In FY2024/25, the Village accommodated 31 patients and their families, collectively providing 1,809 nights of free accommodation. Families stayed an average of 57 nights, with the longest stay extending to 197 nights – over six months.

With an occupancy rate of 81%, six percentage points above the national average, demand for the Village remains consistently strong. These numbers reflect not only the scale of need but also the vital role this service plays in reducing the emotional and financial burden on families already navigating a devastating diagnosis.

Since 2021, the partnership between the John James Foundation and the Leukaemia Foundation has underpinned the success of the Village. Through a ten-year pledge of support, valued at more than $1.8 million to date, this collaboration has ensured that people across the ACT, NSW, and Victoria have access to compassionate care and stability during their treatment journey. The Village is one of 11 Leukaemia Foundation accommodation centres nationwide, but it stands as a beacon of what can be achieved through local partnership and shared purpose. In 2024, the Leukaemia Foundation recognised the John James Foundation as a major lifetime donor in its 50^th Anniversary Philanthropic Impact Report.

The impact of the John James Village is measured not only in nights of accommodation but in peace of mind, dignity, and hope for families during their most difficult times. The enduring partnership between the John James Foundation and the Leukaemia Foundation continues to transform lives and strengthen the fabric of our community.

The Centre delivers AEIOU’s evidence-based early intervention program, which integrates speech therapy, occupational therapy, behaviour support, and family education into a holistic model of care. This approach not only helps children develop vital communication, social, and daily living skills but also empowers parents and caregivers with strategies to support their child’s progress at home and in the community.

This year alone, the Centre has supported more than 45 children and their families, delivering over 20,000 hours of therapy and education. Families reported a 90% increase in confidence in supporting their child’s needs, while children demonstrated measurable progress in communication, independence, and school readiness. Importantly, the Centre’s community workshops, and outreach initiatives reached a further 200 parents, educators, and allied health professionals, extending the impact well beyond the Centre’s walls.

The establishment and success of the AEIOU Canberra Region Centre is the result of a valued partnership between the John James Foundation and the AEIOU Foundation. The Foundation’s investment and commitment to community health enabled AEIOU to expand into the ACT, while AEIOU’s specialist expertise ensures families receive world-class autism support locally. Together, this partnership is not only transforming the lives of children and their families but also building a stronger, more inclusive Canberra community.

The Canberra community are poised to rally behind the inevitable construction process once Development Approval is granted, with the Foundation already engaging with supply chain stakeholders to enhance value for the project.

Palliative Care ACT continues to provide much needed respite accommodation and support services out of a retrofitted rental property in Bradden. The purpose designed Leo’s Place respite house in Garran will be a game-changer for service delivery and PCACT’s ability to provide a “home away from home” for patients and carers experiencing life limiting illness.

The respite accommodation project will be completed within 9months of commencement, with the approval process remaining as the next key project milestone.