The Supporter is a quarterly magazine providing a collection of stories from across the AnglicareSA community.
Autumn 2026
On the road to independence The return of Game Day Giving Meet the Patrons of AnglicareSA
Message from the CEO
Welcome to the first edition of our Supporter magazine for 2026, through which I am looking forward to sharing the stories and moments that reflect the heart of AnglicareSA and the impact we make together.
Turning the clock back to December last year, we celebrated our new Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) endorsed by Reconciliation Australia. Since 2021, we have taken an in-depth look at our reconciliation journey and how we, as an organisation, can move towards real change with lasting purpose. We involved our employees, First Nations community leaders, and customers to inform our RAP Working Group and ensure ownership and participation in the creation of the approach and commitment to reconciliation. I thank our RAP Working Group, RAP Ambassadors, and everyone within AnglicareSA, as well as external stakeholders who have played a part in the development and delivery of this significant document. I thank you, our dedicated community of supporters who walk alongside us as we serve those who need us the most. Together we change lives.
showcase the work we do to support the South Australian community, but to do it alongside a proud sporting club and its passionate fan base. The Reds also opened their doors to our Foster Care Services team for a special behind-the-scenes look at the Hindmarsh-based club for young people in care and their families, including meeting a number of players and coaches in the weeks leading up to the event. Another of our exciting new initiatives is a partnership with the RAA helping young people with lived care experience to gain their licence sooner and with confidence. With the RAA providing a trained and qualified driving instructor who will be available for four driving sessions of up to two hours each week, we are supporting young people like Hamish (Page 4) to have greater access to independence, opportunity, and connection to work, study, friends, family, and community. February also saw the turning of the sod on a $13.3 million Believe Housing Australia development project to deliver 29 new homes for women aged over 55, who are the fastest-growing cohort of homeless people in Australia. Supported by the Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF), our housing arm, as trustee of the Laura and Alfred West Cottage Homes (LAWCH) portfolio, is progressing redevelopment projects at three sites in Kilburn and Mitchell Park.
Throughout December and January, our annual Christmas Appeal and Christmas Hamper and Toy Drive proved once again to be a significant highlight, thanks to our generous community of supporters. Through the Christmas Appeal, we raised more than $100,000 to provide crucial emergency assistance to South Australians in need. A strong contingent of volunteers, community groups, and organisations also helped us pack and deliver food hampers and gifts to almost 1,500 homes. The impact of these initiatives is only possible because of the dedication of everyone at AnglicareSA who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make both the Christmas Appeal and the Christmas Hamper and Toy Drive the successes they were. Outside of the organisation, our parishes and school communities also play a significant role in these efforts, often working side by side. It was heartwarming to see the dedication and compassion shown by students and parish members alike in supporting families and individuals in need. We were once again proud to partner with Adelaide United Football Club, becoming a gameday partner in February for another heartwarming Teddy Toss (Page 5). This is a powerful community event, now in its second year, that enables us to not just
Regards Grant Reubenicht
Cover: Hamish is on the road to independence thanks to a partnership between AnglicareSA and the RAA
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Creating opportunities for cultural learning in care From a commitment to providing a connection to culture for the First Nations child in her care, Sam Sands created the Kauwe Purruna Bush School, which is now helping address gaps in opportunities for cultural learning for other First Nations children in care.
A dedicated foster carer, Sam has welcomed four children into her family long-term, and cared for more than 30 infants in need of emergency or short-term care. One of the children in Sam’s care, a First Nations child, came to her family at 10 days old. At the time, she believed that having done all the training available to her, she was well prepared. “I thought when I took him on that I would just get some artwork, toys, and books connected to his culture, plus I did all the activities and events that Department for Child Protection (DCP) sent us to like Closing the Gap and National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day,” Sam said. “But when AnglicareSA sent me to the SNAICC – National Voice for our Children Conference in Darwin in 2023, I was very much in the minority, being non-First Nations.
