The Marshall Family

When five-year-old T* wanted a new lock screen for her iPad, she didn’t choose a cartoon character or a favourite game. Instead, she gathered her sisters, their partners and family friends for a group photo.

“She got me, Tara, and our partners to take a picture with her,” Rosanna, T’s foster sister, said. “That made me feel really happy. When I looked at her, she was so happy.”

Foster parents Ashiana and Russell Marshall welcomed T into their home when she was just 17 days old. Nearly six years later, they say one of the greatest rewards has been watching the bond between T and daughters Tara and Rosanna grow.

“The girls were quite happy about it, having a little baby,” Ashiana said. “She loves her sisters.”

Today, Rosanna and Tara take great pride in watching their little sister grow into a curious, social and confident young person.

“I think she sees us going places and she wants to do the same thing,” Rosanna said.

Tara and Rosanna were just 15 when T joined the family. Now university students studying education and law respectively, they remain some of her biggest role models, sharing everything from dress-ups and family holidays to everyday adventures.

“I think when you’ve got someone who’s kind of closer to your age, as an older sister, you can be more of a voice of reason compared to parents,” Rosanna said. “My hope is that if T does get exposed to challenging things, she’ll feel comfortable coming to me and Tara to talk about it.”

Culture is another important part of family life. Drawing on Ashiana’s Fijian-Indian heritage, the family has made cultural traditions a natural part of everyday life through family celebrations, food, travel and regular trips to Fiji, where T’s family heritage originates.

“From her perspective, this is just her normal life,” Russell said. “It doesn’t matter that other kids aren’t doing this. This is just the way her life is.”

As T approaches her sixth birthday, she is thriving at school, where her friendly and helpful nature has already made an impression. At home, Ashiana sees those same qualities every day.

“She’s very loving and caring,” she said. “Every five minutes or something, she says ‘I love you’.”

For Ashiana and Russell, fostering has always been about creating an environment where T feels loved, supported and encouraged to explore her potential.

“I don’t see her as a foster child. I see her as my child,” Russell said. “Because her success is my success.”

Looking ahead, the Marshalls hope T’s future is filled with the same confidence, curiosity and sense of belonging that have shaped her early years.

For T, whose lock screen features the people she loves: she is not only surrounded by supportive parents, but by two older sisters proud to guide, encourage and cheer her on every step of the way.

Foster Care week takes place from September 13 to September 19, 2026.

To learn more about becoming a foster carer yourself, visit our Foster Care page.

*Name withheld to protect the privacy of the young person.

Junction will expand its innovative tiny homes program, following a $13.4 million Federal Government funding boost announced today.

The investment, through the Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF), will enable Junction to deliver 30 new homes across two sites for South Australians aged 16 to 18 transitioning from out-of-home care.

This will include 10 additional pods at Junction’s existing tiny homes campus in Adelaide’s south and the development of a new campus, comprising 20 pods along with office space, laundry facilities and a community hub within a vibrant, regenerated precinct in Adelaide’s northern suburbs.

Junction CEO Maria Palumbo said the tiny homes concept provided “more than a roof over heads”.

“Our tiny homes campuses provide a unique opportunity for some of South Australia’s most vulnerable young people to live in a safe and supportive environment while preparing for the future,” Ms Palumbo said.

“It gives them the opportunity to develop skills and confidence, including around cooking, cleaning and budgeting, with just the right level of support, so they can successfully transition to independence. This means young people are gaining skills and experience, whether that be through study, training or employment, to set them up to succeed as adults.”

“It also helps them develop a tenancy record and reference so they can be better positioned to access private rental.”

Junction is one of eight projects across SA to receive funding through the Government’s $1.2 billion HAFF Crisis and Transitional stream. The HAFF is a dedicated investment vehicle to provide funding to increase social and affordable housing nationally.”

Ms Palumbo said increasing supply is the most critical element in solving the housing crisis.

“The beauty of tiny homes is that they can be produced relatively quickly and transported where they are needed within well-designed and connected communities.”

