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October was a truly special month for the Magical Getaway Foundation — not only did seven families experience their first-ever holidays during Anti-Poverty Week, but their stories also inspired audiences across the country. On Monday 13 October, our Ambassadors Kat Stewart and Steven Bradbury appeared on Today Extra in a heartwarming segment titled “Holidays of Hope.” The interview beautifully captured what makes our getaways so special — giving families in need the chance to

In October, during Anti-Poverty Week, the Magical Getaway Foundation gifted seven families across three states their first-ever holidays—moments filled with rest, laughter, and connection. Three families from Melbourne stayed at Anchor Belle Holiday Park in Phillip Island, two families from Sydney spent their getaway at BIG4 Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park, and two families from Brisbane enjoyed the sunshine at Turtle Beach Resort. For many, it was the first time they’d ever tak

After years of uncertainty and loss, Sarah and Damien’s family discovered stability, healing and hope for the future through their very first holiday. For years, Sarah and Damien’s lives were marked by instability. They were forced to move home after home, often with no notice, and even spent months living in a van with their children. Despite every setback, Sarah remained determined to find safety and stability for her family. Eventually, with the help of Uniting, they were

After more than a decade of separation, a family torn apart by conflict was finally reunited, and their very first holiday gave them the chance to reconnect in peace and privacy. Basharat, Khushal, and their two children had spent years, nearly a decade, apart. When Khushal unexpectedly disappeared in 2012 while working in Afghanistan, Basharat was left navigating life as a single mother, pregnant with their second child, in a country far from her support system. After years

The Happy Place Art Exhibition at The Nook Gallery & Studios in Mornington was a truly special evening, filled with creativity and magical moments. The event, held on Friday 15 November 2024, featured over 100 suitcases and backpacks painted by children, young people and adults, each representing their "Happy Place." For some, these reflected cherished memories of past holidays, while others depicted dreams of future adventures. The exhibition, opened by Sam Groth MP, broug

Next Market: Sunday 15 December 2024 Time: 10am - 3pm Location: Murrumbeena Uniting Church (Indoor Hall) There will be over 35 local stall holders, including coffee, handmade crafts, candles, Christmas decorations and gifts, jewellery, baked treats, art and photography prints, and more! All money raised from the stall holders goes towards gifting first-ever holidays for families.

Susi and her two sons, Danish (10) and Husain (14), embarked on their first-ever getaway from July 6th to 13th at Phillip Island, an experience that provided a much-needed respite after a challenging year. The family had been grappling with immense grief following the passing of their husband and father earlier in the year due to cancer. With no immediate family in Australia, Susi faced not only the emotional toll of the loss but also the day-to-day struggles of raising two

Teana, a proud Gamilaraay woman, and her three children recently embarked on a life-changing holiday, immersing themselves in a world of healing and joy. This transformative trip to Phillip Island allowed the family to create treasured memories and embrace the beauty of new experiences after overcoming the challenges of family violence. Their story of resilience and renewal serves as an inspiring testament to the power of love and support. Teana and her children have displaye

Article first published by Dandenong Star Photo: Simrat's painting of a beach sunset Where is your happy place? Young and old have got creative and shared their answers at an upcoming Happy Place art exhibition at Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens in Dandenong. For some, it was home. For others, it was collecting shells on a beach, watching a sunset, being in Nature or ‘making a difference’. More than 300 from schools, childcare, family day care, aged care, disability

Magical Getaway Foundation Market

This article was first published in the Phillip Island & San Remo Advertiser on 17 March 2023. Holidays have just been a dream for Tammy and her four young children who have been living in transitional accommodation for the last couple of years. Their small unit is incredibly overcrowded and there is no garden to play in. But thanks to the Magical Getaway Foundation, magic and lifetime memories were created last week with their first ever holiday on Phillip Island. Together w

In June 2022, two families referred by Pakenham Springs Primary School went on their first ever holidays to Phillip Island. The family's stayed at the Island Breeze Resort for seven nights visiting many local tourist attractions including Churchill Island, the Penguin Parade, A Maze'N Things and the Chocolate Factory. Below is a statement written by one of the Mum's, Liana, about what the holiday meant to her and her three children: "The memories I will forever hold closest t

Four years ago Miles made a bear for a project for school. This bear was meant to help children with anxiety, depression and/or trauma with a personal recorded message of ‘Your amazing, believe in yourself and never give up’. Since then over 30 bears have been made to help some very special children and keep them company on their very first holiday. On the 21st January 2022, the very last bear was made. Miles' Mum, Simone Wade said, "It has been an honour to help the Magical

Published by the Phillip Island and San Remo Advertiser on 1st April 2022 Six families, including ten parents, carers and 21 children, from Dandenong South Primary School, are visiting Phillip Island Nature Parks this month for their first ever holiday, which has been gifted to them through the Magical Getaway Foundation. The children and carers are staying at the Kaloha Holiday Resort this week, and will visit the Penguin Parade, Antarctic Journey at the Nobbies, Churchill I

In March 2022, we sent 6 families (comprising of 21 children and 10 adults) on their first ever holiday. We are excited to see the return of our getaways since Covid-19. These families were selected due to the extreme hardship they’ve faced. These first ever getaways are invaluable as they provide a chance for families to reconnect and for the children to finally feel normal again. Recipients of these holidays have never been on a holiday, not even a weekend away. The fami

National Day - Friday 26 August 2022 The Magical Getaway Foundation is very proud to announce for all Australian's Magical Getaway Day which will be celebrated on Friday 26th August 2022. On this special National Day, you and/or your organisation, school, business are invited to join our Ambassadors Kat Stewart and Steven Bradbury to dress up in your favourite holiday gear. Make a gold coin donation to show your support to the 1 in 3 Australian children who have never been on

Family has first-ever getaway in Lorne. Published by the Surf Coast Times.

Rosemary Teed, Founder of the Magical Getaway Foundation, was invited to speak for the second year at the International Week of Fair and Sustainable Tourism for All, hosted by the International Social Tourism Organisation (ISTO). On June 24, 2021, Rosemary spoke alongside three other professionals around the world on the topic "Tourism accessibility, inclusion and tackling inequality". See the full video below, Rosemary speaks at 36min. Rosemary's presentation was viewed by m

Michelle's father (Laszlo) was a holocaust survivor. As a child Laszlo’s mother, father, sister and brother were all taken away right in front of his eyes, to the gas chamber. Due to his height and physical strength, Laszlo was sent to work at a German concentration camp. After the war, Laszlo was fostered out to an Australian family. He came with nothing and no one, and that strength is what Michelle admires to this day. "Anyone can have a very terrible start, but you can ma

In May 2021, Handled With Care made an extremely generous donation to the Magical Getaway Foundation’s Trash to Treasure initiative.