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The Ready Foundation

Life Without Limits

The Ready Foundation is the charitable arm of AFL SportsReady. Our purpose is to unlock the potential of young people experiencing barriers to education and employment, by providing the support and resources they need to succeed.

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The Cost of Missing Out

The transition from school into further education, training or employment is a critical step towards adult independence. For young people experiencing disadvantage, this transition can be disrupted, increasing the risk of becoming "disengaged". Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people are disproportionately affected, with lower rates of school completion and participation in further education and employment than non-Indigenous young people. When vulnerable young people leave school early and are not fully engaged by age 24, the consequences extend beyond the individual, creating significant social and economic costs for the wider community.

Did you know?

  • $33 billion

    The estimated lifetime cost of student disengagement for a single cohort in Victoria, including lost wages, productivity and costs across health, welfare and justice.

    Source: The Institute for Educational Reform | Optimal Economics, The Cost of the Lost Years: Economic Impact of Student Disengagement in Victoria (2025).

  • $1.6 million

    The estimated lifetime cost to the community of each 24-year-old who is disengaged from work and study in South Australia.

    Source: South Australian Productivity Commission | Positioning All South Australians to Share in the Benefits of Economic Growth (2024).

  • 12.4% of young people

    391,000 young people were neither working nor studying in 2021.

    Source: AIHW (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare) (2021) Engagement in education or employment, Australian Government, accessed 13 August 2026.

  • 9.5%

    Youth unemployment rate in January 2026.

    Source: AIHW (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare), Engagement in education or employment, Australian Government, accessed 13 August 2026.

What We Do

Empowering Potential, Transforming Lives. The Ready Foundation recognises that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people experience disproportionate levels of disadvantage and face greater challenges accessing education and employment. Breaking the cycle of disadvantage and creating pathways to opportunity is a key priority for the Foundation. With the generosity of donors, partners and the wider community, we provide targeted support where it can make the greatest difference.

  • Indigenous Mentorship

    Through one-on-one mentorship, we support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants on their personal and professional journeys.

  • Financial Assistance

    Scholarships and financial assistance help cover education-related expenses, reducing the financial burden on young people and their families.

  • Skills Development

    Workshops and training programs equip young people with the essential skills they need to pursue employment and advance their careers.

  • Culturally Safe Spaces

    Creating inclusive and culturally safe environments where young people feel valued, heard and supported is essential to their growth and development.

  • Trauma-Informed Support

    We provide trauma-informed counselling and psychological support to help young people build resilience, navigate challenges and move forward with confidence.

Draft — pending final approval

A Message from our CEO

“Supporting vulnerable individuals through their education and employment journey is essential for individual and national prosperity. It directly correlates with higher income, better employment rates, improved health and reduced poverty and crime. Investing in tailored support not only enhances personal well-being and progression, but also saves billions in taxpayer dollars, making it a powerful tool for transforming lives and strengthening our economy. Join The Ready Foundation to ensure the most vulnerable aren't left behind.”
Sally Powell — CEO of The Ready Foundation

Mentor Statement

The impact of mentorship is profound. It goes beyond simply providing guidance and support—it creates a ripple effect of empowerment and transformation.

“As an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mentor for AFL SportsReady, I've experienced firsthand the transformative power of mentorship. I provide crucial guidance, cultural understanding, role modelling, networking opportunities, personal development, emotional support, and community connections. This comprehensive support helps individuals navigate challenges and embrace their potential.”
Anzac Leidig — Indigenous Mentor

Stephen Obale

Case study — Stephen Obale

From Setback to Career Success

When circumstances beyond his control brought Proud Arrernte man Stephen Obale's Administration Traineeship with Liberty Financial to an unexpected end, he was left without employment and part-way through his Certificate III in Business. The Ready Foundation stepped in, with support from ANZ, funding Stephen's education and helping him secure a new traineeship, ensuring a setback didn't bring his ambitions to a stop.

Stephen was also supported by mentor Uncle Ralph, who provided guidance well beyond the workplace and introduced him to the Fitzroy Stars Football and Netball Club. The connection became an important part of Stephen's life, providing a strong sense of community and belonging alongside his professional development.

In his new traineeship, Stephen gained experience across Administration, Education, Employment and Business Development — building his skills, confidence and direction. Today, he has taken the next step in his career as an Employment Pathways Advisor (People and Culture) with the Department of Transport and Planning. What began as an unexpected setback became the catalyst for Stephen's next chapter.

Case studies

Governance

The Ready Foundation is governed by an independent board with financial oversight and annual reporting. [PLACEHOLDER: governance details — to confirm]

How funds are used

Funds are directed to scholarships, mentoring, cultural support and community program grants. [PLACEHOLDER: current allocation breakdown — to confirm]

Our board

Get in touch with the Foundation

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