Rainbow Lodge - Who is Claude Robinson?

Claude Robinson, A 2024 Australian Of The Year finalist in the local hero category, is a man with a mission. As the manager of Rainbow Lodge, he opens doors to those society has shut out—men transitioning back into the community after incarceration. In New South Wales, where almost 20,000 people leave prison annually, only a small fraction—less than 3%—gain access to structured accommodation programs. Claude’s compassion and dedication to those on the fringe offers a second chance at life for the men who find themselves at Rainbow Lodge.

Claude’s journey to this role is a story of resilience and transformation. Once incarcerated himself due to drug addiction, Claude spent 13 years rebuilding his life after his release. Through rehab, reeducation, and determination, he earned qualifications as a social worker and worked in youth services, adult mental health, and homelessness support. By 2021, after serving on the board of Rainbow Lodge, he stepped into its management role. Today, Claude leads a dedicated team of over 11 staff members and collaborates with partner organisations to provide comprehensive support for the men who pass through the Lodge’s doors.

Rainbow Lodge isn’t just a shelter; it’s a home where healing begins. Many residents arrive carrying the heavy burdens of trauma, addiction, and years spent behind bars. Many have nothing, just the clothes they wear. Claude and his team provide the essentials of dignity and pathways to transformation. Over three months, residents engage in programs designed to rebuild their lives: drug and alcohol support, art therapy, living skills workshops, cultural activities, men’s and family groups, and sessions with an in-house psychologist. But the support doesn’t stop there. These men receive ongoing guidance for two years after their stay, ensuring they remain good to themselves and good to those around them.

The outcomes speak volumes. Many men who might have otherwise fallen into homelessness or reoffended are instead rebuilding relationships, finding employment, and contributing to their communities. Claude’s “never give up” attitude instills hope in those often written off by society.

Claude’s work—and the role of Rainbow Lodge—gained widespread attention after being featured on ABC’s 4 Corners and Conversations. The response was extraordinary. Donations poured in from the public, allowing the Lodge to expand its programs and reach more men in need. For the residents, this public support was profoundly moving. After years of feeling invisible, they saw that people cared about their futures.

Claude lives for these moments of connection. He knows firsthand how powerful it is to feel seen, valued, and supported. Under his leadership, Rainbow Lodge has become a beacon of hope not just for the men it serves but for the wider community—a reminder that everyone deserves a chance to rewrite their story.

Claude Robinson’s work at Rainbow Lodge proves that change is possible, even for those society has given up on. His compassion, resilience, and refusal to give up on people have transformed countless lives. Rainbow Lodge is more than an accommodation program—it’s a lifeline, a second chance, and a place where healing begins. Through Claude’s dedication, men who once lived on the margins find their way back to the centre of their lives. And in doing so, they prove that no one is beyond redemption.

At Accounting For Good, we are proud to support the transformative work of Rainbow Lodge, a Not-for-Profit organisation that makes a profound difference in the lives of men transitioning from incarceration back into the community.

Our in-house team has extensive experience, qualified and professional accounting skills, and a breadth of management experience. We can provide high-level CFO services, basic bookkeeping, and everything in between.

Contact us for a free consultation if your organisation needs expert financial guidance. Let us handle your accounting needs so you can focus on what matters most—serving your community and driving positive change.