“This funding allows us to build on the success of our existing campus and evolve our model, while extending housing and support to more young people who would otherwise be at real risk of homelessness.”

“We are proud to be partnering with the Federal Government, alongside the State Government and local councils, to bring these projects to life.”

Expansion of Junction’s southern campus is expected to be completed by the middle of next year, with the new northern campus up and running in late 2027.

Media Contact: For more information contact Danielle Gordon on 0401 696 853 or email Danielle.gordon@corporateconversation.com.au

After years of setbacks, solitude and separations, Catherine started to believe loneliness was simply something she would have to live with.

Originally from Adelaide, Catherine moved to Balaklava while six months pregnant, leaving an abusive relationship and seeking safety close to her parents.

“It was a difficult time, but I wanted somewhere I could start again and raise my son,” Catherine said.

However, after the loss of both her parents, Catherine relocated to Victor Harbor, which was as close to Adelaide as she could afford for a rental property. While the move offered a fresh start, she soon began to feel isolated.

“I missed having people around me. I felt really lonely,” she said.

Keen to return to a familiar community, Catherine registered for community housing with Junction and secured a home in Balaklava in 2021.

“It was nice to be back in the (Balaklava) community, but as my son got older, I knew he wanted to be closer to his friends. I thought I would be ok alone when he eventually moved out but it was far lonelier and harder than I expected.

“I was proud of him, but suddenly it was just me.”

Living in a regional area also presented transport challenges for Catherine.

“My car was getting older and I worried about what would happen if it broke down,” she said.

With limited options, Catherine feared she’d be forced to remain apart from her son. A conversation with her Junction housing manager, about the organisation’s new housing and community hub at Tonsley, changed that.

“Tonsley is less than 10 minutes from my son so I expressed my interest and was lucky enough to be able transfer to a new apartment,” she said.

Today, Catherine enjoys easy access to public transport, regular visits to the local library and opportunities to connect with neighbours and the wider community.

“It’s just so beautiful here, the quality of my apartment gives me a sense of dignity and self-worth,” she said.

Catherine also credits Junction’s ongoing support for helping her build confidence and connections.

“They’ve helped me meet people, get involved in the community and feel like I belong,” Catherine said.

“Without Junction, I wouldn’t have been able to move closer to my son and I am really part of a community again.”

Junction has unveiled its new $36 million housing and services hub at Tonsley, including 50 new social homes for South Australians.

Thrive Tonsley comprises a mix of studio, one and two-bedroom apartments across eight levels. It is also the new head office for Junction’s expanding workforce of around 400 staff.

Junction CEO Maria Palumbo said the development ushered in a new, ambitious era for Junction while providing much needed housing and support for South Australians.

“This is about delivering solutions for our community in a really practical and innovative way,” Ms Palumbo said.

“It shows who we are as an organisation and where we are heading, strengthening the support we provide to communities while expanding our impact.”

The purpose-built social housing development is supported by $15.2 million investment as part of the Social Housing Accelerator Program, a Federal Government initiative delivered in partnership with the State Government and community housing providers.

Thrive Tonsley includes a downstairs café and community spaces providing an accessible, flexible and welcoming environment for those who live and work there.

Meantime, a second stage of the project is also now well underway. The adjacent $35.3m million build-to-rent development will comprise 63 affordable apartments and is underpinned by a $25.6 million boost from the/ Housing Australia Future Fund Facility (HAFFF).

Due for completion by April next year, Ms Palumbo said Stage 2 would support the growing ‘missing middle’ co hort.

“These are often young people who are in good, stable work but still can’t get a foot in the door of the housing market,” she said.

Ms Palumbo said the Tonsley location aligned strongly with Junction’s focus on innovation, connection and placemaking.

“This is a precinct built on transformation and future thinking, which makes it a perfect fit for us,” she said.

“Junction has risen to meet the changing needs of the community for almost 50 years and here, we will continue to evolve to positively impact communities for the next 50 – and beyond.”

Junction has partnered with Schiavello and Brown Falconer to deliver both Thrive Tonsley Stage 1 and Stage 2.

Established in 1979, Junction supports more than 10,000 South Australians a year through housing, community services and programs.

