A Boost for the Next Generation: PAYCE Foundation supports mentorship program growth

A youth mentorship program is delivering exceptional support in the Southern Highlands of NSW, thanks in part to a $20,000 donation from the PAYCE Foundation.

Raise Youth Mentoring Program, supported locally by the Southern Highlands Community Foundation (SHCF), is a national not-for-profit providing early-intervention, school-based mentoring to young people facing rising pressures such as loneliness, financial hardship, and mental health.

Research shows that a caring, non-parental Mentor helps teens build resilience, belonging, and hope for the future.

SHCF Chair Jennifer Bott AO said the partnership with PAYCE Foundation has been vital in both raising awareness and driving “real and lasting change”.

“Together we’ve provided confidence, hope, and mentors to those who need them most, creating a powerful community of support,” she said.

“It means the world to us, and it makes the world of difference.”

In 2025, Raise successfully delivered 189 programs to 173 schools across the country, supporting 2,753 mentees, while also launching Raise Digital – a national online mentoring platform.

Bott said Raise mentoring achieved “statistically significant impact” for young people in all four key outcome areas: help seeking, resilience, school engagement and hope for the future.

“Everything we do is about improving outcomes for young people,” she said.

“And this year has continued to show consistent impact in the lives of the young people in our programs.”

Raise mentors are matched with students who have weekly one-on-one sessions for 23 weeks, concluding with a graduation celebration.

The program’s curriculum is designed to strengthen the mentor-student relationship while building key skills in mental health support, social and emotional wellbeing, and school engagement.

Curriculum topics align with the Australian Student Wellbeing Framework and cover areas such as identity, help-seeking, goal setting, resilience, future planning, community connection, and job-seeking.

“Looking ahead, we’re thrilled to embark on new initiatives together, further empowering and uplifting the next generation,” Bott said.

PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan said supporting young people helps strengthen local communities.

“Youth wellbeing ensures young people can participate fully in their communities and are more likely to transition successfully into adulthood,” he said.

“We want to ensure younger generations have the opportunity to make real, positive change, which has a ripple effect into future years.”

Sullivan said the PAYCE Foundation, which is a major supporter of the Southern Highlands Community Foundation, looks forward to seeing Raise continue its impact on young Australians.

“We’re happy to be a part of the important work Raise and the Southern Highlands Community Foundation are doing,” he said.

From many roles to one farewell: Leonie Oakes takes a bow

No job description has ever been broad enough for Leonie Oakes.

She’s a case worker, a psychologist, and a group driver for the Sydney Street Choir.

“When I joined six and a half years ago, it was a very different choir,” the Social Welfare Worker said.

“My role has grown so much because I’ve just kind of tried to respond to what the choir wants.”

But this week, Oakes steps down from her position, becoming one more member of the singing community she helped shape.

The Scientific Officer at the University of New South Wales began her role with the choir in 2018 while searching for full-time work.

It would only be for six months, she thought.

“I just couldn’t leave,” Oakes said, laughing.

“It just sort of draws you in.”

She remained fluid over the years, happily morphing into any role her choir members needed, Oakes explained.

“Sometimes I’m walking into housing with people. Sometimes I’m going to a doctor’s appointment, or going to the courts,” she said.

“I just learned so much.”

And much like her role itself, the Sydney Street Choir also took on many forms.

“It was always changing all the time because the choir had different issues,” Oakes said.

“Originally, we just met and we sang. But they kept on saying, ‘Oh, can we kind of chat? Can we do more things?’

“So, over the years, we’ve tried to make the choir a much more, bigger family and they’ve responded very well to that.”

Oakes had many achievements in her time with the choir. One of her favourites was bringing in more women, which is now split evenly, 50-50, she said.

But her proudest was surviving COVID.

“Choir on Zoom is the worst thing,” Oakes said, jokingly.

“When vaccines became available, our choir instantly went. They knew about vaccines and they all went and got vaccinated really quickly.”

While the choir grew and changed throughout the years, Oakes said it always held one definitive characteristic: community.

“It’s sort of taken on a life of its own. The choir has really grown and supported each other.”

Oakes recalled a moment which reflects just this.

It was two years ago, she said, when one choir member became ill and had little time left to live.

“It was Christmas, and my phone was off. So, the choir decided they would be there to support her in her final moments.

“Everybody in the choir pulled together and made sure she had food, visited her once… twice… three times a day, called doctors, called ambulance, contacted her family.

“By the time I came back to work, she had passed.”

