TWWP Annual Report 2026

2026

ANNUAL REPORT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY The Water Well Project acknowledges and pays respect to the Traditional Custodians of the land, and acknowledges their continuing connection to lands, waters and communities.

We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and Elders past and present. We recognise that sovereignty was never ceded. This land always was and always will be Aboriginal land.

O U R VA L U E S Collaboration

Compassion

Respectfulness of diversity

Integrity

Accountability

T H E W AT E R W E L L P R O J E C T

WHO WE ARE OUR VISION To ensure all communities from migrant, refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds achieve equitable access to healthcare.

OUR PURPOSE To promote good health and wellbeing to communities from migrant, refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds in Australia by improving their health literacy.

ANNUAL REPORT 2026

W H AT D O W E D O The Water Well Project is an award-winning charity improving health and wellbeing for migrant, refugee, and asylum seeker communities by enhancing health literacy.

We provide free, interactive health education sessions led by AHPRA-registered volunteer healthcare professionals across Victoria, Tasmania, and New South Wales.

Our sessions promote preventative health, bridge knowledge gaps, and equip participants to navigate the Australian healthcare system.

Working in partnership with community organisations, sessions are requested and co-designed to ensure they are culturally safe, relevant, and responsive to real community needs.

CONTENTS FOUNDER & CEO MESSAGE

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PA R T I C I PA N T I M PA C T

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1 5 Y E A R S & G R O W I N G

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C O M M U N I T Y PA R T N E R S

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O U R T E A M

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MOST SIGNIFICANT CHANGE STORY

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O P E R AT I O N S R E P O R T

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O U R H E A LT H C A R E PROFESSIONAL VOLUNTEERS

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VOLUNTEER ENGAGEMENT

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PA R T N E R S H I P A N D SPECIAL PROJECTS

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FINANCIAL REPORT

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SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS INCLUDING PODCASTS

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

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LOOKING AHEAD

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P A R T N E R S H I P & S T R AT E G I C E N G A G E M E N T R E P O R T

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L A N D S C A P E A N A LY S I S

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O P E R AT I O N S R E P O R T ADDRESSING THE GAPS

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OUR GOALS

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SESSION TOPICS

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LANGUAGES A N D C U LT U R E R E A C H

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MESSAGE FROM OUR FOUNDER & CHAIR DR LINNY K I M LY P H U O N G Each year, I am reminded that improving health literacy is about far more than sharing information. It is about building trust, creating safe spaces for conversation, and ensuring that every person, regardless of their language, culture or background, has the opportunity to make informed decisions about their health.

In 2026, The Water Well Project continued to grow its impact, reaching thousands of people from migrant, refugee and asylum seeker communities through free, culturally responsive health education.

Behind every session is a story: a parent who feels more confident navigating the healthcare system, a young person who better understands their health, or a family who feels more empowered to ask questions and seek care.

This work has never been more important. As health information becomes increasingly complex, and misinformation continues to spread rapidly, trusted, evidence based education delivered in partnership with communities remains one of the most powerful tools we have to improve health outcomes and reduce inequity.

None of this would be possible without our extraordinary volunteers, who generously give their time, expertise and compassion. I also want to thank our dedicated staff, Board, funders and community partners. The relationships we have built over the past fifteen years remain the foundation of everything we do, and it is through these partnerships that our work continues to flourish.

As we look ahead, our focus remains unchanged: listening to communities, responding to their needs, and ensuring that everyone has access to health information they can understand and use. While there is still much work to do, I am continually inspired by what can be achieved when healthcare professionals and communities come together with a shared purpose.

Thank you for being part of The Water Well Project’s journey.

Pictured to the right: Session participants

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T H E W AT E R W E L L P R O J E C T

ANNUAL REPORT 2026

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15+

In 2025, The Water Well Project expanded our multilingual health education efforts, ensuring greater inclusivity for diverse communities. We strengthened volunteer engagement by welcoming 99 new healthcare professionals and enhancing training in cultural responsiveness and health communication.

During 2025, we facilitated 230 health education sessions across Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania, reaching 4,194 participants from migrant, refugee and asylum seeker communities, bringing our total impact to over 2,100 sessions and 32,000 participants since inception.

These milestones show our steady growth, rising demand, and deepening community impact.

We remain committed to empowering communities through health education and building healthier futures across Australia.

YEAR

YEARS AND GROWING

2025

230

2024

328

2023

310

2022

234

2021

201

2020

115

2019

136

2018

147

2017

115

2016

112

2015

83

2014

45

2013 2012 2011

50 12 2

SESSIONS

SESSION NUMBERS

FIGURE 1

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T H E W AT E R W E L L P R O J E C T

ANNUAL REPORT 2026

PA R T I C I PA N T N U M B E R S PE R Y E A R 6000 6000 5000 5000 4000 4000 3000 3000 2000 2000 10001000 00

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

FIGURE 2

Graphs of Session Numbers and Participant Numbers since inception

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OUR TEAM

GOVERNANCE Our governance arrangements, including composition of our Board and the Board’s role underwent some changes and refreshes during 2025.

The Board farewelled Tuula Keto and Audrey Barucchi, thanking them for their insights, contributions and dedication. We welcomed Marina Lipovic and Yelda Adal-Hall who both bring a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives, with particular expertise in business advisory and financial services that will contribute to our strategic direction and sustainability.

In addition to overseeing operations and ensuring effective governance, the Board stepped up its operational role following the departure of our CEO Rachel Connor - offering additional hands-on support to maintain continuity, key activities and priorities.

The Finance Committee underwent a refresh, with significant contributions from volunteer Bookkeeper, Richa Tripathi and the rest of the team. This refresh has enhanced financial oversight through regular reviews of cash flow, ensuring The Water Well Project’s financial sustainability.

Meanwhile, the Risk & Governance Committee has steadily continued its mandate to assess emerging risks and support sound decision-making across the organisation.

These changes and ongoing engagement reflect our commitment to strong leadership, diversity of expertise and ensuring the Board remains well-positioned to support the organisation’s goals in the year ahead.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2025

Dr Linny Kimly Phuong Founder & Director

Ms Sheetal Balakrishan Director, Secretary

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Dr Timothy Martin Director

Ms Susan Burke Director

Ms Julie Hjorth Director

Ms Tina Salameh Director, Human Resources

Ms Marina Lipovic Director

Ms Yelda Adal-Hall Director (Treasurer)

T H E W AT E R W E L L P R O J E C T

ANNUAL REPORT 2026

S TA F F | CEO Rachel Connor |O perations Coordinator Della Cudden

| Community Engagement Coordinators Simone Gargan Bec Benini

|P artnerships Coordinator Krystina Savvas |H ealth Educators VIC Zoë Beddoes Ruby Rafalowicz Mahisha Lim

VOLUNTEER COMMITTEES | Digital Officers Thivagar Yogaparan Lewis Sell Christopher Dong | Marketing and Communications Adelle Sturges Mon Yi Prerana Ghosh | Finance Committee Janine Kwan Sanchita Shanbhag

| General Dr Leisel Trompf

|A lumni Officer Dr Liz Wyatt

| Risk and Governance Tuula Keto

|H R & Talent Officer Tara Pargeter

| Resources Hirukshi Bennett

| Bookkeeper Richa Tripathi

| Engagement Officers Dr Emma Thompson Dr Lucy Steele Dr Pretashini Somasundram

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O P E R AT I O N S REPORT

BEC BENINI AND SIMONE GARGAN In 2025, The Water Well Project continued to deliver high-quality, culturally responsive health education across diverse communities. Throughout the year, we supported thousands of people to access essential health information in ways that were welcoming, culturally safe, and meaningful.

