Trinity Families is a charitable fund which operates to serve other charities supporting families in the Greater Gippsland area. It does not run programs itself but operates like a philanthropic trust to provide funding.

Donations made to Trinity Families are invested and it is the earnings from these investments which become available for disbursement each year.

Applications for funding now close at the end of September. The application form relevant to each year’s funding will be available at the start of July. An advisory committee meets to assess each application and recommends to the trustees how to best allocate available funds. Normally all applicants can expect to be advised of their success or otherwise in early October, and funds will be made available shortly afterwards.

An important part of Trinity Families’ operations is to receive feedback on the projects it funds and successful applicants must agree to provide this report before funds are released.

Trinity Families has Deductible Gift Recipient status which means that all donations of $2 or more are fully tax deductible. As part of being a public ancillary fund, monies held can only be distributed to other charities holding similar DGR status and our books are fully audited to ensure this is maintained. This secures against the possibility of funds being  given to individuals or other purposes than originally intended. Also Trinity Family funds are held in separate bank accounts, at arms length from any other Catholic Church accounts so that there can be no doubt that the money is being used only for charitable purposes and not to prop up other Church activities.

The name Trinity Families was launched in early 2014 but our history dates back to 1997 when the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sale Charitable Fund was established by the late Bishop Jeremiah Coffey who saw the great need to assist families who were struggling to access support programs.

It was felt that rather than hold an annual appeal and then disburse the money raised, it would better to build a solid trust fund so donations could go on giving year after year.

It was discovered that national charities raised vast amounts of money in the region each year but the residents gained little benefit because most of these charities provided few programs within the region. It was decided that disbursements would only be made to programs operating in Gippsland and the outer eastern suburbs of Melbourne to ensure the maximum benefit for those in need.

Over the past decade the charitable fund, initially known as Bishop’s Family Foundation, has raised more than $2 million and from its investments has been able to fund other charities more than $1.7 million to run programs serving families.

Projects funds have included:

• Family and patient accommodation for patients receiving chemotherapy and other treatment at Latrobe Regional Hospital
• subsidised or free family counselling,
• family support services,
• early intervention programs for youth at risk,
• volunteer support programs,
• suicide prevention programs,
• respite care,
• drug and alcohol counselling,
• providing school breakfasts for children who are not fed at home,
• youth leadership programs,
• no interest loan schemes,
• training for palliative carers,
• parenting programs,
• emergency accommodation
• bushfire relief etc . 

While most of the initial donations came from the Catholic community of Gippsland, allocation of funds has been to a wide variety of charities, including those of other religious denominations. We are committed to meeting the needs of families to ensure the best provision of services possible.

The decision was made in late 2013 that the charitable fund should be relaunched with a new name and logo. Trinity Families was chosen and is now spreading its wings outside the Catholic Church to harness the generosity of many more people and businesses who operate in the region.

It is hoped to raise the amount of money held in the trust fund over the next few years, which will enable Trinity to make larger disbursements to better service the needs of families.
Moreover, a successful Trinity Families will mean charities operating in Gippsland will be able to reduce the amount of fundraising they do and spend more time getting on with the programs they run to assist those in need.

The Trinity Families logo features the ancient symbol known as the triquetra.

The symbol is known from some ancient rune stones in Germany which date back thousands of years but is mainly associated with Celtic spirituality where it is often drawn with an interwoven circle.

In pre-Christian Celtic times it was seen as a never-ending triple loop signifying past, present and future, and also possibly of life, death and rebirth. The arrival of Christianity in Ireland saw the triquetra knot adopted as the symbol of the Trinitarian faith in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

In adopting the triquetra, Trinity Families acknowledges its Christian origins within the Catholic Diocese of Sale but also sees the symbol as an expression of the three stages of life which it serves in its charitable works – children, adults and the aged.

The Trinity Family triquetra is drawn pointing upwards, to signify aspiring to great works, and sits firmly on two loops to signify its sound base.

The Executive Officer of Trinity Families is Mary Winter who serves the charity in a part-time capacity.

More than 90 different charitable organisations have received funding from Trinity Families since its inception, sharing in more than $1.6 million to run programs to aid families.
Here is a summary of those charities we have helped.

2021

• CatholicCare Victoria,
• Fareshare Australia Inc,
• Frontier Services,
• George Gray Centre Inc,
• Irabina Autism Services Inc,
• Kids Under Cover,
• Olivia’s Place,
• The Men’s Table
•  Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency Coop Ltd.

