Looking back & looking forward

The Christmas season is a special time of reflection, celebration and renewed hope, says our Executive for Community, Family and Children’s Services Ben Carblis.

In a world that seems to spin faster by the day, it’s easy to forget to stop and reflect on the week, month or year that has just whizzed by.

One of the things I appreciate most about Christmas is how it encourages us to shift our focus back; remembering the very reason we celebrate it in the first place, the birth of Jesus, and the hope that flows from it.

In a similar vein, I paused recently to reflect on the information in this newsletter, which highlights the number of people that received help this year thanks to your generosity. Your support helped almost 120,000 Australians take steps towards lives of independence last year. That’s more than one person every five minutes, on average!

It gives me real joy to share with you a handful of their stories in this newsletter. I hope you enjoy hearing about them as much as I did.

Despite the many challenges facing families and communities across the country, your continued support makes me optimistic about the year ahead and the impact we can continue to make together in the lives of Australians in need.

Thank you once again for helping vulnerable Australians take vital steps towards lives of independence this year. We couldn’t do it without you.

I wish you and your family a safe and joyous Christmas.