Foster carer Sam Sands created the Kauwe Purruna Bush School
Kauwe Purruna – meaning Water of Wellbeing – provides a safe space where children in care and their foster families gather to learn on Country with Elders and cultural leaders sharing knowledge through art, language, storytelling, and connection to land.
“While I was there, I heard that to have a First Nations child in care with a non-First Nations family could be detrimental if it wasn’t done right. “So, I decided that I was really going to listen and learn how I could make this a positive experience for my foster child.”
A day at the Zoo
On a warm and sunny Monday in January, the Adelaide Zoo became a place of connection, growth, and shared joy for young people supported through AnglicareSA’s Newly Arrived Youth Service (NAYS) and Reconnect programs.
Supported by the Participation and Wellbeing team, 15 young people were able to step away from formal service settings and into a space where relationships with the Youth Services team could grow naturally. Walking side by side, they shared conversations, laughter, and moments of discovery. Some siblings were able to spend time together, enjoying the day as a family and strengthening bonds in a fun, relaxed environment.
For many, the highlight was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hand-feed giraffes while one young person shared their excitement at seeing some of their favourite animals, including African grey parrots, red pandas, and otters. These experiences are powerful as they allow young people to experience the joy of life, the wonder of new things, and the magic that every child deserves.
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Supporter Autumn 2026
Hamish is taking driving lessons through a partnership with the RAA
On the road to greater independence Not having a driver’s licence can be a significant barrier to employment and social connection for young people leaving care. A new partnership between
“I am so lucky these lessons are available to me because I want to get my licence so I can get into a trade like carpentry or plumbing, or maybe even disability work. “But I also want to be able to do things like go camping so being able to drive independently will make it possible.” Jenna said the driving initiative was a natural extension of AnglicareSA’s commitment to supporting young people beyond basic needs. “It really gives them the wings,” she said. “We’ve helped secure stable housing and supported education, training, and employment – but access to driving is often the turning point, opening up independence, opportunity, and connection to work, study, friends, family, and community.” RAA Chief Executive Officer Nick Reade said the partnership with AnglicareSA – supported by RAA’s new Community Impact Fund – just made sense. “Our Licence to Work program has been helping high school students get their driver’s licences since 2019,” Nick said. “We are excited to extend that success outside a school setting for the first time to help young people leaving care.”
“For many young people in care or living independently, there simply isn’t someone who can sit beside them in the car the way a parent would,” Jenna said. “We know this can limit their ability to find employment, pursue education, or stay connected with friends and family – things that other young people their age often take for granted.” The program is open to young people participating in AnglicareSA’s award- winning Post Care Pathways program and Launch 180. For Hamish, who is a tenant at the Post Care Pathways apartment complex, the driving lessons represent an opportunity to pursue not just employment but also personal interests. “It is hard needing to use public transport all the time,” Hamish said.
AnglicareSA and the RAA however aims to address this challenge by supporting young people with lived care experience to gain their licence sooner and with confidence. AnglicareSA Manager, Leaving and Post Care Services, Jenna Masi, said many young people transitioning out of care or those who have recently left often did not have access to a supervising adult to help them complete the 75 hours of supervised driving required to progress from a learner’s permit to a provisional licence. Through the new initiative, the RAA will provide a trained and qualified driving instructor who will be available for four driving sessions of up to two hours each, every Tuesday and Thursday this year.
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AnglicareSA and Adelaide United join for another year of giving
AnglicareSA was thrilled to once again partner with the Adelaide United Football Club for the return of the Teddy Toss, continuing a heartwarming matchday tradition supporting South Australian children and families doing it tough. The initiative featured at the Reds’ 20 February home fixture against Perth Glory at Coopers Stadium in Hindmarsh. As part of the matchday activations, supporters were encouraged to bring a new soft toy or teddy bear to the match, or purchase one on the day, and take part in the half-time Teddy Toss, with all donated items distributed to South Australian families in need through AnglicareSA. AnglicareSA Chief Executive Officer Grant Reubenicht said the continuation of the initiative reflected the power of community when people come together for a shared purpose. “Last year showed what is possible when a club, a cause, and a passionate fan base unite,” Grant said. “We are proud to partner with Adelaide United again and we are grateful
to every supporter who helps bring comfort and joy to children and families who need it most.” Adelaide United Commercial Manager John Dagas said the club was proud to collaborate with an organisation making a tangible difference across South Australia.
