Page 28 - ABF Newsletter June 2025

Zephyr Education
The following update is from CARMEL MARTIN, co-founder and treasurer of Zephyr Education. Zephyr helps those affected by domestic and family vio- lence to resume their education – usu- ally within 24 to 48 hours of receiving a request for assistance. The vast ma- jority assisted by Zephyr are children.
A huge thank you to the many bridge players who have continued to support Zephyr Education since it was founded in 2013. Zephyr provides the full edu- cational needs of children affected by domestic and family violence in 254 DFV shelters, Family Service organisations, and outreach services across every Australian State and Territory.
Our imperatives are to provide immediate, practical, uncomplicated support. We believe that education enhances the chances of finding a way out of the scourge that afflicts so many, and which we know has a lasting, traumatic effect on all – especially the vulnerable children caught in the middle.
In the words of one of the shelter managers:
It was lovely to hear about the wonderful work that Zephyr does. It is so great that we have wonderful people in our community who think about and really understand what our kids go through when they experience DFV and are forced to suddenly leave their homes and come into a crisis refuge away from other family, friends, pets and forced to change schools and not know anyone. It is so important for them to try to fit in and feel part of it all as quickly as possible so thank you for what you do, it is absolutely amazing.
You who contribute financially - either personally or by fundraising - motivate us to keep going. The well- placed faith you have in our work is inspiring.
We are all volunteers at Zephyr and no one is re- imbursed for personal expenses – let alone paid a wage. Zephyr receives no government funding and our overheads are negligible. This means that vir- tually the whole of your (tax deductible) donation goes where you mean it to go. Unique, I dare say with great pride.
Our funding needs increase every year in line with our expanding work. The total value of the support
we provided in the 23-24 financial year was $884,573 – an increase of over 18% on the previous year. Our expenditure for this financial year has already exceeded $1 million.
Zephyr now supports more than 3000 children each year and is an acknowledged game changer in the sector. The reality is that no other charity provides the complete package and no one does it within 24-48 hours if necessary.
Please go to our website at
www.zephyreducation.com.au
for further information or to donate
online. All donations over $2 are tax deductible and for those of you who may wish to donate by bank transfer, Zephyr’s bank account details are:
NAB: Zephyr Education Inc BSB: 084-004
ACC: 15-629-0526
Please reference your name and send your email ad- dress to
admin@zephyreducation.com.au
so I can forward your receipt.
Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
Carmel Martin Co-founder and Treasurer, and addicted bridge player Zephyr Education Inc
ABN 47 805 738 577
ARBN 615 454 227
PO Box 6096 Fairfield Gardens Qld 4103 Phone: 0438873620 admin@zephyreducation.com.au www.zephyreducation.com.au
Page: 28
Australian Bridge Federation Ltd. Newsletter: June 2025