2020

• $12,500        The Fathering Project – for the implementation of the In Schools Program in five Gippsland schools
• $7,600          A Better Life for Foster Kids Inc – to provide essential items of clothing and other care needs for children entering out of home care
• $10,000        The Australian Literacy & Numeracy Foundation Ltd – to assist with the Early Language & Learning Program in the Latrobe Valley for vulnerable children
• $45,000        CatholicCare – to assist with the provision of subsidised family and relationship counselling to the most vulnerable in our region
• $8,500          Gippsland Disability Advocacy Inc – to assist with ensuring that people with disabilities who have been impacted by bushfires have their individual and collective voices heard
• $5,000          Les Twentyman Foundation – to remove the prohibitive cost for families with low socio-economic status associated with organisational sport by giving children the chance to try out different sports
• $1,400          Angel Gowns for Angel Babies Inc – to assist with the costs of supplies for the creation of keepsakes for families after the loss of a pre term baby

2019

• $45,000, CatholicCare for family counselling services in Sale, Pakenham and Warragul.
• $15,000, Olivia’s Place, Warragul, to help their efforts provide free infant and maternity-related items to vulnerable families.
• $10,000, Uniting Church’s Frontier Services for its family support and drought relief work in East Gippsland and the High Country.
• $10,000, Barrier Breakers, Traralgon, for providing advocacy and support for families or family members who are experiencing mental health issues.
• $10,000, The Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation for work to improve literacy of vulnerable children in the Latrobe Valley.
• $7,500, The Ice Meltdown Project, Drouin, for program materials which assist their work educating the family and clients in addiction recovery.
• $5,000, Baw Baw Combined Churches Food Relief to purchase food to provide emergency food relief.
• $3,060, Baw Baw L2P Inc. to assist with the assessment of drivers, for the program which helps young people gain independence by learning to drive.
• $2,000, St Vincent de Paul, Cranbourne to assist with the Breakfast Club at St Peter’s College, Cranbourne.
• $1,000, Angel Gowns for Australian Angel Babies, Paynesville, to assist with creation of keepsakes for families after the loss of pre-term babies.

2018

• $50,000, CatholicCare, family counselling across Gippsland
• $20,000, Frontier Services, run by the Uniting Church, providing family support services in East Gippsland and the high country.
• $10,000, Interchange Gippsland, working with young people with disabilities.
• $7000, Remar Australia, Nyora, residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation program.
• $6000, Bass Coast Health in conjunction with Wonthaggi Inter-Church Council, a volunteers' pastoral care program.
• $6000, FareShare Australia, extension of meals for the needy program into other areas of Gippsland.
• $6000, A Better Life for Foster Kids, Gippsland-wide program to provide basic needs for foster children.
• $2544, Warrina Counselling, an early intervention program for young people.

2017

• $50,000, CatholicCare, family counselling at Pakenham and Sale.
• $15,000, Hope Restart Centre, Bairnsdale, new alcohol and drug rehabilitation centre. 
• $13,000, Olivia’s Place, Warragul, mentoring program for families.
• $7500, Remar Australia, Nyora, residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation.
• $6500, A Better Life for Foster Kids,  provide basic needs for foster children.
• $6000, FareShare Australia, extension of meals for the needy program into other areas of Gippsland.
• $5000, Baw Baw Combined Churches Food Bank, Warragul.
• $4750, OTIS Foundation, time-out accommodation at Inverloch for breast cancer patients.
• $2000, Theodora’s Cheerful Givers, Morwell, food for disadvantaged families and breakfast club, $2000.

2016

• $60,000, CatholicCare Gippsland, family counselling in Sale and Pakenham.
• $20,000, Olivia's Place, Warragul, mentyoring program for families.
• $10,000, Barrier Breakers, Traralgon, employ advocate to combat problem gambling.
• $10,000, FareShare, providing free meals to needy in Gippsland.
• $8000, Cardinia Combined Churches Caring, crisis support for families in need.
• $7500, Youth InSearch Foundation, support for youth ast risk.
• $5000, Baw Baw Combined Churches Foodbank, food items for the needy.
• $4000, Gippsland Women's Health, transport and accomodation support for breast cancer patients.
• $4000, A Better Life for Foster Kids, providing basic needs for foster children.