Our work expanded across a wide range of community groups, including many new partnerships, reflecting both the growing demand for our model and the trust communities place in our organisation.

Through ongoing volunteer engagement and training, we strengthened our network of healthcare professionals who are committed to delivering respectful, inclusive, and community-centred education.

Across the year, our volunteers delivered sessions in many different languages and across a broad range of health topics, ensuring communities could engage with information in ways that felt accessible and relevant to their everyday lives. We worked across many local government areas, enabling us to reach communities where needs are often greatest and where culturally appropriate health education can have a meaningful impact.

Our volunteers consistently reflected on the personal and professional growth they experienced through their involvement.

Many reported a deeper understanding of the health challenges faced by culturally and linguistically diverse communities, greater cultural awareness, and increased confidence in building trust and meaningful relationships with participants and community partners.

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T H E W AT E R W E L L P R O J E C T

Community partners highlighted the value of the sessions in meeting the health information needs of their communities and in the respectful and culturally sensitive approach taken by facilitators. The collaborative nature of our work - between community organisations, interpreters, volunteers, and participants - continues to be central to the success of our model.

Participants shared that the sessions supported them to build knowledge, feel more confident managing their health, and navigate the healthcare system more effectively. Many described feeling more empowered to ask questions, seek support, and make informed decisions for themselves and their families.

Together, these reflections highlight the continued impact of The Water Well Project’s community-led, culturally responsive approach - strengthening health literacy, building trust between communities and health systems, and supporting people to feel more confident, informed, and supported in managing their health and wellbeing.

ANNUAL REPORT 2026

PA R T N E R S H I P S & S T R AT E G I C ENGAGEMENT REPORT K RY S T I N A S AV VA S

The Water Well Project continues to prioritise strategic partnerships and collaborations with health promotion agencies, community organisations, peak bodies and government.

These relationships extend our reach into communities who experience persistent barriers to healthcare access, strengthen culturally responsive health literacy and contribute to organisational sustainability.

Developed in response to evidence-based needs and informed by our on-the-ground work with multicultural community groups, these collaborations also help partners achieve their own program, policy and community engagement

objectives, including improving health literacy, increasing participation in prevention and reaching priority populations.

Throughout 2025, these partnerships created new pathways for communities to access health information and expanded opportunities for volunteers to build cultural capability. They also strengthened TWWP’s visibility and sustainability across Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania.

REFLECTIONS FROM O U R H E A LT H E D U C AT O R MAHISHA LIM

As a Health Educator with The Water Well Project, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside individuals and families from migrant, refugee, and asylum seeker backgrounds.

Each session is designed to be welcoming and culturally respectful, and I’ve seen how empowering it can be when participants feel safe to ask questions they might not raise elsewhere.

Watching someone gain the confidence to navigate a healthcare appointment or understand how to access support is an important reminder of the role education plays in wellbeing.

This work has deepened my empathy and cultural awareness, giving me a better understanding of the challenges many communities face, whether it’s language barriers, unfamiliar systems, or limited health literacy. It’s also been meaningful to see

how our volunteer community grows through recognition and development. Celebrating milestones with e-cards, messages, and small tokens of appreciation, and offering opportunities like mental health first aid training, has strengthened both skills and connection.

What resonates with me most is the sense of shared purpose: community members feeling more confident in their health journeys, and volunteers feeling valued and supported in theirs. Together, these experiences remind me that small acts of education and recognition can ripple outward, creating lasting impact.

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LANDSCAPE A N A LY S I S : MIGRANT H E A LT H A N D H E A LT H E Q U I T Y IN AUSTRALIA

Australia is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world, and migration continues to drive population growth.

According to data from Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), as of June 2025, 32% of Australia’s population, around 8.8 million people, were born overseas.

Despite Australia’s strong healthcare system overall, migrants and refugees can face barriers navigating services that were largely designed for English-speaking populations familiar with the structure of the system. Research consistently identifies language barriers, limited health literacy, unfamiliarity with referral pathways and inconsistent use of interpreters as key challenges affecting access to care for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.

Health literacy is also a significant challenge across the Australian population. As per the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care more than 60% of Australian adults do not have adequate health literacy, meaning many people struggle to understand health information, navigate services and make informed decisions about their health. These challenges are often amplified for people navigating the healthcare system in a second language.

These barriers contribute to measurable inequities in preventive healthcare. Participation in national cancer screening programs is significantly lower among people who speak a language other than English at home. In the National Bowel Cancer

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T H E W AT E R W E L L P R O J E C T

ANNUAL REPORT 2026

Screening Program, participation among English speakers is approximately 44–47%, compared with around 24–31% among those who speak a language other than English at home (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, National Bowel Cancer Screening Program Monitoring Report).

Lower participation in preventive care can contribute to delayed diagnosis and poorer health outcomes over time. When people face barriers accessing or navigating primary healthcare, they may delay seeking care or rely more heavily on hospital emergency departments for conditions that could otherwise be managed earlier in community settings.

As Australia’s population continues to diversify, national and state health strategies increasingly recognise CALD communities as priority populations for improving health equity. Strengthening health literacy, improving culturally responsive healthcare and supporting people to confidently navigate the healthcare system are critical to reducing health disparities and improving long-term health outcomes.

Community-based health education delivered in trusted community settings plays an important role in addressing these challenges by improving access to understandable health information and supporting stronger connections between migrant and refugee communities and the Australian healthcare system.

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H O W T H E W AT E R W E L L PROJECT ADDRESSES THE GAPS The Water Well Project operates at the intersection of migration, health literacy, and health equity, working to bridge the gap between complex health systems and the communities that need to use them.

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EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES

DRIVING H E A LT H E Q U I T Y

The organisation delivers free, culturally tailored health education sessions for people from migrant, refugee, and asylum seeker backgrounds.

These sessions build knowledge of the Australian health system, promote preventive healthcare, and address priority health topics. By creating safe, trusted environments, participants are encouraged to ask questions, engage in conversation, and build confidence in navigating healthcare services. This approach is highly effective, with 96.5% of respondents reporting they learned something new, and 93.1% now feeling more confident accessing a doctor or healthcare service on the topic.