One of the carers who attended with their children offered a heartfelt thank you: “The children had a wonderful time watching the team train and were so excited to meet the players and collect their signatures. “It was such a special experience for them and one they will be talking about for a long time. We really appreciate all the work that goes on behind the scenes to make opportunities like this possible, and we are very grateful to be included. We look forward to being part of future events and experiences.” “The Teddy Toss is a simple gesture that creates a real impact – and we are excited to see our supporters once again help brighten the lives of local kids and families.” AnglicareSA also activated in Family Park, engaging with fans and highlighting the important work we do across South Australia and providing additional donation opportunities across the matchday event.
“Adelaide United is committed to being more than football, and this initiative is a perfect example of that,” John said. Behind the scenes with the Reds
AnglicareSA Foster Care Services, together with around 85 carers, children, and young people, were given a special behind-the-scenes experience by Adelaide United, sitting in on a recent training session. The memorable morning included a tour of Coopers Stadium in Hindmarsh, seats in the stands to watch the team train in preparation for that weekend’s game, and a meet and greet with players and coaches who took the time to chat and sign autographs.
Adelaide United player Yaya Dukuly signs a young fan’s shirt
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Supporter Autumn 2026
Shaping the future of Supported Independent Living
AnglicareSA’s Disability and Wellbeing Services team is working to help shape the future of Supported Independent Living (SIL) services as part of a National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) pilot project.
As one of 44 providers across the country chosen to participate in the 12-month pilot, AnglicareSA is evaluating the features of quality service provision while also examining the costs and outcomes associated with providing these supports, including those for participants with complex needs. Judi Kammerman, Senior Manager, Supported Community Living, welcomed the opportunity to be part of a broader outcome as part of the pilot project focused on making sure NDIS participants could access the quality support they needed. “It gives us a voice at the table, and it is an opportunity for us to shape the future of SIL supports across the whole sector from a practise perspective as well as a pricing perspective,” Judi said. AnglicareSA currently has 79 SIL customers with plans to grow this number in the coming years, providing vital supports for customers and their families.
SIL customers Amber and Rene with Support Worker Mandeep
Communities for Children Onkaparinga turns 20 They say time flies when you are having fun – and for the team behind AnglicareSA’s Communities for Children Onkaparinga program, the last 20 years have certainly flown by.
She said she was proud that the program was still going strong and supporting the community. “At the time, it was quite a unique and relational program,” Sue said. “It is based around the foundations of a place-based initiative and builds on relationships in the community. Being able to provide free activities that engage people in their local community and environment is amazing.”
What began in 2005 with a three- person team has grown into one of AnglicareSA’s longest-running programs, supporting thousands of families in the Onkaparinga area region of southern Adelaide to stay connected in their local community. AnglicareSA Head of Social and Economic Wellbeing, Sue Christophers, was one of the original team members involved in setting up the program in 2005 and worked in the program for close to a decade before progressing into senior management roles.
Communities for Children Onkaparinga’s 20th birthday celebration was a day of fun for all ages
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Celebrating a new roadmap to reconciliation AnglicareSA has reaffirmed its commitment to reconciliation and previous achievements with a celebration and the sharing of the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) at the Living Kaurna Culture Centre in Bedford Park in December.
This fourth RAP will guide AnglicareSA’s reconciliation efforts for the next two years and help meet a vision of being an organisation that provides equitable access to services, is culturally responsive and inclusive, and drives positive change for First Nations communities. Senior Strategic Cultural Advisor and Reconciliation Working Group Co-chair, Clyde Rigney, said the celebration represented AnglicareSA’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation. “Reconciliation, voice, truth-telling, and treaty are critical for the healing that needs to continue across Australia and our commitment shows that we are an organisation that acknowledges that we have an important role in this,” Clyde said.