For most of her life, Lynn was the person building stability for others. After spending years creating a home for her family, she never expected she would one day experience homelessness herself.

“After 12 years of school and raising 5 beautiful children, I just never thought I’d find myself without a place to call home. It was terrifying,” she said.

When a relationship breakdown left Lynn without a home, she found herself facing a housing market she could no longer afford.

“I was applying for private rentals as well, but there was no way I could afford a private rental at the prices they’re at now,” she said.

With few options available, she moved between family members’ homes, a caravan park and a motel while searching for somewhere safe to live.

“I got very ill living at the caravan park, and my doctor said, ‘This won’t work for you. You need proper housing and a home.’”

Then came the call that marked the start of a new chapter. Lynn was offered a two-bedroom unit through Junction.

“I burst into tears when I got the call. I couldn’t believe it and I felt so much relief,” she said.

As she settled in with her greyhound, Ziggy, and her cat, Charlie, support from Junction and generous community members helped her turn an empty unit into a home. Donations of furniture, appliances and household essentials gave Lynn the foundation to start rebuilding.

“My housing manager turned up at my door with a smile on her face,” Lynn said. “I looked at her and she said, ‘Here you go, here’s a brand-new set of saucepans for you.’ She had sourced them for me because she knew I had nothing. I will never forget that kindness. That’s the moment my house began to feel like home.”

Nearly two years later, Lynn enjoys the comfort and routine that comes with knowing she and Ziggy have a place to come home to.

“The stability I have now gives me a safe space to heal and hope and focus on my future.”

Just two days before he died, Nita married her beloved soul mate, Jeff, in a small ceremony at Victor Harbor Hospital.

It was June 19, 2025. After 30 years together, they finally became husband and wife.

“He saved me,” Nita reflected.

For the 52-year-old, who lost her mother at six, endured abuse growing up and ran away from home at 18, Jeff had been her constant for three decades until he succumbed to cancer.

Compounding her grief was also the very real prospect of homelessness with the conclusion of her private rental lease at Carraklinga.

“I had to keep asking the landlord for extensions, but I was preparing myself to be living in a caravan park by Christmas,” Nita said.

A social worker referral to Junction proved a “sliding doors moment”.

Junction helped Nita secure a private rental property in Goolwa and supported her through the financial wellbeing program.

“I had to spend all my savings on removalists and moving,” she said.

Nita’s financial counsellor then suggested another service – the Community Connections program.

Delivered by Junction in partnership with Skylight Mental Health across the Fleurieu, the Community Connections program is funded by the South Australian Department of Human Services. Rather than providing ongoing case management, the program focuses on helping people build sustainable social connections by matching them with community groups, activities and local support networks that continue long after the program ends.

For Junction Community Connector Franki Scarfo, helping people starts with understanding what matters most to them.

“When I first spoke with Nita, I noticed she had two different surnames on her paperwork,” Franki said. “That led her to telling me about Jeff and explaining she hadn’t had time to change her name.

“From the outset, I like to understand what’s weighing on people the most because if we can remove some of those immediate barriers, it often opens the door for everything else.”

For Nita, who suffered a stroke five years ago, a key barrier was mobility. Franki helped organise a replacement tyre for Nita’s mobility scooter and introduced her to the Community Transport SA Program.

She also found Nita a special frame for the couple’s treasured wedding photograph – and assisted her to change her surname to her married name.

“It wasn’t just about the name or the frame,” Franki said. “It was about honouring an incredibly important memory while helping Nita begin looking towards the future.”

Before he died, Jeff left his Nita one final piece of advice.

“I said I probably would for a little while, but I’d pick myself up. That’s what I did,” she recalled.

Her first “real” outing after his death was a Community Connections Christmas lunch hosted at the local Uniting Church.

“I’ve never been good with crowds or lots of people, but I thought if I went with Franki I’d have someone there if I needed to make a quick exit,” Nita said.

Wreath making was among the activities offered to guests on the day.

“I can’t draw or paint for quids, but I’ve always been creative,” she said. “Years ago, I did ceramics and crochet. Wreath making looked interesting.”

