Portland families will have greater access to group support programs, with Brophy securing an additional two years of funding from Alcoa Australia and Portland Aluminium for the Resilient Families Project.
The renewed partnership will support Brophy to deliver the Who’s In Charge and Shark Cage programs from October 2026 to September 2028, while also expanding the service to eight groups over the two-year period.
These programs will provide families with access to practical, evidence-based support without needing to travel outside the region.
Brophy Family Executive Manager Donna Wynters said the continuation and expansion of the project was a significant outcome for the Portland community.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Alcoa and Portland Aluminium for continuing to invest in the Resilient Families Project and giving Brophy the opportunity to keep delivering this support directly in Portland,” Ms Wynters said.
“For people living in regional communities, having the right support available locally really matters. It means people can access programs in their own community, without the additional barriers that can come with having to travel to another town or region.
“The renewed funding also allows us to expand the project to four groups each year, creating more opportunities for people in Portland to access these programs when they need them.
“We’ve really valued the opportunity to establish this work in Portland and we’re excited to continue building on it over the next two years.”
Who’s In Charge is an eight-week program supporting parents and caregivers who are experiencing challenges in managing the behaviour of their children aged 8 to 18.
It provides a safe and supportive environment to share experiences, explore healthy boundaries and strengthen relationships, while reducing the isolation, shame and guilt that parents and caregivers can sometimes experience.
Shark Cage is an eight-week, evidence-based program supporting healing and empowerment for women who have experienced abuse, including family violence or sexual assault.
The program educates about the impacts of trauma, human rights and healing recovery, supports a strong positive sense of self and self-worth in an empowering space and explores characteristics of healthy and unhealthy relationships.
Ms Wynters said Brophy would commence the first Who’s In Charge of the new funding cycle in 2026, while Shark Cage would begin in 2027.
“We’d encourage anyone interested in participating in these programs to reach out via brophy.org.au or (03) 5561 8888,” she said.
“Self-referrals are welcomed for both Who’s In Charge and Shark Cage, as are professional referrals.”
The Resilient Families Project was first supported by Alcoa and Portland Aluminium in 2025, enabling Brophy to expand the programs into the Portland community.
Clint McLachlan, Portland Aluminium Operations Manager said the renewed investment reflected Alcoa’s commitment to supporting initiatives that create lasting benefits for the local community.
“Portland Aluminium is proud to be a long-standing member of the community. We understand how important it is for local people to have access to support and services where they live.
“We’re proud to continue our partnership with Brophy, supporting programs that help local families and individuals build resilience, strengthen relationships and access the support they need without having to leave the region.
“We look forward to seeing the positive impact these programs continue to have across our community.” More information about Who’s In Charge, Shark Cage and Brophy’s services is available at brophy.org.au.
Brophy media contact
Nick Ansell
0492 995 868
Alcoa media contact
Tareisha Dutton, Communications Manager – Tareisha.dutton@alcoa.com
Anna Impey, Community Relations Officer – Anna.Impey@alcoa.com