2015

• $60,000, CatholicCare Gippsland, family counselling in Sale and Pakenham.
• $15,000, Remar Australia, drug and alcohol rehabilitation program, Nyora.
• $10,000, Gippsland Carers' Association, to set up support groups in East and South Gippsland.
• $10,000, A Better Life for Foster Kids, providing basic needs for children being fostered out for the first time.
• $10,000, FareShare, providing free meals to needy in Gippsland area.
• $8280, Warrina Counselling, early intervention program for young clients in Traralgon area.
• $7500, Bass Coast Health, pastoral care volunteer program.
• $4000, Gippsland Women's Health, support for women undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

2014

• $70,000, CatholicCare Gippsland, family counselling in Sale and Pakenham.
• $12,000, Lifeline Gippsland, suicide prevention through peer support program.
• $10,000, Olivia's Place, pregnancy and early parenting support centre, Warragul.
• $7500, Bass Coast Health, pastoral care volunteer program in Wonthaggi and San Remo.
• $7500, Good Beginnings Australia, parent-infant health program evaluation in East Gippsland.
• $6300, Latrobe Regional Hospital, mental health program for new mothers in Latrobe Valley.
• $5000, South Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault, sexual assault prevention program and victim support service centred on Pakenham.
• $5000, Theodora House, food for needy and disadvantaged in Morwell.
• $2500, St Vincent de Paul Pakenham, back to school vouchers for needy families.

2013

• $80,000, CatholicCare Gippsland, community development program through horticulture.
• $30,000, Olivia's Place, establish pregnancy and early parenting support centre, Warragul.
• $8000, Cardinia Combined Churches Caring, youth and family services program.
• $7720, Warrina Counselling, Traralgon, early intervention program for at risk clients.

2012

• $63,690, Centacare Gippsland, counselling services
• $15,000, Gippsland Rotary, outside toilet for disabled at Centenary House, Traralgon West.
• $10,000, Cardinia Combined Churches Caring, youth and family services program.
• $7200, Warrina Counselling, Traralgon, early intervention program for at risk clients.
• $6000, Scope (Vic) Ltd, Warragul, holiday support program for children with disabilities.
• $3500, ABI, carers education and respite program.
• $2500, Gippsland Uniting Care, volunteer support program.

2011

• $60,000, Centacare Gippsland, family & relationship counselling.
• $8000, St Vincent de Paul Narre Warren, educational expenses.
• $5000, Gippsland Carers' Association, family carers' network.
• $5000, St Vincent de Paul Cranbourne, back-to-school expenses.
• $4680, Berry Street, Happening Families program.
• $3499, Anglicare, Kinship Care Camp.
• $3000, Cardinia Combined Churches, Christmas hampers.
• $3000, Bridge Foundation, education employment & training.
• $3000, St Vincent de Paul, Berwick, soup van freezer.
• $2400, Gippsland Uniting Care, CADS activity program.
• $2000, St Vincent de Paul Berwick, education expenses.

2010

• $25,000, Centacare Gippsland, family relationship program.
• $5000, Karinya Counselling Centre, drug, alcohol and relationship counselling
• $6000, St Vincent de Paul, headquarters, tertiary education scholarship
• $5000, Good Beginnings Australia, parent education discussion groups
• $8000, Scope, trailer, leisure breaks, camping getaways
• $1800, Latrobe Special Development School, social skills program

2009

• $24,500, Centacare Gippsland, family relationship program
• $10,000, Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund, bushfire appeal
• $6010, Good Beginnings Australia, family support
• $5000, Karinya Counselling Centre, counselling support
• $5000, St Vincent de Paul, west region, medical equipment loans
• $3300, Interchange Gippsland, boot camp for volunteers
• $3000, John Pierce Centre, support for families of deaf
• $3000, St Vincent de Paul, Cranbourne, Christmas hampers and back-to-school support
• $2725,  Latrobe Special Development School, breakfast club
• $2000, St Vincent de Paul, Berwick, assisting with education costs
• $1600, St Mary's parish, Maffra, dealing with loss and change program
• $500, Bass Valley Primary School, breakfast club
• $3000, Salvation Army, Moe, return to school program

2008

• $20,000, Centacare Gippsland, family relationship program
• $20,000, Centacare Gippsland, youth leadership program
• $15,000, Centacare Gippsland, disadvantaged youth program
• $12,700,  St Vincent de paul, Drouin, storage facilities
• $7000, Karinya Counselling Services, welfare support
• $7000, St Vincent de Paul, Narre Warren, back to school expenses
• $5000, St Vincent de Paul, Cranbourne, food hampers and back to school needs
• $2972, Interchange Central Gippsland, mum's retreat
• $2000, Fusion Gippsland, youth at risk
• $2000, St Vincent de Paul, Berwick, client education costs
• $1500, Latrobe Special Development School, home program
• $1000, Lavalla Catholic College, breakfast club
• $500, Bass Valley primary School, breakfast club

