On Thursday 12th March, we welcomed an incredible room full of community members, supporters, partners and change-makers to our International Women's Day Brunch held at the beautiful Hazel Kitchen & Bar, Hazelhurst Arts Centre.

A Morning of Inspiration

The morning began with an Acknowledgement of Country from our Aboriginal Family Services Team Leader , Danielle, reminding us of the deep connection between community, family, and Country that underpins everything we do. 

Michelle Fairweather, our Head of Operations, then took the floor to reflect on The Family Co.'s 38-year journey  - from our origins as Sutherland Shire Family Services in 1987, to the growing, community-rooted organisation we are today. Michelle shared the real stories behind our work - the families we walk alongside, the women who have found safety and strength through our services, and the young people who are building brighter futures with our support.

One of the highlights of the morning was an intimate in conversation between our Board Chair, Belinda Fairfax, and Jess Hill - award-winning journalist, author of See What You Made Me Do, and one of Australia's most important voices on coercive control. Their exchange was honest, thought-provoking, and deeply moving - leaving the room with much to reflect on, and an even greater sense of purpose.

The morning then reached a truly special moment when Belinda introduced a very special video - the official launch of The Family Co.'s inaugural ambassador, Mike Munro AM. The video brought together Mike's own words alongside powerful stories from some of the remarkable people who have been part of The Family Co.'s journey. You can view the video here:

Celebrating Our Scholarship Recipients

Another special moment of the morning was the announcement of our two scholarship recipients, introduced by James our Youth and Family Team Leader. Now in their second year, these scholarships exist to recognise courage, ambition, and leadership in our community.

The TFC Adult Client Education & Career Empowerment Scholarship ($1,000) was awarded to an adult to support their journey toward study, retraining, or career goal that will help them move forward and thrive.

The Youth Social Awareness & Leadership Scholarship ($500) was awarded to a young person aged 16–18 from the Sutherland Shire or St George area who is already making a difference in their community.

To both recipients - we are so proud of you, and honoured to play a small part in your story.

You Made Something Remarkable Happen

We are incredibly proud to share that together, our community raised over $11,000 at this year's IWD Brunch.

   

These are discretionary funds which means they go directly where they are needed most, giving us the flexibility to respond to the real, day-to-day needs of the women, children, young people, and families we support across Southern Sydney. Every dollar raised will make a tangible difference to someone in our community who needs it.

From our family to yours - thank you. Thank you for showing up, for giving generously, and for believing in a community where everyone can move from surviving to thriving.

Thank You to Our Partners

None of this would have been possible without the generosity and commitment of our wonderful event partners:

• Endeavour Wellness - Event Sponsor
• Hazel Kitchen & Bar - Venue Partner
• Sophie B Photography - Photography Partner
• Engadine Florist - Florist Partner
• The Visual Storytellers Group - Live Scribe Artist
• Jess Hill / Speaking Out - Guest Speaker

A Gallery of Memories

Scroll through some of the images below to relive the morning - beautifully captured by Sophie B Photography.

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