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First National lends a hand to families starting over

👓 1.5 minute read

First National’s National Support Office (NSO) stepped up to the plate with RizeUp Australia last week, in a pilot designed to demonstrate how members may be able to assist locally — from time to time.

Six NSO volunteers completed police checks as part of the preparatory process, then joined hands with RizeUp coordinators to help assemble furniture and set up a new household for a family breaking from the cycle of domestic violence and starting again. 

Observing the essential precautions concerning photography, designed to protect the anonymity of the location and its future residents, the entire home was set up in a little under four hours. The team created bedrooms with toys chosen specifically based on their passions, bathrooms filled with essentials and a kitchen ready for their next family meal. 

The experience offered NSO staff a first-hand appreciation of the meaningful difference RizeUp’s work makes in the lives of families starting anew. 

The partnership pilot has now paved the way for similar opportunities across the network, giving members a clear pathway to support those starting again after domestic violence through practical, hands-on assistance.

As one participant noted, it was ‘a powerful reminder that the work we do in property can help people rebuild not just homes, but lives.’