Our Story

TRY Australia (formerly Try Youth and Community Services) was founded in 1883 with the spirit and ethos of William Mark Forster who believed in the innate ability of the young people who participated in the programs he established and constantly assured young people that if they were prepared to try they would be amazed at what they could accomplish. 'In fact' he told them: 'we should consider ourselves a TRY Society'.

Initially, TRY Australia developed youth clubs and provided trade training as a constructive answer to the juvenile delinquency problems of that time. Since then, TRY Australia has broadened its reach and developed programs to meet the ever changing needs of disadvantaged young people, long term unemployed and families who live in Victoria.

Today, TRY Australia’s programs include: vocational programs for the long-term unemployed, literacy & numeracy educational programs, employment programs for the disadvantaged sector of the community, supported accommodation for homeless students, 21 outside school hours care and holiday care programs for disabled and disadvantaged primary school-aged children, including programs conducted in rural locations of Victoria, preschool education through our 41 preschools particularly for those whose parents cannot afford preschool education for their children, and a support program designed to assist teenagers who care for their disabled or chronically ill parent or sibling.

A summary of our programs and services is as follows:

• Children’s Services
• Youth Services
• Social Enterprises

Kindergartens Child Care Centres Out of School Hours Care Vacation Care Programs Kinder Kids Australia Providing support for kindergarten families in financial crisis. Kinder Cluster Management Providing community kindergartens with a Department of Education and Early Childhood Development approved model of management support for families and secure employment for staff

Big Brothers Big Sisters Youth Mentoring Best Buddies providing friendship to the disabled Cadets providing financial support to 10 regional units Kids Who Care Foundation providing recreational opportunities to young Carers Prahran Dancing School providing accessible and affordable dancing lessons to children

Community Bingo Centres Property Services Registered Training Organisation Street Collections

Our Mission:

To give families and individuals opportunities to reach their potential.

Our Vision:

To be recognised as a national leader in our programs.

Our Values:

 Innovation

• We listen to and apply new ideas and actions.

Sustainability

• Our people are the best in their field.
• Our programs are environmentally responsible, fiscally sound and of high quality.

Inclusion

• Our culture is diverse and welcoming.
• Our services are available to all.

Integrity

• We treat everyone fairly.
• Our decisions balance risk, value and creativity.