Our Partners
Discover more about Next Step Australia’s Ambassadors, Community Partners and Corporate Partners.
Geraldine Bilston
Geraldine Bilston is a professional consultant and advocate. She has dedicated her career to partnering her lived expertise and professional skills within family violence work.
In 2021, Geraldine completed a Graduate Certificate in Family Violence and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Policy and Politics.
With strong leadership experience and strategic planning, Geraldine previously served as the Deputy Chair of the Victim Survivors’ Advisory Council and holds governance and advisory positions on boards, including Kara Family Violence Service and the Mornington Peninsula Primary Prevention Collaboration.
Geraldine is well-known for her media appearances and written contributions, sharing her insights and experiences.
Her dedication to preventing and responding to family violence was recognised with a 2021 Australia Day Local Champion Award.
Geraldine’s work is grounded in a commitment to understanding the individuals and communities we aim to support.
Dr Anneke Engwerda
Anneke is a founding board member of Next Steps Australia.
She is a graduate of Melbourne University specialising in General Paediatrics and Neonatology. Anneke has also undertaken research in paediatric anaesthesia.
During her medical training, Anneke participated in work experience at Lakeside Hospital Bangalore, India, in the Paediatrics Department.
She was involved in both inpatient and outpatient management as well as conducting a polio vaccine program and prisoner medical reviews.
In 2019 Anneke also served as a Junior Medical Officer Representative of the Royal Children’s Hospital, Family Violence Committee which afforded Anneke a deeper insight into the effects of family violence in the community.
Associate Professor Alex Ades
Alex is a specialist Obstetrician and Gynaecologist. He is an extensively trained and experienced surgeon and has been involved in public and private practice as well as academic tertiary education for more than 20 years. His special interest is Gynaecological Surgery and particularly Minimally Invasive Procedures.
Alex is an Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne – Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences.
He works at the endometriosis and advanced laparoscopic surgery unit at the Royal Women’s Hospital and participates in the theoretical and practical training of future specialists. His formal qualifications include a Master and a PhD in Medicine. He is also a board member of the International Society for Gynaecologic Endoscopy.
Throughout his career, Alex has always been at the forefront of innovation in women’s health as well as an advocate for women’s rights and safety. His work supports and upholds Next Steps Australia’s mission statement.
Juel Riggall
Juel is a professional mezzo-soprano and holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Music from Melbourne University.
She has sung for various opera companies including Victorian Opera and Melbourne Opera and is also a regular concert performer.
Prior to working as a performing artist, Juel was employed in the visual arts in both galleries and auction houses, holding various administrative positions which covered marketing, events management and philanthropy.
Juel is a mother of three and is passionate about issues pertaining to social justice, gender equality and children’s well-being and opportunities.
Juel is a founding board member of Next Steps Australia Limited.
Will Riggall
Will has more than 20 years’ experience in the Funds Management industry and has developed strong expertise in constructing and analysing complex financial information.
He currently holds the position of Chief Investment Officer at Clime Investment Management Limited, where he oversees more than $1billion in assets across domestic and international markets. Prior to his current role, Will held a number of senior investment roles with some of Australia’s leading investment companies.
Will has a passion for community and sits on a number of private investment committees which support a range of endowment and charitable goals. Will’s exposure to some of Australia’s leading and innovative companies positions him well to contribute to Next Steps Australia’s goal of partnering with like minded organisations to support the needs of those effected by domestic violence.
YOUTH AMBASSADORS
Vivien
As a Youth Ambassador for Next Steps Australia, Vivien wants young people to feel empowered to recognise disrespect early and reject it — because she knows that normalising those conversations now is one of the most meaningful things her generation can do to break the cycle of FDV.
Viv is a dedicated sleep enthusiast and takes the sanctuary of a bedroom very seriously. The luxury of clean sheets, the feeling of a space that is just yours. It’s a simple thing, and it means so much – especially when things are overwhelming. Next Steps Australia’s mission to help women and kids this kind of sanctuary is so important, and something we can all help achieve.
One of Viv’s favourite things about working with Next Steps is the people it’s brought into her world. The gorgeous Ladies of Langwarrin proving that good deeds are even better when done with friends. She was also particularly inspired to meet Mark from the Readings Foundation last year, even though he said she’s still not allowed to climb the ladders in her favourite store…
Bette
When she was nine, Bette organised a ‘Kids for Kids’ stall with her sister Viv and some of their friends. They sold paintings, resin art, handmade jewellery and busked to raise money for Berry Street. The stall raised over $500 — meaning up to 20 kids would have something to open on Christmas morning (in case Santa’s contacts hadn’t updated in time, of course).
Bette knows for sure that no one is too young to make a difference.