Walk of Awareness On the anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations, 13 February, AnglicareSA and Believe Housing Australia employees joined community members, service providers, government bodies, and local councils at the Walk of Awareness in Port Adelaide. Hosted by the City of Port Adelaide Enfield, the annual walk brought together hundreds of First Nations and non-First Nations people in the spirit of remembrance, healing, and unity. This year marked the 18th anniversary of the National Apology, acknowledging the harm caused to the Stolen Generations through past government policies of forced child removal and assimilation. While the Apology was a significant step, reconciliation is an ongoing journey for all Australians. At AnglicareSA, we believe reconciliation is not a single action, but a constant commitment to listening, learning, and taking meaningful action. Our vision is to support First Nations peoples to prosper through equitable access to services, guided by our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan as we continue to work towards positive and lasting change. AnglicareSA and Believe Housing Australia employees joined the Walk of Awareness in Port Adelaide
AnglicareSA Board Chair Tim Sarah and RAP Coordinator Georgie Koen with Reconciliation Working Group Co-chairs CEO Grant Reubenicht and Senior Strategic Cultural Advisor Clyde Rigney Tiny feet welcomed to Kaurna Yerta A Welcome to Country ceremony specifically for First Nations children under the age of three brought families and community members together to help strengthen cultural identity from the earliest years. More than 50 babies living in the Playford and Salisbury council areas were welcomed at the event, organised in collaboration by not- for-profit Nunkuwarrin Yunti and the State Government grants program Connected Beginnings for Playford/ Salisbury in consultation with the Connected Beginnings Leadership Group.
More than 50 First Nations babies living in the Playford and Salisbury council areas took part in a special Welcome to Country ceremony
AnglicareSA’s Communities for Children Playford team were excited to be invited to the event and donated a blanket for every child registered with their name embroidered.
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Supporter Autumn 2026
Supporting others through compassion and connection United by a commitment to supporting others and a philosophy that community is built on compassion and connection, Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce, alongside his wife Liz, have championed that message as joint Patrons of AnglicareSA for the past 10 years. A Patron of a for-purpose organisation
such as AnglicareSA serves in an ambassadorial role, leveraging their community profile to lend their name and standing to an organisation to enhance its reputation, credibility, and visibility. AnglicareSA CEO Grant Reubenicht said the organisation was deeply honoured that Kevin and Liz had accepted the role of Patrons of AnglicareSA. “We are sincerely grateful for the active involvement in amplifying the impact of our community work,” Grant said. A distinguished naval career, later followed by seven years as Governor of South Australia, Rear Admiral Scarce has said that leadership is about service – service to your people, your community, and your country. “In our lives and through our various roles over the years, we have had an opportunity to look at lots of communities throughout South Australia,” Rear Admiral Scarce said. “What sticks in your mind is those who are experiencing hardship, and we saw AnglicareSA providing a breadth of services that frankly surprised us. “The employees were caring, connected to their clients, and we saw good outcomes so when we were asked if we would like to be Patrons, it was an easy decision.” AnglicareSA supports more than 50,000 South Australians each year across portfolios of Community Services, Aged Care, Disability and Wellbeing, Housing, and Social Enterprise.
AnglicareSA Patrons, Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce and his wife Liz
For Mrs Scarce, the encouragement and incentive for individuals and organisations within the community to support the work of AnglicareSA was simple. “You never know when you are going to need it,” she said. “I think most of us just never know what is around the corner, and we can’t necessarily do things individually, but together, we can. “We can change lives.”
Mrs Scarce, a former Women’s Royal Australian Navy officer, said taking on the role of Patrons had enabled them to use their profiles to help shine a light on the work of AnglicareSA, introducing it to individuals and organisations. “I think most people are aware of the name, but they are not necessarily sure what it does,” she said. “They might just think it is just aged care, they might think it’s something to do with children, or they might think it is something that they will never have anything to do with, which is why it is up to us to spread the word.”
