Our History:

Kookaburra Kids (previously known as Camp Kookaburra) was founded by Dianne Madden. Dianne’s Journey is one deeply rooted in personal experience and a passion to create change. Growing up as a carer for her mother, who lived with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, Dianne witnessed firsthand the challenges of living in a family impacted by mental illness. Despite the stigma and confusion surrounding mental health, she learned resilience and toughness as she navigated her childhood.

It was through her own struggles and the desire to help other children like her that Dianne became determined to create a space where young people impacted by family mental illness could find support, understanding, and hope. In 2002, Kookaburra Kids was born, offering a joyful, safe, and nurturing environment for young people to learn about mental health, build resilience, and form lasting connections with others facing similar challenges.

In recognition of her unwavering commitment to supporting young people impacted by family mental illness, Dianne was awarded the prestigious 2008 NSW Woman of the Year. This accolade was a testament to her tireless advocacy and the transformative impact of Kookaburra Kids.

Dianne’s vision and dedication have helped Kookaburra Kids grow into a nationwide movement, empowering thousands of young Australians. Her story is one of passion, determination, and a profound belief that no child should ever feel alone in their journey.

Watch Dianne’s full story in our video and learn more about the incredible impact Kookaburra Kids continues to make.

Our Impact and Outcomes:

What we do

1. We provide evidence- based, age appropriate prevention and early intervention mental health services embedded within a peer-based social and activity-based format.
2. We drive thought leadership and best practice in mental health through research and advocacy for young people and their families across Australia.

Our Commitment to Child Safety:

Child safety and wellbeing is a priority in all processes at Kookaburra Kids including in the recruitment and selection process for our employees and volunteers.

We are committed to the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations to create environments where the safety and wellbeing of children and young people is at the centre of our thoughts, values and actions. We are building an organisational culture where children and young people, families, communities, and everyone who works with us feels safe and confident to have a say and raise any concerns.

We respect and value the rights of all children and young people and support them to reach their full potential. We recognise that particular consideration needs to be paid to the cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people. We also acknowledge the particular needs of children and young people arising from their cultural and linguistic background, sexuality, gender diversity, disability, or as a result of domestic and family violence or other trauma.

Safeguarding children and young people is the responsibility of all Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation people, including the Board, Executive, leaders, employees, contractors, and volunteers across the whole organisation.

The Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation adheres to the operating legislation relevant to each Australian state and territory in which we serve.