Australia: Free2b Girls - Mary MacKillop Today

Australia: Free2b Girls

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Free2b offers a range of programs designed for young women aged 10-25. The primary youth engagement program, Free2b Girls Groups, is specifically tailored for girls aged between 10-16 who live in rural/remote areas of Tasmania. Free2b Groups focus on creating welcoming spaces where participants can connect, express themselves and explore their interests through fun and engaging activities like cooking, dance and arts & crafts. All Free2b programs are grounded in the values of freedom, creativity, safety, and respect and are run by local communities.

Across rural Tasmania, Free2b Girls is creating a place where girls can truly belong. With locations in St Helens, Campbell Town, Longford, and Beaconsfield, the program offers a safe, welcoming space where participants feel valued, supported, and empowered.

free2bgirls logoFor many girls, Free2b is more than an after-school program; it’s a consistent space to connect, explore, and express themselves. Its non-judgmental environment fosters belonging, and some long-term participants are now mentoring others, sharing the guidance that helped them thrive.

Free2b empowers girls in rural and isolated communities through mentorship, activities, and community support, helping them build confidence, resilience, and leadership skills.

Support from Mary MacKillop Today and Highways and Byways enabled essential infrastructure and a paid staff member, strengthening the program’s impact and ensuring more girls can flourish.

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