Nita left feeling mentally exhausted but also, a little hopeful.

Six months later, Monday Yarn craft group at the Goolwa Community Centre has become one of the highlights of her week.

She has also found comfort closer to home.

“My neighbours have become like family,” she said. “The daughter and grandson I never had. I wouldn’t have had the confidence to get to know them if I hadn’t taken those initial steps”.

Together with Jeff’s relatives and her growing circle of community connections, she is rebuilding a life she once thought had ended.

“Jeff was the ultimate gentleman and love of my life,” Nita said. “The thing I’ve realised is there are good people out there. People do care. It’s baby steps, but I’m getting there.”

Today, we’re proud to share an important milestone in Junction’s reconciliation journey with the launch of our Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

The RAP, launched today at our NAIDOC Community Celebration, will guide our work over the next three years. Endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, a RAP helps organisations turn their commitment to reconciliation into meaningful action. Stretch is the second-highest level of RAP, with only around 200 organisations across Australia currently working at this level.

This RAP reflects a journey that has been shaped by honest conversations, shared learning and a growing understanding of what it means to be a genuine ally. While we are proud to have reached this point, we also recognise the responsibility that comes with it.

Junction’s Ally Statement signed by staff.

Sitting at the very beginning of the RAP, our Ally Statement reflects the values and commitments that guide our approach to allyship and the actions we take as an organisation.

Allyship is not something we have mastered. It requires ongoing learning, listening and reflection. We know we won’t always get everything right, but we are committed to approaching this work with openness, respect and a willingness to learn.

Our RAP helps keep us accountable by turning our intentions into actions. It provides a clear roadmap for where we want to go and reinforces the importance of building strong relationships, particularly with Aboriginal-led organisations, as well as with the communities we support and each other.

This is a journey for all of us. It asks us to stay curious, embrace learning and continue growing together. Through this RAP, we reaffirm our commitment to listening, acting thoughtfully and contributing to meaningful change.

Every Tuesday morning, Junction resident Kym steps out with the Mitchell Park Walking Group, falling easily into step with familiar faces, shared laughs, and a routine that keeps him grounded. However, 24 years ago, Kym was taking steps down a very different path.

For most of his adult life, Kym battled a heavy alcohol addiction, even after a doctor warned his liver was failing and he might only have six months to live.

“After my doctor told me that, I went to the pub to decide what I was going to do. But of course, I just drank again, because that was the cycle,” Kym said.

“I don’t remember much, but I woke up in a church. I thought I’d just wait until the sermon had finished to leave, but he started talking about breaking free from chains… and I listened.”

“I heard a message I really needed. I realised I had a choice,” Kym said.

In the early days, Kym focused on taking small, steady steps, distancing himself from old habits, and finding places where he felt supported. It wasn’t easy, but slowly, things began to shift.

The Mitchell Park Walking Group, run in partnership with MarionLIFE and Junction, meets every Tuesday at 9:30am. This group now forms an important of Kym’s schedule, a weekly catch-up where people get together to walk, talk and support each other in a relaxed, welcoming environment. For Kym, it’s more than just a walk.

“It’s not really about the exercise. It’s about connection. You show up. You have a chat. You feel like you belong,” he said.

Now Kym continues to focus on his mental and physical wellbeing – and helps others do the same.

“I co-lead a men’s group through the 12-step recovery program at the Salvation Army at Noarlunga. I share what’s helped me and remind them that everyone’s path is different, but they’re not alone,” he said.

“I used to live in fear, addiction, shame. I had to leave a lot of friendships behind because they weren’t good for me.”

“I am so happy now. I live truthfully, and I can look people in the eye, something I couldn’t do before. Life is just good now.”

This Men’s Health week, Kym shares an important message he hopes will help others.

“Find community. Find people who make you feel safe, accepted and at home – like I have at my church and at the walking group. There are places out there that will welcome you no matter where you’re at, and they’ll support you every step of the way.”

