09/06/2026
CEO update:
Wow... I can hardly believe it's been a whole year since The Held Project began.
Over the past few weeks I've found myself reflecting on just how far we've come, and honestly, I'm overwhelmed with gratitude. What started as an idea born from lived experience has grown into something so much bigger than I ever imagined. Every volunteer, every donor, every mum we've had the privilege of walking alongside, every business that has backed us, every person who has shared our posts or simply believed in what we're doing... you've helped shape The Held Project into what it is today.
I'm so incredibly grateful that we get to serve our community in this way. ❤️
One thing I really want to highlight today is our peer support visits, because this is the heart of why The Held Project exists.
Our beautiful wellbeing bags are ready to go (how gorgeous do they look?! 😍), and they're waiting to be delivered to mums who need them.
If you or someone you know is pregnant or has a baby under 12 months and could use a little extra support, please don't hesitate to reach out through our website. One of our trained peer supporters will arrange a visit, sit down over a coffee, listen without judgement, provide emotional support, connect mums with helpful services if needed, and leave them with one of our wellbeing bags full of practical self-care items and thoughtful gifts. Sometimes what a mum needs most is simply someone to sit beside her and remind her that she isn't alone. That's why we're here.
We'd absolutely love to receive more peer support requests because every visit is an opportunity to remind another mum that she is seen, heard and held.
A huge thank you to everyone who supported our Bunnings sausage sizzle! Thanks to your generosity we raised approximately $2,000, which will go straight back into supporting local mums. I also have to give the biggest shout out to my incredible 2IC, Chelsea, who organised the entire day. You absolutely smashed it and I'm so grateful for everything you do for this organisation.
Our Mirrorball Gala is getting closer and tickets are still available! It's going to be such a special evening with a beautiful three-course sit-down meal at Ocean International, incredible company and lots of fun while raising money for local mums. If you've been thinking about coming, now is the time to grab your ticket before it's too late! A huge thank you also goes to Chris from Generation Her who has poured so much time and heart into organising the event.
We've also had some exciting deliveries! Boho Wild Child has supplied enough products for 100 wellbeing bags thanks to funding from the Mackay Community Foundation. We also have 100 ECO. Modern Essentials roller blends on their way, along with some fresh new merchandise from Brandfactor Corporate & Promotional Products. We can't wait to show you everything.
Another thank you to QCoal Foundation for providing $2000 to go toward operational expenses. We are so grateful!
Another exciting milestone is that we've officially joined the Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce. I'm really looking forward to connecting with other local businesses and seeing everyone at the upcoming B2B Brews.
If you're free tomorrow morning, come and join us at The Mum Hub Mackay for a walk along the harbour followed by a coffee. It's always such a lovely chance to connect with other mums in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
As always, I also want to be transparent that The Mum Hub still needs ongoing community support. While we're incredibly proud of what we've built, keeping a free community space open comes with significant ongoing costs. If you'd like to partner with us, sponsor the hub, donate, or simply spread the word, we'd be so incredibly grateful. Every bit of support helps us continue showing up for local families.
On a personal note, I've recently started homeschooling my eldest, Sarah (Prep), so you'll probably see her around The Mum Hub helping out from time to time. She's already loving being involved and I think she'll quickly become one of our littlest volunteers. ❤️
Thank you for every kind word, every donation, every volunteer hour, every referral, every coffee shared and every bit of encouragement you've given us this past year. The Held Project belongs to this community, and we're so excited to see what the next year brings.
With so much gratitude,
Love,
Amanda x
Photo credit:
Sarah Anderson Photography
Kieron Place Art & Photography
