Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation

19/08/2026

An apprenticeship is about more than learning a trade. 🧡

For some young people, challenges with confidence, wellbeing, transport, finances or workplace relationships can become barriers to staying engaged and completing their training.

In Townsville, our Apprenticeship Program is currently supporting 10 young people across a diverse range of industries, including automotive, construction, hairdressing and hospitality.

Pictured at Kool Cars, this is just one example of how the program works alongside apprentices and their employers, providing personalised mentoring, practical support and someone in their corner when challenges arise.

Led locally by Belinda Toomby, the program focuses on early intervention and supporting the whole person, helping young people stay on track, overcome barriers and build the confidence and resilience they need for their future.

🔗 Read more about our Townsville Apprenticeship Program: https://tinyurl.com/57yer547

13/08/2026

🧡 $18,719 raised. 20 young people impacted. Countless futures changed.

What an incredible night at The Orange Ball 2026.

We were honoured to be one of three beneficiary charities alongside Transplant Australia and Tandem Cycling Network, and we're thrilled to share that $18,719 was raised for Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation.

These funds will directly support two eight-week Onwards & Upwards mentoring programs, giving 20 young people the opportunity to connect with a trusted mentor, build confidence, develop life skills and believe in a brighter future.

A highlight of the evening was hearing from our Founder & CEO, John Godwin, and Youth Ambassador Elise Bell, whose inspiring story reminded everyone of the life-changing impact that one caring mentor can have.

A heartfelt thank you to Mick Robinson, The Orange Ball Committee, Pride of Bettermen Inc, everyone who attended, donated, sponsored, bid in the auctions, purchased raffle tickets and supported the event. Your generosity is helping create brighter futures for young people across our community.

🔗 Read the full story and view the photo gallery: https://tinyurl.com/52xnprwz

11/08/2026

🎡🎠 Happy Ekka Show Day, Queensland! 🌭🍓

Whether you're enjoying the rides 🎢, cuddling the animals 🐄, cheering on the woodchoppers 🪓, or treating yourself to a famous strawberry sundae 🍓🍦, we hope you have a wonderful day with family and friends.

Days like today are all about making memories, sharing laughs and celebrating community, values that are at the heart of everything we do at Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation. 💙

Have a safe, fun-filled Ekka Show Day! 🎉

10/08/2026

What happens when a mentee becomes a mentor? 💙

For Steven Doolan, it's the opportunity to give back.

After experiencing the impact of great mentors throughout his own career, Steven recently completed his first Onwards & Upwards program as a volunteer mentor with Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation at Hemmant Flexible School.

One moment stood out. When a student shared their passion for IT and ethical hacking, Steven was able to draw on his own experience in cybersecurity to discuss career pathways, opportunities and what it's really like to work in the industry.

For Steven, mentoring isn't about having all the answers. It's about listening, asking thoughtful questions and helping young people discover their strengths, define their values and believe in what's possible, just as his own mentors did for him.

Thank you, Steven, for investing your time, knowledge and experience to help inspire brighter futures. 👏

🔗 Read Steven's story here: https://tinyurl.com/ybwbyzrm

01/08/2026

🐶🐱🐰🐴🦜🐢 Weekend Challenge!

Science says pets can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure and boost our mental wellbeing... but honestly, we didn't need science to tell us that!

Meet Benson🐾. He's one of the faces that brightens our day.

Now we'd love to meet yours!
📸 Share a photo of your pet in the comments and tell us their name. We don't mind if they're furry, fluffy, feathered, scaly or a little bit cheeky!

Let's fill the comments with some weekend smiles. 💙

30/07/2026

For many years, Darren Davis has been a passionate supporter of Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation.

Whether it's opening doors through his extensive network, supporting our fundraising events, sharing his expertise or generously giving his time, Darren has continually found out-of-the-box ways to support young people.

His passion for wine has become one of those ways. Through memorable events and shared experiences, Darren brings people together, sparks meaningful conversations and helps build the relationships that strengthen our community. Along the way, he's introduced us to valuable connections, donated incredible auction prizes, stepped up as auctioneer at The Brightest Circle, and done it all with a smile, a story and a genuine desire to make a difference.

We're incredibly grateful for Darren's ongoing support and the difference he continues to make.

Read more about Darren's journey and why relationships are at the heart of everything he does: https://bit.ly/4bmmFRI

Few things bring people together quite like great wine and good conversation. For Davis & White Fine Wine Merchants co-founder [...]Read More... from How Darren Davis Uses Wine Events to Build Lasting Relationships

24/07/2026

Every apprentice deserves someone in their corner.

Starting an apprenticeship is exciting, but it can also be challenging. Financial pressures, transport, workplace expectations and personal circumstances can all make the journey harder than it needs to be.

That's why we've launched the Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation Apprenticeship Program.
Through mentoring, practical support and regular check-ins, we're helping young people stay engaged, build confidence and complete their trade.

Made possible through the generous support of the Murphy and Talbot Family Foundations, the program is already supporting apprentices in Townsville, with Brisbane now underway.

Know a young person who could benefit from extra support? We'd love to hear from you.

Learn more by reading our launch recap on our website. https://bit.ly/4w93GTa

23/07/2026

Yesterday our incredible mentors, along with new facilitator Steven Asker, visited The Y Mango Hill for a tour of their impressive campus.

A huge thank you to Principal Correy Chiappetta for taking the time to show us around and share the exciting vision for The Y.

We were all blown away by the facilities and Correy's passion for creating opportunities for young people. It was inspiring to hear about the fantastic work already happening and the exciting new initiatives on the horizon.

We're excited to meet and work with the student leaders who will be participating in this term's Onwards & Upwards Program, and we're looking forward to seeing the positive impact they'll make.

Thank you again to Correy and The Y team for your warm hospitality. We can't wait to see what's ahead! ❤️🖤

21/07/2026

Community champions in action! 🏃🚵🚣🧭

A huge thank you to B and Kayla from Coastal Boss Removalists for stepping outside their comfort zone and taking on the Sprint Series Adventure Race to raise funds for Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation.
Every dollar raised helps us continue mentoring and supporting young people across Queensland. We'd love your support as they take on this incredible challenge!

💙 https://ibffportalchallenge.gofundraise.com.au/page/CoastalBoss

Thank you, B and Kayla, we'll be cheering you on every step of the way! 👏

14/07/2026

🚗 The connections made at our events lead to something truly meaningful.

We first met Adrian Smith at one of our fundraising lunches in March this year. Recently, when our Youth Ambassador and Program Facilitator, Elise Bell, found herself without reliable transport after her car began breaking down, Adrian didn't hesitate to help. Through Franklin Auto, he organised a loan vehicle to keep Elise on the road.

As well as facilitating programs for Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation, Elise is also studying at university. Having reliable transport means she can continue supporting young people, attending community events, sharing her story and balancing her studies.

Adrian, thank you for your kindness and generosity. Your willingness to step in when it was needed most is a wonderful reminder of what community is all about.

It's moments like these that show the power of connection. You never know where one conversation, one act of kindness or one introduction might help change someone's journey. 💛