Shaping our identity for the new millennium
We entered the millennium at the forefront of widespread mental health reform, well established to make our future vision a reality. We added an Executive level Lived Experience leadership position and became one of the first organisations to deliver the HASI Housing and Accommodation Support Initiative.
A corporate brand identity was developed to strengthen recognition of our organisation as a leading and secure NGO, attracting an influx of public donations and contract opportunities.
Team numbers jumped from 20 just a few years earlier, to 120 and as our reputable status snowballed, so did the big contracts.
Early 2000s – HASI Implementation
We became one of the first organisations to deliver the Housing and Accommodation Support Initiative (HASI), a groundbreaking program that combined stable housing with tailored mental health support—transforming recovery outcomes across NSW.
2006 – Coming alongside Aboriginal communities
Partnering with the Government to take Personal Helpers and Mentors programs to Aboriginal communities in Bourke and Parkes led to a pilot HASI 5A program to assist Aboriginal people in the Sydney Metropolitan Area with their housing needs.
Almost 20% of First Nations people experience mental health issues. By 2010, one in 10 people receiving support from our organisation identified as being Aboriginal. Today, many have joined us as Peer Workers (like Naricah pictured) to help people in their communities manage their mental wellbeing.
2009 – Honouring a Legacy of Leadership
After 23 years of visionary leadership, CEO Fred Kong retired in 2009 and became the first to receive Life Membership at Flourish Australia. Under his guidance, the organisation grew from just $7,000 in the bank to supporting over 500 clients, 270 residential places, and 250 staff across 20 sites. His legacy of compassion, innovation, and resilience continues to shape our mission today.