It was a sad experience, but a meaningful one to Oakes. It showed the strength of community among members, whether she was there or not.

“They had supported her,” Oakes said.

“The choir was there.”

Though members had created a community amongst themselves, Oakes thanked the PAYCE Foundation for making it all possible.

“PAYCE was always so open to things we were doing,” she said.

“The choir has evolved and changed, and they’ve been lovely about that. They’d tell me to keep going – the big picture is about community and involving people.”

While Oakes departs from her position with the choir this year, she said she will return to take part in some rehearsals.

“I can’t leave them. They are such extraordinary people that come from so many different backgrounds and they’re so supportive of each other,” she said.

“It’s really lovely being with them.”

The role was funded by the Sydney Street Choir Corporate Challenge – the brainchild of the PAYCE Foundation.

Christmas time to remember those less fortunate

Christmas is often described as a season of joy, but for many people it can be the saddest and loneliest time of the year.

In New South Wales, thousands of people will be homeless on Christmas day, and countless others face isolation, hunger and financial hardship.

This sadly includes increasing numbers of young people, women and those that have never needed assistance before.

At the PAYCE Foundation, we believe no one should feel forgotten at Christmas.

That is why we proudly partner with charities making a real difference on the frontline Vinnies, End Street Sleeping Collaboration, Sydney Street Choir, Thread Together and St Merkorious Charity.

These organisations provide food, clothing, support, connection and dignity to people who need it most.

Their work reminds us what the season is truly about: compassion and community.

If you are able, we encourage you to help these remarkable charities anyway you can so they can continue their vital work.

Sydney Street Choir enjoy Christmas lunch with PAYCE Foundation

The Sydney Street Choir gathered this week for a Christmas lunch prepared and served up by the PAYCE Foundation and St. Merkorious Charity.

The groups met at Redfern Oval on Tuesday afternoon as part of an annual tradition of celebration, PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan said.

“They bring so much joy to this city. They’re a real community who take care of each other,” he said.

“And so for us, it was an opportunity with St. Merkorious to provide a Christmas lunch for them.”

The Sydney Street Choir is a supportive musical community for people experiencing homelessness, mental illness, or other social disadvantage. The Choir is the nation’s longest running street choir.

Founded in 2001, the choir uses music to empower members, build community and provide support, with members meeting weekly for rehearsals and performances.

Mr Sullivan said the group has grown from strength to strength over the years.

“There were over 50 people here today,” he said.

“This is a real opportunity to show our support for the choir.”

The Redfern Oval echoed this week with songs ranging from classic 80’s music to cheery Christmas carols.

Following rehearsals, the choir enjoyed a hot meal complete with Christmas poppers and paper hats.

PAYCE Foundation Tony Wishart said it was a great opportunity to spend time with the choir.

“It’s really good for our team to see the choir really enjoying themselves,” he said.

“PAYCE Foundation has been supporting them for many years, but to actually see the impact, it’s important.”

Wishart said the Foundation team members also enjoyed seeing the growth of the choir, which includes the addition of a new musical director who brings “great energy” to rehearsals, together with a new social worker.

“It’s wonderful to see how the Choir has grown and strengthened over the years. It feels like it’s constantly improving,” he said.

“The word is getting out there even more. They’re just a great unit and such a supportive community.”

PAYCE Foundation funds new mobile wardrobe

The PAYCE Foundation has announced a three-year sponsorship to support Thread Together’s life-changing work delivering clothing and dignity to people in need across NSW.

PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan, PAYCE Foundation Director Sophie Boyd and Thread Together CEO Anthony Chesler.

The $190,000 commitment will fund the lease of a new mobile wardrobe, ensuring thousands of vulnerable individuals continue to access brand-new clothing during times of hardship.

The purpose-built van will visit crisis accommodation services, women’s refuges, recovery centres, community hubs and regional communities, providing dignified, choice-based clothing support for people experiencing homelessness, escaping domestic and family violence, seeking asylum, or recovering from natural disasters.

PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan said the partnership aligned with the Foundation’s mission to support practical, impactful community solutions.

“Thread Together’s work is simple and powerful – providing brand-new clothing to people doing it tough and restoring dignity at a time they need it most,” Mr Sullivan said.

“We are proud to continue our support for such an innovative program that brings help directly to communities. This investment ensures essential services can reach more people, more often, right across NSW.”

Thread Together CEO Anthony Chesler welcomed the renewed partnership, saying the support will have a direct and meaningful impact on communities facing hardship.