Through partnerships with community organisations, The Water Well Project ensures that health information is delivered in culturally safe and accessible settings. This approach directly supports national priorities to improve health outcomes for CALD communities and strengthens the capacity of both communities and the health workforce.

T H E W AT E R W E L L P R O J E C T

ANNUAL REPORT 2026

STRENGTHENING T H E H E A LT H SYSTEM The Water Well Project recruits and trains volunteer healthcare professionals, improving their abilities in cultural humility, effective communication, and working with interpreters.

This investment in volunteer capability is reflected in strong outcomes: 87.6% of volunteers report increased confidence when interacting and building trust with CALD communities.

The organisation also channels insights from community partners back into the health system, identifying systemic barriers and opportunities for improvement.

O U R I M PA C T By improving health literacy and fostering culturally safe engagement, The Water Well Project helps ensure a more equitable health system.

Our work supports earlier intervention, improves access to appropriate care, and promotes better health outcomes. In doing so, it helps ensure that migrant communities, who are central to Australia’s growth and diversity, are supported to achieve optimal health and wellbeing.

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1

OUR GOALS IMPROVE H E A LT H OUTCOMES T H R O U G H E D U C AT I O N

In 2025, we remained focused in our mission to improve health equity and create culturally safe spaces for people from migrant, refugee, and asylum seeker backgrounds. Guided by our values of compassion, collaboration, and respectfulness of diversity, we will focus on three key goals:

We will deliver accessible, high-quality health education programs that empower individuals to make informed decisions about their wellbeing. By making health information easier to understand, we aim to promote healthier lives and reduce inequality

2 CO-DESIGN WITH COMMUNITIES F O R C U LT U R A L S A F E T Y Working with community partners, we will codesign sessions that are culturally safe, relevant, and responsive to the lived experiences of the people we serve. By collaborating, we make sure our programs fit the unique needs of every community.

3 UPSKILL H E A LT H C A R E PROFESSIONALS TO DRIVE SYSTEMIC CHANGE We will expand training programs that build cultural competence among healthcare professionals. By building the skills of healthcare practitioners, we support respectful care and lasting change in healthcare.

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T H E W AT E R W E L L P R O J E C T

ANNUAL REPORT 2026

LOOKING AHEAD These goals lay the foundation for our continued growth in 2026, where we will deepen strategic collaborations, amplify our impact through partnerships, and strengthen the sustainability of our funding base to ensure lasting change.

GOAL 1 I M P R O V E H E A LT H O U T C O M E S T H R O U G H E D U C A T I O N Improving health outcomes through education remains at the core of The Water Well Project’s mission. Many people from migrant, refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds face significant barriers when navigating the healthcare system, including language differences, unfamiliarity with services, and limited access to trusted information. These challenges can lead to poorer health outcomes and delayed care.

Through our culturally responsive health education sessions, we aim to strengthen health literacy, build confidence, and empower communities to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing. Sessions are co-designed with community partners and delivered by volunteer healthcare professionals, ensuring content is relevant, accessible and grounded in cultural safety.

Our education program focuses on: • Increasing understanding of key health topics • Supporting early and appropriate engagement with healthcare services • Promoting preventive health behaviours • Creating safe, inclusive spaces for questions and discussion By equipping communities with practical knowledge and tools, we help reduce preventable illness, support early intervention, and contribute to a more equitable healthcare system. This goal continues to guide our program development, volunteer training, and partnerships, ensuring our work remains responsive to community needs and aligned with best practice.

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SESSION TOPICS In 2025, this commitment was reflected in the delivery of a wide‑ranging suite of health education sessions designed to meet the diverse needs of the communities we serve. Our program addressed priority areas including general wellbeing, chronic disease management, women’s and men’s health, nutrition, respiratory health, ageing, child health, and environmental health, reflecting both community priorities and emerging health challenges.

Chronic conditions and disease management emerged as our most prominent focus, comprising 24.8% of all sessions. Within this area, topics such as diabetes, heart health, kidney health, and long‑term condition self‑management were among the most frequently requested, reflecting the growing need for practical, accessible support in managing ongoing health concerns.

This strong demand shows our commitment to providing communities with the knowledge and confidence needed to manage chronic conditions effectively, engage in early intervention, and reduce preventable complications.

Nutrition & Preventative Health represented 24.6% of sessions, covering Healthy Eating and Nutrition (6.1%), Preventative Health (2.2%), Infant and Toddler Nutrition (1.3%), Staying Healthy in Winter (2.6%), Safe Use of Medicines (0.9%), Workplace Health and Safety (0.4%), and Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs (1.5%), (9.6%) included Dental Health (4.8%), Ear and Hearing Health (0.9%), and Skin Health (3.9%).

General Wellbeing & Lifestyle accounted for 17.6% of all sessions, with Mental Health and Wellbeing (8.3%) remaining a key focus. Additional topics included Sleep, Health and Exercise (5.7%) and Navigating the Australian Healthcare System (3.9%), supporting participants to build confidence in managing their daily health and accessing care.

Our Women’s & Men’s Health (17%) sessions included Women’s Health (5.7%), Menopause (0.9%), Breast, Cervical and Other Common Cancers (6.1%), Sexual Health (1.3%), and Men’s Health (3.0%).

Sessions on Respiratory & Allergies (7%) included Asthma (1.3%) and Allergies & Asthma (5.7%), supporting communities to better understand and manage common respiratory conditions.

Environmental & Seasonal Health (5.2%) addressed emerging climate‑related health risks, including Extreme Weather and Disasters (0.4%), Heatwaves (0.4%), Sun Safety (2.2%), and Eye Health (2.2%).

Our Ageing & Mobility (3.9%) sessions focused on Falls and Balance (2.6%) and Incontinence (1.3%), supporting older adults to maintain independence and wellbeing.

