A furnished home can turn an unfamiliar address into somewhere a family can begin rebuilding.
During First National’s first year partnering with RizeUp, members helped prepare two homes for families affected by domestic and family violence. One was for a mother and her two young children. The other was for a woman and her baby daughter.
Rather than arriving at empty properties, both families entered homes prepared with furniture, household essentials and the practical comforts needed to begin again.
Practical support when it matters
First National team members helped assemble furniture, arrange rooms and add the finishing touches that made each property feel like a home.
RizeUp CEO Nicolle Edwards said the support meant the families ‘didn’t have to walk into an empty house’.
For people leaving domestic and family violence, establishing a new home can follow the loss of possessions, financial security, personal networks and familiar surroundings. A safe and properly furnished home provides some immediate stability during that transition.
The contribution forms part of RizeUp’s broader work across Australia. During FY2025/26, the organisation supported 15,640 victim-survivors – 28 per cent more than during the previous financial year.
This included 9,249 children and young people. RizeUp also furnished 454 homes for 480 adults and 815 children and young people during the year.
Since its work began, RizeUp has supported 78,385 victim-survivors, including 51,101 children and young people, and helped furnish 3,663 homes around the country.
Building understanding across the network
The partnership has also helped members better understand the experiences of people rebuilding after domestic and family violence.
Nicolle Edwards and her RizeUp colleague Gareth joined members at First National’s National Convention in Vietnam. They shared the organisation’s work while learning more about the role First National offices play in communities across Australia.
Real estate agents and property managers regularly meet people experiencing significant changes in their lives. Greater awareness can help members respond with care, protect people’s dignity and recognise when specialist support may be needed.
First National will continue supporting RizeUp as a Platinum Sponsor of its Gala Ball in September.
The first year of the partnership has shown how practical help, member participation and greater understanding can combine to support families as they establish safer lives.