Learning Ground

26/05/2026

National Reconciliation Week (NRW), held each year from 27 May to 3 June, is a time for all Australians to reflect on our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to consider how each of us can contribute to reconciliation in Australia.

These dates mark two important milestones in Australia’s reconciliation journey: the successful 1967 Referendum and the High Court’s Mabo decision.

This year’s theme, “All In”, is a call for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every day. It reminds us that reconciliation is not passive work, and not work that should rest solely on the shoulders of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

At Chain Reaction Foundation, we believe reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds, and actions of all Australians. Across our work in Mt Druitt and Western Sydney, we are privileged to walk alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, families, mentors, Elders, and community members whose culture, strength, leadership, and knowledge continue to shape our programs and community.

We all have a role to play in building respectful relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures, and futures.

We’re proud to stand All In.

21/05/2026

Hey everyone 💜

If you’re a parent, carer or guardian connected to Mt Druitt Learning Ground, we’d love for you to join our private Facebook group.

It’s a friendly space to keep up with what’s happening at Learning Ground, see updates and photos, hear about upcoming activities, and connect with other families in the community.

Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/148105555247615

20/05/2026

This Saturday, the team from Chain Reaction Foundation will be joining the Mt Druitt and District Reconciliation Group community event and walk.

Come along to connect with community, get active, and walk alongside others in a welcoming and inclusive space.

Everyone is welcome. 🖤❤️💛

Saturday 23 May 2026
10am - 1pm (we walk at 12pm)
Dawson Mall, Mt Druitt

Save the date people!

19/05/2026

National Volunteer Week is a chance to recognise the incredible people who give their time, energy and care to strengthen communities across Australia.

At Chain Reaction Foundation, our volunteers are part of the heartbeat of Mt Druitt Learning Ground. From mentors and workshop facilitators to board members, community supporters and students giving back, their contribution helps create connection, belonging and opportunity for young people across Western Sydney.

Together, our volunteers contribute over 6,500 hours each year to Mt Druitt Learning Ground alone. That is 6,500+ hours of listening, encouraging, supporting and showing up for young people who need it most.

This year’s theme, “Your Year to Volunteer”, reminds us that volunteering does not look one way. Whether it is sharing a skill, mentoring a young person, helping behind the scenes or giving just a few hours where you can, every contribution matters.

To every person who volunteers with Chain Reaction Foundation: thank you. Your impact reaches far beyond the hours you give.

18/05/2026

Anxiety can be tough on young people, and it can be just as tough on the adults who care for them. Many parents and carers want to help but are not always sure what to say or do when their child is overwhelmed or anxious.

This free session is a calm and supportive space to learn what anxiety looks like in kids and teens, why it happens, and how we can guide them through it in a safe and steady way. We will talk about early signs, simple strategies that make a real difference, and how adults can look after their own wellbeing at the same time.

If you want to understand anxiety better and feel more confident supporting the young people in your life, this workshop is a great place to start.

RSVP is essential. We would love to have you join us.
https://anxiety.raiselysite.com/

Details:
💜Date: Tuesday 26 May 2026
💜Time: 10:30am - 1pm
💜Location: Mt Druitt Learning Ground, Bidwill
💜Catering: Morning tea and lunch included

23/04/2026

Hey everyone,

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the FUNPARK Silly Sports Carnival scheduled for Friday 24 April at Bidwill Reserve has been postponed.

The team is already working on locking in a new date, and we’ll share that with you as soon as we can.

Thanks for your understanding — we can’t wait to bring the fun back soon.

💗The FUNPARK team

08/04/2026

Calling emerging Marketing Coordinators📣

If you love storytelling, social media and community impact, this could be your next step!

We’re hiring a full-time Marketing Coordinator to join the Chain Reaction Foundation team. It’s a rare chance for someone early in their career to grow their skills while helping tell the stories of young people, families and community across Western Sydney, including exciting community projects like FUNPARK!

If you’re creative, full of ideas, community-minded and ready to build your career in a purpose-driven role, we’d love to hear from you.

Mt Druitt based, full-time, salary packaging and above-average leave included.

Apply here: https://www.ethicaljobs.com.au/members/chainreactionfoundation/marketing-coordinator

Please share with a young creative who’d be perfect for this 💜

20/03/2026

✍️ Big stories are coming out of Mount Druitt!

Ahead of opening its new Community Hub in Bidwill, Sydney Story Factory has been helping local young writers build confidence, creativity and community, one workshop at a time.

Meet the young storytellers shaping Western Sydney’s future. Read Anna Zabow’s story now online. Link in bio

Image: Publication week during a Story Factory after-school program at Learning Ground in Mount Druitt. Photo: Natasha Capstick

30/01/2026

✨ The Māori Taonga 2026 Recipient: Krista✨

At our Corroboree in December, we had the privilege of presenting The Māori Taonga, the most significant award at Mt Druitt Learning Ground, to Krista — now a proud graduate of the program.

Gifted to Mt Druitt Learning Ground in 2010 by Māori Elder Sandra Pereira, the Māori-Taonga Te Rawhitu represents something deeply treasured. In Māori culture, Taonga means a sacred gift — connected to land, sky, waters, identity, and legacy.

This award is not presented every year. It is reserved for a young person who has shown exceptional growth, deep self-awareness, respect for others, and the strength to strive for excellence, embrace change, and overcome challenges.

Krista’s journey is a powerful reflection of resilience, maturity, and transformation. She represents the spirit of Mt Druitt Learning Ground — courage, growth, and hope for the future.

We are so proud of you, Krista. You will continue to inspire young people for years to come 💜

📸 Pictured with Krista and Councillor Talia Amituanai

23/01/2026

Over the last 20 years, Mt Druitt Learning Ground has been part of so many lives.

If you’re comfortable, we’d love to hear: "What’s a favourite memory you have from Mt Druitt Learning Ground?"

It might be something small; a conversation, a moment your child came home smiling, a mentor who made a difference, or a time you felt supported.

Past participants, parents, carers - everyone’s welcome to share (or just read along).