“We are incredibly grateful for the PAYCE Foundation’s ongoing commitment,” Mr Chesler said.

“The mobile wardrobe is one of the most effective ways we deliver clothing to people in crisis. This funding ensures we can keep getting quality clothing into the hands of people who need it most – with dignity, choice and compassion.”

Since launching in 2012, Thread Together has rescued millions of new fashion items from landfill and redistributed them to people in need through partner charities and mobile wardrobes.

The PAYCE Foundation has been a long-standing supporter of Thread Together, previously supporting a program to assist women in children who had been victims of domestic violence.

PAYCE Foundation welcomes new plan for addiction treatment

The PAYCE Foundation has welcomed the NSW Government’s response to the Drug Summit, especially its strong commitment to early intervention, prevention and diversionary programs that steer people away from the criminal justice system and towards treatment and rehabilitation.

PAYCE Foundation Directors Dominic Sullivan, Tony Wishart, and Talal Ghattas alongside NSW Deputy Premier Carmel Tebbutt.

The Foundation also congratulated former NSW Deputy Premier Carmel Tebbutt, co-author of the original NSW Drug Summit alongside John Brogden, for her longstanding leadership in evidence-based drug policy reform.

PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan said the Government’s renewed focus on health-based responses would help reduce harm, strengthen families and ensure more people receive the support they need, when they need it.

“Prevention and diversion are proven pathways to breaking cycles of addiction and disadvantage,” Mr Sullivan said.

“We commend the Government for taking these steps, and acknowledge Carmel Tebbutt and John Brogden for their enduring, bipartisan work in guiding NSW to a more compassionate and effective drug policy framework.”

The PAYCE Foundation has long invested in practical solutions that change lives, including the construction and co-funding of Adele House, one of NSW’s most respected rehabilitation facilities, which is managed by the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW. Built in partnership with the NSW Government, Adele House has set a benchmark for high-quality, residential drug and alcohol treatment for men.

Alongside this investment, the Foundation is also a strong supporter of Odyssey House. A recent PAYCE Foundation philanthropic contribution is helping Odyssey House, led by CEO Carmel Tebbutt expand its capacity to support individuals and families on their recovery journey.

“These services save lives,” Mr Sullivan said. “Our commitment is to continue partnering with organisations that deliver real, lasting change and give people a second chance.”

“We look forward to continuing our support for Carmel and the team at Odyssey House.”

PAYCE Foundation team on the frontline with Vinnies

There is nothing quite like standing on the frontline and helping people who are struggling to live with dignity.

The PAYCE Foundation is dedicated to partnering with organisations that deliver help where it is most needed. And there is no better example than the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW Vinnies Van program.

PAYCE Foundation representatives Dominic Sullivan and Tony Wishart joined the Vinnies Van team, including Vinnies CEO Yolanda Saiz and Vinnies Van Manager Josie Charbel on their mission to deliver food and support in Waterloo and Surry Hills.

“It is truly humbling to spend a few hours with the Vinnies Vans team – working the barbecue, talking with people doing it tough, and seeing their reactions when the van turns up,” said PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan.

“It is a military-style operation. One minute there is just empty space, then the van rolls in, and before you know it the preparation is in full swing and a crowd has gathered in anticipation.

“I would recommend the experience to anyone who has a few hours to spare.”

Paula Nicolas honoured for transformative charity work

Paula Nicolas, the inspirational founder of St Merkorious Charity, has been awarded the prestigious Dempsey Medal by the Archdiocese of Sydney in recognition of her extraordinary contribution to supporting vulnerable communities.

The honour celebrates more than a decade of service that began humbly in her own kitchen and has grown into one of Sydney’s most impactful grassroots charities.

Medal winner Paula Nicolas says compassion must be lived every day.

Starting with home-cooked meals for people in need, Paula’s commitment expanded rapidly as demand for support surged.

Today, St Merkorious distributes more than 4,000 meals every week, delivering fresh, nutritious food to families, seniors, people experiencing homelessness, newly arrived refugees and anyone struggling to make ends meet.

The Archbishop of Sydney, Anthony Fisher OP, presented the Dempsey Medal at the recent Sydney Street Feast.

Paula said she never expected recognition, believing instead that compassion must simply be “lived every day.”

She described the honour as “a tribute to the volunteers, supporters and community who make this work possible.”

The PAYCE Foundation, a long-time supporter of St Merkorious, congratulated Paula on the accolade.

PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan said Paula’s achievement reflects an extraordinary personal mission that has transformed lives across Sydney.

“Paula embodies the very best of community leadership,” Mr Sullivan said.

“She built St Merkorious from her kitchen and, through sheer determination, has created a charity that delivers dignity, hope and practical support to thousands of people every week.”

The PAYCE Foundation has been a long-term supporter of St Merkorious Charity.

Record-breaking turnout for Parramatta Street Feast

Nearly 400 people came together at St Patrick’s Cathedral Hall in Parramatta on 19 November for the fifth annual Parramatta Street Feast, marking the largest gathering in the event’s history.

The Parramatta Street Feast attracted a record number of people keen to share a meal. Photo: Alphonsus Fok

As the founding philanthropic partner, the PAYCE Foundation played a pivotal role in supporting a day dedicated to people facing poverty, hardship and homelessness.

This year’s theme, A Festival of Welcome, delivered the most expansive program to date.

Refugees, individuals experiencing hardship and local families participated in creative arts, friendship bracelet workshops, face painting and other community activities.

The traditional shared lunch and live performances created a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

Inspired by Pope Francis’ World Day of the Poor, the Parramatta Street Feast was established to honour people experiencing disadvantage and to build understanding and connection across the community.

(left to right) PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan, St Merkorious Charity Founder Paula Nicholas and Bishop of Parramatta Vincent Long. Photo: Alphonsus Fok

This year’s event also aligned with the global Jubilee of Hope, encouraging people everywhere to reach out to others with empathy and solidarity.

The Bishop of Parramatta Vincent Long, who is a former refugee, said he felt a profound bond with those living on the margins.

“This is a celebration of humanity,” Bishop Vincent said.

“In encountering each other, we encounter the Creator God.”

Dominic Sullivan, Director of the PAYCE Foundation, said the record attendance reflected both community generosity and the increasing pressures facing people in Western Sydney.

“These rising numbers remind us of the deep challenges poverty and homelessness bring to our community,” Mr Sullivan said.

“Many people struggle quietly, often unseen, and each one deserves our care, attention and compassion.”

The event was convened by the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta with support from 14 partner organisations, including 10 new groups.

Alongside the PAYCE Foundation as founding partner, supporters included Paynter Dixon and Anbaalayam Australia.

Performances by the Sydney Street Choir and students from Cerdon College High School, Merrylands, helped create a vibrant and uplifting celebration of community.

Sydney community celebrate as one at eighth annual Street Feast

Hundreds gathered on the steps of St Mary’s Cathedral to celebrate community over a shared meal thanks to another successful Sydney Street Feast.

Sydney Street Feast: Created in conjunction with, and sponsored by the Sydney Catholic Archdioceses, PAYCE Foundation, St. Merkorious Charity, St Vincent de Paul Society and Thread Together.

The eighth annual gathering proved ongoing pressures of cost of living have pushed more people into extreme living conditions.

Those struggling to make ends meet or living on the streets had an opportunity to not only share a meal but access a slew of essential services.

Clothing from Thread Together hung out on racks for visitors to choose from, the smell of a hearty meal provided by St. Merkorious Charity filled the air, and cheery tunes performed by the Sydney Street Choir had volunteers and visitors singing and clapping along.

PAYCE Director Dominic Sullivan said this year’s event was “one of the biggest turnouts”

“It’s an opportunity to remember that there are many people struggling in this city,” he said.

“Here, we get to sit down and share a meal, share conversation, share stories.”

The Sydney Street Feast was created in response to the late Pope Francis’ call to build a more inclusive, welcoming and generous society.

This year’s theme of Signs of Hope in this Jubilee Year is supported by acts of love for the poor and vulnerable.

“There’s lots of different things happening. It’s a wonderful occasion,” Bishop Danny Meagher said.

St Merkorious Charity Founder & President Paula Nicolas said Street Feast is an opportunity to reach out to those in need.

“And if people come in and they need our services, [this event] is another point of contact,” she said.

The event featured volunteers from various agencies both serving and sharing a meal with those who gathered.

Volunteer Dan M. said it was his first time volunteering for the event and he was inspired to return next year.

“My favourite part is making friends with everyone, no matter their circumstances,” he said.

Sydney Street Feast: Created in conjunction with, and sponsored by the Sydney Catholic Archdioceses, PAYCE Foundation, St. Merkorious Charity, St Vincent de Paul Society and Thread Together.