2007

• $30,000, Centacare Gippsland, family relationship program.
• $15,000, Berry Street Victorian Gippsland children’s program
• $12,000, St Vincent de Paul, Bairnsdale, no interest loans scheme
• $1000, Bass Valley Primary school, breakfast club
• $5000, St Vincent de Paul, Narre Warren, back to school program
• $5000, St Vincent de Paul, Cranbourne, back to school program
• $4000, Cardinia Combined Churches, Christmas hampers
• $2000, Fusion Gippsland, Talk and tucker program
• $6000, Good Beginnings, family support and volunteer program
• $1000, Bridge Foundation, Bags for Release program
• $4500, Karinya, Drug Proof Your Kids program
• $7500, Rotary Centenary House project

2006

• $25,000, Gippsland Rotary Centenary House, patient and family accommodation project near Latrobe Regional Hospital.
• $25,000, Centacare Gippsland, life skills and family counselling services across Gippsland.
• $10,000, Kilmany Uniting Care, Wellington Community No Interest Loans Scheme.
• $3000, Cranbourne Information and Support Service, Casey No Interest Loans Scheme.
• $1000, Kilmany Uniting Care, Bairnsdale, depression and carers support.
• $6700, Gippsland Carers' Association, Morwell, Keeping Families in the Know project to educate and inform families caring for people with disability, handicap or frailty.
• $5000, Sale Elderly Citizens' Village, towards bed replacements.
• $7300, Maryknoll Cottages for the Elderly, Maryknoll, renovation of cottages.
• $1000, St Ita's Primary School, Drouin, food for families.
• $2400, Noah's Ark Inc, Morwell, preschoolers with autism project.
• $804, St Rose of Lima, Rosedale, establish a Youth Alpha program.
• $5000, Society of St Vincent de Paul, back-to-school needs.
• $8000, Karinya Counselling Services, Traralgon, drug and alcohol abuse program.
• $1200, Advocates of Survivors of Child Abuse.
• $3000, Gippsland Christian Broadcasters, Life FM microwave link.

2005

• $25,000, Centacare Gippsland, family and marriage relationship counselling
• $10,000, Asian tsunami appeal
• $8000, Berry Street Victoria, Dare to Make a Change program for vulnerable young people.
• $5000, Life-FM Christian radio, providing famil-based programming.
• $5000, Bass Coast No-Interest Loans Scheme, loans  to low income people for essential items.
• $5000, Narre Warren Community Learning Centre, Men CCC Together self improvement program.
• $3830, Latrobe Community Health Service, training for palliative care volunteers.
• $3000, St Vincent de Paul Society, Cranbourne, for Christmas hampers for needy.

2004

• $14,450, Centacare Gippsland, family relationships counselling service.
• $15,000, East Gippsland bushfire appeal
• $6000, Berry Street, Dare to Make a Change program for high-risk young people.
• $6000, Good Beginnings, high-risk infant program.
• $8000, Lifeline Gippsland, to establish face to face counselling.
• $5100, Anglicare/Parentzone, to establish program to assist parents of children with disabilities.
• $5000, Morwell Primary School, program for early detection of children at risk and to set up support systems.

2003

• $8500, Marist-Sion College, Warragul, extension to student support centre.
• $7000, Centacare Gippsland, to expand marriage education program.
• $5000, Headway Gippsland, to establish carer support program at Bairnsdale.
• $2500, Good Beginnings Latrobe to purchase parenting resources.
• $500, George Gray Centre, Maffra, to purchase items for sensory integration program.
• $500, Kiama Special Needs Kindergarten, Morwell, to purchase items for sensory integration program.

2002

• $17,500, Centacare Gippsland, to establish Family Friends Program at Narre Warren.
• $4525, Narre Warren Community Learning Centre for young adult gap support.
• $2400, St Mary's Parish, Maffra, for Journeying Together program.
• $1400, Kiama Special Needs Kindergarten, Morwell, for parents' room.
• $1330, Parent to parent Gippsland for sibling support program.
• $900, Good Beginnings Home Visiting and Parenting Program.
• $850, Wonthaggi District Hospital for community garden.
• $600, Latrobe Community Health Service for mothers' respite service.
• $500, St Ita's Parish, Drouin, for its X-Treme Youth Group.
• $500, Bairnsdale Primary School, for an Alert Program.

2001

•  $5650, LifeLine Gippsland to extend service into South Gippsland area.
•  $5000, St Vincent de Paul Society, Sale, to upgrade emergency accommodation caravan.
•  $3000, Centacare Gippsland and Narre Warren parish to establish a Home Start project in Narre Warren South.