Around the network

A strong Townsville connection is coming

Priority: Advance notice – National

👓 1 minute read

Next month, an established family agency with 30 years of local history will become First National Townsville.

Led by Director Tracy Crome, Helen Munro Property has grown into a 24-person business providing residential sales and property management services across Townsville. The same ownership, team and local commitment will remain in place, supported by First National’s national resources and cooperative network.

For members, the new office will restore a valuable referral connection in one of regional Queensland’s major centres. Tracy and her team also bring considerable property management experience, a collaborative approach to sales and deep community relationships.

We look forward to introducing First National Townsville properly when the office officially launches next month.

New beginnings through RizeUp partnership

Priority: Community partnership – National

👓 1 minute read

First National’s first year with RizeUp has delivered practical support for families rebuilding after domestic and family violence.

Members helped furnish two homes – one for a mother and her two young children, and another for a woman and her baby. Instead of entering empty properties, both families arrived at homes prepared to provide comfort and stability.

RizeUp supported 15,640 victim-survivors during FY2025/26, including 9,249 children and young people. It also furnished 454 homes for 480 adults and 815 children and young people.

The partnership has included RizeUp’s participation in our National Convention, member involvement in furnishing homes and First National’s Platinum Sponsorship of the RizeUp Gala Ball in September.

👉 READ more about our first year with RizeUp

Taranaki team backs great Kiwi circus

Priority: Community support – New Zealand

👓 1 minute read

First National Collective (Taranaki) is supporting The Great Kiwi Circus as it brings live entertainment to families across New Zealand.

The sponsorship helps create opportunities for children with additional needs and families experiencing disadvantage to enjoy the excitement of a live circus performance.

The Taranaki team chose to support the initiative because of its focus on inclusive, memorable family experiences.

Families who may benefit can request tickets through The Great Kiwi Circus website.

Team tops target despite radiator trouble

Priority: Community fundraising update – AU National

👓 1 minute read

William Bonnici of First National Bonnici & Associates(Wodonga, Beechworth, Thurgoona) and teammate Carey completed their fundraising drive to Darwin, minus a car, after taking part in the Spring Shitbox Rally.

Their 2000 Toyota Corolla, ‘Maureen’, developed a cracked radiator near Timber Creek. After several attempted repairs, the pair completed the final 600 kilometres with their buddy group while Maureen remained behind.

The team raised more than $21,000 for Cancer Council, exceeding its $20,000 target and finishing just outside the rally’s top 10 fundraisers. Collectively, rally participants raised more than $2.5 million for cancer research.

The next challenge is returning Maureen to Wodonga. Albury-Wodonga has also been announced as the starting point for the 2027 Spring Shitbox Rally.

👉 READ more about the Rally

Golden Bay supports Daffodil Day

Priority: Community support – New Zealand

👓 1 minute read

Wet weather did not stop the Golden Bay community from supporting Daffodil Day in Tākaka and Collingwood.

First National Golden Bay (Tākaka) joined local volunteers staffing colourful fundraising tables outside Artisans, Fresh Choice and in Collingwood. Volunteers changed over throughout the day, helping ensure the annual appeal could continue despite the soggy conditions.

Thank you to everyone who donated, volunteered or simply stopped to offer their support.