Clare Valley Project

How the Clare Valley Project is Rewriting the Future for Local Kids 

At Kindness4Kids, we believe kindness is a doing word. It’s the act of showing up and rolling up our sleeves to support kids who carry burdens well before they are ready. In December 2025, our team headed to the ancestral lands of the Ngadjuri and Kaurna Peoples in South Australia’s remote Clare Valley. We weren’t just there to deliver supplies; we were there to spark a movement of connection, culture, and joy for 51 disadvantaged Aboriginal children, aged 4-18.

A Call for Connection

The Clare Aboriginal Child Support Program started with a single phone call from Muriel Rix, the Aboriginal Community Education Officer and Secondary Education Transition Officer for the primary school and secondary school, respectively. Muriel saw the issues first-hand: talented kids held back by financial and emotional hardship, isolation, a lack of access to healthcare and mental health services, and limited social interaction and engagement with their own culture. In rural regions like Clare, these barriers can make a child feel invisible.

When Muriel reached out back in March, our founder Jess didn’t hesitate: “Hey mate, we’d love to help. We don’t know what that looks like yet, but count us in.” That one conversation evolved into a week-long visit to Clare in December, with the hand-picked team working together to ensure these children felt seen, valued, and empowered. Partnering with local schools is an invaluable way for us to work towards building educational equity — strengthening learning outcomes and ensuring the children aren’t left behind academically. 

The Mural: A Landmark of Shared Pride

The therapeutic effects of art can’t be underestimated. One of the most powerful moments of the week was the creation of a massive, colourful mural led by artist Scott Rathman. This wasn’t a project where an artist simply painted a wall; it was a meaningful collaboration. Scott spent hours in workshops with the kids, asking them to explore what kindness meant to them through their own stories, words, and drawings.

Scott used those specific insights to design a mural that didn’t just resonate with the children; it represented them. When you see the joy on their faces, it isn’t just because of the bright colours — it’s because they see their own identities and ideas reflected in the work. It is now a feature piece in Clare that stands as a reminder to every child: You are creative, you are capable, and you belong.

Strength, Resilience, and Mental Health

We understand that family hardship and isolation take a toll on a child’s wellbeing — and it’s not always easy to talk about. To address this, we had psychologist Julie Cutten and therapist Karen Ferry on the ground for the week. Rather than relying on clinical sessions, which can feel intimidating, the team delivered support through hands-on workshop classes and fun, “get-to-know-you” activities designed to build connection and confidence from the inside out.

We watched kids who were initially too shy to say “hello” find the courage to speak up and lead. This informed approach is vital in remote areas where regular counselling can be difficult to access. By creating a safe, comfortable space, we helped these little legends build the resilience they need to navigate the heavy weeks and find the light again.

Embracing Physical Connection 

Success in the community is a team sport, you know! A major highlight was our work with Jeremy Johncock, the First Nations Program Manager for the Adelaide Crows Foundation. The team ran footy workshops for Clare Valley students aged 3 to 17 — plenty of running, kicking and smiles followed!

The team offered more than just physical activity; they offered exposure to positive role models and a chance to build friendships with fellow kids in an environment where isolation is far too common. 

To ensure the kids had even more spaces to feel supported, the K4K crew also got to work on a new garden. By handling the planting and the heavy lifting, the team created a refreshed, welcoming space for the kids to enjoy — a place where they can feel grounded and connected to their community.

Building a Lasting Annual Legacy

The impact of the Clare Valley Project was immediate, but we don’t want the story to end here. After all, a parent can only be as happy as their unhappiest child — and by uplifting these 51 legends, we strengthen both family units and the wider community. 

Our aim is to break the cycle of disadvantage that rural communities like Clare so often face, but we can’t do it alone. We want to give a special thanks to the HV McKay Charitable Trust for their support in helping us honour the legacy of Hugh Victor McKay through this vital work. Our own Director and CFO, Nick O’Hare, played an instrumental role in securing this crucial funding thanks to his immense determination and commitment to the cause. 

Kindness4Kids is a 100% non-profit organisation. Since our inception, every single cent donated has gone directly to supporting the kids — and we couldn’t be prouder. We are an Australian-registered charity with DGR-certified deductible status, ensuring your support reaches the frontline where it matters most. Our goal now is to make the Clare Project an annual tradition, ensuring that the progress made in December is built upon year after year. 

See the Impact in Action

We invite you to watch the recap video of our week in Clare. It captures the energy of the workshops, the detail of the mural, and most importantly, the incredible children who are the heart of our mission.

Together, we can build a legacy of kindness, culture, and connection. If you are in a position to help us return to Clare next year, please consider a donation or collaboration. Every contribution brings us closer to ensuring that these kids can grow, dream, thrive, and shape their futures with the confidence and opportunities they deserve.

Kindness is a doing word — so let’s keep doing it together!