence to persist. Gender-based violence is preventable, but prevention demands action. It means creating communities where respect and equality are the norm, where harmful stereotypes are dismantled, and where every person, regardless of gender, can live free from fear. This year, as we stand together for the 16 Days, we also shine a light on the safety of children and young people. Programs like Power to Kids are leading the way by equipping carers, educators, and professionals with the tools to have brave conversations about sexual safety, identify risks early, and protect those most vulnerable to exploitation. Ending violence starts with us, in our homes, workplaces, schools, and communities. It starts with education, empathy, and the courage to act. Join us: 📚 Learn more about prevention strategies and respectful relationships 👩🏫 Explore training opportunities like Power to Kids 📢 Share the message: Violence is never acceptable https://lnkd.in/gs9D3cSD

We'd like to share our latest Annual Report, highlighting the impact of our work and the progress we’ve made in supporting children, young people, and families across our communities. This report reflects our commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement. It showcases the stories that inspire us and the outcomes that drive our mission forward. Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/gu-NuTu7 Thank you to our dedicated staff, partners, and supporters who make this work possible. Together, we are creating opportunities and building brighter futures.

Celebrating a Milestone at MacKillop Education Caulfield. Last week, we proudly marked the official opening of our Senior Learning and Hospitality Centre at the Caulfield Campus. This new facility represents an important step forward in creating innovative learning spaces that empower students and strengthen connections with our local community. We were honoured to have Josh Burns MP, Member for Macnamara, officially open the centre on behalf of the Australian Government. Thank you for your support and commitment to education. This expansion will provide students with enhanced opportunities to develop skills for the future, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on their learning journey.

Last week, MacKillop employees, foster carers, volunteers, funders, partners and sector colleagues gathered for our Annual Public Meeting, a significant occasion to celebrate the outstanding achievements of young people, families, and the dedicated MacKillop Family Services team. This event provided an opportunity to share inspiring stories and recognise those who consistently demonstrate our values through quality and innovative practice. A highlight of the event was announcing the recipients of our National Excellence Awards. These awards acknowledge individuals and teams who exemplify best practice and make a profound impact in the lives of children, young people, and families. 🏆 National Excellence Award Winners: 💠The Catherine McAuley Award (carer) • Elizabeth Rae-Mortimer and Jon Mortimer, Southern NSW 💠The Catherine McAuley Award (volunteer) • Helen Bertuna, McAuley Community Services, VIC 💠The Edmund Rice Award (staff member) • Jackie Chadderton, Home Based Coordinator, Wimmera South West, VIC 💠The Edmund Rice Award (team) • Allen/Stretton House, Residential Care Team, ACT 💠The Gerard Jones Sanctuary in Action Award • Brianna Dennis, District Manager, Rural Community Services, NSW 💠The Mary MacKillop Award for ‘Courage in Life’ (child or young person) • Steven, Metro Sydney, NSW 💠The Mary MacKillop Award for ‘Courage in Life’ (family) • Theo Ball, Intensive Family Support, WA Congratulations to all our Regional Award recipients, who were finalists for the national awards. Your commitment and passion are truly commendable. Thank you to everyone who continues to uphold our mission and create brighter futures.

The Children and Young People at Risk Summit at Crown Promenade Melbourne offered a powerful space for reflection, learning, and connection. Across two days, we heard from passionate advocates, researchers, and practitioners working to improve outcomes for children and young people navigating complex systems of care. One of the most compelling discussions centred on Therapeutic Residential Care, a model increasingly recognised for its potential to transform the lives of children and families impacted by child protection and Out-of-Home Care systems. While both New South Wales and Victoria have introduced standards to guide therapeutic approaches, the panel highlighted ongoing challenges in defining and consistently implementing these models across services and nationally. Members of the National Therapeutic Residential Care Alliance, joined by current and former young people with lived experience, shared deeply informed perspectives on what makes therapeutic care truly effective. They reminded us that when service providers are adequately supported, and when funding bodies commit to holistic, planned, and purposeful work, residential care can become a place of healing, not just housing. The conversation also raised important concerns about how therapeutic models are operationalised. Too often, funding structures and policy frameworks dilute the intent of therapeutic practice, making it harder to deliver interventions that genuinely support recovery and growth. Yet, the stories shared at the summit affirmed that with the right support, therapeutic care can offer safety, stability, and hope. We’re grateful to Informa Connect for hosting this important event, and to all who contributed their time, expertise, and lived experience. The summit was a reminder that meaningful change is possible and already happening, when we listen, collaborate, and stay committed to the wellbeing of every child.

