Melissa Keane - Team Leader, Staying Home Leaving Violence program

Melissa Keane is the Team Leader for The Family Co's Staying Home Leaving Violence program, a specialist co-ordinated program to assist women and their children who have separated from a violent partner or family member. The program aims to improve outcomes for women and children by supporting them stay in their own home safely where possible, or relocate to safe accommodation and live free from violence. Mel has over 5 years experience as a Domestic Violence specialist worker and has been working for The Family Co. in the Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service for 5 years, most recently as the Assistant Manager.

Prior to joining the Family Co, she acquired around 10 years of experience as a caseworker for both youth homelessness support and mental health providers. She has a Bachelor of Counselling degree and a Youth Work diploma.

Mel loves assisting women to feel empowered to make changes in their lives, finding the strength in themselves.

Latest

Mums and Bubs Yoga Term 2 (2024) *Open to Sutherland Shire Residents Only

Build Strength, reduce stress and meet new people while engaging with your bub in this Yoga class for Mums and Bubs, held at Jannali on Monday mornings. The cost for the term (8 classes) is $80.
Tuning into Teens Abridged - Commencing 7 May 2024 *SUTHERLAND SHIRE RESIDENTS ONLY

The Family Co. is offering an abridged version of the popular Tuning in to Teens program. This 4-week parent education workshop series helps parents of tweens/teens aged 10-18 years reduce conflict, increase communication, and recognise, understand and respond to their teenager's emotions as well as their own. The group starts on Tuesday 7th May 2024 from 6-8pm and will be held at The Family Co. in Jannali. Please note this program is for SUTHERLAND SHIRE RESIDENTS ONLY
Circle of Security for First Nations Families

The Circle of Security Parenting program is an 7 week parenting course, offered FREE by The Family Co and Lilli Pilli Counselling. The course is held each Thursday from 16th May - 27th June from 10am - 12:00pm at South Sydney PTS. This is specifically for you if you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander or have children that identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
Creating Partnerships with Impact

The Family Co. has cultivated a profound and enduring partnership with Southern Waters Legal that goes beyond mere financial support to create impact in the community

Nicki Mead - Marketing Manager

Nicki Mead is our Marketing Manager looking after our website, social media, events and collateral.
Danielle - Aboriginal Family Services Team Leader

Danielle is the Aboriginal Family Services Team Leader and is a proud Aboriginal women from the Yuin and Worimi Nations on the South and North Coast of NSW.
Belinda - Southern Sydney Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service Manager

Belinda is the Manager of the Southern Sydney Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service - which is funded by Legal Aid, but delivered by The Family Co.
Amber Schacht - Youth Programs Coordinator

Amber Schacht is our Youth Programs Coordinator at The Family Co. She is passionate about the important work of helping support young people in our community.
Kim Byron - Child, Youth & Family Manager

Kim leads our dynamic and experienced Child, Youth and Family team at The Family Co, providing a holistic, trauma informed approach to support clients through individual case work, group programs, activities and events.
Michelle Fairweather - Operations Manager

Michelle Fairweather is the Operations Manager at The Family Co.
Ashleigh Daines - CEO

Ashleigh Daines commenced as the CEO of The Family Co. in October 2019.

Group Programs Schedule

Each term, we publish a calendar of events for programs we offer. This includes our Parenting Support Programs, Early Childhood and Educational Support Programs and Domestic Violence Support Programs.
About Us

We exist because all children and families should have a safe home, strong connections and opportunities to thrive in life.
How to Refer

Help is easy to access. You can be referred by a health professional or another agency, or self-refer. Just call us on (02) 9528 2933 and tell us what you need help with.
Family Caseworker Program

Family Workers provide assistance to families who, for a variety of reasons, would benefit from additional support.
Volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to help us! We're a lean and specialised team, and while we don't allow volunteers in client facing capacities, we are very grateful to have volunteers who can assist with admin, marketing and events. If you're interested, we'd love to hear from you!
About Toolbox Talks

Find out more about the Toolbox Talks Project - How it started, our goals, and what we've already achieved.
Learning about Australian Animals sparks joy in Djanaba kids

Last week the Djanaba Occasional Care team integrated a learning unit on Australian Animals, with the children showing great interest in the varied activities from reading, to art, to games, that helped them learn all about koalas, kangaroos, and other native fauna.
Play and Connect

Play and Connect is a free playgroup for families with children aged 0-5, and operates every Thursday morning during school terms at The Family Co centre in Jannali. This supportive group provides opportunity for families to connect with their child through fun, interactive activities, sensory play and art.
Southern Sydney Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service

The Southern Sydney Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (SSWDVCAS) provides information, advocacy and referrals for women and families attending Sutherland and Kogarah Local Courts for Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders.
Youth Programs & Services

The Family Co. Youth Services offer information, support and programs for young people, schools and families. Our experienced staff aim to support young people to strengthen and foster relationships and develop resilience and life skills. We offer a range of programs and services that help young people become self-aware, understand and explore their potential, and be present and connected in their community.