In the heart of Leichardt, nestled amongst the terraces and Italian cafes sits the Tony Mundine Hostel. A safe, secure and culturally appropriate home for First Nations People to stay, the hostel caters for 24 guests, providing a home away from home.

Lisa Agnew (Vivid General Manager) and Jacqui Ashton (Vivid Communications and Marketing) visited the Tony Mundine Hostel this morning to donate our Vivid care packages – toiletry items that have been generously collected and donated by our client JLL/Medibank in both Sydney and Wollongong.

Beth Perin (Director Frontline Services – NSW & VIC) introduced us to Liz, Manager of the Tony Mundine Hostel.  For over 14 years, Liz has run the onsite day-to-day operations, whilst providing a supportive environment for the residents.   Liz is acutely aware of the importance of a welcoming home away from Country, having been a resident of Biala Hostel as a high school student over 30 years ago.

Liz shared with us her own story of growing up in a loving home as a young child, enriched with a hard-working ethic, kindness and gratitude.   Today these values flow into Liz’s care of the residents and she is seen as a friend and companion to all.

“My family instilled in me the importance of sharing.  We share what we have – our wisdom, our knowledge, our kindness.  I am grateful for the sacrifices made by our ancestors and Elders; their resilience and journey gives our residents the strength to learn, grow and the opportunity to be successful.  I am so excited to see Vivid contributing to this success of the residents.   The Vivid care packages provide dignity and comfort at a time when many don’t have access to the most basic of essentials.”

Thank you to everyone from JLL/Medibank who collaborated with us. We are proud to continue to work together to assist hostel residents feel supported and empowered, by providing some of life’s essentials.