COMMUNITY WELLBEING The Community Wellbeing program awarded capacity-building and program development grants this year. These included two capacity-building grants ($600,000 each) to St Kilda Mums and Women’s Property Initiatives Ltd to support ambitious growth plans. Program development grants included a $230,000 grant to existing partner I CAN Network Ltd to expand the employment pathways program for Autistic school leavers through its Mentor Traineeship Program and establish a Facilitator Internship Program to allow current facilitators to develop their skills with a view to gaining permanent careers in disability, allied care or education fields. The Foundation also established relationships with three new organisations, awarding program development grants to Sweet Justice, The Torch Project and Tender Funerals Australia Ltd.
The Torch Project aims to address the over-representation of Indigenous Australians in Victorian prisons, reduce the recidivism rate and improve the cultural, social, emotional and financial wellbeing of its participants. A $190,000 grant was awarded to support the establishment of a Social Service Partnership Model providing wrap-around support and connection to community services for the participants of The Torch. A $150,000 grant to Tender Funerals will assist this social enterprise to train and employ funeral directors in the Tender Funerals network who come from diverse backgrounds, in particular migrant communities, and Indigenous Australians. Long-time partner the Brotherhood of St Laurence was awarded $300,000 to develop targeted communications associated with the activities of the Inclusive Pathways to Employment program and National Youth Employment Body, two initiatives that aim to improve pathways to employment for youth with disabilities.
Dr Alberto Furlan PROGRAM MANAGER
FEATURE GRANTS Sweet Justice Inc
Sweet Justice bee-boxes and honey jar while Sweet Justice beekeepers attend a hive in the background. Image: Sweet Justice Honey.
Designing a supported employment program for parolees in the beekeeping industry $238,000 OVER 3 YEARS
Sweet Justice is a for-purpose enterprise teaching commercial beekeeping within Victoria’s justice system. Founded in 2020, Sweet Justice has delivered training to over 100 students in Malmsbury, Parkville, and Beechworth correctional centres. The main aim of Sweet Justice is to provide training and meaningful employment for people who have been involved in the justice system to reduce recidivism and strengthen the beekeeping industry.
GRANTS: 12 VALUE: $3,543,000
This grant contributes to the case manager’s salary, who will provide wrap-around support to the participants and employees of the program, ensuring successful transitions out of the justice system. 16
