February was a busy and energising month across KARI, filled with opportunities to connect with community, celebrate culture and strengthen partnerships.
From bringing people together on the golf course to supporting young people through creative programs and community initiatives, the month reflected the power of collaboration and shared purpose. We are grateful to everyone who continues to walk alongside us as we work towards creating stronger futures for Aboriginal children, young people and communities.
Community Golf Day Brings People Together at Lakeside
On 5 February 2026, community members came together for a memorable day on the greens at Lakeside Golf Club Camden. Our Community Golf Day was more than just a round of golf, it was a celebration of connection, laughter and shared purpose.
With a 7.00am arrival for an 8.00am shotgun start, teams of four took part in a 4 Person Ambrose format, bringing both friendly competition and plenty of camaraderie to the course. From the first tee-off to the final putt, the atmosphere was relaxed, welcoming and full of positive energy.
Events like this remind us how powerful it is to gather outside of our usual settings. The fresh air, open space and spirit of teamwork created the perfect backdrop for meaningful conversations and new connections. Whether seasoned golfers or first-time players, everyone contributed to the sense of community that defines KARI Foundation events.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who registered a team and spent the day with us. Your participation helps strengthen our community networks and reinforces the importance of coming together in ways that are inclusive, uplifting and fun. We look forward to seeing you on the greens again next year.
Corporate Challenge Bike Donation
On 20 February, KARI was proud to collect four brand new bikes generously donated through Corporate Challenge and Carers for Kids, and deliver them to our offices for distribution to children and young people in Out-of-Home Care.
The bikes were gifted as part of Corporate Challenge’s community giving initiative and connected to KARI through Carers for Kids, formerly My Forever Family. As part of their team building programs, Corporate Challenge participants take part in hands-on activities such as building bikes together.
In keeping with their commitment to giving back, those completed bikes are then donated to charitable organisations to support children and families in the community.
Our Regional Manager coordinated the collection from Kingsgrove, ensuring the bikes were safely transported to KARI where they will soon be gifted to children in our care.
These bikes represent more than just fun and recreation. They create opportunities for confidence building, outdoor play and connection, offering moments of joy that can have a lasting impact.
We extend our sincere thanks to Corporate Challenge and Carers for Kids for their generosity and for thinking of KARI’s children and young people. Partnerships like this strengthen our community and remind us of the powerful difference collaboration can make.
Corporate Partners Support KARI Refurbished Laptops Program
KARI Foundation would like to thank Serco, OFX and Inhabit Group for their generous donation of laptops and screens to support our Refurbished Laptops Program.
Through this initiative, donated devices are refurbished and prepared for redistribution to members of our community who may not otherwise have access to reliable technology. Access to a laptop can make a significant difference, supporting education, job seeking, digital skills development and everyday connectivity.
The contributions from Serco, OFX and Inhabit Group will help ensure more individuals and families have the tools they need to stay connected, complete schoolwork, access online services and pursue new opportunities.
Programs like this highlight the power of partnership. By working together with corporate supporters who are committed to creating positive social impact, we are able to extend the reach of practical support within our communities.
If your organisation has laptops, screens or other technology that could be donated, we would love to hear from you. Your support can help ensure more people in our community have access to the digital tools they need to learn, work and stay connected. Email nathan.hughes@kari.org.au to get involved.
Corporate Golf Day
Our 2026 NSW Corporate Golf Day at The Coast Golf Club was nothing short of spectacular, beginning with the views over Little Bay, teams arrived early ahead of a day of friendly competition, connection and plenty of laughs.
The course was alive with great energy and strong competition throughout the day. Congratulations to the overall winning team, TOMRA Cleanaway, who took out the top spot. Well played.
Of course, no golf day would be complete without a little internal rivalry. The much-anticipated KARI Team 1 vs KARI Team 2 showdown did not disappoint, with bragging rights firmly claimed by KARI Team 1 this year.
We also celebrated individual achievements along the way, including prizes such as Nearest to the Pin, adding another layer of excitement across the course.
One of the highlights was the KARI Cultural Activation Hole, where players put their hunting skills to the test at our inflatable spear throw, music was pumping and the atmosphere dialled up a notch. Brendan Lee, our Cultural Unit Manager, treated players to native flavour inspired tastings, creating a unique experience that blended culture, food and community in true KARI style.
A sincere thank you to our event and hole Sponsors AWM Amaroo, Suttons, Texco, TOMRA Cleanaway, Barker Ryan Stewart, Brydens Lawyers, FDC, Western Sydney Uni, Morco Fresh and Dharawal Distilling Co. for bringing energy and support to the course, and to all teams who participated. Your involvement helps strengthen the partnerships and shared purpose that drive the important work we do.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us and helped make the day such a success. We look forward to doing it all again next year.
VIP Workshops
The month finished on a high with the first of our 2026 Vocal Identification Program workshops held at Liverpool Powerhouse.
Designed for First Nations high school students who love to sing and want to develop their skills as performers, the workshop marked the beginning of an exciting journey for participants.
VIP is more than a performance program. It is about voice in every sense of the word strengthening identity, building self-belief and creating opportunities for young people to be seen and heard.
We look forward to watching these talented young performers continue to grow throughout the program.
Driving Impact Through Construction Partnerships
KARI Aboriginal Procurement recently secured a valuable partnership with Northview Plumbing to supply plumbing materials for the Meriton residential development at Pagewood. The collaboration represents a strong example of how Indigenous procurement can support major construction projects while delivering high-quality products and reliable service.
Through this partnership, KARI Aboriginal Procurement is supplying plumbing materials across more than 130 residential units within the development. The scope covers a broad range of plumbing products, ensuring
Northview Plumbing has consistent access to the materials required to keep installation works progressing smoothly across the project.
The opportunity highlights the growing role of Aboriginal-owned businesses in large-scale construction supply chains. By working alongside Northview Plumbing on a development led by Meriton, KARI Aboriginal Procurement is demonstrating how Indigenous suppliers can contribute to complex projects while maintaining strong standards of service, delivery, and product quality.
Beyond the immediate project outcomes, the partnership also reflects the value of collaboration and trust between contractors and Indigenous businesses. Delivering plumbing supplies across such a large number of units requires careful coordination, dependable logistics and strong communication, all of which have been central to the success of the arrangement so far.
As the Pagewood development continues to progress, the partnership with Northview Plumbing stands as a positive example of how inclusive procurement can create practical opportunities for Aboriginal businesses while supporting the delivery of significant residential developments.
If you have an upcoming project or refurbishment, we’d love to support your plumbing needs.
Email nathan.hughes@kari.org.au to enquire.
As we move into the coming months, we look forward to continuing this momentum through upcoming programs, events and community initiatives. Every partnership, every conversation and every shared experience helps strengthen the work we do and the opportunities we create for Aboriginal children, young people and families. Thank you for being part of the journey and for continuing to support KARI’s vision for stronger communities and brighter futures.
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