An independent evaluation of the Safer Children, Safer Communities program called the "Catalysts for Change: an evaluation of place-based partnerships to improve children's safety in three Australian states" captured the experiences and outcomes of programs delivered across three communities, highlighting what works and the lessons that can help shape future initiatives.
View the evaluation report here
View the executive summary here
Every community knows its children best. When local people are trusted to lead, supported with the right resources and given the flexibility to respond to local needs, meaningful change can happen.
That’s exactly what the Safer Children, Safer Communities program set out to do.
Delivered by local organisations in Condobolin, Caboolture and Port Augusta, and supported by The Benevolent Society and funded by Westpac, the program helped children, young people and families strengthen their connections to school, culture, family and community through initiatives designed by the communities themselves.
An independent evaluation by Aboriginal-led agency Outpost Consulting found these community-led approaches made a real difference. By building trusted relationships and responding to local priorities, the program helped children reconnect with education and created stronger support networks for families. In one community, school attendance increased from as low as 11–20% to an impressive 96% within just a few months.
The impact extended well beyond the classroom. Families felt more connected to schools and local services, communities reported stronger cultural connections and greater pride, and local organisations worked more closely together to support children and families.
As Benevolent’s Executive Director, Child, Youth & Family, Linda Griffiths, explains, “Children’s safety and wellbeing are strengthened when communities are trusted to design responses that reflect local strengths, cultural knowledge and lived experience.”
The evaluation also reinforced some important lessons for the future. Investing in trusted local organisations, recognising practical supports like transport and meals, creating opportunities to learn from one another, and planning for long-term sustainability all help community-led programs succeed.
We’re proud to have partnered with Central West Family Support Group, Wiradjuri Condobolin Corporation, Mission Australia, Youth Insearch, Port Augusta City Council and Kornar Winmil Yunti Aboriginal Corporation to deliver this work.
The evaluation is a powerful reminder that lasting change doesn’t come from one-size-fits-all solutions. It comes from listening, building trust and backing communities to lead the way. And when that happens, children, families and communities all benefit.
To review the individual reports of the participating community partners, please visit their respective websites using the links below:
To learn more about the project and its impact, explore the videos below from Port Augusta City Council, a community partner participating in the project.