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Read the latest news on activities, events and happenings plus our breaking news.
Investing in kids’ potential should be nation’s goal
My generation was fortunate enough to live in Australia at a time of unprecedented growth and rising living standards. The middle class was granted almost total...
11 February, 2021
New survey reveals Australians expect child poverty to worsen as concerns persist around COVID’s impact on the education of young people in need
Over three quarters (76%) of Australians say COVID restrictions imposed during 2020 have made it harder for students.
14 January, 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic – 9 months on: The Smith Family uncovers compounding challenges for families living in disadvantage
Children’s education charity, The Smith Family, is highlighting significant ongoing concerns around the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students and families...
19 November, 2020
Landmark study reveals entrenched inequality, with the education system failing to meet national goals
Australia’s education system is failing up to one in three children and young people, according to the first major study to assess progress against our current...
28 October, 2020
New Breaking Poverty podcast
Investigative journalist Adam Shand has taken a look at what is really happening in Australia and explores
how education is playing a important role in helping...
06 October, 2020
Media Releases
Read our media releases to keep on top of all our news.
December
Educational achievements of young Indigenous leaders recognised
The educational achievements of 56 of Australia’s future Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders were celebrated on the weekend at The Smith...
10 December, 2018
November
The Conversation: one in five NSW high school kids suffers 'severe' deprivation of life's essentials
It's tough for any high school student these days. Social media, the uncertainties of adolescence, trying to fit in - trying to figure out who you are.
26 November, 2018
New report sheds light on young Australians and poverty
A pioneering study exploring poverty and disadvantage through the lens of young Australians has found a significant number are missing out on items and...
26 November, 2018
Community urged to 'Share Christmas' to help a child in need
This festive season, Studio 10 co–host and The Smith Family ambassador Sarah Harris is urging the community to share their Christmas giving and help young...
14 November, 2018
October
"Unacceptable" number of children in Poverty: The Smith Family
Commenting on the Poverty in Australia 2018 report published today by the Australian Council of Social Service in partnership with the University of New South...
16 October, 2018
Budding young artists travel to Sydney to explore creative talents and career paths
Twelve talented young artists from regional and outer suburban communities in NSW and ACT will travel to Sydney during the October school holidays for a unique...
02 October, 2018
September
By investing in a child’s education, we can break the cycle of poverty
The Smith Family CEO Dr Lisa O’Brien reflects on the extent of child poverty in Australia and says supporting children from disadvantaged backgrounds to...
24 September, 2018
Changing children's lives in a day - Around the Bay
More than 10,000 cyclists from across Australia are expected to come together on 7 October 2018 for Australia's biggest bike ride – United Energy's Around the...
17 September, 2018
Five amazing facts about the benefits of reading
With Australian Reading Hour taking place on Thursday 20 September, people are being urged to pick up a book for an hour – either on their own or with their...
17 September, 2018
Indigenous students join forces for a better education
Indigenous students from across the country have come together at Sydney Olympic Park in NSW for ‘The Gathering’, an annual event connecting Aboriginal and...
11 September, 2018
July
The Smith Family's excellence in innovation recognised in 2018 AFR Most Innovative Companies List
Today, The Smith Family was honoured to be recognised as one of Australia and New Zealand's Most Innovative Companies.
31 July, 2018
NAIDOC Week celebrating emerging leaders among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls
During NAIDOC Week (8-15 July), children’s education charity The Smith Family is celebrating the educational achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait...
08 July, 2018
NAIDOC 2018: Making the most of your education
Schools in remote communities need better resources but having a good education also comes down to how much you're willing to put in, writes Year 11 student...
05 July, 2018
June
CEDA: Are disadvantaged young Australians at risk of being excluded from future jobs?
The world of work is changing rapidly with many jobs of the future yet to be imagined. It’s a massive shift for our economy and, in particular, for our...
25 June, 2018
Urgent funding needed for education support programs to help disadvantaged children stay at school
The Smith Family launches Winter Appeal to raise $4.1m for Australian children in need by 30 June.
05 June, 2018
May
Volunteers helping to transform the lives of children in need through education
It can take as little as an hour a week of someone’s time to help a child succeed at school – and for thousands of disadvantaged children across...
17 May, 2018
April
New Gonski report: Welcome focus on parental engagement and building evidence base to improve student outcomes
The Smith Family, Australia’s largest children’s education charity, welcomes the focus on parental engagement and the fast-tracking of a national Unique Student...
30 April, 2018
CEDA: New evidence to break the cycle of educational disadvantage
Australian children from low-socioeconomic backgrounds are at risk of poor educational outcomes from their first year of school.
27 April, 2018
The Smith Family launches in Gladstone to help local children and their families
Today The Smith Family has officially launched its Learning for Life education support program in Gladstone, Queensland.
16 April, 2018
Australian Financial Review: Time for the Unique Student Identifier
Each year in Australia, billions of dollars and a massive effort from individuals and organisations are invested in school education. But to what end?
09 April, 2018
March
Smith Family report finds new evidence to help children at risk of leaving school early
Groundbreaking research by children’s education charity The Smith Family has shown school attendance rates in Year 7 can predict students at risk of not...
26 March, 2018
The Conversation: Low attendance in Year 7 may mean you are less likely to finish school
A study of more than 30,000 students has confirmed the link between improving school attendance rates in Year 7 and the likelihood of completing high school.
26 March, 2018
February
Why I became a sponsor with The Smith Family
Renowned educational researcher Dr Sue Thomson shares her personal story of supporting a disadvantaged student to thrive in their education…
28 February, 2018
January
Back to school costs add up for low income families
Children’s education charity The Smith Family launches its Back to School Sponsorship Appeal.
16 January, 2018
Media Enquiries
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 439Caitlin Dickson - 0466 955 633
Natasha Surdich - 0431 525 989
email: media@thesmithfamily.com.au