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Here you can find the latest Smith Family media releases and news clippings. You can also check out our regular newsletter, fast facts, our speeches and articles, plus read student and family profiles.

All media enquiries should be directed to our PR and Media Advisors.

If you're a member of the media or you're simply looking for up to date news, this is a great place to start.

The Smith Family welcomes strong education focus in budget

Published: 15 May 2013
"The Smith Family applauds the Federal Government's commitment to invest in a crucial needs-based school funding model to ensure no Australian child is left behind because of their background and circumstances."

VIEW reaches major milestone of sponsoring 1,000 disadvantaged students

Published: 2 May 2013
VIEW Clubs of Australia is celebrating reaching their goal of sponsoring 1,000 Learning for Life students - a significant achievement and a milestone in the history of the relationship between VIEW and The Smith Family. VIEW is proud to now be The Smith Family's single biggest sponsor of disadvantaged Australian students.

NGO leaders congratulate Premier Barry O’Farrell now want others to step up

Published: 23 April 2013
Fifteen of Australia's leading non-government community organisations have unanimously commended the Premier of NSW for his leadership in signing the National Education Reform Agreement and for putting the interests of NSW's young people first.

NGO leaders unite for disadvantaged students, calling on COAG to act

Published: 15 April 2013
Fifteen of Australia's leading non-government community organisations united for the first time today to sign an open letter to COAG calling on state, territory and federal governments to put aside their political differences and put students first.

Some progress for Australian children but much more still to do

Published: 12 April 2013
The Smith Family's Head of Research and Advocacy, Anne Hampshire, responds to the April 2013 release of Australian Early Development Index (AEDI) data. The Smith Family has welcomed the data showing improvements in some key areas of children's development, but has urged all governments to move quickly to implement a new system of school funding based on student need.

VIEW commemorates International Women’s Day

Published: 4 March 2013
Up to 300 women from VIEW Clubs of Australia will be joined by the Hon Shelley Hancock MP, Speaker of NSW Legislative Assembly and Ms Natasha Maclaren-Jones MLC, to commemorate International Women's Day at a luncheon on Friday 8th March at NSW Parliament House in Sydney

Time to act on Gonski

Published: 7 February 2013
The Smith Family believes education is the future for our children and has been a signatory on an open letter to the Prime Minister, State Premiers and Territory Chief Ministers to act on Gonski. Below is the letter that highlights the extra support our disadvantaged children need with their education, that was published in today's Sydney Morning Herald on page 9.

Almost one in two Australians believe ‘education’ key to break poverty cycle

Published: 24 January 2013
A recent Newspoll survey has found that 46 percent of people believe 'education' is the key to breaking the poverty cycle and it gives disadvantaged children a chance of a better future. The Smith Family understands the long-term benefits of education and has launched its Back to School Sponsorship Drive to find sponsors to help the 575,000 Australian children living under the poverty line.

The Smith Family forced to extend Christmas Appeal

Published: 7 January 2013
The Smith Family has had to extend its Christmas Appeal to the end of January 2013 in a desperate effort to meet its $4.65 million target to help raise funds for the 11,500 disadvantaged children it supports throughout the year. It still needs to raise just under $1million and is pleading with all Australians to make urgent donations online on www.thesmithfamily.com.au or by calling 1800 024 069.

Research finds kids learn life lessons about money from parents who save

Published: 6 December 2012
Latest report finds 81% of Saver Plus participants encourage children to save. Saver Plus, the financial education and matched savings program developed by the Brotherhood of St Laurence and ANZ, is encouraging a new generation of children to save. This was one of the outcomes identified in new research launched in Melbourne today, Wednesday 5 December, by the Hon Jenny Macklin, Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.

Little Aussie heroes need help this Christmas

Published: 5 December 2012
This week, The Smith Family launches its Christmas Appeal which aims to raise $4.65 million by 31 December. This will help provide 11,500 disadvantaged Aussie children and young people with the assistance they need to keep up at school and stay engaged in their education.

Education Bill omits non-profits as key partner in improving educational outcomes

Published: 29 November 2012
A national coalition of non-profit organisations has welcomed the Australian Education Bill 2012 introduced in federal parliament on Wednesday given its commitment to both a high quality and high equity schooling system and the allocation of funding based on student need. The coalition is calling on the Commonwealth and State and Territory governments to work expeditiously to realise the intent of the Bill.

The Smith Family launches Toy & Book Appeal calling for gifts to help Aussie kids in need share the joy of Christmas

Published: 19 November 2012
As The Smith Family celebrates 90 years of helping Australians in need, it is collecting thousands of new toys and books for its annual Toy & Book Appeal to be delivered to financially disadvantaged children in time for Christmas.

The Governor General of Australia to meet students supported by The Smith Family

Published: 23 October 2012
During Children's Week, Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO, Governor-General of Australia, will meet with 12 students currently attending Chifley College, to get an insight into the support that is helping the students achieve their educational aspirations.

