This month was about connection, culture and care. We shared our story on 2GB, strengthened leadership across teams, and backed community-led change with partners.
Students and families came together for sport and cultural celebrations, artists shone at MilPra, and we honoured long-serving carers. We also delivered Traditional Indigenous Games packs across Australia. Thank you for walking with us, your support helps keep children safe, connected and strong in identity.
Casey and Paul at 2GB
. On 12 September, CEO Casey Ralph and founder Paul Ralph joined Mark Levy on 2GB Radio.
Paul shared the reasons for starting KARI in 1999, to keep First Nations children safe and connected to family, kin and culture.
Casey outlined how KARI remove barriers to services, work alongside partner agencies, and now support communities across Australia. They emphasised that KARI is a family: when children come into care, the whole household is welcomed and supported.
From cultural and parenting support to education and employment pathways, our focus is on setting people up for the future.
Thank you to Mark and the 2GB team for the platform, a great opportunity to reach new audiences, build understanding and invite more people to walk alongside us.
PSP Manager Training
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On 18 and 19 September, our PSP (Permanency Support Program) Managers gathered at Sydney Olympic Park for two days of focused leadership development.
The program blended workshops, leadership conversations, creative art projects and presentations from Clinical Services, Finance, HR and more. It was time set aside for reflection, collaboration and connection, strengthening shared practice so we can better support children, families and carers.
We are grateful to everyone who contributed to the learning, including external leadership specialist Ross Nicol and Infinitas Support Services.
The energy across the two days was practical and positive, and the insights will carry through to day-to-day work with our teams and communities.
Yindyamarra Landcare & Maintenance Grand Opening
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Earlier this month, our Community Programs Manager and a team member travelled to Wellington, near Dubbo, to celebrate the launch of Yindyamarra Landcare & Maintenance by Jeff Amatto.
Jeff is an alumni of KARI Foundation’s Leadership program and a powerful example of community-led change.
The enterprise creates real employment through lawn care and property maintenance for young men transitioning from incarceration, supported through the Yindyamarra Men’s Healing Group. Combining practical work with healing, mentoring and connection to Country, helping participants build skills, self-worth and stability.
We are proud to stand alongside Jeff and the Wellington community as this initiative takes root and grows.
Find out more about this venture here.
SCSAll-Stars, First Nation vs SCS Rugby League game
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On Tuesday 23rd, we joined Opportunity Hub students at the NSWRL Centre of Excellence for the First Nations vs SCS (Sydney Catholic Schools) Rugby League Exhibition Match.
The day opened with a smoking ceremony and acknowledgements, from our Cultural Unit manager Troy Dargan, setting a strong cultural tone before both teams took the field.
Families, students, Elders, NRL players, partners and sponsors gathered along the sidelines, and our team put on a barbecue for players and guests, adding to the relaxed sense of connection, community and friendly rivalry.
It was a powerful celebration of culture, sport and unity, and a glimpse of what is to come as we build momentum with our students and partners.
The Greater Western Sydney Opportunity Hub is funded by the NSW Government.
Fairfield Hospital Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day
Our Targeted Early Intervention and Community Programs teams joined celebrations at Fairfield Hospital for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day.
The KARI Foundation inflatable spear-throwing activity was a crowd favourite, with children and families lining up to have a go.
It was a beautiful, sunny day that gave our staff time to connect with families, yarn about supports, and share information about programs across community.
Thank you to the organisers and hospital partners for a warm, welcoming event focused on culture, fun and wellbeing.
Mil-Pra Art Awards
Each year, KARI Foundation is proud to sponsor the Mil-Pra Art Awards, celebrating creativity, culture and community.
This year’s ceremony on 20 September filled the Casula Powerhouse gallery with a record number of submissions.
The KARI Singers performed on the night, and several works were created in our community workshops, including girls’ emu callers and boys’ Yidakis from All Saints Catholic School, whose students won the High School Student Group prize.
Award categories and winners:
KARI Foundation Award
FirstPrize:
Kylie Monteleone — Landscape of Time
Second Prize:
Gerard Scifo — Ikonographyti
High School Winner: LotusGugliotta — Beneath the Terracotta Path
Primary School Winner: TyraUngaro — Stars in the Night Sky
Congratulations to all finalists and winners, and thank you to our partners and the Casula Powerhouse team for a memorable celebration of First Nations art.
Carer Service Awards
On 26 September, the KARI Limited PSP team gathered for a lovely High Tea at Mounties in Mount Pritchard to celebrate our carers and their outstanding commitment.
Over tea and treats, we shared stories, laughter and plenty of photos, recognising the care, stability and love our carers provide every day.
Awards were presented to those reaching 5, 10, 15 and 20 years of service, with warm applause, certificates and heartfelt thanks from our team.
CEO Casey Ralph and Chairman Gary Potts attended the celebration, offering their congratulations and gratitude to every carer. The afternoon was a gentle reminder that behind every milestone are countless moments of patience, advocacy and kindness that change children’s lives.
Congratulations to all award recipients, and thank you for your continued service to the children in your care. We are so grateful to walk alongside you.
School Holidays Activities – Traditional Indigenous Games
Our highly anticipated School Holiday Traditional Indigenous Games Vacation Care packs have landed in households across Australia, sharing First Nations culture and pride with families.
Each pack included easy to follow game instruction cards and all the equipment needed to play, making it simple to bring cultural games to backyards, living rooms and local parks. Designed for movement, teamwork and fun, the packs helped children learn, connect and stay active throughout the break.
Thank you to everyone involved in getting these out to community.
TEI Vacation Care.
Our Targeted Early Intervention (TEI) team led school holiday outings that gave children space to connect, be active and try new things.
Highlights included a trip to the movies, a day at the splash park, and a bushwalk through
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
With plenty of sunscreen, snacks and yarns, the focus was fun, safety and confidence building in nature and community spaces.
Thank you for continuing to walk this journey with us.
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.
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