Bette also has strong opinions about the perfect bed. Clean sheets, a weighted toy, a soft pillow – and ideally covered in a colony of Squishmallows. She understands how much it matters to sleep somewhere that feels safe and comfortable. That’s why she’s passionate about raising money to deliver manchester packs so more children can create their own safe place.
One of Bette’s favourite things about being part of Next Steps is seeing how quickly kindness can spread. She loves meeting people who want to help and is excited to get involved in fundraising initiatives that unleash the creativity and generosity of young people.
Isla
Isla is a Year 9 student with a passion for supporting women and children affected by domestic violence. As part of her Duke of Edinburgh Award, Isla chose to complete her volunteering component with Next Steps Australia, drawn to the organisation’s commitment to helping families rebuild their lives with dignity, safety, and hope.
As a Youth Ambassador, Isla is committed to raising awareness of the challenges faced by women and children fleeing violence and encouraging other young people to make a positive impact in their communities. She believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to feel safe, supported, and empowered to create a brighter future.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Next Steps Australia is proud to be associated with our Community Partners Emerge Women and Children’s Support Network and McAuley Community Services for Women.
These organisations work directly with families affected by domestic violence to provide emergency and long-term accommodation, among other critical services.
Our Community Partners also educate us about the needs of families affected by domestic violence and this advice directly impacts Next Steps Australia’s delivery model and broader strategy.
McAuley Community Services for Women supports women and children experiencing family violence and women experiencing homelessness. Through a range of supports including accommodation, legal, health, recreation and social responses, we support women to leave us with restored capacity and greater opportunities for safe housing, economic capability and wellbeing.
- McAuley Care provides refuge accommodation for women and children escaping family violence. The women needing support have experienced, or are at immediate risk, of serious harm through physical and emotional violence, threats, sexual assault and stalking. McAuley Care also provides case management, outreach support as well as specialist support for infants and children.
- McAuley House in Ballarat and Footscray provide accommodation and support for women who have experienced homelessness or are at risk of homelessness, many of whom have experienced family violence. It is a place for rest, recovery and reconnection, as well as being a welcoming hub for women and children who have moved into the surrounding community. Women are supported to rebuild their family and community connections, develop their independent living skills, and begin their journey towards independence.
- Children’s Programs support children who have experienced family violence to understand what has happened in their family and to help rebuild the bond between mother and child, which is often damaged by the violence. McAuley has a dedicated children’s team and space in its refuges where feelings can be explored through art, play and conversation. McAuley also offers learning support to children whose education has been disrupted as a result of family violence.
Established in 1975, Emerge is the only autonomous, independent specialist domestic violence service located in Melbourne’s Middle Southern Metropolitan Region serving multiple Local Government Areas.
The organisation is funded by state and local Government, philanthropists and a wonderful supportive community that assists it to offer the following:
- Programs that offer understanding, support and assistance to rebuild women’s lives.
- Children’s programs that help to heal the wounds caused by violence at home.
- Advocacy and community education work that creates a better community for all.
- Services for women including crisis accommodation, housing support and relocation, case management and ongoing support, outreach to families in their homes and programs designed to empower women to live a life free from domestic violence.
- Services for children including art therapy for children aged 3-18 years, early intervention programs for mothers and infants through therapeutic support, advocacy for children affected by domestic violence and long-term therapeutic support to break the cycle of violence.
- Work in schools to assist and advocate to help bring about policy and community change.
CORPORATE PARTNERS
Next Steps Australia is fortunate enough to benefit from the generosity of our Corporate Partners, who provide invaluable support to us in the form of pro bono goods, services and financial assistance.
To enquire about becoming a Corporate Partner of Next Steps Australia, contact us.
- Cahill Transport
- Crystal Solar
- The Edison Agency
- Intandem
- Kinderplay
- Mallesons
- Readings
- Spotlight
- Stannards
- Super Easy Storage
Cahill Transport provides the highest quality of service within the Australian Logistics industry.
Cahill Transport strives to be a total, Australia wide logistics freight company, offering comprehensive and customised solutions to their clients in the areas of Local Transport, Contract Logistics and Warehousing.
With these wide range of logistics services, Cahill Transport is perfectly placed to develop the best solution for your business. The company will support in house logistics, partner their services with your customs broker or work with you to develop an end to end supply chain solution.
Next Steps Australia is delighted to partner with Cahill Transport as our exclusive logistics provider.
The company picks up from Next Steps Australia suppliers and offers destination freight unpacking at no cost.
Crystal Solar Energy is engaged in design & installation of Solar Hybrid Energy systems.
The Hybrid Energy System stores electricity in lithium iron phosphate battery banks, and uses advanced management systems to store and distribute the electrical energy. These technologically advanced systems are designed and tested to comply with the most stringent Australian Standards.
Crystal Energy donates to Next Steps Australia all its print design and printed material requirements.
