Building stronger families with Olivia’s Place

Parenthood should be a time of excitement and discovery, but for many it is also marked by pressure, financial strain, or a sense of isolation.

In Gippsland, Victoria, Olivia’s Place works to change that story.

This not-for-profit organisation has become a trusted ally for families navigating pregnancy and the early years of raising children.

The challenges families face

The realities of pregnancy and early parenthood are complex. Families who approach Olivia’s Place reflect a wide range of needs:

• 30% (almost one in three) are coping with mental health issues, either current or historical
• Nearly all (98.5%) live on low incomes or face financial hardship
• 79% have been provided with material aid such as nappies, prams, or clothing
• 10% are experiencing or at risk of domestic violence
• 11.5% are under the age of 21 and adapting to parenthood while still very young
• 6% identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, and another 6% come from migrant backgrounds
• 7% live with disability
• 6% belong to foster or kinship care systems

These figures are a stark reminder of the pressures many families face and the importance of services that respond with compassion and practical help.

What Olivia’s Place offers

At Olivia’s Place, support is holistic. Families can access free, non-judgemental assistance during pregnancy and early parenting.

Essentials like cots, baby clothes, and nappies are provided to households under financial stress. Parents also benefit from workshops and personalised guidance on matters such as feeding, safe sleeping, and maintaining emotional wellbeing.

Beyond this, Olivia’s Place creates opportunities for parents to connect with others, reducing the sense of isolation that often comes with raising children.

The origin of Olivia’s Place

The organisation was established in 2012 by two Gippsland locals, Kirsten Finger and Melissa Raymond, who saw that many new parents in their area lacked the support they needed.

What began as a community effort has grown into a structured service staffed by a small team and sustained by volunteers. Every volunteer undergoes training so they can provide consistent and professional support.

Their shared aim is to walk alongside parents in both the highs and lows of the journey.

Why their work is vital

There is plenty of research that shows that early help for parents leads to stronger outcomes for children and healthier families overall.

Charities like Olivia’s Place play a role that public services cannot always fill. They provide tailored support at a local level, ensuring families don’t slip through the cracks. The result is a more resilient community where children grow up with better opportunities.

Community backing in action

Business support can amplify this impact. One example is Australian internet provider Swoop, which has partnered with Olivia’s Place through sponsorship.

At this year’s Olivia’s Place gala and dinner, Swoop’s involvement helped raise $107,000, directly funding programs and resources for families.

And while the charity certainly appreciates the support, Swoop values the chance to connect with the community and showcase the importance of local charities.

How you can help

Supporting a charity like Olivia’s Place doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. Individuals, families, and businesses can all play a part:

• Take part in fundraising events by attending, sponsoring, or donating goods and services
• Volunteer your time, whether through hands-on work at events or behind the scenes with administration
• Share your professional expertise in fields such as marketing, design, IT, or accounting
• Promote the charity by spreading their messages through social media and community networks
• Commit to regular contributions, from monthly donations to ongoing sponsorships

Every action, large or small, contributes to stability for the organisation and greater support for families.

The rewards of giving back

Helping others has benefits to the giver as well. For businesses, it strengthens community reputation and builds team pride. For individuals, it creates opportunities for connection and brings personal fulfilment.

Fundraising events also provide valuable networking opportunities, often leading to new collaborations and friendships based on shared values.

A shared responsibility

Olivia’s Place is proof that local action can transform lives. By supplying parents with essential items, knowledge, and encouragement, they ensure no family has to face the journey alone.

Supporting charities like this is an investment in healthier families and stronger communities.

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.