THE SMITH FAMILY CELEBRATES 90 YEARS OF CHANGING LIVES

Published: 12 September 2012
This month, The Smith Family is proudly celebrating its 90th birthday and is marking its evolution into the largest education-oriented children's charity in Australia supporting over 100,000 Australians each year. Far from slowing down, the charity is announcing a bold new strategy to double its reach to disadvantaged children, young people and their families.

Joint action urgently needed to lift Australia's educational performance

Published: 3 September 2012
The Smith Family today welcomed the Commonwealth Government's commitment to extra funding for schools but urged it and State and Territory governments to work expeditiously to finalise a new funding model to lift Australia's educational performance.

The Smith Family announces a new partnership with Illawarra Coal to benefit children in Southern Wollongong

Published: 30 August 2012
At Warrawong High School today, The Smith Family launched a major partnership with Illawarra Coal which will help it offer support for children in need through The Smith Family's program, Learning for Life.

Technology key in bridging education and literacy gap in disadvantaged communities

Published: 29 August 2012
Research from Optus reveals the vital role technology plays in improving the lives of disadvantaged communities

The burden of poverty: kids missing out to protect their parents

Published: 8 August 2012
Economically disadvantaged young people suppress their own needs to protect their parents from social stigma, missing out on crucial educational and social opportunities, a University of New South Wales study has found.

Media releases

Read our media releases to keep on top of all our news.

Saver Plus recognised as an outstanding financial literacy program

Published: 5 September 2012
The Saver Plus program won an 'Outstanding' MoneySmart Week Award in the Community category at an official event in Sydney on Monday 3 September.

STUDENTS MEET THEIR MENTORS

Published: 27 July 2012
Twenty nine Year 10 Midland students who have been corresponding online with mentors through The Smith Family's iTrack program since the end of April, will meet face to face with their mentors for the second time on Thursday 26 July at ConocoPhillips in West Perth.

The Smith Family and AGL join forces

Published: 4 June 2012
A six-year partnership between The Smith Family and AGL Energy Ltd (AGL) will boost support for more than 300 disadvantaged Australian children in New South Wales and Victoria.

The Smith Family’s response to the Federal Government’s 2012 Budget

Published: 10 May 2012
The Smith Family Chief Executive Officer, Dr Lisa O'Brien responds to the Federal Government's 2012 Budget Announcement in relation to the Schoolkids Bonus scheme.

Celebrities relive school days to support kids in need

Published: 4 April 2012
The Smith Family's annual Back 2 School Day fundraiser will launch today with celebrities including Miranda Otto, Natalie Gruzlewski and Sydney Kings NBL players reliving their school days, as Wynyard Park in Sydney's CBD is transformed into a school yard.

FINANCIAL LITERACY COURSE HELPS HUME FAMILIES HANDLE CASH WITH CARE

Published: 3 April 2012
Hume families are getting tips on how to manage money, establish good savings habits, and avoid financial traps in a five-week course delivered by The Smith Family.

CENTRAL COAST FAMILIES ENTER THE DIGITAL AGE

Published: 28 March 2012
Only 47 per cent of financially disadvantaged families have access to a computer at home, compared with 89 per cent in higher income earning groups, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

30 Corporate executives take on Hawkesbury wilderness in race to help Aussie kids in need

Published: 23 March 2012
Thirty corporate executives are preparing to put their fitness to the test to conquer the mighty Hawkesbury to raise $300,000 for Aussie kids in need.

WERRIBEE VOLUNTEERS TO HELP STUDENTS MAKE THEIR MARK AT SCHOOL

Published: 21 March 2012
A Learning Club that gives Werribee students from diverse backgrounds access to free tutors is looking for community support to allow it to continue.

The Smith Family invites you to Government House Open Day

Published: 16 March 2012
Canberra residents are invited to enjoy a fun family day out at Government House Open Day on Sunday 18th March.

INDIGENOUS STUDENTS PURSUING THEIR DREAMS WITH THE SMITH FAMILY

Published: 16 March 2012
Indigenous students are being given the opportunity to pursue their dreams in sport, dance, music, art or drama as part of a successful partnership between The Smith Family and Bairnsdale Secondary College.

Victorian students celebrate graduation

Published: 20 February 2012
More than 100 Victorian students who have triumphed over adversity to graduate secondary school and tertiary education will be honored by The Smith Family at the State Library of Victoria tonight.

NORTH ADELAIDE SA’S MOST GENEROUS SUBURB

Published: 13 February 2012
North Adelaide residents are helping to realise the dreams of hundreds of disadvantaged Australian children returning to school this year, with The Smith Family's revenue data revealing the suburb as being home to the biggest number of givers in South Australia.