Founded in 2011, The Edison Agency is an award-winning, 100% female owned independent agency, that fuses effective strategy, passion for a better world and inspired creative solutions.
As a for-profit purpose-led business, The Edison Agency is committed to using transformative design to create positive change for people and brands, launching their ‘Design for Good’ program in 2021, which has led them to partner with Next Steps Australia.
The program sees the agency committing at least 3% of revenue each year to head and heart projects, offering specialised purpose, brand and communications support for NGOs, start-ups and corporate clients across four social pillars:
- Environment and sustainability
- Social change
- Education and development
- Diversity and inclusion
The Edison Agency will be supporting Next Steps Australia via an identity refresh that will culminate in a new visual language, rolling out across new-look starter packs and beyond.
The Edison Agency: our partners in ‘change for good’.
Intandem is one of Australia’s leading suppliers of uniforms and branded merchandise. Established in 1995, Intandem supplies many of Australia’s top corporates and major Government departments. Intandem has over 35,000 products available on their website. They specialise in custom made items and have a team in China for sourcing and overseeing quality manufacture.
Intandem’s owner and Managing Director has over 30 years’ experience as a senior corporate executive with some of Australia’s top 50 companies, specialising in marketing. He provides pro bono marketing and business advice to Next Steps Australia.
Kinderplay has been a family owned and operated business for over 45 years. Nicola, the current custodian, worked in the shop for 20 years before taking the helm. Each member of staff is part of the Kinderplay family, have experience in early childhood education and are mothers too. The unique experience customers can find in the store stems from Kinderplay’s passion and enthusiasm for their products and customers.
Next Steps Australia is delighted to partner with Nicola and the staff in the preparation of our Future Steps Boxes. Kinderplay generously provides advice on suitable toy selection for the varying age groups, and resources and facilitates the purchase of these products.
Mallesons is a leading top tier international law firm. Combining deep technical expertise with a global perspective, the firm’s full-service offering addresses complex challenges by delivering simple solutions to a diverse range of clients across Australia and the world.
Mallesons is driven by a simple purpose — to use its mastery of the law for the lasting prosperity of its clients, people and communities. The firm’s focus via the Community pillar of its Responsible Business Blueprint is contributing to a fairer and more sustainable future, especially for young people.
Mallesons provides Next Steps Australia with pro bono legal services.
Readings is an independent retailer of books and music, with nine shops operating in Melbourne.
The flagship Readings Carlton shop was established in 1969 and has since been joined by stores in Hawthorn, Malvern, St Kilda, Doncaster, Emporium Melbourne, as well as a boutique shop at the State Library of Victoria, and – most recently – a shop in The Market Hall Pavilion at Chadstone shopping centre. They also have a children’s specialist shop located in Carlton, Readings Kids.
Each Readings shop retains its own individual character and strong ties to the local community. As a cornerstone of the Australian literary landscape, Readings takes seriously its role in growing and sustaining local industries; since 2009, 10% of their annual profits go towards The Readings
Readings assist Next Steps Australia in selecting and supplying age appropriate books for inclusion in the Future Steps Boxes, as well as donations through The Readings
Spotlight is a family owned and operated Australian business with stores throughout Australia, New Zealand and Asia.
Spotlight employs more than 6,700 staff who are dedicated to providing the best quality, service, price and expertise in fabrics, craft and homewares to its millions of customers each year.
Spotlight has over one hundred stores across Australia, New Zealand and Asia, with hundreds of brands and thousands of products to choose from.
Next Steps Australia is extremely proud to partner with Spotlight as our exclusive supplier of pre-packed Starter Packs. Spotlight assists Next Steps Australia to curate our Starter Packs for mothers and children to ensure they contain quality and durable manchester items fit for family living.
Spotlight also generously pick and pack all Next Steps Australia Starter Packs at its warehouse facilities free of charge.
Stannards Accountants and Advisors is a progressive firm of accountants which has been established since 1946.
Based in South Yarra, Victoria, the practice comprises five partners and approximately 50 staff. The company services all states of Australia and as required, all international destinations.
Stannards provide a combination of audit, accounting, advisory, taxation and consulting services commensurate to their client’s needs.
Stannards Accountants and Advisors generously provides audit and accountancy services to Next Steps Australia on a pro bono basis.
Super Easy Storage is Australia’s premier mobile storage and moving company with a national network of warehouses. Established in 2008, the company was the first in Australia to introduce a mobile storage concept – an idea that has revolutionised the sector.
Super Easy Storage makes moving organising your home and business easy enabling movers to fill up their unit at their convenience in their home or workspace. The flexibility means businesses can be agile and manage their inventory and logistics as they expand or transition.
Next Steps Australia appreciates the partnership with Super Easy Storage where its Eastern Suburbs facility will contribute a donation from every move with an opportunity for customers to additionally support this important cause.
