Rabia

I have been residing in Australia with my family for over 8 years now and the move was transformational in so many ways. The first year was full of doubt about the decision and longing for familiarity. The questions like do I belong? Will my kids grow up feeling like they belong? Will I be able to help them stay connected with their roots and yet grow new roots here in this new country that we started to call home?

One day while visiting National Museum of Australia I came across this quote;
" Country is not just a place you can visit. It's also something you can carry around inside you."

This was a quote by an indigenous Australian that helped me anchor in the initial stages of my stay in a new stage in my life.
Ever since then I actively tried getting out of my shell and resistance to embrace change and looked for opportunities to connect, build and nurture bonds and roots here in Australia. I was lucky to find that support quite quickly, probably I just had to look and found it in the forms of beautiful people I met in my neighbourhood as well at my workplace. People who saw me as who I am and were not shy to give a warm smile or share vegetables from their gardens or were helpful in making sense of anything I would come across as not straightforward. It was like where ever I went parks, shopping malls, Centrelink, school, university or simply driving around in my local neighbourhood I was seen, welcomed and was cared for.

That positive small and big acts of kindness gave me courage to let down my guard and be kind and welcoming of what I had to embrace as part of this transformation. I moved houses, schools’ runs turned into college and then later university runs for my kids and on the way I was able to return back some of what I received from this beautiful community in the form of my volunteer work with red cross, my work as a counsellor and me simply being someone in my new neighbourhood (where I have moved only last year) who could share a plate of warm “Biryani” (Rice cooked with spices and choice of your meat) ; to make them feel welcomed - and belonged. I hope this journey of warmth, belonging, and love continues for my family and for those we meet along the way.

Sasha

Rolling into a Sense of Belonging

Like most people, during the 2021 COVID lockdowns I decided to take up a new hobby to keep myself busy. When I started out in this hobby, I had no clue the places it would take me, the effect it would have on my mental and physical well-being, and the sense of belonging I would find, and be able to foster for others.

Roller skating truly changed my life. It opened up avenues for me to get involved in the community, be active outdoors, clear my mind, and be adventurous. As I gained more confidence on my skates, I decided to venture into the skatepark. This environment is male-dominated and can feel very intimidating. In the beginning, simply arriving and putting my skates on was an achievement.

Later in my journey, I often found myself wanting to interact and connect with people at the skatepark, wishing someone would strike up a conversation. Roller skating opened a pathway in my brain to understand that progression and growth only happen outside of the comfort zone, and this can be translated to everyday life. Knowing this, I pushed myself to be the first person to reach out, interact with others, and make a connection.

4 years later, I now spend my weekends facilitating coaching sessions, action sports competitions and jam style events at different skateparks all over Whadjuk Country and Regional WA. These inclusive events are a space for people to try something new, be celebrated for their progression and feel connected to community.

The more you reach out to your community, the more you will see the pattern. We all have an innate desire to feel like we belong. Everyone wants to feel seen, heard, accepted, and included. All of us hold the ability to foster belonging in our communities, and in doing so, we open the door to feel it ourselves.

Tiahna

This wreath represents my community, comprised of people who gather for celebrations, communal meals, catch-ups, and everything in-between. Some branches outstretch and depict a whole family tree.

Some are single blooms. Some are grafted onto others and produce unique offspring. Some have fresh roots, recent transplants from another garden; and some have been growing here for generations. Each variety of flower has been carefully chosen to represent the ancestry of the person it represents, from the Bosnian lily, native to only its namesake, recently imported to Australia, to mulberry flower, which originates from several European nations and has now grown in Australia for several generations.

Regardless of origin or how we flower, we are all connected, underpinned by our Australian identities new and old, as depicted by golden wattle and eucalypt. Within our circular arrangement, no one is above anyone else. Our wreath is but a snapshot of an ever-growing, diverse garden that will continue to bloom for many, many years.

Luke

I have created a paper craft artwork representing moments that I felt connected to my community, neighbours and the land we reside on in the year-or-so since moving to a new home.

1. When my partner and I purchased our first home together, we weren't sure what to expect. On the exciting day that we put up the 'SOLD' sticker, a now-friend in the building approached and welcomed us to the neighbourhood. This helped us to know that we had made the right decision and set us at ease in the area before we'd even reached settlement.
2. With a permanent home, we were able to install and display a mezuzah on our doorjamb. This is a common fixture on Jewish homes, representing identity and connection to religion.
3. Within months of moving in, my partner and I enjoyed an afternoon tea with two neighbours, sharing recipes and getting to know each other.
4. The human residents aren't the only ones who have formed bonds - with so many dogs in the apartments, they've brought many opportunities to chat with other pet-owners both in our building and the wider community.
5. There is a community garden nearby, with a regular volunteer group and garden beds available for local residents to grow their own produce. Filled with pomegranate and citrus trees, fresh herbs and berries, and various other plants to enrich the soil and invite wildlife, it is a very special place.

Caity

Fostering and taking care of close relationships is one of the most important aspects of life. Encouraging others to come together and build strong relationships is one of my core values, and a reason I am proud to be a Family and Relationships advisor at Relationships Australia. I have attached an infographic about belonging.

All Staff

50 Years of Connection – A Celebration of Belonging

Our 50th anniversary was more than marking a milestone — it was a living expression of Create, Share & Grow Belonging. Staff from every corner of Relationships Australia Canberra & Regions — clinicians, counsellors, IT, admin, and more — came together on beautiful Yuin Country at Murramarang to connect, celebrate, and reflect.

