Charlotte’s Wish Scholarship Media Release
18 February 2026
Step into Action Foundation launches Charlotte’s Wish Scholarship to strengthen early youth support
The Step into Action Foundation has announced the launch of the Charlotte’s Wish Scholarship 2026-2027, a proactive early support initiative designed to strengthen resilience, connection, and confidence in young people during critical transition years.
The Charlotte’s Wish Scholarship will be delivered for the Foundation by BREED Australia Inc.
While the majority of national mental health funding targets crisis care, this scholarship addresses the gap in early intervention. The program provides a structured, 12-month wraparound experience for young people, combining mindset development with physical movement and mentoring.
The initiative honours the legacy of Charlotte O’Brien, who was just 12 years old when her life ended in 2024. Guided by her mantra, “Everyone matters every day,” the scholarship carries forward Charlotte’s wish to ensure young people feel heard, supported, and safe.
Impact and Delivery: The inaugural intake will support four Year 6 – Year 8, students residing within the Canterbury Bankstown Local Government Area. Each scholarship provides an annual value of $8,000 for the recipient, covering:
- Facilitated resilient mindset workshops and ongoing mentoring.
- Movement-based wellbeing activities.
- Coordinated therapeutic and social support.
The program is fully funded by the Step into Action Foundation and delivered by BREED Australia Inc through their highly impactful “Learning for Good” alternative education framework.
“We cannot afford to wait until young people are in crisis before acting,” said Chris Barton, Founder of Step into Action Foundation. “This scholarship is about surrounding young people with the right support early emotionally, socially, and physically. This first cohort is only the beginning of a scalable model we intend to grow across the nation.”
Charlotte’s mother, Kelly O’Brien, added: ” We are so proud to see Charlotte’s legacy at the heart of something so full of hope. This program isn’t just about support, it’s about empowering young people to thrive through preventative care. By surrounding them with mentors and a community that cares, we are ensuring that Charlotte’s light continues to inspire a brighter, more connected future.”
BREED Australia CEO Emmanuel Martin noted that the model is intentionally active. “When movement, emotional intelligence, and positive relationships work together, young people gain the tools and mindset to navigate social complexity with confidence and resilience.”
Parents and carers of eligible Year 6 to Year 8 students in the Canterbury Bankstown area are invited to submit an Expression of Interest via the Step into Action Foundation website.
Final participants will be selected by a joint panel including the Foundation, BREED Australia, and Charlotte’s parents.
About Step into Action Foundation
Step into Action Foundation advances youth mental wellbeing through early intervention initiatives grounded in movement, connection and community participation. Through walking events and physical activity programs, the Foundation promotes the link between movement and resilience while funding structured support initiatives for young people.
About BREED Australia Inc
BREED Australia is an ACNC DGR 1 registered charity specialising in alternative education focused on mindset development, resilience and youth empowerment through its Learning for Good framework.
Media enquiries
Chris Barton Step into Action Foundation
0432 763 241
Emmanuel Martin CEO, BREED Australia Inc
1300 027 333