For Arabana photographer Colleen, picking up a camera began simply as a creative outlet she could balance while caring for her young sons. But very quickly, it grew into something deeper, a responsibility to her culture and community.

Colleen had spent years seeing and experiencing Aboriginal people depicted through narrow, negative frames. She wanted to offer something different.

“I was so tired of seeing my people shown without strength or pride,” said Colleen.

“I grew up being bombarded with racist comments, imagery, and all that sort of stuff. And I knew that wasn’t our culture, we are so much more than that.”

Her work now centres on preserving culture, uplifting community voices and presenting Aboriginal identity with the accuracy, dignity and resilience it deserves.

“My role is to look after culture through my lens – to show the richness of who we are,” said Colleen.

Born in Alice Springs, with strong Arabana ties through her father, Colleen grew up traditionally: railway houses, weekends out bush, and early lessons in land, care and connection. These foundations of observation, patience, respect now shape her artistic style.

After moving to Adelaide in 1988, her path wound through study and parenthood before she bought her first second‑hand camera and taught herself from scratch. Persistence kept her going through frustration.

“One day it just clicked – it felt like my ancestors were looking after me,” said Colleen.

Her first campaign with Nunkuwarrin Yunti opened the door to a now‑thriving business. Today her work is exhibited across Adelaide, including a series at the Adelaide Town Hall Art Pod, celebrating culture as living, strong and continuous.

Her photography is also a form of advocacy and is a legacy she credits to the activists she grew up around, and one her sons are now embracing.

That same spirit shapes her view of reconciliation. For Colleen, it is meaningful only when it is lived.

“Reconciliation is all of us sitting at the same table, and I know there is room for all of us there to share knowledge, respect and space.”

In every image Colleen offers truthful, proud representation. Images that honour her people, celebrate resilience, and keep culture visible for future generations.

You can see Colleen’s work on her Instagram page: @nharla_photography

(L-R) Lindsay Cowper (Fleurieu Community Foundation), Tammy Elvin (Junction), Kate Simpson (Fleurieu Community Foundation), Maria Palumbo (Junction), Leanne Keach (Elders), Carol Caston (Fleurieu Community Foundation), Natalie Stevenson (Community Bank Fleurieu) and Mark Irwin (Rotary Club of Victor Harbor).

A ground-breaking program delivering safe, stable and affordable housing on the Fleurieu Peninsula will expand following a $160,000 funding boost from a consortium of business and community partners.

The investment will support the lease of at least three additional homes and a dedicated case worker as part of the Fleurieu Accommodation Project – an initiative led by Junction and supported by the Fleurieu Community Foundation, Rotary Club of Victor Harbor, Community Bank Fleurieu, Zonta Club of the Fleurieu Peninsula and Elders Real Estate.

The project addresses homelessness through a head lease model, securing private rental properties which are then sub-let by Junction to people experiencing, or at risk of, rough sleeping.

To date, the Fleurieu Accommodation Project has supported 32 people across three properties – a dedicated share house for women over 55, another for young people at risk of homelessness and crisis accommodation.

Leading the latest commitment, Rotary Club of Victor Harbor has joined the collaboration with an investment of $85,000 over five years. Meantime, Fleurieu Community Foundation will provide an additional $65,000, including funding for a part-time case worker to provide tailored, on-the-ground support.

Zonta Club of the Fleurieu Peninsula will contribute an additional $10,000 over two years while Elders Real Estate continues in-kind assistance by way of discounted property management.

The expansion builds on an initial $70,000 consortium investment, comprising a $30,000 grant from Community Bank Fleurieu, $20,000 from the Fleurieu Community Foundation and $20,000 from Zonta Club of the Fleurieu Peninsula.

“This is a targeted, innovative local solution in the midst of a dire and broader systemic challenge,” Maria Palumbo, Junction’s CEO, said.

“SA has among the lowest rental vacancy rates in the country especially in regional areas, placing continued pressure and compounding challenges for those struggling to access and maintain housing.”

“The addition of a dedicated case worker is so valuable to building connections with people to help them overcome barriers so they can genuinely improve their circumstances not just for a few weeks, but in the long term.”