The Terry Campese Foundation

The Terry Campese Foundation: Youth Mentoring and Community Support in Australia

The Terry Campese Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation established in 2012 on a mission to build brighter futures for young people. TCF supports marginalised and disadvantaged youth in local communities by equipping them with confidence, self-worth, and resilience. Through its programs and initiatives, the foundation has been making a tangible difference across multiple regions for over a decade, combining mentorship with practical community projects that empower young people to become the best versions of themselves.

Youth Mentor Program: Building Skills and Community Impact

The Youth Mentor Program is TCF’s flagship initiative, operating across five regions including Queanbeyan, Braidwood, Goulburn, Crookwell, and Canberra. Over 16 weeks, volunteer mentors—often teachers, social workers, and passionate community members—work with young people to develop mental and physical fitness and essential life skills. The program culminates in a major community project where participants apply their learning. In 2025, 40 young people collaborated to construct a library and computer hub, build a basketball court, and renovate a school in Tonga, demonstrating the program’s focus on teamwork, leadership, and giving back.

Mission and Vision

TCF’s mission centres on helping young people reflect on their responses to different scenarios, develop tools to manage challenging situations, build effective communication skills, and test new abilities in safe environments. The foundation provides space away from social media and life pressures, enabling young people to develop the life skills necessary for long-term success.

Main Objectives

• Equip young people with confidence, self-worth, and resilience
• Develop mental and physical fitness through structured mentoring
• Create opportunities for young people to prove their capabilities through community projects
• Support marginalised and disadvantaged youth in local communities

Benefiting Groups

TCF primarily supports marginalised and disadvantaged young people seeking personal development. The foundation also supports broader community needs, including families with children with disabilities through vehicle donations and community members experiencing homelessness through the Queanbeyan Sleepbus initiative.

Types of Services and Activities

• Youth mentoring programs combining personal development with community projects
• Special Forces Challenge—a major fundraising event where recruits undertake 30-hour physical and psychological activities led by ex-military professionals
• Community support initiatives including the Queanbeyan Sleepbus providing safe overnight accommodation
• Donations supporting respite care, foster care services, and disability support organisations
• Partnerships with services like PCYC and Headspace to deliver comprehensive youth support

To support TCF’s work, individuals can donate to The Terry Campese Foundation or volunteer with community initiatives like the Queanbeyan Night Podz.