About us

Our Story

Our story began on Remembrance Day 1923. In the aftermath of World War I, a small group of compassionate Australians came together with one shared belief, that every child who had lost a parent in the war deserved the chance to grow, learn and thrive. That belief became our foundation.
 
At the heart of A Start in Life is the yellow poppy, not just a flower, but a powerful symbol of resilience, renewal and hope. The poppy, long a symbol of remembrance, took on a new life in our hands. We chose yellow to represent the promise of brighter days and the light that follows darkness. Yellow poppies speak of happiness, success and new beginnings. These are the very qualities we want every young person to carry with them.

In those early days, we provided a safe home and quality education at the William Thompson Masonic School. But as the needs of young Australians changed, so did we. By the 1970s, our arms opened wider, offering support to any student experiencing hardship, no matter their story or where they lived.

Today, our yellow poppy blooms in classrooms and lecture halls across the country. We stand beside young learners from all walks of life, children starting primary school, teenagers pushing toward their Year 12 exams and young adults carving a path through TAFE or university. Each one carries their own story, and with your help, a future that feels possible.
 
We receive no government funding. Everything we do is powered by generosity, by people who believe, as we do, that education can transform a life.

Together, we plant seeds of opportunity. One student. One yellow poppy at a time.
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A Start in Life is an Australian registered charity, founded on 11 November 1923 and registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) under ABN 21 871 881 074. We hold Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR1) status, which means every donation of two dollars or more is fully tax-deductible for Australian taxpayers.

Our mission is straightforward: to ensure that financial hardship is never the reason a young person's education is cut short. We support students aged 4 to 24 across New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, from the first day of primary school through to the final year of university or TAFE.

For more than a century, we have been sustained not by government funding, but by the generosity of Australians who believe that where a child starts in life should not determine where they finish. That belief is as alive today as it was in 1923.

Our Values

#Collaborate | #Empower | #Acountable | #Adapt

We will help you unlock your inner potential, so you can push beyond what you ever thought possible.

100+ Years Supporting Australian Youth

We are a non-profit organization that supports students who are committed to advancing and broadening their educational and future horizons. 

We offer financial assistance which includes regular interactions with A Start in Life’s Student Assistance Team and access to a variety of resources, activities, experiences, workshops and coaching. 

Established over 100 years ago, we have extensive experience assisting students through programs which complement ‘in-school’ learning and extend the student. Through nurturing and igniting young minds, we encourage students to unlock their potential, broaden their horizons and pave the way for a brighter future.
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21st Century Skills Courses

Students are equipped with the tools needed for the ever-changing modern world and workforce, enhancing career opportunities. They learn the theory behind these skills and then practically apply them.

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Students Since Inception

For over 100 years, we have been helping young Australians achieve their educational goals. Our programs complement 'in-school' learning and extends beyond the school environment.

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Scholarship Programs

We have scholarship programs suitable for kindergarten to tertiary students who are committed to advancing and broadening their educational and future horizons.

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Tailored Support Programmes

All of our programs are built around students' interests and goals, ensuring age-appropriate and student-centred guidance every step of the way.  

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Flexible and Convenient

Our programmes are designed to fit around busy schedules. Students or guardians can choose times to interact with our team that suit them.

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Supplementing and Complementing Academic Education 

Backed by research on what students need to succeed in their education, personal lives, and the workforce.

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Broadening Horizons

We help students unlock their inner potential and introduce them to pathways they never thought possible or even knew existed.

Do you know someone who shares our vision?
Tell them about us!