The ETC Community Support Fund has awarded $7,500 to the Brunswick Heads Breakfast Club, a grassroots initiative offering meals, connection, and compassion to people experiencing homelessness and hardship in the local community.
In the 2025 NSW Street Count, Byron Shire in the Northern Rivers region recorded the highest number of rough sleepers statewide, contributing to the 2,192 people counted across NSW – an 8 per cent increase from 2024.
The latest funding will help cover the costs of providing breakfasts and other essential meals, ensuring the club can continue to serve the growing number of individuals seeking support.
More than breakfast
Every Friday morning from 8-9am, volunteers gather to offer not just food, but dignity, warmth, and a sense of belonging.
‘The Brunswick Breakfast Club allows people to have a cup of coffee, a sandwich and to connect with people in their community,’ said Isabelle Borrelli, Deputy Chair of ETC, a not-for-profit provider of employment, and training services.
‘ETC has given the Breakfast Club the ability to continue. It’s important that we give back, that’s what the ETC Community Support Fund is all about.’
The impact of the club is felt deeply by attendees and volunteers alike. Nathan, a regular visitor, said ‘I can see things getting worse in Australia and not just for people that have mental health issues or addictions, it’s become expensive here. Pretty soon it could be your children or somebody you know that’s experiencing homelessness.
‘The stigma needs to go. Or it’s going to get worse.’
Volunteers like Renee and Renate have witnessed firsthand the growing need and the transformative power of community care.
It’s definitely much busier here now. We started up a charging station and people are requesting more veggies – so we’re just trying to provide what people are needing,” said Renee.
‘You don’t have to explain why you’re here. You’ll be able to connect with other people and come for a hot drink. It’s amazing,’ added Renate.
Beacon
Supporters say the Brunswick Heads Breakfast Club stands as a beacon of hope, proving that small acts of kindness backed by community support can make a big difference.
ETC, a registered charity, says it’s committed to giving back to the communities in which it operates. Through the ETC Community Support Fund, the organisation provides funding support to organisations addressing the greatest needs in communities related to employment, skills development, and overcoming major barriers to employment.
Since its inception in 2012, the ETC Community Support Fund has provided over $3 million to community organisations, including $2 million in the last three years alone.
Find out more about the Breakfast Club in this short video:
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