Multicultural Families Organisation
Providing support, safety and assistance for multicultural families
2025 Legacy Grant: Cornelia Babbage
At MFO, we are proud to continue the legacy of our beloved colleague and friend, Cornelia Babbage, through the Legacy Grant. This $3,000 annual grant was established in her memory, with a $1,000 contribution from her husband, Colin Babbage. Cornelia was known for her deep empathy, tireless advocacy, and unwavering belief in the power of people to create positive change. This grant honours her legacy by supporting projects and initiatives that make a real difference in the community.
The Legacy Grant supports:
Individuals working on personal or community development projects based on the Gold Coast.
Grassroots or emerging community groups delivering inclusive, socially minded initiatives.
People of all ages and backgrounds: there are no formal academic or residency requirements.
The grant honours Cornelia’s dedication to fostering positive change, community connection, and inclusiveness.
Winner of the 2025 Legacy Grant
We are thrilled to announce the recipient of the 2025 Legacy Grant: Sumia Essid
of the Creativity Crochet Club!
The Creativity Crochet Club is a beautiful initiative that uses craft as a bridge between
generations, bringing children, young people, and older adults, including those living
with dementia, together to create, connect, and share joy. Through crochet, Sumia fosters
creativity, confidence, and community, offering a peaceful space where hands stay active,
minds stay curious, and hearts stay open.
This project reflects Cornelia’s values of kindness, inclusiveness, and dedication to community.
With the support of this grant, the Creativity Crochet Club will expand its reach,
offering more workshops and a special community event to celebrate stories
and creations across generations.
Congratulations, Sumia! Thank you for carrying Cornelia’s legacy
forward and helping others
feel included and welcomed, one stitch at a time
Application process:
The application process for the Legacy Grant has now closed, and the winner has been announced.
Applications were submitted online or in paper form, including a short statement or
optional video explaining the purpose of the funding and alignment with Cornelia’s values.
A selection panel of MFO staff and Management Committee members reviewed all applications.
Applications opened on 14 October 2025 and closed on 1 December 2025,
with the grant winner announced on 15 December 2025.