October has been an inspiring month for KARI, filled with moments that celebrated culture, connection, and community.
From honouring Indigenous Business Month and launching our largest Foster Carer recruitment campaign to empowering young people through cultural workshops and community events, every initiative reflected our ongoing commitment to supporting Aboriginal children, families, and communities.
We’re proud to share the stories, achievements, and partnerships that continue to shape our journey, strengthening identity, opportunity, and belonging across everything we do.
Indigenous Business Month
During October, KARI Foundation celebrated Indigenous Business Month, recognising and supporting the incredible achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses across Australia.
The month highlighted the strength, creativity and resilience of Indigenous entrepreneurs who continue to build pathways for self-determination, cultural pride and economic independence. Indigenous business is about more than enterprise, it represents community, legacy and the continuation of knowledge and values that have guided our people for thousands of years.
Throughout the month, KARI Foundation proudly worked alongside and promoted Indigenous-owned businesses through our programs, partnerships and procurement. Together, we strengthened the economic future of our communities and created opportunities that honoured both culture and capability.
By supporting First Nations-owned businesses, we helped celebrate a vision where Indigenous success uplifts communities, empowers families and drives meaningful change.
KARI at SNAICC ‘25 – Our Culture. Keep It Strong. We Belong.
In the first week of October 2025, members of the KARI leadership team, led by Regional PSP Manager Andrew Luzzi, joined more than 2,000 Aboriginal leaders, advocates and practitioners from across Australia at SNAICC ’25 in Meanjin (Brisbane).
Gathering under the powerful theme “Our Culture. Keep it Strong. We Belong,” the national conference was a vibrant celebration of culture, learning and action. Across keynote addresses, panel discussions, cultural workshops and youth-led forums, the event reinforced how deeply cultural identity and belonging are tied to the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
A standout moment was hearing from SNAICC’s new Youth Voice and the National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children, who challenged delegates to transform commitment into meaningful reform across early childhood, out-of-home care and community services.
For KARI, SNAICC ’25 was both an inspiring and unifying experience, strengthening our relationships with community partners and reaffirming our shared vision to embed cultural strength, self-determination and belonging at the heart of everything we do for Aboriginal children, families and communities.
Launching the ‘Nurture for Country’ Campaign
This month, KARI gathered at the Art Gallery of NSW to officially launch JCDecaux Australia’s ‘Nurture for Country’ campaign, marking the beginning of KARI’s largest Foster Carer recruitment initiative to date.
The breakfast event brought together leaders, partners and advocates united by a shared commitment to creating safe, nurturing homes for Aboriginal children in care. Guests heard inspiring insights about the power of community collaboration and the importance of culturally grounded care.
This campaign represents a major milestone in raising awareness about the need for Aboriginal Foster Carers and the role we all play in supporting brighter futures for Aboriginal children and young people.
A heartfelt thank you to JCDecaux Australia and Business Sydney for their support and collaboration in bringing this campaign to life.
f you’ve ever thought about becoming a foster carer, now is the time to learn more. Together, we can provide brighter futures for Aboriginal children in our community.
Become a KARI Carer here.
Community Programs: Vacation Care Weaving & Didge Workshops
KARI Foundation invited young people to take part in a series of hands-on Cultural Workshops designed to celebrate Aboriginal culture through creativity, storytelling and traditional craft.
Held at The Hub, Bonnyrigg, the workshops provided a culturally safe and engaging space for participants to learn traditional techniques and create something meaningful. Male participants had the opportunity to craft their own Yidaki (didgeridoo), while female participants explored traditional weaving techniques. An Emu Caller Workshop was also open to all genders, giving everyone a chance to connect with culture in a creative and collaborative way.
Each session was guided by skilled facilitators, ensuring a supportive and culturally respectful environment. These workshops are part of KARI Foundation’s commitment to promoting cultural identity and pride among Aboriginal youth, offering experiences that connect young people to Country, community, and culture.
