Inspiring Brighter Futures – Moving Lives Onwards & Upwards in 2026

The Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation has launched its 2026 program and provided an update on its strategic vision at a launch function held at Parliament House in Brisbane.

Attended by a large number of supporters, volunteers, donors, political representatives and community leaders, Founder and CEO John Godwin said that the Foundation now had over 620 active mentors and more than 20 facilitators involved in its mentoring programs to deliver the organisation’s purpose to ‘Mentor, support and inspire people in our local communities to move their lives Onwards & Upwards’.

Godwin said that the Foundation’s programs were now running across eight cities in Queensland, including Townsville, Mount Isa, Logan, Gold Coast, Redlands, Moreton Bay, Ipswich, and Brisbane, with further expansion planned during the year.

“We are proud to demonstrate measurable success through our programs in delivering practical, person-centred solutions, improving the lives of at-risk youth, supporting safer communities, and relieving the financial burden on taxpayers,” Godwin said.

“Young people are facing many challenges, and the opportunity to work with a mentor in a structured program is delivering results.

“The social problems we see every day for young people and those unable to enter the workforce are multi-dimensional.

“We sincerely thank all those involved for their past contributions and look forward to continued support as we grow our presence.”

The Foundation announced that it is collaborating with Griffith University to provide independent research in relation to the social return on investment of its programs and will support two Griffith University PhD students to deliver these findings.

Stewart Koplick, programs manager, said that in 2025, 56 Onwards & Upwards programs were run in schools with over 420 young people participating.

“We were pleased to welcome new schools to our program,” Koplick said. “We have also introduced alumni sessions, where past participants get to meet current students and reunite with their former mentors.

“Our adult exit programs continue to run for ex-outlaw motorcycle members, and we continue to build out our relationships with government and other organisations, including TAFE Queensland and Workforce Australia. 

“A priority has been reviewing our program content, focusing on strengthening our training, our safeguarding readiness, compliance, and Quality Assurance, and consistency of delivery across all of our sites.”

Jodi Brown, the Foundation’s manager in charge of community engagement, spoke about the importance of early intervention.

“Showing up when a young person is still reachable, when school is still a place of possibility, when identity is still forming, when one trusted adult can change the direction of a young person’s life — this is what ‘rebuilding the village means in practice,” he said.

“For those of you here who shape policy, fund programs, or support this work financially, your role matters more than you may realise.”

The audience also enjoyed a performance by students from the Queensland Symphony Orchestra Youth Conservatorium, showcasing the talent, confidence and potential of young people when they are supported to thrive.

Local Legends awards were presented to recipients Healthia (Lisa Roach), Nick Lovell, Queensland Country Bank (Katherine Brennan), Carter family (Damien and Andrea Carter), Ros Kelly, Phil Hayton (Kingston State College), Murphy family, Honeycombe Property Group (Peter Honeycombe). Each of these recipients was acknowledged for their special contributions to the foundation and its programs.

Youth Ambassador

A special announcement was made on the night, with Elise Bell being introduced as the Foundation’s first Youth Ambassador.

John Godwin said that the Foundation was delighted to appoint Elise to this vital position to empower young people and maximise the benefits of its programs.

John said, “Elise’s appointment is vital in ensuring that our programs are designed with young people at the centre — and by them — to ensure that the programs are as relevant as possible to support youth wellbeing and achieve positive life outcomes.”

Elise delivered a powerful address to the audience, which you can read here.

The Foundation plans to hold over 80 programs in 2026 in Queensland, focusing on its core groups of young people facing challenges, emerging student leaders, and job seekers.

About Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation

Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation is a non-profit organisation working toward a vision of an inclusive community that supports vulnerable people to inspire a brighter future. The Foundation’s purpose is to mentor, support, and inspire people in local communities to move their lives Onwards & Upwards.

Through one-on-one mentoring, the Foundation works to inspire participants to imagine, plan, and achieve a more satisfying, balanced, and brighter future.

The Foundation was established in 2009 by a group of educators, businesspeople, and community leaders determined to help those in the community who needed it. In 2021, it rebranded to Inspiring Brighter Futures from Fair Go Australia.

For more information, visit: inspiringbrighterfutures.com
ENDS media enquiries to Brenton Gibbs 0419 828440 [email protected]