Back to School sees increase in demand for Charity support

Published: 10 February 2012
Wiley Park-based Learning for Life Worker with The Smith Family, Geoffrey Mugi, is experiencing an influx of calls ahead of the back-to-school period, as parents grapple with the reality of having to send their children to school without the most basic educational resources.

One in 10 Aussie kids start school on the back foot

Published: 1 February 2012
The largest charitable provider of sponsorships for disadvantaged Australian children, The Smith Family, is bracing for an influx of calls ahead of the back-to-school period, as parents grapple with the reality of having to send their children to school without the most basic educational resources.

Celebrating inspiring contributions of volunteers

Published: 26 January 2012
Australia Day has become synonymous with recognising the contribution of ordinary Australians making a difference and provides an opportunity for The Smith Family to celebrate the contributions of all its volunteers who last year contributed in excess of 304.958 hours, valued at $8.5 million.

The Smith Family’s Christmas Appeal $1.9 million short of target

Published: 19 December 2011
With just days until Christmas, donations to The Smith Family's Christmas Appeal are still 49% ($1.9 million) short of reaching the national $4 million target.

THE SMITH FAMILY LAUNCHES 2011 CHRISTMAS APPEAL IN SA

Published: 24 November 2011
The Smith Family's 2011 Christmas Appeal will receive a $25,000 kick start courtesy of the South Australian Government when Premier Jay Weatherill presides over the Appeal launch on Tuesday 22 November at 4.30pm at the Port Adelaide Football Club.

QLD PREMIER LAUNCHES THE SMITH FAMILY’S CHRISTMAS APPEAL WITH $100,000 DONATION

Published: 22 November 2011
The Premier will officially launch The Smith Family's Christmas Appeal today (Tuesday 22 November) at Parliament House with a $100,000 cheque to get it off to a strong start. The Premier will also appeal to Queenslanders to give what they can to ensure that children in need don't miss out.

Some progress but more effort from all required

Published: 10 November 2011
The Smith Family has welcomed the release of the COAG Reform Council's Education 2010 report.

STUDENTS GIVEN SUPPORT TO SUCCEED IN THE NT

Published: 4 November 2011
A three year research project to explore Northern Territory Indigenous parents' attitudes to school and education will culminate in the release of the Parent-School Engagement Report on Thursday 3 November.

STATEMENT FROM THE SMITH FAMILY: NON-WOVEN TEXTILE OPERATION

Published: 2 November 2011
On 4 July 2011 The Smith Family sold the Non-Woven Textile Operation to United Bonded Fabrics (UBF). While The Smith Family still runs the Clothing Recycling Operation, it no longer owns or controls the Non-Woven Textile Operation.

Mallesons backs aspiring students

Published: 28 October 2011
Mallesons Stephen Jaques, a leading law firm in the Asian region, has launched a national scholarship program designed to help disadvantaged students achieve their tertiary education goals.

Opportunity for Young People to achieve Money for Life

Published: 21 October 2011
The Smith Family and the Citi Foundation will partner to deliver the first accredited course in financial literacy to students in New South Wales and Victoria as part of a commitment to improving financial literacy outcomes for disadvantaged children.

Young art students explore creativity at SCA and MCA

Published: 7 October 2011
Twelve aspiring high school art students take part in a special four day art-making workshop hosted by the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) and Sydney College of the Arts (SCA) from October 4 - 7.

New research shows matched savings program builds a lasting savings habit and financial confidence

Published: 28 September 2011
ANZ and the Brotherhood of St Laurence today released new research which shows 87 per cent of Saver Plus participants continue to save at the same rate or more, two years after completing the program.

Better futures for local families (media release issued by Australian Government)

Published: 23 September 2011
Families in and around Bankstown will have extra help to provide a safe, happy and healthy environment for their children.

Xstrata Coal and The Smith Family give Toowoomba kids a boost

Published: 1 September 2011
Xstrata Coal has boosted its community involvement in Toowoomba through a funding commitment to The Smith Family of $690,000. The support will help The Smith Family to increase learning opportunities for disadvantaged children across Queensland.

Partnership to boost educational outcomes in Adelaide’s north

Published: 31 August 2011
The University of Adelaide and children's charity The Smith Family are today signing a new partnership agreement aimed at improving educational outcomes within South Australia's disadvantaged communities.

New relationship with ANU helps disadvantaged kids with education

Published: 10 August 2011
A new relationship between The Australian National University and The Smith Family will improve educational opportunities and increase access to university for young Australians from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Mobile technology to aid children’s literacy with The Smith Family and Optus partnership

Published: 3 August 2011
The Smith Family's peer-to-peer reading program, student2student, is going mobile to help more children from disadvantaged backgrounds across regional Australia improve their literacy thanks to an extended partnership with Optus.