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Finally, Child & Maternal Health (3.8%) covered Child Development and General Health (3.0%), Pregnancy and Postnatal Wellbeing (0.4%), and Contraception (0.4%), rounding out a comprehensive program that responded to community‑identified needs T H E W AT E R W E L L P R O J E C T

ANNUAL REPORT 2026

H E A LT H

TOPICS DELIVERED

24.8% • Diabetes 7.8% • Heart Health 4.8% • Dementia 7.0%

CHRONIC CONDITIONS & DISEASE MANAGEMENT • Bone and Joint Health 3.0% • Kidney Health 2.2%

24.6%

NUTRITION & P R E V E N TAT I V E H E A LT H

• Healthy Eating and Nutrition 6.1%

• Workplace Health and Safety 0.4%

• Preventative Health 2.2%

• Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drugs 1.5%

• Infant and Toddler Nutrition 1.3%

• Dental Health 4.8%

• Staying Healthy in Winter 2.6% • Safe Use of Medicines 0.9%

17.6% • Mental Health and Wellbeing 8.3% • Sleep, Health, and Exercise 5.7%

17.4%

• Ear and Hearing Health 0.9%

R E S P I R AT O R Y & ALLERGIES

• Asthma 1.3%

5.2%

• Allergies & Asthma 5.7%

E N V I R O N M E N TA L & SEASONAL H E A LT H

• Extreme Weather, Disasters and Your Health 0.4% • Sun Safety 2.2%

• Heatwaves & Health 0.4% • Eye Health 2.2%

• Skin Health 3.9%

GENERAL WELLBEING & LIFESTYLE • Navigating the Australian Healthcare System 3.9%

WOMEN’S & M E N ’ S H E A LT H

• Women’s Health 5.7% • Menopause 0.9% • Breast, Cervical, and Other Common Cancers 6.1%

7%

• Sexual Health (Consent and Contraception) 1.7%

3.9% • Falls and Balance 2.6%

3.8% • Child Development and General Health 3.0%

AGEING & MOBILITY • Incontinence 1.3%

CHILD & M AT E R N A L H E A LT H • Pregnancy and Postnatal Wellbeing 0.4% • Contraception 0.4%

• Men’s Health 3.0% 16

LANGUAGES & C U LT U R A L REACH The Water Well Project delivers health education to communities across a wide range of languages and cultural backgrounds, ensuring information is accessible, inclusive, and culturally safe.

In 2025, education sessions were delivered in 24 languages, supported by trained interpreters, community supplied bicultural workers, and translated resources where required. We worked with interpreters in 58.7% of sessions, reflecting the linguistic diversity of participants and our ongoing commitment to reducing language barriers in accessing healthcare.

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T H E W AT E R W E L L P R O J E C T

This work is supported by strong, ongoing relationships with professional translating and interpreting services, enabling us to provide high-quality language support and ensure accurate, culturally appropriate communication. Through partnerships with community organisations and leaders, we tailor content to cultural contexts and community needs, supporting meaningful engagement and equitable access to health information.

ANNUAL REPORT 2026

L ANGUAGES WHERE AN INTERPRETER WAS REQUIRED

ARABIC AMHARIC BURMESE DARI FA R S I FA L A M C H I N GREEK HINDI I TA L I A N KAREN JA PA N E S E MANDARIN OROMO PERSIAN PUNJABI RUSSIAN SERBIAN SOMALI SWAHILI TA M I L T I B E TA N T I G R I N YA VIETNAMESE NUMBER 0 OF UNIQUE SESSIONS

5

10

15

25

30

35 FIGURE 3

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PA R T I C I PA N T I M PA C T

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The sessions have effectively enhanced participants’ understanding of key health topics, with:

PA R T I C I PA N T I M PA C T SUMMARY Participant feedback continues to demonstrate the strong impact of The Water Well Project’s health education sessions. Almost all participants reported learning something new and feeling confident to share this knowledge with family and friends. Many also indicated increased confidence in managing their health and lifestyle, including using medicines safely.

• 96.5% of respondents reporting they learned something new, and • 96.0% feeling confident to share the information with friends and family.

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G R E A T E R A B I L I T Y T O M A N A G E H E A LT H A N D M E D I C AT I O N Participants reported improved capacity to make informed health choices:

Importantly, sessions strengthened participants’ ability to engage with healthcare services. Almost all respondents reported greater confidence in accessing a doctor or healthcare provider, discussing their health needs openly, and finding reliable health information when required.

These findings show that our education sessions are not only building knowledge, but also empowering communities to take proactive steps in managing their health and navigating the healthcare system. Insights from 2307 participants (55% response rate) indicate significant positive outcomes across key areas, reinforcing The Water Well Project’s contribution to improving health literacy and confidence among migrant, refugee, and asylum seeker communities.

I M P R O V E D H E A LT H KNOWLEDGE

• 96.0% said the session improved their ability to manage their health and lifestyle, and • 89.7% felt more capable of using medicines safely.

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INCREASED CONFIDENCE IN ACCESSING H E A LT H C A R E A critical impact of the sessions is building participants’ confidence in engaging with the healthcare system: • 93.1% now feel more confident accessing a doctor or healthcare service on the topic, • 94.0% feel more confident speaking to a healthcare provider about their health, and • 92.0% are more confident in finding relevant health information when needed.

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T H E W AT E R W E L L P R O J E C T

ANNUAL REPORT 2026

TESTIMONIALS F R O M PA R T I C I PA N T S I got more information about being healthy and what should we do in specific situations so I found this session very applicable and helpful.

Community Participant, Box Hill Institute, Preventative Health session

That was interesting and valuable information, thank you for sharing this information to our multicultural community of people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Community Participant, MRC Tas, Heart Health

I didn’t know how cancer screen’s systems in Australia. I was not sure what to do for my cervical screen test which I did 6 months ago. I feel It became easy to ask about any cancer screenings now after listening today’s story.

Thank you so much.

It helped a lot for my health life in Australia.

I feel more confident to tell my family and friends what I learn.

This information is very important for us. Also, I learned how to handle anaphylaxis situation.

Chisholm Institute, Cert 1,2 and Allergies

Community Participant, Box Hill Institute, Preventative Health session

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GOAL 2 C O - D E S I G N W I T H C O M M U N I T I E S F O R C U LT U R A L S A F E T Y Co‑design remains central to The Water Well Project’s commitment to delivering culturally safe, community‑led health education. In 2025, we strengthened our partnerships with community organisations, settlement services, cultural groups, and peer leaders to ensure every session reflected the lived experiences, priorities, and cultural contexts of the communities we serve.

Our co‑design process also supported cultural safety by:

Through ongoing consultation and collaborative planning, we worked closely with partners to identify emerging health needs, refine session topics, and tailor content to ensure relevance and accessibility. This approach enabled us to create learning environments where participants felt respected, heard, and empowered to engage openly with healthcare information.

• Strengthening relationships with community leaders who play a vital role in shaping health priorities

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T H E W AT E R W E L L P R O J E C T

• Using community feedback to shape session design and delivery • Tailoring examples, language, and teaching methods to cultural needs • Holding sessions in trusted, familiar community spaces

By placing communities at the centre of our program design, we continue to build trust, enhance cultural safety, and ensure our health education remains responsive, meaningful, and grounded in partnership.

ANNUAL REPORT 2026

C O M M U N I T Y PA R T N E R S At the heart of The Water Well Project’s approach is a commitment to co‑design with communities, ensuring that every session is shaped by the people it is intended to serve.

To achieve this, The Water Well Project works alongside a diverse network of community partners to facilitate sessions within community settings.

Our collaborators include: • Local community hubs • Parents groups • Libraries • Primary and secondary school hubs • Faith‑based groups • Senior citizens groups • Conversation cafés • TAFEs and universities • Community health services These partnerships are essential to ensuring that our sessions are tailored, culturally safe, and accessible. By engaging directly with organisations that hold deep relationships within their communities, we embed co‑design principles into every stage of our work.