Arthur Beetson Family Fun Day Brings Community Together
The Arthur Beetson Family Fun Day at The Glen Centre was a true celebration of sport, culture, and community spirit. Co-hosted by The Glen and the Sydney Roosters, the event brought families from across the Central Coast together for a day filled with touch footy, laughter, and connection.
As the Sydney Roosters’ Community Partner, KARI Foundation was proud to be part of this special event, supporting activities that strengthen community bonds and promote positive pathways for Aboriginal youth and families.
The atmosphere was electric as players hit the field for the Arthur Beetson Touch Football Competition, showcasing teamwork, skill and friendly rivalry in honour of the rugby league legend. Off the field, families enjoyed a variety of cultural activities, entertainment, and community stalls, all contributing to a vibrant celebration of unity and pride.
The Glen Centre came alive with energy and purpose, reminding everyone that days like these are about more than sport, they’re about celebrating culture, belonging and the power of community coming together.
Supporting Families at Bring Your Bill Day
On 22 October 2025, KARI’s Community Programs and Targeted Early Intervention (TEI) teams attended the Bring Your Bill Day event at the Prairiewood Youth and Community Centre, a community initiative designed to connect families with practical support and advice.
The event brought together local organisations and service providers including Service NSW, Sydney Water, Services Australia, The Salvation Army, and Community First Step, all working collaboratively to help families manage their household bills, access financial advice, and learn about available support services.
KARI’s presence ensured that Aboriginal families had access to culturally safe guidance and connection, with our team offering information on community programs, family support, and pathways to wellbeing.
Events like Bring Your Bill Day demonstrate the power of partnership and shared commitment to supporting families when they need it most. The KARI TEI team was proud to stand alongside other community organisations to help make a real difference.
Yidaki Workshop Inspires Connection and Creativity
KARI’s Community Programs team recently delivered a Yidaki Workshop at Lethbridge Park Public School as part of the Bro Speak Program. The session brought together boys from several local schools to learn the traditional art of crafting their own Yidaki (didgeridoo), a hands-on experience that connected culture, creativity, and teamwork.
Students from Noumea PS, Blackett PS, Shalvey PS, Dawson PS, Lethbridge Park PS, Bidwill PS, and Emerton PS worked together in groups, each creating a Yidaki to take back and share with their schools.
The workshop provided a powerful opportunity for cultural learning and collaboration, encouraging pride in identity while strengthening connections between students and community.
KARI Recognised as Community Partner of the Year
KARI Foundation was honoured to be recognised by the Royal Life Saving Society Queensland Inc as Community Partner of the Year during their 120-Year Celebration Gala.
This acknowledgment celebrated KARI’s ongoing commitment to building strong community partnerships that promote safety, wellbeing, and empowerment across all programs. Through collaboration and culturally grounded initiatives, KARI continues to make a meaningful impact in the lives of Aboriginal communities.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to our dedicated team and valued partners, whose passion and hard work ensure our communities are supported, connected, and thriving. This recognition reflects not only the collective effort of everyone at KARI but also the strength of community working together towards shared goals.
Cultural Camp 8 – 9 Oct
Earlier this month, young people from KARI’s Permanency Support Program took part in a three-day Cultural Camp at The Collaroy Centre, held from Wednesday 8th to Friday 10th October.
The camp provided an incredible opportunity for participants to connect with culture and Country under the guidance of a local Aboriginal Knowledge Holder on Garigal land. Over the three days, the group took part in a range of cultural workshops and activities, including smoking and ochre ceremonies, Traditional Indigenous Games, and boomerang and spear throwing.
Participants also explored Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, taking in West Head Lookout and learning about significant Aboriginal engraving sites. These experiences encouraged a deeper understanding of cultural heritage, community, and pride.
The Cultural Camp supports children and young people in KARI’s PSP Program (aged eight years and above) to strengthen their sense of identity and belonging. Through learning, storytelling, and time spent on Country, participants were able to explore what it means to be a proud Aboriginal person.
