Blacktown City ClubGRANTS 20

Honoured to Receive Support for Two Local Initiatives Grounded in Opportunity and Care 

We were honoured to join Blacktown City Council and West HQ last Thursday at the Blacktown City ClubGRANTS 2025 Recipient Event, where we received support for two local initiatives that are grounded in the belief that every person deserves the opportunity to thrive — and that care, dignity, and practical support are essential to making that possible. 

These projects reflect what we see every day in our work: families doing their best under pressure, young people with untapped potential, and communities that flourish when given the right tools and connections.

Thriving Together: Nurturing Families, Empowering Futures 

In our Intensive Family Preservation Program, we walk alongside families who are doing everything they can to stay together and build a better life. Many face financial barriers that make even the most basic opportunities — like driving lessons or a laptop for school — feel out of reach. 

This project will provide: 

• Driving lessons to help parents and young people access employment and independence. 

• Laptops so children can learn, parents can apply for jobs, and families can stay connected to services. 

• Support for families transitioning to independent living, including help with moving costs, household essentials, and access to critical health and education assessments.

We know that a single pediatrician report or cognitive assessment can unlock life-changing support through the NDIS or school systems — but these assessments often cost hundreds of dollars. This project ensures families aren’t left behind simply because they can’t afford what others take for granted. 

It’s about more than just resources. It’s about restoring hope, building confidence, and giving families the chance to thrive — not just survive. 

Community Connection Hub: Expanding Reach and Impact 

Our second funded initiative is about more than transport or outreach — it’s about community. The Community Connection Hub is a place where people come not just for services, but for connection, support, and dignity. It’s a space where relationships are built, stories are heard, and lives are changed. 

This project will: 

• Establish a free shuttle bus service in partnership with local First Nations transport providers, connecting residents from suburbs like Bidwill, Emerton, Shalvey, Tregear, Mt Druitt and beyond to the Hub. 

• Launch a strategic communications plan to raise awareness of the Hub’s offerings, using culturally responsive messaging and trusted community networks to ensure people feel informed, welcomed, and respected. 

  
  

The Hub is home to services like Service NSW and Births, Deaths and Marriages, which may seem routine — but for many, they’re transformative. A birth certificate can unlock access to education, employment, housing, and healthcare. A Medicare card can mean the difference between receiving care or going without. These are not just documents — they’re keys to opportunity. 

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, the Hub is designed to be a culturally safe space — one where people see themselves reflected in the staff, the services, and the way care is delivered. It’s a place where Elders are respected, young people are supported, and families are empowered. 

We want people to feel proud walking through the doors. To know they belong. And to leave with more than just paperwork — to leave with a sense of possibility. 

This project is about bringing services to life through community. It’s about making sure no one is left behind because of where they live, how they travel, or whether they’ve been able to navigate complex systems alone. 

We’re deeply grateful to West HQ and Blacktown City Council for recognising the importance of these initiatives. With their support, we’re building a future where opportunity is not a privilege — but a shared promise.