Working with community partners is central to our service and provides important benefits for participants: • Community partners bring cultural knowledge and long‑standing connections, ensuring our sessions reflect the lived experiences, values, and priorities of the communities we serve.

• Sessions are delivered in familiar, comfortable settings, which supports trust, engagement, and a sense of safety.

• Each session is tailored to the specific needs of each group, ensuring relevance, cultural appropriateness, and meaningful impact.

Through these partnerships, we honour community expertise, share decision‑making, and create health education that is respectful, responsive, and culturally safe.

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VICTORIA In 2025, our health education initiatives in Victoria continued to make a significant impact, with 202 sessions conducted across 24 local government areas, reaching 3,781 participants.

This work was made possible through the commitment of our Victorian‑based volunteer healthcare professionals and our health educators. Of the sessions delivered, 124 were facilitated by volunteers, 53 were led by a health educator, and 23 were delivered through a collaborative effort between the two. This combined contribution ensured that communities across Victoria continued to benefit from high‑quality health education throughout the year.

In Victoria, we expanded our reach across metropolitan and growth‑corridor LGAs, ensuring communities from refugee and migrant backgrounds could access culturally safe, trusted health education close to home. Through strong partnerships with local councils and community organisations, our sessions were tailored to local priorities and delivered in settings where participants felt comfortable and supported.

This place‑based approach strengthens trust, builds community capacity, and helps people engage confidently with the healthcare system.

VICTORIAN SESSIONS BY LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA (LGA) CITY OF HUME

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CITY OF BRIMBANK

13

CITY OF KINGSTON

9

CITY OF MONASH

8

CITY OF KNOX

4

CITY OF GLEN EIRA

22

CITY OF G R E AT E R D A N D E N O N G

27

CITY OF WYNDHAM

14

CITY OF MELBOURNE

14

CITY OF MARIBYRNONG

8

C I T Y O F M E LT O N

1

CITY OF DAREBIN

2

CITY OF G R E AT E R S H E P P A R T O N

1

CITY OF MANNINGHAM

7

C I T Y O F YA R R A

2

CITY OF MAROONDAH

10

CITY OF WHITEHORSE

10

CITY OF MERRI-BEK

2

CITY OF FRANKSTON

1

CITY OF M O O N E E VA L L E Y CITY OF BANYULE

1 2

CITY OF BORONDARAH

4

CITY OF WHITTLESEA

2

CITY OF CASEY

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FIGURE 4

23

T H E W AT E R W E L L P R O J E C T

ANNUAL REPORT 2026

COMMUNITY O R G A N I S AT I O N N A M E

SESSIONS

COMMUNITY O R G A N I S AT I O N N A M E

SESSIONS

Aitken Hill Community centre

1

Melbourne Polytechnic Epping

2

Asylum Seeker Resource Centre

3

1

Australian Multicultural Community Services

1

Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre Merri-bek City Council

1

Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association (AVWA)

7

MiCare

13

Barton Primary School

1

Mind Australia

7

Box Hill Institute

14

Newbury Child and Community Centre

1

Broadmeadows Women’s Community House

1

Oakgrove Community Centre

1

Burwood Community Presbyterian Church

2

Parvaz Social and Cultural Association

3

Chin Community Victoria

3

Pines Learning

7

Chinese Community Social Services Centre (CCSSCI)

2

Roxburgh Rise Primary School Community Hub

2

Chisholm Institute

16

Shugoofa Cultural Association

1

CO.AS.IT Melbourne

3

South East Community Links

3

CoHealth

10

Southern Migrant Resource Centre programs

4

Courtenay Gardens Primary School

1

Springvale Rise Primary School

1

Dandenong Primary School

1

St Albans Primary School

5

Dandenong South Primary School

1

St Anthony’s School

2

Darebin City Council

1

St Peter Apostle Primary School

3

Djerriwarrh Community and Education Services

3

Swinburne University

14

Fitzroy Learning Network

1

Truganina South Primary School

1

Fleetwood Primary School

5

Uniting VicTas

1

Foundation House

2

Victoria University

1

GenWest

3

Victorian Lebanese Elderly Group

1

Glen Eira Adult Learning Centre

21

Vietnamese Families with Special Needs

3

Greenvale West Community Centre

2

Wellsprings for Women

1

Hallam Outreach Dawa Association

1

Westall Community Hub

4

Hallam Community Learning Centre

1

Western Heath

1

Homestead Community & Learning Centre

5

Wyndham Community & Education Centre

4

Maidstone Community Centre

1

Wyndham Park Primary School

1

24

NEW SOUTH WALES Our health education programs in New South Wales continued to make a significant impact, delivering 17 sessions across diverse communities and reaching a total of 194 participants. All sessions were made possible through the dedication of our volunteer healthcare professionals.

TA S M A N I A Our health education efforts in Tasmania continued in 2025, with 11 sessions delivered to communities across the state, reaching 129 participants.

All sessions delivered in Tasmania, were facilitated by our passionate volunteer health professionals.

25

T H E W AT E R W E L L P R O J E C T

In 2025, The Water Well Project expanded its work across key LGAs in New South Wales, to meet growing demand for culturally safe health education among newly arrived communities. Sessions were delivered in areas with high settlement activity, including Fairfield, Liverpool, Blacktown, and the Inner West, partnering with local councils and community organisations to create tailored, community‑led programs.

Our work in NSW prioritised accessibility, cultural relevance, and building trust, helping participants feel safe, respected, and confident engaging with health information. As we continue to grow our presence in the state, we remain committed to co‑designing with communities and responding to local health priorities.

In 2025, we strengthened our presence in Tasmania by delivering sessions across Hobart, Glenorchy, and Launceston.

These areas include many newly arrived families who benefit from accessible, culturally safe health education delivered in trusted local settings. By working closely with community organisations and settlement partners, we ensured participants could learn in environments where they felt comfortable asking questions, sharing experiences, and building confidence in navigating the healthcare system. Our growing work in Tasmania reflects both community demand and our commitment to supporting equitable health literacy across the state.

