The Lumina Project Ltd

The Lumina Project is an Australian registered charity dedicated to supporting bereaved parents who have lost a child. Founded by Julia and Juan Pablo Toral in honour of their daughter Maria, the organisation focuses on addressing the practical challenges faced by grieving families, such as financial strain, employment insecurity, and the need for compassionate leave. It aims to ensure that no parent has to choose between grieving their child and maintaining their job, providing both immediate financial assistance and national advocacy for improved workplace policies.

Flagship Initiative: Compassionate Leave Reform and Immediate Financial Support

The Lumina Project’s flagship activity combines immediate financial assistance for urgent costs like funerals and essential bills with advocacy for compassionate leave reform in Australia. It campaigns to extend compassionate leave from the current two days to six weeks after the death of a child, ensuring parents have the time, financial security, and dignity needed to grieve without risking their employment or income.

Mission and Vision

The charity’s mission is to support bereaved parents by addressing the financial and employment challenges that follow child loss, ensuring families receive time, support, and dignity. Its vision is a society where no parent faces financial crisis or workplace insecurity after the death of a child, and where compassionate leave policies reflect the true needs of grieving families.

Main Objectives

• Provide immediate financial grants to bereaved families for urgent expenses.
• Advocate for national law reform to extend compassionate leave entitlements.
• Offer one-to-one guidance to parents navigating financial and workplace pressures.
• Build partnerships with employers, unions, and community organisations to improve support systems.

Benefiting Groups

• Bereaved parents who have lost a child or young person.
• Families facing financial hardship and employment insecurity after child loss.
• Employers and workplaces seeking to implement compassionate bereavement policies.
• Health professionals and community services supporting grieving families.

Types of Services or Activities

• Financial support through small, targeted grants for urgent costs such as funerals, travel, and bills.
• Advocacy and law reform campaigns to improve compassionate leave standards nationally.
• Personalised support for bereaved parents to explore financial options and workplace rights.
• Partnerships and referrals with hospitals, hospices, employers, and community organisations.
• Resource provision offering practical information on grief, workplace rights, and financial assistance.