Australia

Home Start National Inc.

The first Home-Start scheme in Australia was established in 1989 at Newcastle University, NSW. Home-Start National Inc., founded in 2001, guides new schemes and supports at-risk families with children aged 0-5. The organisation aims to improve parents’ skills, confidence, and community involvement, ensuring children’s welfare. It also fosters community cohesion through volunteer engagement and works closely with the NSW Department of Communities and Justice. Home-Start National Inc. oversees 36 varied programs in NSW and Victoria, managing over 200 volunteers.  

20% of their families are of First Nations descent. The Victoria schemes are affiliated members, auspiced by Baptcare and the greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project. The program has received recognition for its role in protecting children, including an award from the National Association for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN). They have also introduced programmes in parenting, mental health and healthy eating, and special volunteers lead reading projects.. Their success is in large part due to the exceptional long and varied Home-Start service of both the Chair and National Director.

Address:
P.O. Box 29
Broadmeadow
Newcastle NSW 2292

Tel: + 61 (0) 2 4952 9488
Email: ceo@homestartaustralia.org

www. homestartaustralia.org
https://www.facebook.com/australiahomestart