Liberty Unity Organisation Life Global Foundation Australia (LUOLGFA) Incorporated

Mission Overview: Our mission is to uplift and support the Victorian African Australian community by providing culturally enriching events, youth services, and health resources, with a particular focus on those facing financial pressures. We strive to foster inclusion, empowerment, and wellbeing for individuals and families within this vibrant community. Key Programs/Initiatives: Victorian African Australian Cultural Festivals: Throughout 2024, we organized and hosted cultural festivals that celebrated the rich heritage and traditions of the African Australian community. These events not only showcased diverse art, music, and food but also created a platform for cultural exchange and community connection. We people together, we strengthened the sense of belonging and pride, fostering a deeper appreciation for African Australian cultures. We recognize the challenges that many young people in our community face, particularly those under financial strain. In 2024, we launched initiatives to offer mentorship, social activities, and skillbuilding programs to youth, providing them with the resources and support they need to thrive. A key highlight was our support for teenagers involved in sports, particularly basketball. We provided basketball uniforms and balls, relieving some of the financial burdens on families while ensuring that young people had the tools to participate in sports, build teamwork, and stay active. Additionally, our youth services helped foster leadership, resilience, and personal growth, preparing young people for future success both in their communities and beyond. Women s Health Support: In line with our commitment to community wellbeing, we provided targeted health support for women which is supported by Victoria Government, particularly focusing on physical and mental health needs. We offered access to resources like traditional cooking , wellness programs, services, helping women manage their health and navigate the challenges they face. Throughout the year, we worked closely with local community organizations, government bodies, and businesses to maximize the impact of our programs. These collaborations allowed us to provide holistic support across different sectors, from health to cultural activities, ensuring that our efforts reached as many people as possible. We tracked the success of our initiatives by measuring community participation, engagement levels, and feedback from service users. For instance, over 500 young people participated in our basketball program, with many expressing increased confidence and a stronger sense of community. Similarly, our cultural festivals saw record attendance and positive feedback, reinforcing the importance of these events for fostering connection and cultural pride. In 2024, we helped strengthen community ties, particularly among African Australian families, by providing a range of services such as Australia Day Celebration.