What a busy and inspiring term it’s been for the Standing Tall family!

From milkshakes to youth mental health training, new partnerships to postcard moments, our community has once again shown that it truly takes a village to thrive together.

Our newest team member, Program Support Officer Jaymie, hit the ground running and led the charge on our Term 3 food project — Loaded Milkshakes for All! Mentors and students mixed, blended, and topped their way to delicious creations, with Oreo and Flake proving the crowd favourites (though our fruity strawberry–banana lovers put up a strong fight!).

This term also marked a milestone: every student on our waitlist has now been matched with a mentor. To our new mentors — welcome! To our patient students — thank you for waiting. We’re so proud to see these new connections begin to blossom.

We’ve been hard at work behind the scenes too. Our collaboration with the Global Consultancy Group and Monash University is shaping our biggest project of the year — capturing the true social impact of mentoring so we can keep improving and sustaining the program for years to come.

We’re also thrilled to share our new partnership with The Ross Trust. Under the leadership of Executive Officer Meghan Weekes, this partnership is already proving to be a wonderful step forward, and we look forward to seeing it grow.

Meanwhile, community legend Hammo the Gorilla laced up his joggers to raise $3,300 for Standing Tall — and there’s still time to help him reach his goal!

Even on the other side of the world, Standing Tall is carried with pride. Our President, Rob Vecchiet, sent us a postcard from sunny Nice, France — sporting his Standing Tall shirt at lunch on the Riviera! Proof that no matter where we go, our mission of connection and care travels with us.

Closer to home, five of our volunteers completed Youth Mental Health First Aid training thanks to the Live4Life Southern Grampians team. This optional training strengthens our ability to walk beside young people through challenges big and small.

And finally, we’re gearing up for our biggest volunteer recruitment campaign yet — aiming to welcome 40 new mentors in 2026.

Between board games, dodgeball, golf, tennis, and milkshakes, Term 3 has been full of learning, laughter, and growth.

Keep reading for all the details — and thank you, as always, for being part of this incredible community.