Our Story

Southlake's Incorporated was founded in 2013 in response to a significant change in Australia's social welfare system. When the government reduced the Sole Parents Pension age requirement from 16 to 8 years old, we knew our community would be severely impacted. The Southlake area had a high percentage of sole parent families, and we recognized the urgent need for support.

On our opening week, we helped just 18 people. Today, we support thousands of people every single week across Australia through our comprehensive outreach programs. This growth reflects our unwavering commitment to lifting vulnerable communities out of hardship and fostering dignity for all.

Our Mission

To provide urgent response respite experiences and support to those affected by economic disadvantage with young children, enabling their families to access essential resources for rest and connection. We are dedicated to improving the lives of people experiencing social disadvantage or crisis, helping them build resilience, stability, and long-term wellbeing.

Our Vision

A community where every person affected by hardship and disadvantage has access to essential resources and support as fundamental ingredients for their recovery and dignity.

Our Values

  • Compassion

    We approach every person with empathy, understanding, and genuine care for their wellbeing and dignity.

  • Accessibility

    Essential support should be available to everyone in need. We remove barriers to ensure equitable access.

  • Community Partnerships

    We believe in the power of collaboration with partners like OzHarvest, Second Bite, and Foodbank to amplify our impact.

  • Innovation

    Our Community Hair Project represents our commitment to meeting people's needs in creative, dignifying ways.

  • Impact

    We focus on delivering real, measurable change that helps people build stability and long-term wellbeing.

Our Reach Across NSW

Based in Cooranbong, we function as a vital hub for communities across New South Wales. We support organisations and individuals in:

Lake Macquarie, Central Coast, Port Macquarie, Forster, Coffs Harbour, Nowra, Wollongong, Bega, Gilgandra, Coonamble, Taree, and Broken Hill

Key Achievements

  • Fed over 1 million people across Australia
  • Rescued and redistributed 450,000+ tonnes of food
  • Provided over 60,000 free professional haircuts through our Community Hair Project
  • Expanded from helping 18 people in our first week to thousands every week
  • Built strong partnerships with major organisations including OzHarvest, Foodbank, Second Bite, and more
  • Established as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR), meaning donations over $2 are tax-deductible