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Every child has the opportunity to thrive Learning and development are now a whole lot more fun for five-year-old Moustafa thanks to a $4,000 Variety grant sourced by AnglicareSA’s Autism Services.
Construction to begin on affordable housing Believe Housing Australia has marked the start of a $13.3 million development project to deliver 29 new homes for older women in South Australia. Supported by the Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF), Believe Housing Australia, as trustee of the Laura and Alfred West Cottage Homes (LAWCH) portfolio, is progressing redevelopment projects at three sites in Kilburn and Mitchell Park. Women aged over 55 are recognised as one of the fastest growing cohorts at risk of homelessness and this new project replaces ageing housing stock. Believe Housing Australia Executive General Manager, Housing Services, Stacey Northover, said this project showed what was possible when all levels of government worked together with community housing providers. “Through HAFF support, we are accelerating the delivery of high quality, affordable homes that respond directly to community need,” Ms Northover said. “Women aged over 55 are one of the fastest growing groups facing housing insecurity, and providing 29 safe, modern homes is about far more than bricks and mortar – it is about dignity, stability, and ensuring older women feel secure and supported in their communities.” The redevelopment project will deliver 17 two-bedroom homes across two sites in Kilburn, with a further 12 homes to be built in Mitchell Park, made up of four two-bedroom homes and eight single-bedroom dwellings.
Moustafa, whose parents Ikhlas and Rateb immigrated to Adelaide from Syria via Lebanon in October 2016, has been diagnosed with level three Autism Spectrum Disorder and is significantly behind his peers in areas such as self- care, play, and social skills, and has limited awareness of safety. Moustafa is the youngest of four children, with an older brother Ahmad, who is also on the autism spectrum, while his family has no extended family or informal support in Adelaide. Clinical Lead of Occupational Therapy, Yvonne Dolman, said AnglicareSA sought grant funding to purchase play equipment for Moustafa, who despite the challenges he faced, was full of energy and enjoyed outdoor activities. “This support marks an exciting step forward in creating a more inclusive, sensory friendly environment for the families we serve,” Yvonne said. “Rateb and Ikhlas have shared how meaningful it is to have a space where their children are developing skills while safe and supported. Tenant talent shines
Five-year-old Moustafa enjoying his new play equipment
A hobby has become a proud achievement for eight-year-old Believe Housing Australia tenant Aaliaa, (pictured), who won an award in the Community Housing Art Awards South Australia (CHARTS). Her artwork, Jellycat , won in the youth bracket’s 2D painting/ drawing category and was displayed in a free gallery exhibition with the other CHARTS finalists. The awards were created by the Community Housing Industry Association of South Australia to showcase the talents and creativity of community and social housing tenants. “We are incredibly grateful for this funding and excited to see the joy, growth, and connection this new equipment will bring, along with a strengthening of a sense of belonging, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.”
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Supporter Autumn 2026
A donation from the heart AnglicareSA’s Star Bear loss and grief camps have received a $3,000 financial boost thanks to one of the camp’s dedicated volunteers and global furniture giant IKEA’s community engagement program. For the last two years, social work student and IKEA employee, Hiba, has volunteered on the Star Bear camps which are free weekend camps for bereaved children, young people, and families who have lost a parent, sibling, or other significant person. “I love volunteering, giving back to the community,” Hiba said. “When I lost my grandmother, the Star Bear volunteering helped me a lot because it was the first time I lost someone close. “I found it hard to grieve as an adult, so going on the camp was really helpful for me and I still get emotional every time I go. “It is really close to my heart, helping children.” IKEA Business Navigation and Operations Manager, Patrick Hunt, said the international retailer’s community engagement program focused on
Join AnglicareSA and make a difference Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community? Through our Thread Together program, volunteers deliver brand-new clothing via a mobile van service to communities experiencing hardship. They restore dignity, confidence, and hope to people, including those experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, mental health challenges, as well as youth in care and newly arrived refugees. There are volunteer roles for everyone, including: – Thread Together – Social support in residential aged care – Emergency Assistance – Community aged care – Star Bear – supporting children through grief and loss For more information on how to get involved, visit anglicaresa.com. au/join-our-team/volunteering/ or contact our volunteer team at volunteering@anglicaresa.com.au or 0427 198 332. We look forward to welcoming you to AnglicareSA.
