Impact Stories
From the classrooms and communities our Upstander Programs reach to the powerful testimony of Holocaust Survivors, these are the stories that speak to our impact and mission.
Four Schools, One Mission
This short film follows our Upstander Programs across four different schools, showing the breadth and impact of our work.
Two programs were delivered through our traveling exhibitions in Port Macquarie (2022) and Wollongong (2023), while two others brought Holocaust Survivor speakers and volunteers directly into school classrooms.
Together, these visits reveal the power of sharing lived stories and sparking conversations that inspire students to become Upstanders in their own communities.
OUR UPSTANDER PROGRAMS IN ACTION (4mins)
Partnership is at the heart of impact.
Finding Common Ground
The impact of discrimination on young people’s wellbeing and developmental outcomes is well-documented. While adolescents can spot discrimination, they often lack the tools and confidence to ‘call out’ and discuss it.
With support from Multicultural NSW, we partnered with The Ethics Centre to develop Common Ground – a transformative three-day youth leadership and education program.
Through experiential learning, student-led discussion and project-based assessment, Common Ground empowers participants with the knowledge and practical skills to not only identify discrimination, but to gain the confidence to take positive action against it and to promote inclusion at school, online and in their communities.
SEE THE OUTCOME (3mins)
The most powerful proof of our impact is when we get to hear it directly from a student - in their own words.
Cami's Story
There are many ways for Courage to Care to demonstrate the impact of our programs and the catalyst they can be for lasting change in the schools and communities we visit.
We can show you the survey data gathered from thousands of students and participants in our Upstander Programs, or the testimonials from teachers and principals who’ve seen their benefit firsthand.
But the most powerful proof is when we get to hear from a student who has taken part in our Upstander Program about how the experience impacted them.
In 2025, we had the pleasure of hearing from Cami from the Northern Rivers of NSW, who was so moved by her experience with our Upstander program she even decided to raise funds for a special occasion! Read her beautiful story below.
“I’m Cami, and earlier this year Courage to Care came to my school in the Northern Rivers area of NSW (I’m in Year 6). We learned about the Holocaust and heard real stories of people who survived because others showed extraordinary courage and refused to stand by.
Hearing a survivor’s voice made it feel real. My classmates and I talked about how important it is to stand up against hate and antisemitism. We even did group activities where we practised being “upstanders,” not just “bystanders”.
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“One thing I noticed was how quiet and engaged everyone was in this presentation. Usually there are kids who are noisy and disruptive but during this presentation, everyone was really listening.
Living out in a regional area in Northern NSW, I don’t meet many other Jewish kids. And any time we do meet other Jews, even if they’re just travelling through, my mum invites them for Shabbat dinner. I’ve learnt that we’re all like a big family as any Jewish person we meet feels familiar and we feel comfortable inviting them to our home even if we’ve just met.
I love sharing my culture with my friends and neighbours. They’ve helped me make challah on Fridays and stayed for Shabbat dinner. They’ve come to my family Channukah party and eaten soufganiyot and latkes with me, and we’ve given them mishloach manot on Purim. They really like learning about my religion and I love celebrating Christmas and Easter with them.
While I sometimes feel different from my friends, I am proud to be Jewish, especially this year as I’ve been preparing for my batmitzvah.
Because Courage to Care showed us how standing up can make a real difference, I asked my family if, instead of batmitzvah gifts, people could donate to this organisation.
The Courage to Care presentation taught us so much like how prejudice grows if people stay silent, and how regular people can be heroes. I believe it’s super important for more kids to hear these stories and learn to stand tall, especially now.”
Behind every Courage to Care program are the remarkable people whose lived experience, resilience and wisdom continues to guide and inspire our work.
Holocaust Survivor Films
At the heart of our work over the years have been the numerous Survivors who have so generously given their time and shared their story — creating for many an unforgettable and deeply moving experience.
We’ve embarked on a special project of capturing the stories of some of these remarkable people on film — creating a series of mini-documentaries that preserve their voices and stories for future generations.
The films offer an intimate glimpse into lives marked by profound loss, resilience, and perhaps above all, the inspirational hope that their story may help build a better future. We invite you to watch and reflect, and we look forward to sharing more in the future.
TOM'S STORY (10mins)
Tom Fleming
We remember with deep respect and gratitude the late Tom Fleming, who passed away in May 2025.
Born in Bratislava in 1938, Tom survived Theresienstadt as a child and went on to rebuild his life in Australia, becoming a successful entrepreneur, father, grandfather, and much-loved member of the community.
Tom shared his story with thousands over the years, with his humanity, trademark twinkle of humour and ability to share difficult truths leaving a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of meeting him.
EVA'S STORY (6mins)
Eva Engel OAM
Born in Vienna in 1932, Eva fled Austria with her parents after the Nazi takeover. Her childhood was shaped by displacement, survival, and resilience. Building a new life in Australia, she carried forward a lifelong commitment to speaking out against prejudice and fostering empathy in younger generations.
Recognised with an OAM for her extraordinary service, Eva has shared her story with thousands of students, helped establish key survivor networks, and worked tirelessly to preserve memory.
Her voice continues to inspire, reminding us of the enduring responsibility to stand against discrimination.
SUSAN'S STORY (9mins)
Susan Warhaftig
Born in Vienna in 1937, Susan was just a child when her world was torn apart by war. After her father was taken and murdered in Buchenwald, she and her mother escaped to Hungary under false papers. It was a journey marked by an impossible choice — leaving behind her older brother, whom she later learned had been killed at just eleven years old.
Susan eventually came to Australia, where she built a new life and a family of her own. For years, she has shared her story with countless students, reminding them that survival was only possible through the kindness of others — and that standing up against prejudice remains a responsibility for us all.
25 Years of Impact
In 2024, Courage to Care NSW celebrated 25 years since we began building a movement of Upstanders.
To celebrate the milestone, we created a short film looking back on the journey so far — the schools visited, the communities strengthened, and the incredible people who’ve made it all possible.
Shown at our Annual Fundraising Lunch, the film is both a celebration of our impact to date and our commitment to Creating the Next Generation of Upstanders.
SEE THE JOURNEY (4mins)
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