TEI Vacation Care
Over the school holidays, KARI’s Targeted Early Intervention (TEI) Team delivered an action-packed Vacation Care Program filled with fun, connection, and adventure.
Children and young people enjoyed a range of engaging activities including rock climbing, swimming, and outdoor cultural experiences that made the most of the beautiful weather. The program encouraged teamwork, confidence, and cultural pride while giving participants the chance to stay active and connected during the break.
A big thank you to our TEI team for creating such a positive and memorable experience for everyone involved, another great example of how KARI supports our young people to grow, learn, and thrive.
Gwongubbunga Swim Program
During the October school holidays, our young people from Queensland took part in the Gwonggubunga Swim Program, diving into a week of learning, fun and connection.
The program focused on building water safety skills and confidence across a variety of environments — from the pool to the creek and the beach. Guided by experienced instructors, participants learned essential techniques to stay safe around water while embracing teamwork and cultural connection.
A big thank you to everyone who came along, supported the program, and made a splash with us.
Programs like Gwonggubunga play a vital role in helping our young people feel confident, capable and proud, both in and out of the water.
A big thank you to our TEI team for creating such a positive and memorable experience for everyone involved, another great example of how KARI supports our young people to grow, learn, and thrive.
First Nations Business Forum
Business Sydney, in collaboration with KARI Foundation, proudly hosted the First Nations Forum & Lunch at ICC Sydney, bringing together government, business and community leaders to strengthen opportunities for First Nations peoples across New South Wales.
The event featured powerful insights from The Hon. David Harris MP, Felicity Wilson MP, Joseph Carrozzi AM, and Luke Fleming (ICC Sydney), with an address from The Hon. Malarndirri McCarthy, Minister for Indigenous Australians, highlighting the national commitment to advancing Indigenous business participation and reconciliation outcomes.
This forum showcased the impact that collaboration and cultural leadership can have when we work together to create meaningful change.
QLD Upcoming Intake: Mob Making a Splash
KARI Foundation, in partnership with Royal Life Saving Queensland, is excited to announce the next intake of our Mob Making a Splash program starting 20th January.
This free, accredited training program runs 2 days a week for 3 weeks and provides participants with:
-
Nationally recognised qualifications (including CPR, First Aid, Bronze Medallion, Pool Lifeguard and Swim Teacher Accreditation)
-
Practical, hands-on training
-
Personalised 1-1 mentoring from an Aboriginal Career Pathway Specialist
-
Ongoing cultural and job-ready support
Morning tea, lunch, a program T-shirt, rashie and towel are provided, and transport can be arranged if needed. This program is designed to create real pathways into employment, helping participants gain the skills, confidence and support to step straight into the workforce.
This Indigenous Workforce and Skills Development Grant project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government.
To find out more contact:
📞 1800 966 032
📧 communityprogramsqld@kari.org.au
KARI Foundation 12 Days of Christmas Raffle
The festive season is here, and KARI Foundation is spreading the Christmas spirit with the launch of our 12 Days of Christmas Raffle!
Running until 12 December, this exciting raffle gives supporters the chance to win incredible prizes while helping KARI continue to deliver programs that empower Aboriginal children, families, and communities.
Every ticket purchased directly supports our ongoing community initiatives, making a real difference where it matters most.
Buy your tickets now for your chance to win some fantastic prizes and join us in celebrating the season of giving while supporting a great cause.
Together, let’s make this Christmas brighter for our communities.
Purchase raffle tickets here
Whether you joined us at an event, supported a program, or simply took a moment to connect with our stories, your presence matters. Each step we take is made stronger by community. We look forward to sharing more in the months to come as we continue to celebrate culture, empower Aboriginal families and young people, and create lasting impact.
Want to support KARI? Your generosity makes a real difference, every dollar you donate helps build brighter futures for Aboriginal children, young people, and their families. Click here to donate