The Smith Family Thanks Australia

Published: 1 August 2011
Thanks to the generous support from caring Australians across the country, The Smith Family has now reached its $4 million target for the 2011 Winter Appeal.

Opportunity for young people to get their finances on track with workshops and mentor support

Published: 14 July 2011
The Smith Family is issuing a call to young people in and around Ballarat who are interested in improving their financial decision-making skills by participating in new program called 'Money for Wellbeing'.

Launch of new health and wellbeing program for pre-school children

Published: 7 July 2011
A new health literacy program called Ready Set Go will be launched on Thursday 7th July, at O'Sullivan Beach Children's Centre. The program is aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of pre-school children and their families.

University Experience Day Opens Doors for 400 Teenagers Across New South Wales

Published: 30 June 2011
This Thursday (30 June) the University of Sydney, in partnership with The Smith Family, is hosting an University Experience Day for more than 400 Year 9 and 10 students from different schools located across the state, many of whom have never considered tertiary education as an option.

New Literacy Program for Babies and Toddlers in Claymore

Published: 28 June 2011
The Smith Family Claymore will introduce a new early childhood literacy program on 28 June, called Let's Read, that encourages parents to read aloud to their children from as young as four months.

Young leaders set sights high

Published: 23 June 2011
Thirty young students selected by The Smith Family attended Outward Bound's fifth annual National Aspiring Leaders Summit 2011 last week, a unique eight day leadership event held at Outward Bound Australia's national base in Canberra.

Thousands of Aussie Children Set To Miss Out As The Smith Family Winter Appeal Experiences Donation Shortfall With Only One Week To Go

Published: 23 June 2011
With only one week to go before 30 June, donations to The Smith Family's Winter Appeal are still $1.5 million short of reaching the national fundraising target of $4 million and Australians are now more than ever, being urged to open their hearts and dig deep to donate.

Holden and The Smith Family Celebrate 10 Years With a New Partnership

Published: 16 June 2011
Holden and The Smith Family celebrated 10 years of working together by announcing a new partnership program today at Karama Primary School in the Northern Territory with a little help from some friends.

Students Learn Positive Money Saving Habits

Published: 2 June 2011
Nineteen young people from the Gold Coast celebrated this week after completing their Certificate 1 in Financial Services as part of 'Money for Wellbeing', a new education program developed by The Smith Family in partnership with AXA Asia Pacific.

THE SMITH FAMILY INCREASES SUPPORT AND RECOGNITION FOR INDIGENOUS FAMILIES

Published: 1 June 2011
The Smith Family's first Reconciliation Action Plan was launched in Melbourne with help from Alice Springs teenagers from the charity's acclaimed Girls at the Centre program.

The Smith Family sale of the Nonwoven Textile Operation to United Bonded Fabrics

Published: 23 May 2011
The Smith Family has announced today (23 May 2011) that the Nonwoven Textile Operation of its Commercial Enterprise has been acquired by United Bonded Fabrics Pty Ltd (UBF).

The Smith Family shines the spotlight on disadvantaged children

Published: 23 May 2011
The Smith Family has launched its Winter Appeal with the aim of reaching its $4 million fundraising target by 30 June 2011 and in the process, hopes to shine the spotlight on the plight of disadvantaged Australian children who are currently out of sight, out of mind, vulnerable, isolated and missing out.

The Smith Family introduces new literacy program for babies and toddlers in Roebourne

Published: 17 May 2011
The Smith Family Roebourne will be introducing a new early childhood literacy program tomorrow, 17 May 2011 called Let's Read, that encourages parents to read aloud to their children from as young as four months.

The Smith Family celebrates the inspiring contributions of volunteers

Published: 9 May 2011
Across the country more than 6,700 Australians are generously donating their time and talent to The Smith Family in an effort to help many thousands of disadvantaged Australian children.

Young art students explore creativity at MCA and SCA

Published: 15 April 2011
Twelve aspiring high school art students will take inspiration from artists including Annie Leibovitz and Simryn Gill as part of a special four day art-making workshop hosted by the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) and Sydney College of the Arts (SCA) from April 12-15.

New Learning Club helps Logan students with their homework

Published: 6 April 2011
Logan students in Year 3 can now receive homework help after school hours, thanks to a new Learning Club launched by The Smith Family.

Mathletics makes math fun for Karratha students

Published: 6 April 2011
The Smith Family, in partnership with Mc Connell Dowell, is facilitating the delivery the Mathletics program to help improve the numeracy skills of pre-primary to high school students in Karratha.

Aussies lining up to celebrate their past and change a child’s future

Published: 31 March 2011
On April 8 the first Back 2 School Day Events will break out across the country unleashing the big kid in all of us and raising funds to help disadvantaged Aussie kids transform their lives through education.

James M. Millar appointed Chair of The Smith Family

Published: 25 March 2011
The Smith Family has announced that James M. Millar has been appointed the new Chair of the organisation.

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