Ensombl Darin Skinne
Ensombl Darin Skinne
Joy Spreaders to Changemakers: A Century of Impact and Innovation
The Smith Family
An interview with Lesley Mackay, General Manager, Tasmania, The Smith Family
The Smith Family
The team at Collins SBA have hosted Work Inspiration Programs for local high school students on behalf of the team at The Smith Family.
Darrin Skinner, Ensombl
Ensombl Darin Skinner
Lesley Mackay, General Manager, Tasmania, The Smith Family
Did you know?
Over a century ago in Sydney, a group of compassionate businessmen began what would become a remarkable legacy.
Their tradition of anonymously delivering gifts to orphanages — each identifying only as “Mr. Smith” — laid the foundation for a movement of kindness and generosity.
What started as simple acts of giving soon grew into a more organised effort, with the group renaming themselves the “Joy Spreaders” and expanding their reach to broader community initiatives
Building a Legacy of Giving
In time, this grassroots effort evolved into a not-for-profit enterprise that operated op shops and exported second-hand clothing.
Their work supported countless individuals and communities, but as the world changed, so did their approach. Recognising the need for a sharper focus, they exited these social enterprises just prior to COVID-19, shifting their attention to building strong relationships with individuals, corporations and universities to drive meaningful, lasting change.
Transforming Lives Through Education
A pivotal moment came when research revealed a startling pattern: many recipients of aid were third-generation beneficiaries. This realisation inspired a bold new focus—education. Believing it to be the key to breaking the cycle of disadvantage, the organisation restructured its efforts to support children and their families through education-based programs.
From supporting 600 children in the 1940s and 1950s to an astounding 67,000 today, their mission has scaled dramatically. Families now receive modest but vital assistance for school uniforms, shoes, sports equipment, and excursions. Family Partnership Coordinators work closely with families, checking in during critical transition periods like years 6 and 9, monitoring key measures such as school attendance and completion rates.
Programs That Empower Futures
One standout initiative is Saver Plus, a financial literacy program run in partnership with ANZ and the Department of Social Services. With over 61,000 participants to date, it equips families with the tools they need to manage money effectively.
The organisation’s focus remains on scale, agility, and innovation—ensuring that their impact is both memorable and enduring. Their goal is to remain a topic of conversation, a source of connection, and a beacon of kindness in the community.
Overcoming Challenges
The journey hasn’t been without its challenges. In Tasmania, the number of supported children has grown from 521 in 2016 to over 4,300 today—a testament to the growing need and the organization’s commitment to meeting it.
Leadership transitions, such as trusting others to take the reins, and personal setbacks, including long recoveries from illness, have tested the resilience of the team. Yet, through it all, their dedication has been unwavering, supported by a vision for building strong, connected and resilient teams.
Looking Ahead
While The Smith Family continues to address a significant gap in the community, their ultimate goal is to create a world where their services are no longer needed.
Until then, they remain steadfast in their mission: breaking the cycle of disadvantage through education, empowering futures, and spreading joy—just as their founders intended over 100 years ago.
Operation Shine
Operation Shine is an initiative of Collins SBA. This project is about building stronger connections with the partners and friends we work with but might not always have the chance to truly know. By engaging with people we aim to: (1) Acknowledge their contributions to our shared successes in the community where we live, play and work (2) Explore fresh ideas and perspectives that may fuel future collaborations and (3) Strengthen our business relationships by showing genuine interest in their stories. We appreciate the time and commitment our special guests gave to this project.
Things change.
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