Stewart House, which this year marks 95 years of supporting disadvantaged children across NSW and the ACT, provides children with a residential stay focused on health and wellbeing. Stewart House gives them access to medical, dental, vision and hearing checks, counselling, and structured learning activities in a safe and supportive environment.

Each year, 1600 public children take part in the Stewart House Program. Consistent funding from workplace giving allows the orgnisation to plan its programs with certainty. It gives it the financial stability to deliver a structured 12-day program, which helps children build confidence, improve their health and engage more fully with learning.

“To all our members who have supported through payroll giving or other means, thank you,” said PSA CPSU NSW General Secretary Stewart Little. “Your generosity directly funds the services Stewart House provides and the outcomes it achieves.”

Stewart House is the NSW Department of Education’s “Charity of Choice”. Since the late 1970s, school staff across NSW have contributed to Stewart House through their fortnightly pays. That consistent support has been critical to maintaining and planning programs which costs around $2,500 per child for each 12-day stay. All children attend free of charge, thanks to the generosity of supporters.

In October 2025, the NSW Department of Education transitioned workplace giving to its exclusive salary packaging provider, replacing the former payroll system and expanding visibility to more than 100,000 staff. Giving through Smart is straightforward, tax effective, and can be managed alongside existing salary packaging arrangements.

Although participation in the new system is still developing, the expanded reach via Smart creates a significant opportunity. Even modest contributions can collectively make a real difference, especially for a charity where only 8 per cent of funding comes from government support.

Stewart House is working closely with the PSA and the NSW Department of Education to raise awareness and encourage greater participation. Workplace giving remains one of the most efficient ways to support its work, providing predictable income that directly funds services for public school children who need additional care and encouragement.

“If you already salary package through Smart, simply log in and select Stewart House under workplace giving,” said Mr Little. “If you work in the education sector and have not yet joined, now is a wonderful time to join.”

Staff across the NSW Government, including state departments and agencies, may also be able to support Stewart House through their workplace giving programs. Members should contact their HR team to confirm what is available.