ANNUAL REPORT 2026

COMMUNITY O R G A N I S AT I O N N A M E

SESSIONS

Connect Marrickville School

2

Ethnic Community Services Co-operative

3

Karitane

1

Sydney Catholic School

1

SydWest Multicultural Services

3

WellWays

5

Western Sydney Migrant Resource Centre

1

NSW SESSIONS BY LOCAL GOVERNMENT ARE A (LGA)

C I T Y O F FA I R F I E L D

6

CITY OF LIVERPOOL

2

CUMBERLAND CITY COUNCIL

1

CITY OF BLACKTOWN

2

C I T Y O F W AV E R L E Y

3

INNER WEST COUNCIL

2

CITY OF SYDNEY

1 FIGURE 5

COMMUNITY O R G A N I S AT I O N N A M E

SESSIONS

TA S M A N I A S E S S I O N S B Y LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA (LGA)

CatholicCare

2

CITY OF HOBART

6

Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania

2

CITY OF LAUNCESTON

1

Red Cross Tasmania

7

CITY OF GLENORCHY

4 FIGURE 6

26

Story from a Community Representative of how our sessions make a big impact in the Community

MOST SIGNIFICANT CHANGE STORY SAFE USE OF MEDICINES, ROXBURGH RISE PRIMARY SCHOOL Our community group has shared that these sessions are important because some families are new in Australia and there are different rules for medication. It is important to learn about new things, especially when it relates to health and how to understand the medicines you need to take and to be safe. It is valuable to be learning in a group setting where the women feel safe to ask questions and share experiences and feel confident that the facilitator is knowledgeable. Having a sense of trust is extremely important and knowing they can rely on the information being delivered is factual.

This is especially important when they don’t understand some instructions, need more detailed explanations, or want to check their allergies won’t be affected by the medication. Now the women know that they can ask for an interpreter for help.

Since attending the Safe Use of Medicines session, the most significant change observed has been the way the session has created more conversation between the participants as they share their experiences. They can discuss things together and help each other. There is an increased sense of confidence in the women since the session. They are telling me that now they feel that they can ask more questions to the pharmacist and are not so shy.

These changes are significant because the women feel empowered and can be strong advocates for their family. They can find ways to save money and can get more tailored advice from the pharmacist now that they understand they can ask more questions and get help directly from the pharmacist, or through an interpreter.

They can be more independent in managing their medications and get better health outcomes. It is also important that these women can now share their knowledge with others in their family and community which spreads the impact further.

27

T H E W AT E R W E L L P R O J E C T

They can be stronger advocates for their families as they can ask for cheaper generic brands, or for free services like the tablets to be set up in special containers to know what to take in the morning or evening, and on different days of the week. They now check with their GP if they can get 2 scripts at one time for the price of one. These are all valuable ways to be empowered in managing their families’ healthcare.

ANNUAL REPORT 2026

COMMUNITY R E P R E S E N TAT I V E TESTIMONIALS Reliable information coming from the dependable sources received was the most valuable to our community groups.

This eliminates the guesswork when it comes to making healthier choices.

Community Representative, Homestead Community and Learning Centre, Dental Health session

The most beneficial part of the health education session was the segment on preventative health practices.

Many community members were unaware of simple measures they could take to improve their heart health and diabetes such as maintaining a balanced diet and regular physical activity.

These topics were impactful because they directly address the health challenges our community faces and empower individuals to take control of their own wellbeing.

Community Representative, Greenvale West Community Centre, Diabetes session

The Water Well Project has been really helpful for our group. Helping our clients look after themselves and understand how important that is.It also gives them access to important information about health services, how to use them, and what to expect.

For many of them, this is all very new, so the sessions help them understand how things work and feel more confident.

Community Representative, Migrant Resource Centre, Women’s Group, Breast, Cervical and Other Common Cancers session

The Water Well Project has created a space where individuals feel comfortable discussing sensitive health topics, asking questions, and learning together. This has fostered a stronger sense of community and trust, encouraging people to support one another in adopting healthier lifestyles.

Community Representative, Mind Australia, Burmese Women’s Group, Bone and Joint Health

28

O U R H E A LT H C A R E PROFESSIONAL VOLUNTEERS As part of our commitment to upskilling healthcare professionals and supporting systemic change, 2025 was also a year of strong growth and engagement within our volunteer community. With increasing demand for health sessions from our community partners, we welcomed 99 new healthcare professional volunteers, with 114 actively facilitating sessions throughout the year.

We formalised our volunteer milestone program, recognising volunteer contributions through e-cards, personalised text messages, and online posts. Volunteers reaching 3, 5, 10 or 20 sessions were celebrated, with small gifts sent to those achieving the 10 or 20 session milestones as a token of appreciation.

Volunteer development opportunities were also strengthened. With the generous support of Ruth Oakden, Mental Health First Aid Trainer, and Pressroom Philanthropy, a mental health first aid course was offered at a reduced cost. These initiatives both recognised volunteer commitment and improved skills, contributing to a deeper engagement with our mission.

We were also delighted to host a volunteer social event on 6 November 2025, bringing our community together to celebrate and connect.

The evening featured guest speaker Dr Tasnim Hasan, whose insights and reflections inspired and enriched the occasion.

GOAL 3 U P S K I L L H E A LT H C A R E P R O F E S S I O N A L S TO DRIVE SYSTEMIC CHANGE In 2025, we strengthened our focus on helping health professionals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to deliver culturally safe care. Through practical training, reflective practice, and opportunities for direct engagement with communities, we supported clinicians to better understand the lived experiences of people from refugee and migrant backgrounds. This not only strengthens individual practice but also drives wider systemic change, as health professionals become advocates for equity in their workplaces and across the health system. By building capability at the frontline, we are helping to create a more responsive, inclusive, and culturally informed healthcare environment for all.

29

T H E W AT E R W E L L P R O J E C T

ANNUAL REPORT 2026

B R E A K D O W N O F H E A LT H C A R E PROFESSIONAL VOLUNTEERS (BY DISCIPLINE) MIDWIFE

DOCTOR

82.7% STUDENT

0.71% O C C U PAT I O N A L T H E R A P I S T

8.71% NURSE

0.24% DIETITIAN

5.06% PHYSIOTHER APIST

0.24% S P E E C H PAT H O L O G I S T

1.06% PHARMACIST

0.12% PSYC H O LO G I S T

0.94%

0.12% FIGURE 7

30

VOLUNTEER ENGAGEMENT NEW VOLUNTEER TRAINING

In 2025, we delivered five New Volunteer Training events, two online, two face-to-face in Melbourne, and one face-to-face in Sydney.

NEW VOLUNTEERS TR AINED

50

40

30

20

10

0 MARCH ONLINE

M AY MELBOURNE FA C E - T O - FA C E

J U LY ONLINE

AUGUST SYDNEY FA C E - T O - FA C E

OCTOBER MELBOURNE FA C E - T O - FA C E FIGURE 8

31

T H E W AT E R W E L L P R O J E C T

ANNUAL REPORT 2026

V O L U N T E E R I M PA C T Volunteering with The Water Well Project is more than sharing health knowledge, it’s about building connections, learning across cultures, and growing as professionals. In 2025, our dedicated healthcare volunteers played a pivotal role in creating safe and welcoming spaces where communities could learn, listen, and share with mutual respect. Facilitators often describe their sessions as eye-opening and rewarding.

