Koorana's Inclusive Vision Changing Young Lives

Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and belong. For more than 45 years, Koorana has been helping children of all abilities realise their potential by providing inclusive early childhood education, disability support and family services. The community need is increasing, and without the dedication of organisations such as Koorana, many children face an uphill battle that can set them back years.

Koorana is not simply about the services it provides; through our work with the organisation, we’ve come to understand that its philosophy underpins everything it does. Rather than separating children with additional needs from their peers, Koorana has developed an integrated model that embeds specialist support directly into mainstream preschool environments. Speech pathologists, psychologists and physiotherapists work alongside educators within the classroom, ensuring every child learns together while receiving the individual support they need. This approach normalises inclusion from the very beginning and gives children the confidence, skills and relationships that will benefit them throughout their lives.

That vision recently took another significant step forward with the opening of Koorana’s new inclusive preschool in Bass Hill. The centre expands access to high-quality early learning for families in Sydney’s south-west, particularly those from culturally diverse communities, including migrants and refugees who often face significant barriers when accessing disability support and early intervention.

When families approach Koorana, they know something isn’t quite right with their child’s development, but are unable to find the help they need. For others, the challenge is navigating complex systems such as the NDIS or accessing support before a formal diagnosis has been made. Financial pressures, language barriers and visa status can all delay intervention at the time when it can have the greatest impact. Koorana exists to change that.

Koorona’s integrated preschool model reserves around 25 per cent of places for children with additional needs, allowing every child to learn together rather than separating those who require extra support. The result is a genuinely inclusive environment where diversity is normalised, children develop empathy naturally, and every family feels welcome. The organisation now hopes to further evaluate and refine this model, with the ambition to expand it across Australia and, ultimately, internationally.

Community support plays a vital role in making this vision possible. On Sunday, 9 August, Team Koorana will once again participate in Sydney’s iconic City2Surf, raising funds to help more children and families access the life-changing services the organisation provides.

Rather than focusing on hardship, Koorana wants supporters to see the possibilities that early intervention creates. Every dollar raised helps provide children with access to specialist support, inclusive education and the opportunity to participate fully in their community. It also helps Koorana continue developing innovative service models that address unmet needs before they become lifelong challenges.

“Fundraising isn’t simply about meeting financial targets. It’s about creating opportunities that allow more children to thrive”.
Josiane Habak Partnerships & Philanthropy Manager | Corporate Services

Learn more about Koorana:

ABC News Feature (30 September 2025): A televised story showcasing Koorana’s inclusive, integrated preschool model in Canterbury-Bankstown.

Who we are: A short video providing an overview of our holistic approach and our long history of working alongside the diverse families of Canterbury-Bankstown.

Delivering innovative community services requires more than passion. It also demands rigorous financial management, strong governance and the ability to confidently manage increasingly complex government funding arrangements. Like many charities and not for profit organisations, Koorana operates within an environment of detailed grant reporting, competitive government tenders and multiple funding streams. Ensuring every dollar is managed responsibly is critical to maintaining stakeholder confidence while allowing the leadership team to remain focused on delivering exceptional services.

This is where Accounting For Good has become a trusted strategic partner. Working closely with Koorana’s executive team, Accounting For Good provides specialist financial advice that extends well beyond traditional accounting. From supporting complex grant budgets to assisting with major government tender submissions, our expertise provides reassurance during high-pressure periods while helping strengthen the organisation’s long-term financial sustainability.

“Carol and the Accounting For Good team are highly responsive, accessible, and create a genuine partnership. Whether we’re facing tight funding deadlines or managing increasingly complex financial requirements, we know they have experienced advisers who understand the unique challenges of the not for profit sector and are always available when needed”. Says Josiane

That confidence allows Koorana’s leadership to spend less time worrying about financial compliance and more time focusing on what matters most.

Koorana’s story demonstrates what can be achieved when innovative service delivery is supported by strong financial stewardship. Together, Koorana and Accounting For Good are helping build an organisation capable of growing its impact while maintaining the financial strength, governance and accountability expected of today’s leading charities.

As Team Koorana prepares to take on this year’s City2Surf, every step represents something much greater than a fundraising event. It represents a future where more children can access early intervention, more families feel supported, and inclusion becomes the expectation rather than the exception.

Supporting Team Koorana means investing in a future where every child has the opportunity to belong and feel part of their own team.