At the Les Twentyman Foundation, we are incredibly proud to highlight the meaningful and ongoing support we’ve been given from Soroptimist International Melba (SI Melba)—a dynamic organisation dedicated to educating, empowering, and enabling women and girls to reach their full potential.
Over the past year, SI Melba has gone above and beyond in their commitment to supporting young people doing it tough, particularly young women facing disadvantage. Their generosity and hands-on involvement have made a real and lasting difference in the lives of those we support.
SI Melba also rolled up their sleeves to host a Bunnings sausage sizzle fundraiser, generously donating the proceeds to our Back-to-School Program. This community effort not only raised vital funds but also helped increase awareness of the challenges facing disadvantaged youth and how we can come together to support them.
One of the most impactful contributions from SI Melba in 2025 was their donation of:
• 7 refurbished laptops, helping young women stay connected to education and online learning platforms.
• 40 brand new backpacks, filled with essential school supplies as part of our Back-to-School Program.
These donations directly empowered young women in our programs to re-engage with their education and feel included in everyday school life—something many of us take for granted, but which can be a major barrier for families experiencing hardship.
In addition, SI Melba members recently volunteered their time to help our team sort through donations of clothing for young people in crisis. This practical support means the young people we assist can access essential items with dignity, knowing their community stands behind them.
The support from Soroptimist International Melba is about much more than money or items—it’s about values. It’s about showing young people, especially young women, that they are seen, valued, and worthy of opportunity. That message is powerful, and it sits at the heart of the Les Twentyman Foundation’s mission.
For more than 30 years, the Les Twentyman Foundation has worked on the frontlines of youth disadvantage—providing outreach, mentoring, access to education, and connection to sport and community. We know that when young people are supported, inspired, and given the tools to succeed, they can overcome even the toughest of challenges.
Thanks to ongoing partnerships like that with SI Melba, we are able to continue this vital work. Together, we are helping young women stay in school, build self-worth, and take steps toward a brighter future.
We extend our deepest thanks to the SI Melba team for your energy, compassion, and dedication. You embody the spirit of community, and we are honoured to walk alongside you in this work.
🔗 To learn more about Soroptimist International Melba and their incredible efforts to uplift women and girls, visit: www.simelba.org.au
