Brighter Futures, August 2026
News from A Start in Life for the people who make it possible
This edition looks back on our Student Awards Day at Western Sydney University, the partnerships that grew across our community this year, and William's road to self-belief.
Every story from the 4-page printed newsletter is written out below, so it reads well on a phone and works with screen readers.
In this edition
This edition at a glance
- students celebrated at our Student Awards Day
- 41
- students funded for their first year in our program
- 16
- in raffle prizes at one JCG community fundraiser
- $10,000+
- raised by our City2Surf team, Hyde Park to Bondi
- $2,755
Source: Brighter Futures, August 2026, pages 1 to 3.
Annual Awards Day: in review
41 students, and a room full of people who backed them
The eighty people at our Student Awards Day came to the Western Sydney University Engineering Innovation Hub because someone they loved was being recognised. Freemasons, foundation representatives, families, former students and donors were there, some meeting the students they had supported for the very first time.
When Aliyar took to the stage, the room fell silent. He shared how his scholarship carried him through one of the hardest times of his life, while his mum was sick. Later, an alumna told the room she would not be where she is today without A Start in Life.
Everyone should be proud. Simply getting to where you are, whatever path you took, is worth acknowledging.
Growing where it counts
Partnerships across our community
The John Holland CPB Contractors Ghella Joint Venture (JCG) has run community fundraising events for us, including one raffle with over $10,000 worth of prizes, and opened doors to industry connections and possible work placements. Learning Environments Australasia NSW Chapter shares our thinking on spaces where children feel safe and ready to learn.
In April, the Legal Innovation and Tech Fest Australia made us its charity partner, and mediator Melanie Becktel offered pro bono help to families navigating their rights. Kathleen has presented to the Deputy Principals Association, and the GWS Giants invited us to their Cultural Day.
The work we do starts with listening. Six months ago, we were introducing ourselves. Now community leaders introduce us.Kathleen Donohoe, Chief Executive Officer
Community making a difference
City2Surf: our community superstars
On 9 August, a team ran 14 kilometres from Hyde Park to Bondi for A Start in Life. Some ran, some walked, and at least one shuffled the last stretch of Heartbreak Hill with the good grace to laugh about it. Together they raised $2,755, enough to fund two students for a year of shoes, stationery and textbooks, and one student's tutoring.
Student story
William's road to self-belief
In Year 9, William was quiet in a way that suggested he had stopped thinking his presence mattered. His grades were decent, but he had come to believe he was not enough. Through our Career and Skills Development program he worked in groups, and found real strengths in teamwork, problem solving and including others. By Year 10 he was more present and more willing to speak up.
I found something I'm actually good at, working with people, making sure everyone's included. That changed how I feel about myself.William
The newsletter as printed
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Page 2
Page 3
Page 4The stories in this newsletter are real. Names and some identifying details have been changed to protect students' privacy.
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Help more students like William know they matter
A gift today funds the essentials, tutoring and skills programs that help a student from a family doing it tough stay at school and believe in what they can do.
02 September 2026
