The Yellow Brick Road to Community Connections

October 14, 2026

A tight knit community in a South West suburb of Sydney is celebrating the announcement of Big Yellow Umbrella as their Sponsorships & Grants recipient, bringing a connections focused workshop to the community to support inclusion.

Evergreen, by AVID Property Group (AVID), has announced Big Yellow Umbrella – a not-for-profit organisation supporting children, families, young people, seniors and diverse communities – as the recipient of its Activate Grant, with $5,000 in sponsorship funding to support the delivery of the Create & Connect program for families and children in the local area.

Big Yellow Umbrella Chief Executive Officer Kim Landouw said the grant allowed the organisation to deliver a program that would not normally be free, to support kids in the local area with a welcoming space where everyone could participate without barriers.

“Create & Connect gives children in the local community a safe, non-competitive place to join in, have fun, enjoy afternoon tea and make connections,” Kim said.

“It also gives the parents and children the chance to meet others in their neighbourhood, helping build friendships and support long-term community connection.”

The Create & Connect program will deliver free, low-pressure craft and connection-based activities designed to help children and families build friendships, reduce social isolation and feel more connected to their neighbourhood.

According to studies, when children engage with people in their neighbourhood and community, they increase their sense of belonging, grow their opportunities to learn and build a strong network of people they can go to¹.

The program is expected to run on a fortnightly basis, offering sessions that encourage children, parents and carers to participate in inclusive activities and establish ongoing community connections.

Bringing people together is at the heart of AVID’s approach to community development, with the Create & Connect program aligning closely with AVIDEngage, the company’s national community development program.

Through shared experiences with friends and neighbours, AVIDEngage is designed to foster a genuine sense of togetherness and belonging within AVID communities, by combining inspiring video series, exciting calendar events, and the sponsorship of local organisations and not-for-profits.

The program reflects AVID’s belief that meaningful connections help create more laughter, inspiration and lasting memories, extending the idea of home beyond the front yard and positioning community as more than just a place to live.

AVID Senior Development Manager Graeme Jeffries said the sponsorship with Big Yellow Umbrella reflected AVID’s commitment to creating thriving, connected communities that leave a positive legacy.

“Our Sponsorship and Grants Program is instrumental to our goal of creating neighbourhoods with thriving communities, by supporting a broad range of organisations and bodies, we support not-for-profits and community groups that help bring people together, strengthen we create, contributing to, connected” Mr Jeffries said.

“Supporting Big Yellow Umbrella and their Create and Connect programs means we can create these opportunities where residents can connect with each other and build connections within Evergreen, and beyond.

“Our Grants and Strong connections and community start at any stage of life, and with Create and Connect, we’re bringing together children, and their broader families to offer a low-pressure environment to do this.”

AVID’s Sponsorship and Grants Program has already supported a variety of groups and organisations across Australia, including at its Waterford community in Chisholm with grants supporting St Bede’s Catholic School, Top Blokes Foundation, Thornton Public School and more.

For community members unable to attend The Create & Connect activities, AVIDEngage’s online platform supports connection with accessible video series for all to enjoy, covering lifestyle, expert insights and education.

The Create & Connect program will be delivered later this year.

To learn more about the Evergreen Sponsorships and Grants program, visit the website here.

References

1. Community connections for children: family, friends, neighbours and local organisations