Three-year funding commitment to support the Barnardos Australia Beyond Barbed Wire program

The Australian Mutuals Foundation (AMF) is proud to announce a three-year funding commitment to Barnardos Australia’s Beyond Barbed Wire program, an initiative dedicated to supporting incarcerated mothers in New South Wales as they prepare to return to their families and communities.

This specialist program focuses on creating safe and stable futures for children by strengthening family connections, acknowledging cultural identity, and empowering women to rebuild their lives after incarceration.

The challenge

Aboriginal women are the fastest-growing prison population in Australia. Although Aboriginal women make up less than 3% of the NSW population, they represent over 30% of women in prison. At the Wellington Correctional Centre, that figure rises to as high as 80%.

Many of these women are young (aged 18–35), single mothers, and survivors of domestic and sexual violence. They often face poor mental health, financial hardship, and incarceration for minor offences. The result is a cycle of trauma, disconnection, and family breakdown with devastating impacts on children and communities.

The Program: Beyond Barbed Wire

The Beyond Barbed Wire Program helps women maintain connection with their children while incarcerated and supports them through their transition back into the community. The program provides:

• Parenting programs to strengthen family bonds

• Transitional accommodation post-release

• Twelve months of one-on-one mentoring

In the past year alone, the program has supported 58 women, achieving a remarkable recidivism rate of just 5.3% - compared to national averages exceeding 40%.

Other outcomes include:

• 94% of participants reported increased purpose and hope

• 86% reported growth and empowerment

• 100% were supported into stable housing

• 35% of children were restored to their mother’s care

Our commitment

Through our three-year funding partnership, the Australian Mutuals Foundation will help Barnardos Australia expand the impact of Beyond Barbed Wire through two key initiatives:

1. Establishing women and children in safe homes
   

   Our funding will provide women and their children with essential items such as refrigerators, washing machines, beds, and basic furniture to help them build stable, safe, and nurturing homes after release. Homelessness increases the likelihood of reoffending by up to 50%. Providing a secure home environment dramatically improves stability and reduces the need for survival-based crimes.

   
   

2. Supporting education and employment pathways Our contribution will also fund education and traineeships through TAFE NSW, covering course fees, laptops, or trade tools. Stable employment is one of the most powerful predictors of long-term reintegration, helping to reduce reoffending rates by up to 35%.

Through these initiatives, we aim to empower women with the tools, skills, and confidence to rebuild their lives and families, creating generational change and stronger communities. "The Australian Mutuals Foundation is honoured to support the Beyond Barbed Wire program. The numbers speak for themselves in confirming the tangible benefits received by participants. It’s not just about helping people reassimilate into society; the true worth is the ongoing support and mentoring offered." - Paul Dawson, Australian Mutuals Foundation Manager.

A shared vision

Barnardos Australia and the Australian Mutuals Foundation share a belief in second chances and community strength. Together, we are working to ensure every mother has the opportunity to create a safer, more stable future for herself and her children. "Empowering women and children to believe in themselves and create a better future. Standing beside them when they can’t yet see their own strength - inspiring hope, courage, and change.". - Jodie Nikolic, caseworker – Beyond Barbed Wire.

Jodie Nikolic, caseworker – Beyond Barbed Wire.