Spotlight on local charity Olivia’s Place
For many new parents, the journey into pregnancy and early parenting can feel overwhelming, especially without strong support networks.
Olivia’s Place, a Gippsland-based charity, steps in to provide practical items, education, and emotional support to families who need it most. Their work strengthens both parents and communities.
In this article, I’ll introduce you to Olivia’s Place….
What Olivia’s Place does for families
Olivia’s Place is a not-for-profit organisation based in Gippsland, Victoria. It provides practical, emotional, and professional support to families who are preparing for and navigating the early years of parenting.
The charity’s services include:
- Pregnancy and parenting support. Free, non-judgmental help for expectant parents and those with young children.
- Practical resources. Essentials like baby clothes, nappies, cots, and prams to families who may be struggling financially.
- Education and guidance. Workshops and one-on-one advice covering topics such as safe sleeping, infant feeding, and emotional wellbeing.
- Community engagement. Building connections among local families so that parents don’t feel isolated during what can be an overwhelming time.
For many families, especially those without strong support networks, these services are a lifeline. By addressing both the practical and emotional needs of parents, Olivia’s Place helps create stronger, healthier families and in turn, a stronger community.
Their story
Olivia’s Place was founded in 2012 by Kirsten Finger and Melissa Raymond.
They wanted to do what they could to support families through the highs and lows of pregnancy and early parenting. As mums and dads themselves, the team at Olivia’s Place has a great understanding of the need for support during this time.
Although there is a core staff, the service is largely run by a team of volunteers. All staff and volunteers receive professional training to help support them in their role at Olivia’s Place.
They provide practical, material and emotional support, as well as a link between those struggling with pregnancy and early parenting and the services they need.
Here’s an overview on who they help:
- Nearly 1 in 3 of their clients (30%) face current or historical mental health challenges
- Almost all families they engage with (98.5%) experience financial hardship or low income
- Over three-quarters (79%) have received direct material aid
- 1 in 10 clients (10%) are in or at risk of domestic violence situations
- 11.5% are under the age of 21, navigating parenthood while still young themselves
- 6% identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, and another 6% are from migrant backgrounds
- 7% are living with a disability
- 6% are part of foster or kinship care systems
These numbers highlight the complex realities facing the families who reach out to Olivia’s Place. And just how vital their services are in breaking cycles of poverty, isolation, and unmet health needs.
Why charities like Olivia’s Place matter
Supporting families at the beginning of life has long-lasting benefits for the whole community. Research consistently shows that early intervention and parental support can improve child development, reduce health issues, and build resilience in both parents and children.
Charities like Olivia’s Place fill gaps that government services can’t always cover. They provide personalised, grassroots help that adapts to local needs.
When you support organisations like Olivia’s place, they are helping to make sure vulnerable families don’t fall through the cracks. The ripple effect is powerful: healthier families lead to healthier communities, which benefits everyone.
How you can support local charities
You don’t need to be a large corporation to make a meaningful impact. Every effort counts, whether it comes from an individual, a family, or a business. Here are some ways you might consider lending a hand:
Get involved with fundraising events
Charities often host events such as galas, trivia nights, or fun runs. Businesses can support by sponsoring, while individuals can attend, buy tickets, or volunteer on the day. Donating goods, services, or prizes is also a great way to add value.
Volunteer your time
Giving your time can be just as valuable as financial support. This might mean helping at an event, packing donations, or offering a skill you have. For businesses, encouraging staff to volunteer together is a powerful way to build team spirit and give back as a group.
Share your expertise
Many charities rely on professional help but cannot always afford it. Offering skills in areas like IT, design, accounting, legal advice, or marketing can make a huge difference. Even something as simple as helping with admin or running a workshop can ease the load for charity staff.
Raise awareness
You can spread the word about a cause that matters to you. Share their events, needs, and stories on social media or through your networks. Businesses might post on LinkedIn or add the charity to their website, while individuals can share updates with friends, family, or community groups.
Commit to ongoing support
One-off donations are always welcomed, but ongoing contributions provide stability. This could be a monthly donation, regular volunteering, or a long-term business sponsorship. Sustained support helps charities plan ahead and expand their services to reach more people.
Case study: business support
Australian internet provider Swoop has made Olivia’s Place a key part of its community sponsorships.
The Swoop team attended this year’s annual Olivia’s Place Charity Gala and Dinner, which raised an impressive $107,000. This funding will directly support the charity’s programs and resources for families across the region.
The post also highlighted how much the Swoop team values attending the gala each year, seeing it not just as a fundraising event but also as a chance to connect with the community.
This type of involvement goes beyond writing a cheque. By turning up, celebrating the achievements of the charity, and sharing the story with their own network, Swoop amplified the reach of Olivia’s Place and encouraged others to get involved.
The benefits of giving back
While the main reason for supporting a charity is to help others, there are also positive outcomes for both individuals and businesses.
Stronger community connections
Giving back builds relationships with people around you and strengthens the sense of community.
Positive reputation
Being associated with a respected cause shows that you care about more than just personal or financial gain. It demonstrates values of compassion and responsibility.
Personal fulfilment and motivation
For individuals, supporting a charity can be deeply rewarding. For businesses, it can boost staff morale and encourage teamwork when employees feel part of something meaningful.
New opportunities
Fundraising events and community initiatives often bring people together. They can open doors to new friendships, collaborations, or partnerships.
Giving back creates a ripple effect. Not only does it help those in need, it also enriches the lives of those who choose to be involved. It is a true win-win for everyone.
Could you help out?
All this is to say that supporting charities doesn’t need to be complicated. You can just choose a cause that lines up with your values, commit to regular involvement, and use your voice to amplify the charity’s work.
Every donation, every hour volunteered, and every story shared contributes to building a more supportive community.
If you are looking for a way to give back, consider charities like Olivia’s Place. By getting involved, you are not only helping vulnerable families today, you are investing in the future wellbeing of your community. And that is something worth being proud of.
Author: Marshall Thurlow is Director and Founder of Orion Marketing Pty Ltd. He is a digital marketer with expertise in SEO, website design, content marketing, and project management.
