Enterprise & Training Company Ltd (ETC) has awarded a $7,500 grant to the Brunswick Heads Breakfast Club through the ETC Community Support Fund. This grassroots initiative provides weekly meals and meaningful connection to people experiencing homelessness and hardship in the Northern Rivers region. The Breakfast Club is an crucial initiative providing Brunswick Heads homelessness outreach services for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
According to the 2025 NSW Street Count, Byron Shire recorded the highest number of people sleeping rough state-wide, contributing to the 2,192 people counted across New South Wales—an 8% increase from 2024. The rising demand for Byron Shire homelessness services has made programs like the Brunswick Heads Breakfast Club more essential than ever. This grassroots homelessness initiative is helping meet urgent needs in the region.
Every Friday morning from 8-9am, volunteers gather to serve breakfast and offer a warm, welcoming space for those in need. The funding from ETC will help cover the costs of meals and supplies, ensuring the club can continue its essential work. This Brunswick Heads homelessness outreach is part of a broader effort to support vulnerable people in the Northern Rivers community.
“The Brunswick Breakfast Club allows people to have a cup of coffee, a sandwich and to connect with people in their community,” said Isabelle Borrelli, Deputy Chair of ETC. “ETC has given the Breakfast Club the ability to continue. It’s important that we give back, that’s what the ETC Community Support Fund is all about.”
Local community member Nathan, a regular visitor to the Bruns Brekkie club, shared his perspective on the growing housing crisis and the importance of supporting people at risk of homelessness:
“I can see things getting worse in Australia and not just for people that have mental health issues or addictions, it’s become expensive here. Pretty soon it could be your children or somebody you know that’s experiencing homelessness. The stigma needs to go. Or it’s going to get worse.”
Volunteers Renee and Renate have seen first-hand how the club is evolving to meet community needs:
“It’s definitely much busier here now. We started up a charging station and people are requesting more veggies, so we’re just trying to provide what people are needing,” said Renee.
“You don’t have to explain why you’re here. You’ll be able to connect with other people and come for a hot drink. It’s amazing,” added Renate. The Brunswick Heads Breakfast Club homelessness support has been pivotal in their lives.
The Breakfast Club’s evolution reflects the changing needs of the community, with volunteers responding to requests for fresh produce, charging stations, and more. These adaptations show how Northern Rivers homelessness support programs are listening and responding to those they serve.
Alongside the Breakfast Club, other support services like the Orange Sky Australia van play a vital role in the region. Orange Sky provides additional support including free laundry and shower services, complementing Brunswick Heads homelessness outreach and strengthening Byron homelessness support efforts across the Shire.
ETC is a registered charity dedicated to supporting communities through employment, training, and business services. Since 2012, the ETC Community Support Fund has provided over $3 million to organisations addressing barriers to employment, including $2 million in the past three years.
ETC’s support for the Brunswick Heads Breakfast Club reflects its broader mission to foster inclusion, resilience, and opportunity – especially for individuals facing mental health challenges and housing insecurity. This is why investing in community breakfast programs and other Northern Rivers Community Support initiatives is such an important part of ETC’s work.
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