Season's greetings and best wishes for the new year

We have been reflecting on the year that has passed; our achievements, and the challenges we have collectively faced. We know that 2025 has been a hard year for many people, with cost-of-living challenges, clients with complex needs, and just this week, the deeply distressing and shocking attack in Bondi.

We stand with our clients, staff and the community, and we will continue to provide compassionate support when it’s needed.

Despite the challenges of the year, we are proud of what we achieved in 2025, including:

• Introducing a new Youth Enhanced Service for young people in Gippsland experiencing mental health challenges.
• Launching a Stronger Relationships pilot program, to ensure families in Ballarat are supported and empowered to build the skills, knowledge and connections needed for life-long social and emotional wellbeing.
• Releasing a compelling new report on a cost-benefit analysis of our family dispute resolution services, conducted by Inform Economics, which revealed that for every $1 spent on these services, a remarkable $20 is returned. 
• Sharing the impact of our work for clients and their families, through our story and data-informed third annual Social Impact Report.
• Publishing to be seen — a Community Education and Priorities report for educating Victorians about the existence and needs of Forgotten Australians — adults who endured Australia’s institutional care system as children during the 20th century, the majority of whom were neglected, abused, and abandoned.
• Launching a new Statement of Commitment to First Nations Peoples of Australia, which is a promise to First Nations clients, staff and communities that we will continue to show up with humility, courage and care – with relationships always at the centre of the journey.

As the holiday break approaches, we want to acknowledge the courage and resilience of our clients, and the trust they place in us every day. Thank you also to our colleagues, stakeholders and funding bodies for their ongoing support. Together, this support enables us to work towards our vision for all Australians to have positive, respectful, safe and fulfilling relationships.

Please note that our centres will close on 24 December, re-opening on Monday 5 January. Services that will be available during this time are detailed below.

We wish you all a peaceful holiday period, and a happy, safe and rewarding 2026.