EdConnect Australia

📍 VICTORIA

The EdConnect team is at the 2026 Government Schools Principals Conference today and tomorrow at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

We’re looking forward to connecting with school leaders from across Victoria, sharing how community volunteers can support students through mentoring and classroom support, and exploring ways we can work together to create positive outcomes for young people.

If you’re attending the conference, come and say hello to the team 👋

🏆 Celebrating the incredible volunteers and educators making a difference across Victoria and New South Wales!

On 15 May, EdConnect Australia proudly recognised the outstanding individuals helping students thrive at the 2025 VIC & NSW Annual Awards. From mentoring and learning support to school leadership and community connection, these award recipients are creating lasting impact in the lives of young people every day.

Congratulations to our 2025 East Coast award recipients:

✨ Learning Support Teacher Recognition
Kay Sawyer – Altona College
Shay Gibson – Lollypop Creek Primary School

✨ Rising Star Award
Marjolyn Willis – Holy Family Primary School, Doveton

✨ Spirit Award
Phil Reid – Northern Bay College

✨ Desmond Heenan School Coordinator of the Year
Christian Haddad – Hampton Park Secondary College
Annie Neville – Preston North East Primary School

✨ Learning Support Volunteer of the Year
Peter Hughes – Ceres Primary School

✨ Mentor Volunteer of the Year
Kapal Malhotra – Hampton Park Secondary College

In 2025, EdConnect volunteers across Australia supported students through hundreds of mentoring and learning support sessions each week — helping young people build confidence, connection and brighter futures.

Thank you to every volunteer, educator and school partner for the difference you make.

🌟 National Volunteer Week 🌟

This week, we celebrate the incredible volunteers who give their time, share their experience, and make a positive difference in the lives of students across Australia. From building confidence to creating meaningful connections, volunteers play an important role in helping young people feel supported at school and in their community.

Today, we’re proud to recognise Ali, recipient of the 2025 EdConnect WA South West Volunteer of the Year Award.

Ali’s dedication, care and ongoing commitment to supporting students has had a lasting impact on the young people they work with. Thank you, Ali, for the encouragement, kindness and positivity you bring each week — and for being such a valued part of the EdConnect community.

Looking for a meaningful way to give back? Make 2026 the year you volunteer. Just one hour a week can help shape a student’s future.

Learn more about volunteering with EdConnect today.

📍 Mornington Peninsula, VIC

Exciting news for our newest region! 🎉

Area Manager Jess recently met with Karingal Primary School Principal, Sam Cooke, to officially welcome the school into the EdConnect program utilising both our Learning Support and Mentoring programs to support students who need it most.

We’re thrilled to have Karingal Primary School as the very first official school in our new Mornington Peninsula region!

This Mother’s Day, we celebrate the mums, grandmothers and carers who encourage, support and inspire young people every day. Thank you for the care, guidance and kindness you share — helping children grow in confidence and thrive.

2025 Impact Statement Release
📍 National

Across Australia, EdConnect volunteers are showing up in schools and making a real difference — bringing a wealth of experience from all walks of life, including education, trades, business, family and study.

In 2025, 1,742 volunteers partnered with 272 schools to support 24,258 students, helping them feel more connected, confident and engaged in their learning.

Our Impact Statement shares the story behind this work — capturing the reach of our program, the depth of support provided, and the difference volunteers are making in school communities.

Every hour given is an investment in a young person’s future — and in stronger school communities.

📄 Read the full 2025 Impact Statement:
https://www.edconnectaustralia.org.au/our-work/our-impact/

📍 Geraldton, WA

We’re excited to announce that two new schools have joined the MidWest network!

Rangeway Primary School
Geraldton Grammar

They join our existing local partner schools, Geraldton Senior High School and Waggrakine Primary School, strengthening our growing presence across the region.

We’re currently looking for volunteers in the Geraldton area to be placed across these schools and support students through our EdConnect program.

👉 Interested in making a difference in your local school community?
Register your interest or learn more:
https://www.edconnectaustralia.org.au/