Hand Heart Pocket

04/06/2026

Fresh from From the Pocket! Our winter edition has just been released. Printed newsletters will soon arrive in Members’ letterboxes, but if you’d like an early look, you can read the digital edition here: https://tinyurl.com/45yrzkad

02/06/2026

When Hand Heart Pocket Chairman Craig Reimers launched the Chairman's Challenge, we hoped you'd get behind it – but the way Lodges and Members across Queensland stepped up over the past few weeks has been something else entirely. You donated, you fundraised, you volunteered, and you took the time to put in your applications.

Due to overwhelming demand, the Chairman's Challenge has now closed. The budget has been fully exhausted, which means every dollar of Matched Giving on offer has been claimed for Queensland charities supporting people in need. 🎉

Thank you to everyone who played a part, big or small - it all counted. 🙏

Applications received from this point will be processed in the new financial year against the standard Matched Giving entitlement. We'd love to see Members get involved when the next opportunity comes around.

We'll share more on the impact of this year's Challenge in July after the financial year closes.

From all of us at Hand Heart Pocket, thank you. The way you showed up for your communities this year has been something we won't forget. ✨

28/05/2026

Last week, over 20 Members came together for our leadership and governance workshop, delivered at Hand Heart Pocket, alongside Directors Australia. The session explored good governance principles, the role and duties of Board Directors, and the contemporary regulatory landscape for not-for-profit organisations. The enthusiasm Members brought to the day was both clear and encouraging, a reflection of the talent and commitment that exists within our own community. We extend our thanks to everyone who battled peak hour traffic to come along! 🤝📖💼

26/05/2026

This week – 27 May to 3 June – marks National Reconciliation Week (NRW). This is a time for Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

HHP is proud to partner with several organisations working for change for First Nations’ young people across Queensland, including Yiliyapinya Indigenous Corporation, Stars Foundation , Cowboys Community Foundation, and CQID.

We encourage Members to check out the work of these fabulous partners, and to support NRW in your own workplaces and communities.

18/05/2026

HHP is proud to support QCOSS in their research and advocacy for families in Qld. To learn more about the Raising Queensland report, visit their website: https://www.raisingqueensland.com/

Coinciding with the National Families week, today is the International Day of Families. This year's theme is relevant and particularly timely.

The UN says, "The theme of the 2026 observance, “Families, Inequalities and Child Wellbeing,” underscores how widening inequalities are shaping family life and influencing children’s futures. It calls for stronger investment in integrated, family-oriented policies to reduce disparities and support healthy child development."

This is exactly what we're calling for with the Raising Queensland campaign - an integrated Families Strategy with policies that lift every Queensland child. Too many kids are missing their developmental milestones, and by the time they start school are already behind. It doesn't need to be this hard to raise kids in Queensland.

While we're celebrating families this week, we should reflect on how we can make the support that every family deserves a reality. A safe home, good health, and a great education - that's the standard we can set for every Queensland family.

12/05/2026

Three weeks in, and the Chairman's Challenge is well underway. Lodges and Members across Queensland have already unlocked over $46,000 in Matched Giving for charities – doubling their impact before the end of financial year.

We're now setting our sights on $80,000. Can you help get us there?

Have you joined yet? There's still time.

Hand Heart Pocket is offering additional Matched Giving on top of your standard annual entitlement so you can access:

• Up to $10,000 for your Lodge
• Up to $1,000 for you as an individual Member

Funding is limited and allocated on a first-approved, first-funded basis.

Applications close at 5pm on 12 June, or earlier if funds are exhausted.

Contact us at [email protected] for a copy of the Challenge pack.

05/05/2026

May is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month 💜

This year’s message is simple but powerful: Together, Queenslanders can prevent domestic and family violence.

DFV isn’t always visible. It can include emotional abuse, coercive control, financial control, isolation, and more. Understanding the signs helps us support each other better.

There are small but important ways we can all help:

💜 Listen and believe people
💜 Offer support without judgement
💜 Learn about coercive control
💜 Challenge common myths
💜 Know local support services.

At Micah Projects, we walk alongside women, children, and families, providing support, safety, and pathways to recovery.
Find out more: https://www.micahprojects.org.au/latest/news-and-events/news/domestic-and-family-violence-prevention-month

Let’s stand together this May, and every day, to build safer, more respectful communities.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence and needs help, support is available.

Micah Projects' Brisbane Domestic Violence Service: 07 3217 2544

1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 (24/7)

In an emergency call 000

28/04/2026

Congratulations to Friends With Dignity and Camp Hill Lodge No.388 on a stellar Year 1 of your Local Community Partnership. We are proud to support your collaboration and can't wait to see what Year 2 brings! 🙌

27/04/2026

🎉 Have you joined HHP's Chairman's Challenge?
It's our biggest Matched Giving opportunity of the year!

Hand Heart Pocket is doubling your impact with additional Matched Giving for every Lodge and Member, on top of your standard entitlement.

🏠 Lodges - up to $10,000 in extra matching
🙋 Members - up to $1,000 in extra matching

Eligible activity from 1 July 2025 can be claimed now - so don't let your good work go unmatched!

⏳ Funding is limited and closes 5pm, 12 June 2026 or earlier if exhausted. Allocated on a first-approved, first-funded basis.

👉 Apply now at handheartpocket.org.au/matched-giving

27/04/2026