Berry Street

This National Reconciliation Week, we join communities across Australia in recognising the importance of reconciliation and our shared responsibility to help build a more just, equitable and inclusive future.

The 2026 theme 'All In' is a reminder that reconciliation requires all of us, listening, learning, reflecting and taking meaningful action together.

We recognise that connection to family, community, Country and culture is fundamental to identity, wellbeing and belonging.

Through our work, we are committed to supporting First Nations children, young people, families and communities to retain and strengthen these connections, and to ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices are centred in decisions that affect them.

Throughout Reconciliation week, we encourage everyone to take time to learn about the histories, cultures and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, attend local events, and reflect on how we can all contribute to respectful relationships and stronger communities.

Today on National Sorry Day, we acknowledge the strength and resilience of Stolen Generations Survivors and remember the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were forcibly removed from their families, communities and cultures.

We reflect on the immense pain caused by past racist policies that forcibly removed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families and communities.

Berry Street acknowledges its past complicity in these policies and is committed to partnering with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations to actively support self-determination for First Nations people.

You can read our apology on the Berry Street website.

Berry Street Yooralla staff came together to mark – the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia – with morning teas across our offices and more than 130 people joining an online panel discussion. 🌈

The event highlighted the importance of creating safe, inclusive and person-centred spaces for LGBTQIA+ staff and clients. We heard from employees Michelle and Andrew and special guest Tidge from Pride in Health, with the discussion moderated by Heather, Senior Manager for Diversity and Inclusion.

The conversation explored how we can continue creating safety, inclusion and belonging in the work we do every day, with staff sharing overwhelmingly positive feedback about the session.

A big thank you to everyone who helped organise and participate in these important events, and to our Pride Network members and allies who continue to champion inclusion across Berry Street Yooralla. 🏳️‍🌈

This National Volunteer Week, we’re celebrating the incredible people who open their homes and hearts to children who need it most.

Could fostering be for you? Swipe to find out, and take the first step today 🏠💙

Enquire at berrystreet.org.au/fostercare

Braxton* is eight years old and recovering from complex PTSD after a tough start to life, where he often had to fend for himself. He’s now living with a foster carer, and over the recent summer holidays, their bond truly flourished. He now feels safe and protected by her.

While this newfound safety with his carer is a beautiful thing, it has also made it harder for him to separate from her and head off to school each day. She’s been working from home most of the year to support him, frequently needing to pick him up early from school.

A few weeks ago, Braxton and his carer set a goal together. If he could attend school every day for a full week, with no early pick-ups, he could choose a special lunch order on Friday.

During the first week, he almost made it, but Friday proved just a bit too much. In our last session, we talked it through together. When his carer shared how proud she was of his immense effort, Braxton decided to give it another go.

This morning, his carer sent me a message…
“He did it! 💛”

She also shared a photo of the lunch order he chose to celebrate his achievement. We’re incredibly proud of Braxton and his carer.

Moments like this show just how far they’ve both come.
Here’s hoping this becomes their new normal.

Katie - Take Two clinician

*Child’s name has been changed to protect their privacy.

Brett* first entered foster care at age seven. His early years were marked by instability and the difficult separation from his siblings; it was a period of significant disruption. Everything changed when he was placed with new carers who would become his foundation for the next decade. For the first time, Brett received the undivided attention he deserved. He began to experience a world of new opportunities, including the excitement of travelling overseas for the first time.

One of the most profound parts of Brett’s journey was the collaborative relationship between his carers and his birth family. They worked together with a shared goal of maintaining his vital cultural and family connections. This strong partnership meant that Brett grew up surrounded by an extended network of support, ensuring he never lost touch with his roots.
School was not always a smooth road for Brett. He faced behavioural challenges that often made the classroom a struggle, but his carers remained his greatest motivation. Their belief in him was the driving force that saw him through to the successful completion of Year 12. He reached every milestone a young person should: he earned his Learner’s permit, celebrated at his debutante ball, and stepped into his first job.

Today, Brett has transitioned beyond the official age of care, but his journey with his family has not ended. He continues to live with his carers and they remain his primary source of love and commitment. Now starting his apprenticeship, Brett is not just a former foster child. He is a young man with a career, a future, and a deep, permanent sense of belonging.

Berry Street Support Worker

*Names and photos have been changed for privacy.

Navigating gender identity journey is rarely a simple path. It can be confusing and overwhelming, and too often it lacks safe spaces to simply be and explore. That is why foster carers who offer acceptance and safety play an extraordinary role.

Effie*, one of our incredible respite carers, has been that safe space for Jay*, a young person beginning to explore their gender identity. From day one, Effie honoured Jay’s preferred pronouns: she created an environment where Jay felt seen without question. Effie helped Jay connect with LGBTIQA+ community spaces that offered affirmation and belonging, while also supporting Jay to strengthen their connection to their Indigenous identity. She holds space for Jay exactly as they are, and in every layer of who they are becoming.

Jay now looks forward to every respite stay with Effie. Their time together shows the true power of respite care. It is not about how long a young person stays with you: what matters is how deeply they feel seen, heard, and valued while they are in your care. It is a powerful reminder that carers do not just offer time: they offer safety, identity, and hope.

Vi - Southern Foster Care

*Names and photos have been changed for privacy.

Youth Homelessness Matters Day is a reminder that too many young people in Australia don’t have a safe place to call home.

Nearly 43,000 young people seek help from homelessness services each year, and many are turned away due to lack of resources.

The causes are complex, family violence, housing affordability and family breakdown – but the message is simple: youth homelessness is preventable.

At Berry Street, programs like GOALS (Going Out and Living Successfully) are helping change the story. By working early with young people at risk, GOALS supports them to build life skills, stay connected to education and community, and most importantly – stay safely housed.

We’re so pleased that the Government has agreed to fund this program for another two years, because behind every statistic is a young person with goals, potential and a future worth investing in.

Read more about GOALS 👉 www.berrystreet.org.au/what-we-do/young-people/preventing-youth-homelessness/goals

This Youth Homelessness Matters Day, let’s raise awareness, challenge misconceptions and support the services that make a real difference.

Learn more 👉 yhmd.org.au