Sliding Doors Foundation

14/08/2026

We’re proud to partner with Youth Opportunities for a second year, continuing a shared commitment to helping young people overcome barriers and pursue positive pathways.

Youth Opportunities equips young people with the skills, confidence and resilience to thrive through its Personal Leadership Program.

Following a $100,000 commitment in 2025, which supported 36 young people across 20 metropolitan and regional South Australian schools, our renewed 2026 partnership will provide at least 85 Scholarships across two rounds.

“Through this collaboration, we’re opening up real opportunities, from driving lessons to essential learning resources. We’re grateful to Sliding Doors Foundation for its trust and belief in young people, and proud to be investing alongside them in confident, capable leaders of the future.” — Emily Martinella, Chief Executive, YOA.

Together, we are creating opportunities for all young people to be their best.

05/08/2026

Say hello to our newest Board Director, Josie Kitch! 👋

Over the past three months, Josie has been serving as our Acting South Australia Chapter Chair, supporting our volunteer community and helping strengthen the Foundation's presence across the state.

With more than 25 years of executive leadership experience across the health and disability sectors, she has dedicated her career to supporting people and improving outcomes for the communities she serves. Her passion for creating opportunities and helping others aligns closely with our mission to support young people through education.

We're excited to have her join our Board and look forward to the experience, leadership and passion she'll bring to the Foundation.

Drop a comment below to help us welcome Josie!

27/07/2026

Here’s a look back at the 2026 Sliding Doors Foundation Fundraising & Networking Luncheon at Adelaide Oval.

Watching this video back reminded us what the afternoon was really about: great conversations, new connections and a room full of people simply enjoying themselves together.

A special thank you to Divi global AI for presenting the event, our event partner CCK Lawyers, Big Fish Events, Alex Carey, Ali Clarke, Bronte Manuel from TOOP + TOOP, Woodcroft College and Trinity College South Australia, along with the many businesses, donors and volunteers who helped create an afternoon where people could have a great time while supporting a good cause.

What was your favourite part of the afternoon? Let us know in the comments below.

14/07/2026

Say hello to our newest Board Director, Shannon Warren! 👋

Shannon has dedicated her career to helping students, schools and communities thrive. As Principal of Woodcroft College, Chair of the Association of Independent Schools of South Australia (AISSA), and a Board Member of Independent Schools Australia, she understands the power of education to shape futures and the barriers that can stand in the way.

As the Foundation grows, we were looking for someone who could bring a strong educational voice to our Board. Shannon’s leadership, governance experience and deep understanding of the education sector make her a fantastic addition. Drop a comment below to give Shannon a warm welcome!

22/06/2026

Last Friday at Adelaide Oval, more than 200 people came together for an afternoon that reminded us why community matters. Behind every ticket, auction item, Wine Wall bottle and donation was a person who chose to support someone they may never meet, but whose future could be changed through education.

The Wine Wall sold out, every auction item received bids, and more than $30,000 was raised on the day. A special thank you to our scholars, Jess Tresidder and Rabia Aftab, for sharing their journeys and reminding us why this work matters. Thank you to Ali Clarke for leading the conversation, Alex Carey for sharing his story and inspiring the room, and Bronte Manuel for bringing our Live Auction to life.

We are also incredibly grateful to the more than 50 businesses and individuals who contributed their time, products, services and expertise behind the scenes. Thank you to Woodcroft College and Trinity College South Australia for supporting the event through their student volunteers, and to Big Fish Events for their assistance in delivering the event.

As we reflect on the day, we are proud of what was raised, but even more grateful for the people who made it possible. The impact of Opening Opportunities extends well beyond a single afternoon and will continue through the opportunities, connections and support created as a result.

Full Photo Album: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1E4qmm5N85/

22/06/2026

15/06/2026

Opening Opportunities 2026 is this Friday, and leading our Live Auction will be Bronte Manuel from TOOP + TOOP Real Estate. One of Australia’s most awarded auctioneers, Bronte has helped raise more than $900,000 for charitable causes in the past financial year alone.

Guests will have the opportunity to bid on a range of exclusive Live Auction items, including a Premium Port Adelaide Football Club Adelaide Showdown Package featuring behind-the-scenes access, premium hospitality and four tickets to one of the AFL’s marquee fixtures, and a Signed Alex Carey Match-Worn ODI Shirt from Australia’s recent tour of Pakistan. These are just two of the exciting items available on the day.

To explore the full Live and Silent Auction catalogue, visit the event page on our website: slidingdoorsfoundation.com

Don't forget to secure your place before Friday: https://ap1.hubs.ly/y0QjY50

12/06/2026

As the working week comes to a close, Opening Opportunities 2026 is now just one week away. We’ll welcome guests to Adelaide Oval for an afternoon featuring guest speaker Alex Carey, host Ali Clarke, scholar stories, live food stations, local wines, and opportunities to connect with others who believe in the power of education.

In the lead-up to the event, we’ll share a preview of this year’s auction items, giving supporters a first look at the experiences and opportunities available on the day.

If Opening Opportunities 2026 has been on your list, take a moment this weekend to lock it in.

Tickets and information: https://ap1.hubs.ly/y0QjY50

10/06/2026

🍷 The Wine Wall returns to Opening Opportunities 2026, with guests able to select a mystery bottle for $50.

We’re currently seeking wine donations to help complete this year’s Wine Wall. Whether it’s a single bottle, a dozen bottles, or a corporate contribution, every donation is greatly appreciated.

This year’s collection already includes a bottle of Penfolds Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 valued at $800, alongside a range of premium South Australian wines.

To donate, comment below, send us a DM, or email [email protected].

Every bottle donated helps us move closer to our fundraising goal for Opening Opportunities 2026. Tickets are still available: https://ap1.hubs.ly/y0QjY50

05/06/2026

As we wrap up the working week, we thought we’d share the story of someone we’re incredibly proud to call a friend and long-term supporter of the Foundation, Quinton Ewer to reflect on his experience at the 130th Boston Marathon.

What began as a personal challenge became something much bigger. From welcoming more than 100 guests to our pre-marathon fundraiser at Ambra Spirits to crossing the finish line in Boston, Quinton’s efforts helped raise $16,153.20, enough to fund two years of tuition support.

Boston is one of the world’s most iconic marathons, and Quinton described the atmosphere as electric, with crowds lining the course and support at every turn. It was an experience unlike any other and one he will never forget.

After 42.2 kilometres, tackling the famous Heartbreak Hill and fighting through a hammy cramp in the closing stages, he crossed the finish line in 3:00:49.

Thank you to everyone who supported Quinton and helped see him across the finish line. And to Quinton himself, thank you for every training session, every early morning, every kilometre, and for choosing to turn a personal challenge into something much bigger. 👏 🎊