The gathering blended cultural connection, learning, and celebration. We shared in workshops and listened to engaging guest speakers, building understanding and sparking new ideas. We celebrated with dinners and disco nights, and took time to appreciate the stunning South Coast, walking and swimming together in the stunning surrounds.

While the workshops offered professional growth, the heart of the celebration was about creating space to truly connect. It gave team members who might not ordinarily cross paths the chance to get to know one another, share stories, and strengthen relationships across sites and roles.

Over shared meals, in casual conversations, and on the dance floor, we saw how belonging grows when people feel welcomed, valued, and part of something bigger. Our 50th anniversary was a joyful reminder that connection isn’t just part of our work — it’s the foundation of who we are.

All Staff

At Relationships Australia NT, connection isn’t just something we talk about, it’s something we intentionally create.

Whether it’s through morning check-ins, quiet cups of tea, or our newly launched Wellness Calendar, we’re building relationships that sustain our teams and our communities.

Our Wellness Calendar is more than a list of activities, it’s a cultural practice. It’s how we make space for:
• slowing down amidst the urgency of work
• checking in with each other in meaningful ways
• nurturing joy, creativity, and belonging
• and staying connected to why we do this work

From Barry’s Blues music afternoons to book club, to walks and talks, we’re fostering a workplace where care, connection, and relationship are central, not optional. Check out the comfort of our crew engaging in a recent book club, across multiple office locations and including our remote staff!

We also have yoga, trivia, mid-week mindfulness, boot scooting line dancing and more, all offered during work hours to give all of our organisation a chance to connect and unwind.

We’re proud to share this as one small example of how we’re embedding connection, not just as a value, but as a way of being.

Organisation and Community Development Team (submitted by Loren S)

I joined the Organisation and Community Development team at Relationships Australia Tasmania in November 2024 - my first day was 11/11 - Remembrance Day to be exact. At the time, our team was in a state of flux and less than 4 months out from the biggest event of the year. The 2025 Tasmanian LiFE Awards had a significant milestone this year, celebrating the 20th Anniversary of bringing together passionate changemakers in the suicide prevention community for a night of recognition and camaraderie.

The 2025 Tasmanian LiFE Awards and Forum was a resounding success, bringing together over 100 attendees across a dynamic two-day event dedicated to recognising the vital contributions of individuals and organisations to suicide prevention efforts in Tasmania. Celebrating innovation, compassion, and community impact, the event highlighted inspiring stories and groundbreaking initiatives that are making a real difference in the lives of Tasmanians. With a strong focus on collaboration and lived experience, the LiFE Awards not only honoured achievements but also fostered meaningful dialogue and connections among professionals, advocates, and community members.

Behind the success of the 2025 Tasmanian LiFE Awards and Conference was a dedicated and resilient event team who spent months meticulously planning and delivering every detail of the two-day gathering. The unwavering teamwork and commitment ensured this event’s success, even as the team faced significant personal challenges — with three team members experiencing serious illness and major life events during the lead-up. Through open communication, flexibility, and a strong sense of shared purpose, the team rallied together, supported one another, and shared the workload to keep things on track. This team effort was a testament to the power of collaboration and compassion, values that truly mirror the spirit of the LiFE Awards and mission of Relationships Australia itself.

Practice Quality and Innovation Team (submitted by Andrew K)

At RANSW, practice and service are intimately connected. At RANSW, the Practice Quality and Innovation (PQI) team plays a dedicated role for developing and supporting quality practice. It is a small team, that often works behind the scenes, as our role is to ensure that others can do their work with excellence. PQI is more than just a support function, it is a driving force for innovation, reflection, and continuous improvement in how we serve clients, strengthen relationships and respond to community needs.

What makes the PQI program truly special is its unique ability to bring together deep clinical expertise, thoughtful leadership, and a strong evidence-informed approach. Each Practice Specialist contributes rich insight into a specific program area, ensuring that our services remain relevant, responsive, and grounded in what works. Our Aboriginal Practice Specialist ensures our team and organisation remain responsive to the needs of First Nations communities and that our Aboriginal staff are valued, supported and not taken for granted.
PQI’s work reflects the richness of our services. We support practice in:
• Family Relationship Counselling
• Family Law Mediation and Family Relationship Centres
• Relationship Education and Groupwork
• Men's Behaviour Change and Family Safety Programs
• Casework Services
• Clinical Supervision

Our team guides practice and inspires a culture of curiosity, learning, and growth. Through tailored practice supervision, ongoing professional development, and meaningful support, PQI empowers practitioners to reflect deeply, refine their skills, and confidently navigate the complexities of client work.

We know that good practice begins with good people and great practice grows from support, reflection, and knowledge-sharing. That's why we place such a strong emphasis on creating space for practitioners to think critically, ask questions, and explore new ways of working.

PQI works hand-in-hand with our RANSW Research and Impact team to ensure our services are not only evidence-informed but also shaped by the voices of our clients and stakeholders. We measure outcomes, assess program effectiveness, and feed learnings back into the system to strengthen both practice and impact. It’s a dynamic cycle of learning and improving, always grounded in what’s best for clients. We also work together with the RANSW Operations Team to support the delivery of our KPIs and program outcomes.

Ultimately, we don't just respond to change; we lead it. We don’t just support practitioners; we nurture them. And in everything we do, we hold at the centre our shared mission: to strengthen relationships with a heart and build better lives.