Our volunteer survey results reflect this growth and impact: • 74.7% reported improved knowledge of the health issues and barriers faced by culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities when seeking healthcare • 71.5% reported improved cultural competence • 87.6% reported increased confidence when interacting and building trust with CALD communities • 55.1% reported improved confidence when working with interpreters

VOLUNTEER STORIES MARJIA JOHNS NSW VOLUNTEER As a volunteer facilitator, one of the most valuable things I have learned from participants, community representatives, and co‑facilitators is how different these interactions feel compared to my usual clinical practice.

Normally, as a doctor, I am limited in the types of interactions I can have with patients. Given limited time and capacity, my practice feels quite goal‑oriented, whereby I am trying to extract “xyz” information from my patient to solve their issues. I have enjoyed facilitating The Water Well Project, as it has allowed me to shift my focus from a specific problem I am trying to solve to understanding a community at its core through the people and their experiences. I have learned a lot about people beyond specific “doctor‑patient” interactions in a way that feels more organic and community‑focused. This has helped me understand and empathise with different lived experiences of both diseases and the healthcare system, and how to help patients navigate these challenges.

This experience has also influenced how I approach my clinical work. Having the experience of sessions where I can sit back and listen has given me a greater appreciation and understanding of the value of doing this in my clinic as well. I have been able to appreciate the healing value in sharing an experience of a disease or healthcare experience, even if there is no answer that I can provide. I also teach junior doctors, and have started to try to incorporate a less didactic approach into my teaching style, and create a greater space for shared experiences, which I have found to be equally valuable.

And of course, the best part of facilitating sessions is the people. I have really enjoyed getting to know different communities, and hopefully helping them to understand and navigate their health with greater confidence and autonomy.

32

N I C K I AT K I N S O N

TA S V O L U N T E E R One of my most memorable moments with The Water Well Project was delivering a healthy eating and exercise session to a group of Ethiopian refugees that ran far longer than planned - not because it needed to, but because everyone was so deeply engaged. Participants asked thoughtful, practical questions, shared their own experiences, and genuinely wanted to understand how to apply the information in their daily lives. Their request for more sessions at the end was incredibly affirming and reinforced just how valuable these conversations can be.

Experiences like this have taught me that participants bring far more knowledge and insight than we often assume, and that the most meaningful sessions happen when we listen first and allow the community to guide the discussion. It has also shaped how I approach my clinical practice; I’m now far more intentional about creating space for dialogue, questions, and storytelling, and about delivering health information in ways that honour cultural background, priorities, and strengths rather than focusing solely on behaviour change. Ultimately, the best part of facilitating these sessions is the privilege of building trust, learning from the community, and watching education translate into genuine empowerment.

AARON JELBART VIC VOLUNTEER The Water Well education sessions have taught me to not assume that everyone has the same prior knowledge of a topic, and that people are actually very keen to learn what they can do to improve their health. And they have lots of questions! Sometimes it’s a bit tricky to steer the conversation away from the personal, and back to the more general, but that tells me that people are engaging with the issue being discussed, and really thinking about how it affects them.

33

T H E W AT E R W E L L P R O J E C T

Facilitating these health education sessions has also made me think about my nursing practice.

I’ve learned to be more mindful of the clinical or health information I want my patients to take away, and to be sure it’s understood after we’ve talked it through.

One of the best parts of facilitating is teaming up with the community liaison to get a good, lively discussion going in the group. Working with a translator means the content you’re delivering has to be concise, and easy to understand, and talking through it always takes longer than you think it will. But it’s great to see people listening and getting involved, and taking on board the information you present. It really is a team effort.

ANNUAL REPORT 2026

VOLUNTEER TESTIMONIALS Interactive, culturally tailored approaches also proved impactful:

Others reflected on systemic challenges, reinforcing the importance of culturally appropriate care:

I love an opportunity to practice communicating via in interpreter, and using an interactive style to engage all members of the group.

Health literacy is crucial for empowering communities to make informed health decisions.

The session reminded me that lack of awareness often results in poor health outcomes, misinterpretation of medical instructions, and lower levels of health-seeking behavior which is not uncommon in the community. It is essential for us health care professionals to address concerns and provide education while doing medical consultation.

Healthcare Professional Facilitator, Karitane, Multicultural Parent’s Group, Healthy Eating and Nutrition Session

Learnt usual practice of women from Burmese culture, often feel ashamed when approaching health care professionals about women’s health.

Healthcare Professional Facilitator, WellWays, Allergies

Healthcare Professional Facilitator, Springvale Burmese Community Group, Women’s Health

The women really enjoyed seeing and touching the breast cancer model to feel lumps and they were all very receptive to self-performed cervical screening tests - something I will encourage in my practice.

Healthcare Professional Facilitator, Western Sydney MRC, Multicultural Women’s Group, Breast, Cervical and Common Cancers session

34

PA R T N E R S H I P S A N D SPECIAL PROJECTS D I A B E T E S V I C T O R I A PA R T N E R S H I P In 2025, The Water Well Project continued to strengthen its partnership with Diabetes Victoria, delivering 14 interactive and culturally tailored diabetes education sessions to CALD communities across Victoria. This partnership supports Diabetes Victoria in meeting its responsibilities under the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) by increasing in-language diabetes awareness and engagement among migrant, refugee and asylum seeker communities.

Through access to NDSS training and multilingual resources, our volunteer healthcare professionals were well-equipped to deliver accurate information in ways that resonated with participants. The sessions helped participants better understand diabetes risk, prevention and management, while fostering confidence to discuss their health needs and seek appropriate care.

This collaboration continues to play an important role in ensuring vital health information reaches communities who often face systemic barriers to care. It reflects a shared commitment to reducing health inequities and improving the health literacy of culturally and linguistically diverse populations.

Growth in both funding and scope over 2025 highlights Diabetes Victoria’s confidence in the quality, reliability and impact of our health education model.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT QUTDP GRANT 2025 marked the conclusion of our two-year Federal Government QUTDP grant, which provided vital support for The Water Well Project’s health education programs. The purpose of this project was to improve Quality Use of Medicines (QUM) outcomes for people from migrant, refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds.

Through 417 community-based education sessions, we empowered 7061 people to read, understand and act on healthcare information and empower them with the skills and knowledge to take preventative measures to improve their health and wellbeing.

35

T H E W AT E R W E L L P R O J E C T

With a focus on QUM, this project successfully promoted the safe and effective use of medications by facilitating open conversations around: • Preventative health practices to promote self-care and prevent disease • Appropriate and safe use of medicines • Access and availability to diagnostics and medicines • Potential dangers of drug interactions • The importance of adherence to therapeutic plans • Safe storage and disposal of medicines • Appropriate and safe use of complementary/ herbal remedies which are often seen within CALD populations.

ANNUAL REPORT 2026

OWN IT

C E R V I C A L S C R E E N I N G E D U C AT I O N P R O J E C T: I M P A C T S U M M A R Y This year, The Water Well Project delivered 13 cervical screening education sessions across Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania as part of the Own It campaign.

