
When a group of courageous women established a home for abandoned mothers and babies in 1877, they couldn’t have imagined the legacy they were creating. Nearly 150 years later, Berry Street is one of Australia’s largest independent child and family service organisations, driven by the same fierce determination to protect children and strengthen families.
‘From our roots as Berry Street Babies’ Home, our core mission has always been to support children, young people, and families in need,’ says Luke Meney, marketing manager at Berry Street. ‘Over the decades, we’ve evolved to tackle some of society’s most complex challenges — from family violence to trauma recovery and education reform.’
Today, Berry Street’s work is multifaceted, focusing on helping children recover from trauma, providing safe homes for those who can’t live with their families, and supporting adults and children escaping family violence. They’re also pioneering trauma-informed education and offering early intervention to prevent families from reaching crisis points.
But their impact goes beyond what you might expect. For instance, in partnership with the TAC, Berry Street also helps young people in care achieve something many take for granted: getting their driver’s licence. ‘This can be life-changing, especially in regional areas where a licence means access to work, education, and independence,’ Luke explains. Volunteers step in to donate time, enabling young people in care to clock the required learner hours.
Another standout initiative is the Teaching Family Model (TFM), which reimagines residential care for young people who cannot live with their families. ‘Instead of feeling like a facility, TFM homes foster a true family environment,’ Luke says. ‘Staff work tirelessly to instil a sense of belonging and help young people achieve their aspirations — just like any family would.’
This approach is highlighted in Berry Street’s podcast, Stories From Berry Street, where TFM Practitioner Anthony Cupic discusses the transformative power of these family-style environments. ‘It’s a testament to our commitment to not only meeting immediate needs but also creating pathways to brighter futures,’ Luke adds.
While Berry Street’s frontline staff do the heavy lifting, there’s an essential role for public support. Contrary to popular belief, many critical programs rely on fundraising rather than government funding. ‘Without the generosity of donors, we couldn’t provide the life-changing support that’s so desperately needed,’ Luke says.
Looking ahead, Berry Street is focused on continuing its vital work while innovating to meet the evolving needs of vulnerable children and families. A key initiative is piloting the Professional Individualised Care (PIC) program in Victoria. ‘Currently, the out-of-home care system in Victoria is under tremendous strain from the number of children and young people needing care,’ explains Luke. ‘PIC is a model where professionals, such as social workers and child psychologists, provide full-time care for one young person. The model has had great success in Germany and NSW, and we’re seeing high levels of interest from professionals who want to make a positive impact.’
This model is part of Berry Street’s ongoing efforts to adapt to the increasing complexity of needs in the out-of-home care sector. With no signs of slowing down, the organisation is committed to offering the best possible care and support to those who need it most, ensuring that young people have the tools and opportunities to thrive.
Overall, Berry Street’s message is clear: societal change starts with honesty and action. ‘The stories we tell are real — they’re happening in our communities, maybe even next door. By shining a light on these issues, we aim to inspire hope and drive the change needed to build safer, stronger futures for all.’