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Together, we make a difference — that you can see

Published
30 October 2025

Donors of 45 years, to first-timers this week, show how green shoots continue to sprout, strengthen and thrive from BSL’s 95-year-old origins and the pivotal work of the Henderson Inquiry 50 years ago.


Two people smiling and gesturing in front of a media wall with Brotherhood of St. Laurence branding.
Dr Alice de Jonge and BSL Executive Director Travers McLeod share a moment.


Progress happens in partnership. It’s driven by relationships, more than headlines; trust, built over time; and the courage of those who show up every day. 

“It’s that spirit that defines BSL,” Executive Director Travers McLeod stated at BSL’s annual supporter event — the biggest yet with 80 external guests among the more than 100 attendees — as he and Board Chair Stephen Newton AO acknowledged the deep roots that allow social justice to continue to grow. 

Among the kind faces in a warm State Library Conversation Quarter on a blustery Tuesday morning was Dr Alice de Jonge, Monash University senior lecturer, and widow of long-term BSL Charter Member, and Henderson Inquiry researcher, Dr Ian Manning, who passed away last November. 

“This year has been setting up his legacy,” Dr de Jonge said. 

“And part of that was recognising what his life was about; and working with BSL was very important to him.” 

With a Thrive Hub alumnus among BSL’s newest donors just a day before the event, having since launched a career at a university, green shoots continue to sprout and strengthen from BSL’s 95-year-old origins and the pivotal work of the Henderson Inquiry, 50 years ago. 

BSL Youth Advisor Chloe T joined Frankston Thrive Hub Manager Adriano in centering the importance of young peoples’ goals, evidenced in animal lover and current Thrive Hub participant Chloe S’ studies to enhance her burgeoning pet-minding business.

“I think good support for your vision is just being listened to, being believed in - their strengths, their interests, especially,” Chloe T said.

“I think interests don’t get taken into account and interest is what drives passion and what can drive careers like you've heard from Chloe S.” 

Another flourishing business, Brotherhood Books , Australia's first online secondhand bookstore, had a range of first edition and rare books on display and available to purchase at the event, including Charles Darwin, Agatha Christie and Australian art and literature.

BSL Executive Director Travers McLeod celebrated Brotherhood Books as a circular economy, diverting books from landfill and towards positive outcomes.

“Last year, we took care of over 23,000 orders to Brotherhood Books and redistributed over 77,000 quality books — generating work experience, but also reinvesting all of those dollars back into BSL, to our services and to the support we provide across the community," he said.

Christmas is coming.

Learn how to donate your pre-loved books or buy your next must-read at www.brotherhoodbooks.org.au .


Four people discuss a panel subject on stage in front of tables of people sitting down and watching and listening.
Left to right: BSL Chief Strategy and Impact Officer, Zeah Behrend discusses the BSL Frankston Thrive Hub and its importance of the initiative with Adriano Gioia, Demonstration Manager - Adult and Youth Transitions, with participants Chole T and Chloe S.
Two people in conversation sitting down in a large room at an event.
Left to right: Dr Alice de Jonge reflects on lifelong contributions to Brotherhood of St. Laurence with BSL Media & Communications Manager, Scott Carbines.
Two female-presenting people laugh and smile over quiche while sitting at an event table.
All smiles from Rivergum Parks and Gardens, BSL supporters.


MORE ON THRIVE HUBS
 BSL Frankston Thrive Hub Visit | Brotherhood of St. Laurence
Frankston Thrive Hub: bridging gaps, building futures | Brotherhood of St. Laurence

DONATE TO BROTHERHOOD OF ST LAURENCE
 Donate | Brotherhood of St. Laurence

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