Citi Foundation grant to complement Thrive Hubs

Federal Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Amanda Rishworth, Federal Member for Dunkley Jodie Belyea, and Citi Australia Head of Corporate Banking Alex Allegos heard from participants who have found meaningful work through the Frankston Thrive Hub during a site visit.

The Brotherhood of St. Laurence (BSL) today announced US$500,000 of funding from Citi Foundation’s prestigious Global Innovation Challenge: Accelerating Youth Employability grant to complement pioneering Thrive Hubs in Frankston and Broadmeadows.

Federal Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Amanda Rishworth, Federal Member for Dunkley Jodie Belyea, BSL Executive Director Travers McLeod, and Citi Australia Head of Corporate Banking Alex Allegos heard from participants who have found meaningful work through the Frankston Thrive Hub during a site visit on Tuesday, December 9.

BSL is Australia’s sole recipient in the 2025 Global Innovation Challenge run by the Citi Foundation. The grant will enable BSL’s two‑year Building Your Future Together Program to boost youth employability from November 2025 to October 2027 – reaching an estimated 200 participants.

Thrive Hubs foster economic and social inclusion. They are embedded in communities and built around the people they serve, in a way that helps achieve their career aspirations and enhance their capacity to become employed or study. By providing tailored support and meeting people where they’re at — with the support of accredited training coaches, local employer engagement and industry partnerships — Thrive Hubs foster sustainable employment and reduce poverty.

This additional funding from Citi Foundation complementing the innovative Thrive Hub model will enable more dedicated career coaching in local state schools across Frankston and Broadmeadows. It’s a win-win for employers and students alike – prioritising early support, building confidence and capability, and empowering young people to identify and pursue their career aspirations.

"For over 10 years, Citi Foundation has provided grants to help BSL support disadvantaged youth, while our Citi employees have given hands-on assistance with their programs through our Global Community Day volunteering initiatives,” said Mark Woodruff, CEO, Citi Australia.

“Receiving this Global Innovation Challenge grant for the Building Your Future Together Program is a testament to their consistently innovative approach to tackling the challenges around youth employment. Their dedication truly exemplifies the spirit of innovation and community impact that the Citi Foundation grant recipients strive to deliver."

BSL Executive Director Dr Travers McLeod said the grant would accelerate the organisation’s ability to strengthen pathways for young people who were marginalised in the labour market.

“This recognition from Citi Foundation affirms the importance of community-driven innovation. With their support, we can reach more young people, connect them with employers, and ensure they have the tools to thrive and meet their full potential,” McLeod said.

The announcement was made today at the Frankston Thrive Hub, alongside representatives from the Victorian and Federal Governments, who reaffirmed their funding commitments to the initiative .