At Flying Fox, we’re on a mission to build connections between people with disability and the community through the power of fun.

A group of young people playing a game outdoors on a grassy field, with trees in the background. One person, wearing a rainbow face mask, is being lifted and spun by another, while other friends watch and cheer.
A young woman with long hair hugging a girl with glasses and dark hair outdoors on a sunny day. The young woman is smiling and appears happy. Several people are in the background, some hugging or talking, with trees and a building nearby.
Two young women wearing blue masks and sunglasses and casual clothing, one holding a small trophy and celebrating outdoors.

Flying Fox has undertaken an extensive impact measurement journey, assessing and evaluating the impact of all of our activities on the lives of the people we support and across broader Australian society.

The report found that Flying Fox generates $9 for every $1 donated to the organisation.

Total Measured Impact CY2024:

$8,969,938

The impact measurement was focused on these 4 areas:

Flying Fox Participants:
$2,942,000

Flying Fox Team & Buddy Cohort: $2,315,071

Families of Participants:
$2,676,777

Community:
$1,026,091

This report was compiled by Vellum, and the full report is available upon request.

How Vellum measures it - four methods:

Respite hours valued against NDIS rates, showing the financial relief generated by camps, getaways, and other programs.

Health savings from reduced loneliness and isolation, estimated through fewer GP visits and less reliance on healthcare services.

Skills gained in inclusion and disability support, traced through improved job prospects and workforce strengthening.

Dollar value of Buddies' volunteer time calculated at award pay rates - the true investment in community building.

Behind every number is a person, a human being whose life is impacted positively because of their experience with Flying Fox.

“Our daughter had the most wonderful time at her two-day camp with Flying Fox. Her buddies were amazing - kind, fun and completely present. The whole team brings such genuine joy and positivity. She came home glowing, we love what these camps bring to her world.

We love everything you do, bringing a world of love to our daughter, bringing beautiful buddies into her life and genuinely making her feel valued.”

“My son spends a lot of time in life experiencing failure. At school, at work, with friends. As a parent, it’s devastating to watch as he struggles with basic things in life.

This camp meant the world to him because every moment was a success. He was given caring buddies who made him feel confident to try new things, and everything he tried was greeted with cheers and uplifting comments. He experienced success. He experienced happiness. I wish he could attend more events like this as it was so obvious the growth in confidence he had in such a short time.“

“It was the very first camp experience for our 10 year old boy. It was unthinkable for us before this camp, as there were so many concerns and doubts. From the first contact with Flying Fox until the day we picked him up from camp, the love and care from all the volunteers was amazing! They are so responsible and passionate about what they do. It is a huge milestone not only for our son, but for all of us as a family too.“

We are striving to provide more opportunities for more people, more often.

Group of five young people smiling and standing arm-in-arm outdoors in a park on a cloudy day, with trees and a basketball court in the background.

Number of Participants

On average, the number of active participants has grown by 12% a year over the last five years.

Nights Away on Camps

On average, the number of nights away has grown by 14% a year over the last five years.

Hangouts Social Events

Flat between 2021 and 2024, with huge expansion driven by Medibank partnership 2024 onwards.

Throughout 2026, we will reach a lot of people.

Our impact reporting will be measured against the way in which these people’s lives have been changed for the better.

Flying Fox will providing social opportunities for 250 young people with disability and their families.

There will be 1300+ volunteer spots filled by passionate young adult volunteers.

Concurrently, 5000 school students across 40 school communities will be educated through in-classroom educational programs and provided with volunteering opportunities.

A group of young women outdoors, with one girl laughing and holding hands with another, while others are standing nearby on a sunny day.

Community Impact Initiatives

Flying Fox Innovation Summit

In 2025, Flying Fox brought together 20 passionate young people to explore, debate, and reimagine the future of the disability sector.

Across a series of preparatory sessions and an immersive multi-day retreat, participants were given the space and support to think deeply, collaborate meaningfully, and develop ideas with real-world potential.

The program was designed around a simple belief: that young people with lived experience of disability are uniquely positioned to identify what needs to change, and how.

Participants engaged with industry leaders from across business, design, and the social sector; including John Rizzo, Wes Old, Rebecca McKenzie, and Rochelle Serry, who brought expertise in innovation, pitching, community co-design, and turning concepts into tangible outcomes. Their involvement sparked rich conversation and challenged participants to push their thinking further.

By the end of the summit, four bold ideas had emerged, each addressing a genuine barrier faced by people with disabilities, their families, and support organisations:

  • Housing & Life Planning

  • Accessibility & Inclusive Design

  • Improved Family & Carer Support

  • Promoting Independence & Belonging

The Innovation Summit reflects Flying Fox's commitment to fostering thought leadership within the disability sector, creating spaces where young innovators can drive meaningful, lasting change.

Group of men at a table having a conversation, with one standing and smiling, outside view with green trees in the background.
Panel discussion in a room with five people on stage, two women and three men, engaging with audience members who are seated. The panelists are sitting on chairs in front of a white brick wall, and some are holding microphones. Audience members are listening attentively.
A group of four young people sitting at a meeting table, one woman smiling and talking, with water bottles and notebooks on the table.
Group of people smiling outdoors in front of a large brick building with glass windows and black umbrellas, on a bright sunny day.

Professional Accelerator Day, 2026

Flying Fox's Professional Accelerator Day brings together young people from our community for a hands-on day of career development, mentorship, and real-world skill building.

The program is designed to give participants practical tools they can take directly into their professional lives; from resume writing and interview preparation, to networking, personal branding, and developing a compelling LinkedIn presence. More than just a workshop, it's an opportunity for young people to build confidence, connect with industry professionals, and gain insight into what it takes to thrive in the workplace.

Throughout the day, participants are supported by a group of generous professionals who give their time, expertise, and energy as both speakers and mentors. At our inaugural event, we were joined by John Rizzo, Leora Givoni, Julie Fedele, Narule Stewart, Sophie Lewis, Lahra Carey, Ari Dancziger, Jonathan Bell, Daniel Komesaroff, and Galit Yaary - each bringing their own industry perspective and genuine commitment to empowering the next generation.

The Professional Accelerator Day is one of the ways Flying Fox invests in the broader futures of the young people in our community beyond our core programs.

A woman standing at a whiteboard teaching a group of women seated around a table. The whiteboard has handwritten notes and diagrams related to career and project planning, and the women are listening attentively.
A woman giving a presentation in front of a slide that reads 'People Brands' showing photos and names of Melanie Perkins, Steph & Jess Dadon, and Josh Frydenberg, with four women seated facing her in a conference room.
A man in a white shirt and glasses leading a discussion with a group of young people seated in a circle in a bright room with large window.
Three women having a conversation during a job interview in an office, with a sign on the wall that reads 'Flying Fox Interview Practice'.

Stories From Our Community