From Northern NSW to Cambodia and Indonesia — a year of deepened commitment, expanded reach, and real outcomes for people facing vulnerability.
This year marked a significant step forward in both the scale and depth of Dharma Care’s impact — reaching over 55,000 people, supporting 64% more families, and delivering a 255% expansion in homelessness assistance across local and global programs.
In the face of rising living costs, housing insecurity, and growing pressure on frontline services, Dharma Care’s work focused on meeting urgent needs while continuing to invest in long-term, sustainable change. Total funding across projects grew by more than 11 per cent, with 2,073 donors giving an average gift of $3,434 — a 15% increase on the prior year.
From a warm meal and safe space during winter in Northern NSW, to education for girls who once lived on rubbish dumps in Cambodia, to near-elimination of child stunting in Indonesia — every number in this report represents a person who felt safer, more supported, and more hopeful.
| Metric | 2025 Result | Year-on-Year Growth |
|---|---|---|
| People Reached | 55,220 | ↑ 34.63% |
| Families Supported | 26,456 | ↑ 64.66% |
| Homelessness Support | 5,620 | ↑ 255% |
| Lifetime Giving Total | $1.26M | ↑ 16.75% |
| Total Donations | 2,073 | ↑ 31.45% |
| Average Gift Size | $3,434 | ↑ 15.16% |
“As pressures continue to rise locally and globally, this year’s results demonstrate what is possible when generosity, trust, and effective, community-led delivery come together.”
Davin Shellshear — Chairman, Dharma CareThe Winter Warmer Campaign delivered life-preserving support through trusted frontline partners including Fred’s Place (Tweed Heads), Fletcher Street Cottage (Byron Bay), Pottsville Beach Neighbourhood Centre, and Murwillumbah Community Centre.
Cumulative funding enabling this vital frontline homelessness work — providing meals, safe spaces, emergency accommodation, and dignity to thousands of people across Northern NSW.
Fletcher Street Cottage launched a dedicated women-only safe space — providing privacy, safety, and specialised support for women experiencing homelessness and family violence. Funding enabled frontline services to respond flexibly to those sleeping rough, living in vehicles, and families escaping domestic violence.
“For the first time in three years, I’m not homeless. I sleep on a mattress provided by Fred’s, my mental and physical health is stable, I’m working part-time, and seeing my daughter six days a week. Fred’s and its community had my back, inspiring me to seek the professional medical attention I desperately needed. They are truly heroes.”— Participant, Winter Warmer Campaign · Fred’s Place, Tweed Heads
Dharma Care remains part of the Susila Dharma International Association (SDIA) — a network of charitable organisations across 25 countries with consultative status with ECOSOC and UNICEF, and ranked among the top 500 NGOs globally. With only 15% of donations directed to administration — well below the sector average, further subsidised by Sine Cera Rainforest Retreat — supporters can be confident their generosity reaches the people who need it most.
This year’s impact shows what is possible when compassion is matched with action — restoring hope, strengthening resilience, and creating pathways toward long-term wellbeing for individuals, families, and communities from Northern NSW to Southeast Asia.
Every donation connects people who care with people in need — and creates a ripple effect that benefits future generations.
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