Star Bear program team member Shannon, Star Bear, and program coordinator Louanne Johns with Star Bear volunteer Hiba
what was meaningful to employees, calling for nominations each quarter for charities, organisations, and programs they would like to donate to. “And then the leadership team gets together to review all the nominations and Hiba’s Star Bear nomination was certainly one that struck a chord,” Patrick said. Star Bear Program coordinator Louanne Johns said across the current and previous financial year, more than 200 individuals had been supported through the program and the team of extraordinary volunteers like Hiba. “We are truly grateful for this donation and will ensure the money is used to provide the best outcome for the children and families we support,” Louanne said.
The power of intergenerational friendship
At 96 years old and just eight respectively, Ann and Lily * may be separated by more than eight decades of life experience; however, an unlikely friendship has blossomed, proving that
age is no barrier to connection. The pair met when Lily’s Trinity College class visited Ann and other residents at AnglicareSA’s Elizabeth Dutton Court Residential Aged Care home. “We have this connection that was there from the very beginning,” Ann said. “She was the first child who came up to me, and we had a chat and coloured in together.”
Since that first meeting, Ann and Lily kept in touch, meeting outside of school visits on school holidays or weekends. During these visits, the pair chat about their shared interests, such as crystals and reading, draw together, and enjoy singing.
* Name changed to protect privacy
Ann and Lily* at our Elizabeth Dutton Court Residential Aged Care home
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Hampers delivering hope and joy In the past year alone, AnglicareSA provided more than 15,000 instances of emergency relief to address an increasing need within our community, with the cost of living soaring and more South Australian families struggling to make ends meet.
800 Christmas hampers, along with a vast number of toys for children and young people. These gifts of time or donations directly supported AnglicareSA customers across South Australia including communities like Point Pearce, Wallaroo, Raukkan, and Whyalla. The impact is felt far and wide and will remain long after all the Christmas decorations have been packed away.
With your incredible support of our Christmas Hamper and Toy Drive, we were able to bring food hampers and gifts into almost 1,500 homes across South Australia – offering relief during this challenging time for families and individuals in need. Together, we really did make a difference, and without your support we could not do the work we do to make this magic happen.
In addition to the community groups and organisations supporting the hampers with generous donations of food and toys, we also had more than 200 supporters volunteer their time to pack and organise these donations.
Thank you to volunteers from ElectraNet, Beyond Bank, CMV
Group, ASC, SA Water, ANZ, as well as members of the public and our own employees. Anglican parishes and schools contributed approximately
The impact of the appeal was felt deeply by individuals and families supported through various programs: “Receiving the gift hamper was such a wonderful gift. I’ve just moved housing and it made me feel so happy and grateful for such an amazing person to think about young people who might need some extra support. I am so blessed and thankful.” “It truly made me feel so appreciated and loved, especially for my children. The thoughtfulness behind it all warmed my heart and brought a big smile to my face.”
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Thank you
We wish to express our heartfelt gratitude for the incredible generosity and compassion during our Christmas Appeal. Our community of generous supporters came together to raise more than $100,000 to provide emergency assistance to South Australians in need. Your kindness has already made an impact. Because of your compassion, families in crisis have access to essential supplies and the support services they so critically need. Together, we have offered hope and comfort during what can be one of the most challenging times of the year. Every contribution, big or small, plays a vital role in helping us create a brighter and safer future for those seeking refuge from violence. On behalf of our customers, volunteers, and employees, thank you for believing in the power of community.
Scan the QR code or visit anglicaresa.com.au to donate online today
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