In 2008 the Brotherhood of St Laurence funded an Event Manager who came on board to run our very successful second Gala dinner - Back to Our Paperbark, raising over $50,000. A successful night in raising funds and forging significant partnerships with Tony Nicholson, Executive Director of the Brotherhood of St Laurence signing an agreement to partner the Foundation until 2010. This partnership is not only financial but will allow the Foundation to draw on some of BSL's resources to help develop and strengthen our long term strategies, an area in which many Not-for-Profit organisations suffer due to funding pressure. The Foundation is very grateful to Brotherhood of St Laurence for this support.

Our long term partners, St Vincent de Paul generously continue their support. At our Gala dinner in September 2008Tony Tome, Deputy State President signed an agreement to support the Foundation for the next five years. St Vincent de Paul officially began its partnership with the Foundation in 2004. The initial partnership was for a period of 5 years and was to fund the administration section of the Foundation with a portion of the annual Funding to be directed to students and families. Without this generosity, interest and support the Foundation would not have been able to develop its administration and build its financial base. As the administration of the Foundation is supported by St Vincent de Paul Society it allows all monies accumulated through fundraising to be allocated directly to the students and families. The Foundation and the St Vincent de Paul Society are forming bonds and partnerships that will enrich and enhance both organisations.

It is with great excitement that we announce the continued support of Portland House Foundation for 2009/20010 with the offer of a very substantial grant. This is a great display of faith in the work of the Foundation by Portland House and the money will provide the opportunity for further development of the Foundation as well as ensure the continued support of young grant recipients throughout Victoria . Portland House Foundation began its partnership with the Opening the Doors Foundation in 2005 with a generous donation and the possibility of continuing partnership. Another exciting potential for the future of the Foundation! In the letter to us, Portland House stated: "We are pleased to contribute to a program which offers assistance to young Indigenous Victorian to attain their best in their education. Thank you for your partnership with the Portland House Foundation. I look forward to hearing of your progress during the coming year and congratulate you on the work of your organisation." Again, we look forward to the future in partnership.