In late October, representatives from MacKillop Family Services joined foster carers, young people, community advocates, and Members of Parliament at Parliament House in Canberra to mark the renewed launch of the Parliamentary Friends of Foster Carers and Children in Care. Led by the Hon Sarah Witty MP, herself a foster carer, this cross-party group is backing efforts to ease the challenges faced by foster carers and to ensure children living in out-of-home care receive the support they need to thrive. As part of the National Foster Care Sustainability Group, MacKillop is championing three vital changes: 💠Timely access to health and therapeutic services for children in care 💠Clearer tax guidance around increased carer payments 💠Fair leave entitlements that recognise carers as parents. This work is about fairness, for children in foster care and for the carers who nurture and support them. We extend our thanks to Families Australia, the Sustainability Group, and every foster carer who shared their story. Your voices are paving the way for a stronger, more compassionate care system.

Interested in free professional learning event for educators and school leaders? Thanks to the generous support of The MacKillop Institute and @compass Education, this workshop is offered at no cost to help strengthen trauma-informed practice and support educator wellbeing. 🗓️ Monday 17 November 2025 🕐 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM AEDT 📍 MacKillop Family Services, South Melbourne & Online via Teams 🥗 Light refreshments and networking to follow We’re grateful to be joined by two deeply respected voices in education: 👩🏫 Professor Judith Howard (QUT), a national leader in Trauma-Aware Education 👨🏫 Justin Roberts, ReLATE National Program Director and one of Australia’s Most Influential Educators Together, they’ll guide us through practical ways to: 💠Understand the impact of stress and trauma on staff and students 💠Create safer, more inclusive learning environments 💠Build trust, reduce burnout, and foster wellbeing 💠Strengthen emotional capacity and professional quality of life. This event is designed for in-person connection, but a hybrid option is available to ensure broader access. 🔗 Register here: https://lnkd.in/ggMksEYg

We are thrilled to receive a NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS) Vision & Advocacy Award in the category celebrating organisations delivering innovative, creative, and impactful programs that make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities. MacKillop Family Services was recognised for its ongoing commitment to foster carers and enhancing practice across the foster care system nationally. Through our Spotlight Project, we have listened to carers and implemented their feedback, streamlining processes, developing new tools and training, and enhancing carer wellbeing. This work is ongoing, as we continue to advocate for carers, and the children and young people they support. The Excellence & Impact: Organisation Award is a reflection of the people working at MacKillop. It acknowledges our commitment to an inclusive, resilient, and community-focused approach that responds to complex and evolving needs. We share this recognition with all those striving to create positive change. Thank you for believing in the power of compassion, collaboration, and empowering the community. #MacKillopFamilyServices #CommunityImpact

Earlier this month, the Family Relationship Centre , in collaboration with Spectrum Migrant Resource Centre, hosted a community dinner under the theme “A Child-Focused Future.” The evening was a powerful reminder of why culturally safe family mediation matters and why children’s voices must remain central in every conversation about family relationships. We were privileged to welcome community and faith leaders, local MPs Kathleen Matthews-Ward and Basem Abdo, and representatives from key organisations including Orange Door, Victoria Police, Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court, Ravenhall Correctional Centre, Victoria Legal Aid, Northern Community Legal Centre, and Moonee Valley Legal Services. The event celebrated cultural diversity through vibrant performances: the Djargo Dance Group blending modern and traditional Aboriginal dance, Ganga Giri’s soulful Yidaki rhythms, and the electrifying beats of Kofi Kunkpe’s West African drumming. A thought-provoking panel discussion featuring mediators from the Family Relationship Centre and Spectrum shared the journey of families navigating settlement and separation support. Alexandra Hughes, our Child Consultant, spoke about how children’s voices shape mediation outcomes, while Virendra, our Cultural Advisor, emphasised the importance of cultural safety and ensuring families feel respected and understood during challenging times. The night ended on a high note, with smiles and positive feedback echoing through the room, and the unforgettable energy of West African drumming leaving everyone inspired. Together, we are building a future where families feel supported, cultural identities are honoured, and children’s voices lead the way.