JACS4GreaterGood & Roundabout Canberra

You know that feeling when you walk into a place and instantly feel the buzz of something good happening? That's exactly what hit me when I stepped into Roundabout Canberra. The energy was infectious - smiling volunteers everywhere, scrubbing car seats, piecing together prams, and packing care boxes with love. It felt like a hive of kindness.

I had the pleasure of chatting with Miranda, one of the original volunteers who's been there since day one. She used to work in the public service, but now she's part of the Roundabout Canberra team, helping make a real difference. She showed me one of their care packages for a boy around 10 years old. Honestly, it reminded me of opening a Christmas stocking - packed to the brim with clothes, essentials, and little things designed to spark joy. Everything was clean, folded, and ready to brighten a child's day.

This year, the JACS4GreaterGood workplace giving fund chose to support several charities, and Roundabout Canberra was one of them. I got to visit their space, meet the team, and see firsthand the incredible work they’re doing for families in need.

So, how did Roundabout Canberra get started?

It all began in 2017 with Hannah, who was on maternity leave with her second child. She had baby items she no longer needed and wanted to pass them on to someone local who could really use them. But there wasn’t an organisation in Canberra doing that kind of work—so she created one. And just like that, Roundabout Canberra was born.

What does the community need most?

The biggest requests are for baby essentials - especially the safety items like cots, bassinets, car seats, and prams. These are pricey and not easy to come by, and they're also the hardest to get donated. Families often reuse them for multiple kids or pass them on to friends. On top of that, there's a real need for items for older kids, especially boys aged 8 to 10. Think clothes, single bed linen, school bags, and toiletries.

What challenges is Roundabout Canberra facing?

Three things: donations, time, and money.

• Donations: We're always in need of material items, especially those big-ticket baby items.
• Time: More volunteers are needed—especially younger ones who can help clean and reassemble car seats and prams. We even welcome family volunteering, and kids are great at knowing what other kids will love.
• Money: Sometimes there's a gap between what’s donated and what’s needed. For example, if we run out of nappies, we use donated funds to buy them so no child goes without.

Where will the funds donated through JACS4GG be directed, who will they help?

While our focus is always on rehoming pre-loved goods, there are some items we never get, or which we feel are important to provide new, and for linen packs that’s mattress protectors, doonas and pillows – all essential items which are vital for families to have access to. These items go into packs with sheets, towels, face washers, doona covers suitable for both the summer and winter months. So the funds provided will keep local children snug and warm, and support hygiene and dignity – all things that are very important to us at Roundabout Canberra, and which we’re really grateful to have you support.

How can JACS4GreaterGood help in the future?

One word: flexibility. Needs change all the time. One week it might be nappies, the next it could be mattress protectors. Having funds available to fill those gaps is crucial. Roundabout Canberra also runs a corporate volunteering program, which is a fantastic way for teams to give back while bonding over something meaningful. Whether it’s a small group or a whole department, there’s room for everyone to pitch in.

Visiting Roundabout Canberra was a heartwarming reminder of what community really means. It's people coming together, sharing what they have, and making sure no child goes without. If you’re looking for a way to give back, this is a great place to start.