TEST 2002 National Apology Breakfast
2027 National Apology BreakfastJoin us on the national apology breakfast. Enjoy some food and conversation while we're discovering: Historical story of our First Nations people Business conversation
300+
Young Australians placed in employment since foundation
20+
Partner organisations across Australia and growing
4
Focus programs running nationally (mental health, education, employment and tech)
2021
Year founded — 5 years of impact, Pauline's legacy continues
We connect purpose-driven organisations with Young First Nations communities — creating genuine employment, education and wellbeing outcomes across Australia. Named in honour of storyteller and Play School presenter Pauline E. McLeod, the Foundation carries forward her belief that every Young First Nations person deserves to see themselves in Australia's future.
See our full impact
Pauline E. McLeod was a Muruwari woman, a beloved Play School presenter and a storyteller who believed every Young First Nations person deserved to see themselves reflected in Australia's future.
The Foundation that carries her name continues that belief — building pathways where cultural pride, community strength and real opportunity meet.
From mental health support to technology access, our programs meet
communities where they are — and invest in where they're going.
Wellbeing rooted in culture.
We fund culturally safe mental health support for Young First Nations individuals and communities — because healing starts with belonging and belonging starts with being seen.
Explore moreLearning that honours identity.
From school-age programs to vocational training, we are helping to create education pathways that celebrate who you are — while opening doors to where you want to go.
Explore moreCareers built on real capability.
We partner with businesses to create genuine, sustained employment — not box-ticking — for Young First Nations Australians who are ready to build their future.
Explore moreGrowing stronger communities.
When entrepreneurs thrive, communities thrive. We support people with the skills, resources and connections to build sustainable businesses, create jobs and strengthen local economies.
Explore moreEvery statistic is someone's story. Here's one of them.
“I always wanted to get into IT. Technology has always been my passion — I just couldn't see how I was going to bridge the skill gap working 12–15 hour days as a security guard to support my family.”
The National Apology Breakfast and the Pauline E. McLeod Foundation are united with a common purpose. That is to work with organisations Australia-wide to embrace reconciliation and partner with Young First Nations communities to deliver support that genuinely meets their needs.
We are delighted to be associated with this event to raise the Anniversary of the National Apology in the nation's consciousness. We believe it is important to foster greater understanding of the pain endured by Survivors of the Stolen Generation, to shine a light on the intergenerational trauma impacting our Young First Nations youth and more importantly, what we can do about it.
These are the issues Pauline cared about deeply and what the Foundation named in her honour is dedicated to addressing. We invite you to join us.
Partnering with the Pauline E. McLeod Foundation means your organisation's resources go directly to Young First Nations communities — with cultural integrity, full transparency and measurable outcomes you can stand behind.
Whether you're a business, government body or NGO, we'll work with you to build a partnership that means something.
Join us on the national apology breakfast. Enjoy some food and conversation while we're discovering: Historical story of our First Nations people Business conversation
Each February, the National Apology Breakfast marks the anniversary of the 2008 Apology to the Stolen Generations. Founded by Michael McLeod, it now enters a new chapter under the Pauline E. McLeod Foundation. It unites survivors, leaders and allies to honour survivors’ resilience and acknowledge intergenerational trauma still felt today, recommitting to truth, healing and justice for First Nations peoples.
What genuine reconciliation looks like inside the workplace.
Moving beyond statements and into action — how Pauline E. McLeod Foundation partner organisations are embedding Young First Nations inclusion at every level of their business, from procurement to the…
Read article
How technology access is changing lives in remote communities.
From digital literacy to job-ready tech skills — what happens when Young First Nations communities get the tools they need to lead their own digital futures.
Read article
Bridging the gap: Ron Murray's journey from security guard to IT.
A chance meeting, one dedicated mentor and two decades of know-how. How Ron crossed the skill gap he thought was impossible — and what it meant for his family.
Read article