Poverty in Australia
- What is Poverty? The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) defines the poverty line as half the median household income of the total population.
- Breaking Poverty Podcast Investigates the role of education in breaking poverty in these unprecedented times and safeguarding the future of the next generation.
Our Programs
- Literacy programs Providing resources and support to help disadvantaged children achieve the required reading standard.
- Numeracy programs We support parents and early years educators in developing the maths skills of the children in their care so that they can establish the necessary foundation skills.
- Mentoring programs Mentoring programs for disadvantaged students that give the encouragement they need to build aspirations for their future.
- Technology programs Providing disadvantaged children and young people with the critical skills, access and equipment they need.
- Learning for Life Providing holistic, long-term support for disadvantaged young Australians throughout their education.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students face additional challenges in their journey through and beyond school.
- > View all programs
Get Involved
- Sponsor a child Through sponsorship, you will be matched to an Australian child in need, helping to support the cost of their school essentials.
- Volunteer with us Share your skills to help Australian children in need transform their lives through education.
- Careers We aim to provide a working environment where staff and volunteers have the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.
- Ways to Fundraise Learn about fundraising and give back to the community with The Smith Family.
- Partnerships Learn how your organisation can partner with The Smith Family and help build a better future for Australian children in need.
- VIEW Clubs of Australia Learn about VIEW, a leading women’s volunteer organisation and support network with over 16,000 members, across Australia.
Ways to Give
- Sponsor a child Through sponsorship, you will be matched to an Australian child in need, helping to support the cost of their school essentials.
- Monthly Donor Become a monthly donor and provide continual support throughout all stages of a child’s education.
- Single Donation Your donation will help young Australians in need by providing access to our Learning for Life education support programs.
- A gift in your will Ensure that future generations of Australian children have the support they need to make the most of their education.
- Philanthropic Giving Through your philanthropy, you can ensure that young Australians growing up in poverty get the education they deserve.
- Give toys or books The Toy & Book Appeal is your opportunity to help bring a smile to a child's face this Christmas.
Shop for Gifts
- Joyspreader Charity Gifts Purchase a virtual Charity Gift and support learning and mentoring programs.
- Charity Christmas cards Order your Christmas cards, corporate Christmas cards or e-cards and support The Smith Family.

The Smith Family In the News

As Australia’s largest children’s education charity, we’re often featured in the media.

You can find out more about how we support young people, and our positions on issues affecting students supported by The Smith Family, in the stories below.

If you are a journalist with an enquiry about The Smith Family’s work or would like to interview one of our spokespeople, please email or call.

Michael Tarquinio - 0481 903 439
Caitlin Dickson - 0466 955 633
Sophie Eaton - 0447 571 397

email: media@thesmithfamily.com.au

2021

ABC News – Zahra Khorami’s story 21 June 2021

The Courier Mail – Insights Snapshot and Winter Appeal 13 June 2021

ABC Radio National Breakfast – Insights Snapshot and Winter Appeal 9 June 2021

The Canberra Times - Insights Snapshot and Winter Appeal 9 June 2021

2GB The Ray Hadley Morning Show – Insights Snapshot and Winter Appeal 1 June 2021

Sky News – Insights Snapshot and Winter Appeal 29 May 2021

The Age - Insights Snapshot and Winter Appeal 29 May 2021

The Daily Telegraph and Herald Sun Stellar - Smith Family ambassador Sarah Harris talks to kids about their education 27 February 2021

The Weekend Australian Magazine - Q&A with Dr Lisa O’Brien 13 February 2021

The Australian – Education key to breaking the poverty cycle 11 February

The Sydney Morning Herald - Remote learning exposed Sydney’s digital divide. But not much has changed 7 February 2021

ABC Radio National The Money - Child poverty in Australia 4 February 2021

The Canberra Times - How much it costs to send a child to school in Canberra 29 January 2021

Latest News

The Board of The Smith Family announced today the appointment of Doug Taylor as Chief Executive Officer of The Smith Family, effective from 9 August 2021.

23 Jun 2021

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"In Breaking Poverty I was privileged to meet young people who see higher education as a means of transforming their lives and their communities." - Adam Shand, Host of the Breaking Poverty podcast.

11 Feb 2021

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Over three quarters (76%) of Australians say COVID restrictions imposed during 2020 have made it harder for students, according to a new survey commissioned by The Smith Family.

14 Jan 2021

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The Smith Family In the News

2021

Latest News

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