A Start in Life

A Start in Life For 100+ years, we’ve believed in what’s possible for young Australians. www.astartinlife.org.au

We provide tailored support to students aged 4–24 in NSW and ACT, helping them stay in school and build futures they’re proud of. For over 100 years, A Start in Life has been helping young Australians access education where financial disadvantage impacts their education – giving them the chance to learn, grow and thrive just like their peers. Our mission is to create a brighter future for young Au

stralians by empowering them with skills, guidance and financial support. Through our three programs, we support students in primary school, high school, university and TAFE with financial assistance, one-on-one mentoring, workshops and skills training, as well as access to resources, activities and experiences that enrich learning and wellbeing. We’ve walked alongside thousands of students – from children cared for by single parents and teenagers putting themselves through high school, to tertiary students who’ve moved hundreds of kilometres away from their rural towns to pursue their dreams. Receiving no government funding, everything we achieve is thanks to the generosity of our donors and community. Together, we’re nurturing and igniting young minds, unlocking potential, and opening doors to brighter futures. "The scholarship program has not only provided me with financial assistance but also with a community of mentors who have been invaluable in my academic journey." - Artie, university student

15/06/2026

What does having support actually change?

For many young people, support means more than practical help.

It means feeling seen. Feeling capable. Feeling like your future matters.

In this interview, one of our students shares what support has meant in their life—and how it helped them believe in what's possible.

12/06/2026

Plenty of bright kids across NSW and the ACT never get the start they deserve, and most people assume it comes down to ability. It almost never does. It comes down to whether a family can cover the laptop, the uniform, the textbooks and the bus fare on top of everything else.

That gap is where we come in. Since 1923, A Start in Life has backed students aged 4 to 24 who are facing real financial barriers to their education, and because we run without government funding, the money you give goes straight to the student who needs it.

This is who we are, and these are the young people you help us stand behind.

Support a student today. https://www.astartinlife.org.au/tax-appeal-2026/. 💛

On this  , we join the global community to issue a "Red Card to Child Labour: Fair play for children, decent work for ad...
12/06/2026

On this , we join the global community to issue a "Red Card to Child Labour: Fair play for children, decent work for adults."

We’re highlighting the reality that financial stress is the biggest barrier to a child’s education. When families face severe financial stress, the playing field becomes deeply uneven.

A Start in Life is committed to ensuring no young person has to trade their education for financial stability. When the pressure of cost is removed, the classroom doors are open.

Learn how we’re leveling the playing field: https://www.astartinlife.org.au/

Financial support matters. But belonging? That changes everything. Tom's words remind us why we do this work, and why yo...
11/06/2026

Financial support matters. But belonging? That changes everything. Tom's words remind us why we do this work, and why your support is about so much more than money. Donate before 30 June and make it tax deductible. https://shorturl.at/cUkna

We are proud to support Learning Environments Australasia (NSW Chapter) upcoming site tour of the spectacular Rudy Tan L...
11/06/2026

We are proud to support Learning Environments Australasia (NSW Chapter) upcoming site tour of the spectacular Rudy Tan Learning Centre on Thursday, 25th of June.

At A Start in Life, we care deeply about creating productive learning spaces. We know that thoughtful, adaptive learning spaces boost engagement and spark creativity.

Come along to gain insight into contemporary education design that supports student learning, wellbeing and education outcomes, while integrating culture and community identity.

Get your tickets here, https://ev.learningenvironments.org.au/NSW_BCS26

08/06/2026

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

For many young people, that question can feel impossible to answer without the right support.

In this conversation, one of our students opens up about their ambitions, their biggest inspirations, and the impact that encouragement can have on a life.

🌱 Small opportunities today can create big possibilities tomorrow.

Every student who reaches their potential does so because someone showed up for them. Kathleen had the pleasure of prese...
05/06/2026

Every student who reaches their potential does so because someone showed up for them. Kathleen had the pleasure of presenting alongside The Brainary at EduTech this week, a reminder of why community and collaboration in education matters so much. 💚

This World Environment Day, we reflect on how a sustainable tomorrow depends on the environment we create today. This ye...
04/06/2026

This World Environment Day, we reflect on how a sustainable tomorrow depends on the environment we create today. This years theme "Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future" aligns with our mission to empower young Australians experiencing disadvantage by providing them with the support they need to thrive. True sustainability means investing in our earth and our youth to lead the way into our bright future.

This week we're celebrating the people who show up for A Start in Life not because they have to, but because they believ...
21/05/2026

This week we're celebrating the people who show up for A Start in Life not because they have to, but because they believe in what we do.

Our volunteers give something no budget can buy: their time, their care, and their genuine investment in the young people we support. They sit across from students who are struggling and make them feel seen. That matters more than most people know.

To every volunteer who has walked alongside a student this year: thank you. You are a vital part of what makes this organisation work.
Happy National Volunteer Week. 🌿

Blair's rental house was condemned mid-exams.No running water. No way out yet. So every morning she drove to the local p...
14/05/2026

Blair's rental house was condemned mid-exams.
No running water. No way out yet. So every morning she drove to the local pool, showered, and drove back. Then she sat down and studied.
She is training to become a vet. One of the most demanding degrees in the country. And she is doing it through the kind of circumstances that would stop most people cold.
Blair didn't stop. She just found another way. She always does.
We are proud to be in her corner, and so grateful to everyone whose support makes that possible.
Read Blair's full story. - https://shorturl.at/K760P

Address

Suite 702, 370 Pitt Street
Haymarket, NSW
2000

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+61292643017

Alerts

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