Our staff

Ashleigh Daines - CEO

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

Michelle Fairweather - Operations Manager

Michelle Fairweather is the Operations Manager at The Family Co. Read more

Kim Byron - Child, Youth & Family Manager

Kim leads our dynamic and creative team at The Family Co Youth Services, providing a youth-centred, trauma informed practice that encourages self-expression and self-exploration for young people to develop their skills and identity, and explore their creativity through the programs and workshops on offer. Read more

Melissa Philbrook - BRIC Team Leader

Melissa is our newest member of the Executive Team, and brings a wealth of experience in Social Work to her role as Team Leader of our Building Resilience in Children (BRIC) Project. Read more

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. Read more

Belinda Harrison - Southern Sydney Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service Manager

Belinda Harrison 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. Read more

Lola Hearn - Administration & Facilities Manager

Lola started with The Family Co over 30 years ago, and is our Facilities and Administration Manager. Read more

Nicki Mead - Marketing Manager

Nicki Mead is our Marketing Manager looking after our website, social media, events and collateral. Read more

Melissa Keane - Team Leader, Staying Home Leaving Violence program

Melissa Keane is a domestic violence specialist worker with extensive experience in casework and mental health support. She is the Team Leader for our Staying Home Leaving Violence program, a specialist service for women wanting to leave a relationship where they are experiencing one or more of the many forms of domestic and family violence. Read more

Latest

April School Holiday Art Class for Kids (Aged 8-12) - Clay & Painting

On 19th April, we're offering a School Holidays art class for kids! Using clay and painting methods, facilitated by a qualified art therapist, our child will have the opportunity to express themselves artistically while trying out new materials and art making techniques. Class is $25 for 1.5 hours and includes all materials. For children aged 8-12 only. Book now as limit of 12 children applies.
The Family Co. announces Youth Social Awareness & Leadership Award Scholarship

The Family Co. is looking for a Sutherland Shire local youth aged 16-18 years who works within their school community to provide awareness of social issues, causes, and promotes the voice and perspective of disadvantaged groups. We're looking for our future leaders with a social conscious.
2023 Golf Day great success

The Family Co.'s 2023 Charity Golf Day was a great success, attracting over 14 teams of players who enjoyed the gorgeous sunny day on the greens playing 18 holes, and then were treated to lunch with entertainment by Foxtel Sports presenter Matt Russell and former Wallaby Nathan Charles.
Celebrating International Women's Day 2023

The Family Co. celebrated International Women's Day on Wednesday 8th March 2023 with a luncheon at Blackfish Cafe Como with over 30 local strong and inspiring businesswomen, showcasing our services. We also announced some special scholarships we're making available in the community to support the education and career goals of women.

About Us

We exist because all children and families should have a safe home, strong connections and opportunities to thrive in life.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Support for Parents & Families

We offer services that support and strengthen the capacity of families, build parenting skills, and promote safety for all family members.
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.
Support The Family Co.

Help us put your donation to work where ever the need is greatest. You can give a one-off donation or make a regular gift by Direct Debit.
Building Resilience in Children (BRIC)

Building Resilience in Children (BRIC) is a highly effective, trauma-informed, attachment parenting service designed to rebuild the relationship of the parent and child following domestic violence and trauma.