Hello from the Kids Support Team at Variety NSW/ACT!
We’re excited to share a behind-the-scenes look at what’s happening in the Kids Support team here at Variety – the Children’s Charity NSW/ACT in July 2025.
Meet the Team
I’m Lara, Head of Kids Support, and I’ve had the joy of being part of the Variety family for the past two years. Every day, I’m inspired by the incredible kids and families we get to support — it’s truly a privilege. Outside of work, I’m usually on the move with my three little ones and our very fluffy dog, PomPom!
I’m also lucky to work alongside two amazing teammates who help bring our programs to life: Maddie and Amy.
Maddie has been with Variety since 2017 and works from our Newcastle office as a Kids Support Program Coordinator. She’s all about quality time with friends and family, Pilates, and her two very spoiled dachshunds, Pablo and Louie (who never say no to a café visit). Her favourite part of the job? Being there for families when they need support most.
Amy recently joined our Sydney office as a Kids Support Program Coordinator. She brings a huge heart and deep compassion to her role, and is especially passionate about making a difference in the lives of families doing it tough. As a mum of two, Amy also sees her work as a way to show her kids the powerful impact of giving back.
While we’re a small team, we’re passionate about what we do — stepping in to provide practical, meaningful support to children and families when no one else can.
Supporting Young People in Out-of-Home Care
This May, we launched the Variety Boost Grant, which provides young people in Out-of-Home Care with the resources to pursue a personal goal — from driving lessons to guitar classes. We’ve loved reading their stories and learning about their big dreams.
Round 2 is now open! If you know a young person in care who could use a boost, click here to learn more and apply
Grants for Therapy, Mobility and Wigs
Applications for our Therapy, Mobility and Wig grants are currently closed and will reopen on 1 September 2025. These programs are a vital part of how we help kids gain greater independence, confidence, and comfort.
In the meantime, you can find out more about our grant categories and eligibility on our website.
Variety Heart Scholarships: A Record Year!
We’ve received a record-breaking 147 applications for this year’s Variety Heart Scholarships — the highest number we’ve ever seen! These scholarships help talented kids in sports, education, and the arts to chase their dreams.
Our team is busy reviewing all the incredible applications, and we can’t wait to share the news with successful recipients later this month.
Thank you for being part of the Variety community. Your ongoing support helps us reach more kids and families every day — and we couldn’t do it without you.
Join Us on the Road This August: The Variety B to B Bash
The countdown is on for the 2025 Variety B to B Bash, our iconic fundraising drive from Bomaderry to Blacktown, running 3–13 August! We’ll be hosting the 2025 Variety Family Fun Day in Nowra on Sunday 3 August, and would love to see our Variety families and supporters there!
We’re also hoping to connect with local families in Albury, Mittagong, and Blacktown along the route. If you’d like to share your story with our passionate fundraisers and be part of the Bash spirit, we’d love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] to share your story.
Warmly,
Lara & the Kids Support Team
Variety – the Children’s Charity NSW/ACT
