News
Out and About
The VFFF team loves getting out and about to see our partners in action and attend sector events. This quarter, we spent time visiting our partners and attending events focused on supporting young people and regional communities.
Collaborating for nature across the generations
As a thriving multi-generation family foundation, VFFF understands the power of bringing people together from across generations. That’s why VFFF was delighted to attend this year’s Night for Nature event which was themed A Generational Journey.
Hosted by the Australian Land Conservation Alliance (ALCA) and the Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network (AEGN), the evening featured reflections on nature conservation from speakers spanning three generations. Given VFFF is all about Backing Young People, hearing from young changemaker Kurt Jones, CEO and Founder of Co-Exist Australia was a particular highlight. VFFF has backed Kurt for the past year as he transitioned Co-Exist Australia from a volunteer to staff led organisation. We are cheering for Kurt as he builds a nationwide movement of young people driving positive change for the environment.
Other panellists included Ash Bartley from Trust for Nature who spoke passionately about the work the organisation is undertaking to provide a culturally safe and hands-on learning experience for First Peoples interested in conservation and land management, and Doug Humann, Chair of Landcare Australia, who represented the older generation. Doug has been involved with conservation for over 50 years and it was fascinating to hear Doug reflect on the changes that have taken place over this period and how much more collaborative and inclusive the effort to protect nature is today.
Thanks to the wonderful Jody Gunn from ALCA and Margie Jenkins from AEGN for another inspiring evening!
Alpha on the Gold Coast
VFFF is proud to support Alpha Australia, a dynamic Christian organisation offering peer-led programs that introduce young people to faith across denominations and diverse settings—schools, churches, and online. Alpha creates inclusive, relational, and non-judgmental spaces where youth can explore Christianity while engaging with real-life topics like identity, social media, and relationships in accessible and relevant ways.
We’re especially excited by Alpha’s digital reach, which ensures that young people in rural and regional communities can participate and connect just as easily as their urban peers.
Recently, the VFFF team attended the Alpha Spheres Leadership Training Program on the Gold Coast, where over 200 student leaders gathered to strengthen their skills in leading Alpha Youth sessions within their school communities. What stood out most was the transformation: students left not only better equipped but also filled with confidence, hope, and a sense of belonging through a new network of like-minded peers.
A heartfelt thank you to Ben Higgins and the Alpha Youth team for allowing us to witness the powerful impact of their work firsthand. We look forward to supporting the next exciting chapter as Alpha Youth expands into university campuses.
The Social Outfit ‘Meet the Makers’ Reception
On a perfect Sydney Sunday in June, VFFF was honoured to attend the ‘Meet the Makers’ reception at Admiralty House, hosted by Her Excellency the Governor-General, Sam Mostyn. This special event celebrated the work and impact of The Social Outfit (TSO), a social enterprise that empowers refugee and new migrant women through sustainable fashion and meaningful employment. As proud supporters of TSO, VFFF has witnessed the transformative impact of the organisation over the past decade.
The afternoon was full of inspiration and insight. Four incredible women shared their journeys, each story reflecting the strength, resilience and talent that define the TSO community. Since inception, TSO has trained over 1,000 women and provided employment to 125. The Governor-General’s support was on show through her choice to wear what she fondly calls her “anniversary suit,” crafted by TSO to mark one year since her swearing-in.
The event was also a moment to reflect on the shared values of inclusion, sustainability, and empowerment. The Governor-General spoke from the heart about building a “modern Australia” that embraces diversity with compassion, and it was clear how much this mission means to her. The launch of a new professional wear collection by TSO, inspired by her need for tailored suits, was a great reminder of how fashion can be practical and powerful. You can explore the new collection in the Newtown store or online.
Unleashing creativity to tackle youth homelessness
In May, over two and half days Foyer Foundation hosted the Foyer Advantage 2025, bringing together 200 people from across the Youth Foyer movement and beyond to imagine a world where youth homelessness no longer exists.
Part of the program was an art exhibition unlike any other we have visited. DISRUPT, held at Machine Hall in Sydney was a powerful showcase of incredible art, stories and music created by more than 25 young people, all of who have lived experience of homelessness.
The VFFF team were thrilled to attend and support Foyer Foundation in showcasing their belief in a future where every young person has a safe place to thrive.
Thanks to Foyer Foundation and Yfoundations for hosting an unforgettable experience.
Collaborating for a future where young people thrive
Late last year, VFFF was honoured to join a strategic planning ‘experiment’ led by Sarah Davies, CEO of the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, alongside more than 20 peer organisations from across the youth sector. This bold initiative aimed to accelerate our collective efforts to improve outcomes for children and young people across Australia. Expertly facilitated by Jane Hunt over three in-person sessions in Melbourne, the group engaged in deep dialogue, sharing diverse perspectives and current approaches to supporting young people. Together, we imagined a future where children and young people thrive—and began to map out the roles our organisations might play in making that vision a reality.
At the heart of this collaboration was a shared belief in the Power of the Collective. We acknowledged the strain on current youth systems and the urgent need for transformation—towards long-term thinking, preventative approaches, and genuine youth empowerment. The future we envision is grounded in equity, belonging, and youth voice. It’s a future where young people are not only supported but celebrated, where their identities are affirmed, and their potential is nurtured.
As VFFF embarks on our strategic review, the insights and relationships formed through this process will be invaluable. We applaud the Alannah & Madeline Foundation for its courageous leadership and commitment to collective sense-making. Thank you for inviting us into this thought-provoking journey. We look forward to the “necessary trouble” ahead - disrupting the status quo and co-creating a youth sector that truly centres young people in every decision, every structure, and every opportunity.
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