OPENING THE DOORS FOUNDATION

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I’m reach out to you not just as the Co-founder of the Opening The Doors Foundation, but as someone who has spent a lifetime listening, learning and and doing everything I can to make sure First Nations children have the chance to thrive. Over the past 25 years, our Foundation has walked with thousands of First Nations students, helping remove the financial barriers that so often stand in the way of their education. We’ve supported them with uniforms, books, laptops, shoes—yes—but more than that, we’ve believed in them. And we’ve stayed. Long-term, not just for a moment. Because that’s what our young people deserve. Let me tell you about someone who shows us just what’s possible when a door is opened.

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Cameron Balcombe, is 28 years of age and is a proud First Nations man who was supported by OTDF. I’ve watched his journey with deep admiration. From a young age, he showed incredible drive, starting out at McDonald's, then working door-to-door in sales, eventually leading a Coles call centre team. He’s always had determination. It was during the uncertainty of COVID-19 that Cameron’s path changed direction. He heard about a scholarship for First Nations people to study forensic mental health social work, an area so deeply needed in our communities. He jumped at it. No hesitation. He told me later that after all the jobs he’d tried, he finally saw what a gift this could be, not just for him, but for the people he could help and that he is so grateful to OTDF for helping him with his education journey.

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Cameron threw himself into his studies with heart and purpose. He has now completed his bachelor’s degree and has been invited to go on and complete his master’s, a remarkable achievement, especially in such a specialised field. Next month, he’s heading to Alice Springs for a four-month community placement. He’ll be working on the ground, offering culturally safe care and listening deeply, just as he’s always done. I believe Cameron has found his calling. And I believe our community is stronger for it.

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This is what the Opening The Doors Foundation is all about long-term, deeply respectful support that sees the whole person. Support that honours culture, identity, and the strength that lives within each of our young people. It’s not charity. It’s justice. It’s reconciliation in action.

We’ve seen the ripple effects, where whole communities are transformed and the impact in schools like Notre Dame College in Shepparton is immense. Our support began 20 years ago at this school and now continues with up to 28 First Nations students each year. Or at St Joseph’s College in Echuca, where 33 students are walking their education journey with OTDF behind them. But we can’t do it alone.

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I’m asking you today to please stay on the journey with us. To help us open more doors for the long-term future of our First Nations young people. To make sure the next Cameron, has someone in their corner who believes in them, who shows up and stays. Every dollar, every partnership, every hand extended in support makes a difference. You’re not just funding schoolbooks or uniform, you’re walking with families who’ve too often been left behind. You’re investing in our children’s futures. And you’re helping to write a new story, one of strength, hope, and cultural pride.

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Thank you for reading. Thank you for caring. And thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for considering how you might walk alongside us.

With respect and gratitude,

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Vicki Clark OAM, Chair and Co-founder OTDF

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