Our supporters
The support we receive from the Canberra community is vital to the success of our organisation. We would like to thank our Patron, Ambassadors, sponsors, supporters and service providers for the key role they play in helping us reach our goal of a better life for our guests.
Our Patron
The Honourable Bill Shorten
The Hon Bill Shorten became Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Canberra in January 2025, after a career that included leadership roles with the Australian Workers’ Union and 18 years serving federal politics, including six as Leader of the Opposition.
Bill’s belief in the transformative power of education drew him to UC and the role, arriving at a time of significant change for the University and the broader higher education sector. It is a circumstance he views as an opportunity to drive UC’s rejuvenation.
Bill said that it was a great honour to be invited to become the Patron of the EMC. At the 20th Anniversary Event held on 7 July 2025, he said:
“For two decades, the staff and volunteers have created a safe place, been a warm and welcoming village for Canberra’s homeless and isolated. …When you’re sleeping rough, a hot breakfast, the chance to shower and do laundry, get on the internet – mean everything. These small things can help preserve dignity and maintain personhood during one of the most challenging and isolating events a person can experience.”
Our Ambassadors
Nicole Lawder
Nicole is an experienced leader in the private, public and for-purpose sectors including years as CEO of a national disability organisation, and at a national homelessness peak body.
Nicole retired from the ACT Legislative Assembly in October 2024 after serving as Member for Brindabella for three terms. In her time in the Assembly she served on a number of parliamentary committees, as a Shadow Minister, and as Deputy Opposition Leader 2016-2020.
Nicole has also served on a number of corporate and government committees including the National People with Disability and Carer Council, Telstra Low Income Measures Advisory Committee, ACMA Consumer Consultative Committee and many more. She is currently a Board member for COTA ACT and is studying for a PhD at the Australian National University.
Nicole has lived in Canberra for over 30 years, raising her family here and has been involved with the Early Morning Centre for around 15 years.
Kim Huynh
Since it began in 2017, Kim’s Tuesday lunchtime current affairs discussion group has been an enriching and enjoyable activity for guests, volunteers, and for Kim.
Kim is an academic, author and broadcaster who helps people tell their stories. He produced a documentary for ABC Radio National with Martin Steer, an EMC guest, runner, and poet. “The Other Martin” has been widely played and praised. Kim is also a carer advocate, member of Carers ACT, and volunteer at Gungahlin United Church’s Mustard Seed Food Pantry.
Canberra has been home to Kim’s family since 1979 when they arrived as Vietnamese boatpeople. He is dedicated as EMC ambassador to promoting the value of treating people with kindness and respect.
Our Sponsors
Our Supporters
Our Service Providers
Would you like to see your logo here?
We have different sponsorship opportunities available and would love to talk to local businesses who are interested in getting involved. To find out more, please email or call us on 6247 5041.
Support the EMC
Click here to find out other ways you can support us.