More than 300 women from over 30 cultural backgrounds took part, gaining clearer understanding, stronger confidence and greater trust in preventative women’s healthcare.

Sessions were held in familiar community spaces and facilitated by female AHPRA-registered healthcare professionals with support from female interpreters. This approach ensured information was accurate, culturally safe and easy to understand in both English and participants’ own languages. Many women commented that it was their first time speaking directly with an Australian healthcare professional in a relaxed setting, which helped reduce fear and build comfort with navigating the health system.

Each session was tailored with community partners to meet local needs. While cervical screening was the focus, discussions often included menopause, pregnancy, post-natal care and breast health. Visual aids and models helped show what screening and self-collection look like in practice, making the process feel more approachable.

I M PAC T A N D O U TC O M E S

WHY IT WORKED

The project led to significant improvements in knowledge and intention to screen:

The project reinforced that genuine health literacy grows through conversation, not translation alone. Meeting women in their own spaces, creating a safe and informal environment, and allowing time for questions helped address fears and misconceptions. By explaining not only what screening is but why it matters and how it works, participants felt more reassured and better prepared to take the next step in their healthcare.

• Intent to undertake cervical screening increased from 36 percent before the sessions to 88 percent afterwards.

• Knowledge of where to find reliable screening information rose from 24 percent to more than 80 percent.

• Many participants learned for the first time how often screening is recommended and that self-collection is an option.

Community partners noted that information shared in the sessions spread quickly through families and cultural networks, improving health literacy beyond those who attended. Volunteers also deepened their understanding of how cervical screening is viewed across different communities, strengthening their cultural responsiveness in clinical practice.

36

Financial Report

ne 2025

For the Year Ended 30 June 2025

Contents

2025 FForItheNYearAEnded N 30CJuneI A L REPORT

ne 2025

F O R Y E A R E N D E D 3 0 J U N1 E 2 0 2 5

s and Other Comprehensive Income Statement of Profit and Loss and Other Comprehensive Income tion Statement of Financial Position quity Statement of Changes in Equity Statement of Cash Flows ements Notes to the Financial Statements Directors' Declaration ABN 38 177 188 057 Declaration Reviewer's Independence Financial Report Declaration Review Report For the Year Ended 30 June 2025

2 3

The Water Well Project Limited 4

5

9

10 11

t or Loss and Other Contents Comprehensive Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive

ne 2025

For the Year Ended 30 June 2025 For the Year Ended 30 June 2025

me

Statement of Profit and Loss and Other Comprehensive Income Statement of Financial Position Statement of Changes in Equity Statement of Cash Flows Revenue and other income Notes to the Financial Statements Government grants Directors' Declaration Foundation grants Reviewer's Independence Declaration Donations received Review Report

Fee-for-service income Interest income Total revenue and other income

ncome

e

expense al fees ses and recruitment

ear

me

ome for the year

ncial Position 5

s

37

2025

2024

$

$

239,317 174,891 9,783 9,750 1,935 435,677

96,592 71,448 20,920 4,189 501,729 (443,460)

(14,365) (15,739) (4,215) (1,535) (5,171) (37,330) (399,323)

(17,580) (12,269) (10,090) (1,426) (2,021) (11,148) (497,994)

36,354

3,735

0

0

36,354

3,735

Statement of Financial Position Insurance and WorkCover expense As at 30 June 2025 Consultants and professional fees Event and marketing expenses Staff development, training and recruitment Note Storage costs ASSETS Other expenses CURRENT ASSETS Total expenses

equivalents T H E Cash W ATand E R cash WEL L PROJECT 2 Surplus/(deficit) for the year

Trade and other receivables

3

2025 $

191,778 35,928

2 3

4

308,580

Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Expenses (320,966) Employee benefits For the Year Endedexpense 30 June 2025 Insurance and WorkCover expense Consultants and professional fees Event and marketing expenses Staff development, Revenue and othertraining incomeand recruitment Government Storage costsgrants Other expenses Foundation grants Total expenses Donations received Fee-for-service income Surplus/(deficit) for the year Interest income Other comprehensive income Total revenue and other income Total comprehensive income for the year Expenses Employee benefits expense

1

2024 Note $

2 312,170 3 2,284

5 9 10 11

20

239

174 9, 9, 1, 435

(320

(14 (15 (4, (1, (5, (37 (399

36

Balance at 30 June 2025

186,875

30,373

2024 or t ofLoss Profit and Statement or Other Loss and Comprehensive of Profit Otheror Comprehensive Loss and Other Comprehensive Statement of Profit or Loss and OtherRetained Comprehensive eEnded 2025 30 June For2025 the Year Ended 30 June 2025 2024 Earnings RetainedUnspent EarningsGrants Unspent Retained Grants Earnings Total For the Year Ended 30 June 2025

$

July 2023 Balance at 1 July 2023 ) for the yearSurplus/(deficit) for the year other income Revenueatand other income Balance 1 July 2023 d from reserves Transfer toand andother from reserves Revenue income rants Government grants Surplus/(deficit) for the year June 2025 Balance at 30 June 2025 Government grants ants Foundation grants Transfer to and from reserves Foundation grants Flows t of CashBalance Statement Flowsatreceived of Cash 30 June 2025 Flows eived Donations Donations received e2025 income Fee-for-service income Ended 30 June For 2025 the Year Ended 30 June 2025 Statement of Cash Flows Fee-for-service income e Interest income For therevenue Year Ended 30 June 2025 Interest income eome and other income Total and other income Total revenue and other income Expenses Note efits expenseExpenses Employee benefits expense SATING FROMACTIVITIES: OPERATING CASH FLOWS ACTIVITIES: FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Employee benefits expense pense expense Insurance andgrantors, WorkCover expense grantors, sWorkCover and customers donors Receipts and customers from donors and customers Insurance and WorkCover expense CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING nd fees professional Consultants fees to and professional fees ACTIVITIES: mployees uppliers and Payments employees suppliers and employees Receipts fromand grantors, donors and customers Consultants professional es keting expenses Event and marketing expensesfees ed Interest received Payments suppliers and employees Event and to marketing expenses ment, nd recruitment trainingactivities Staff and recruitment development, training and recruitment ded ) operating by/(used Net in) cash operating provided activities by/(used in) operating activities8 Interest received Staff development, training and recruitment Storage costs cash provided by/(used in) operating Storage costs es Other expenses decrease) sh and cash in Net Net cash equivalents increase/(decrease) and cash heldequivalents in cash held and cashactivities equivalents held Other expenses es Total expenses h the equivalents beginning Cash atofthe the and beginning year cash equivalents of the year at theand beginning of the yearheld Net increase/(decrease) in cash cash equivalents Total expenses cit) r for the year Surplus/(deficit) for the year h the equivalents end of the Cash atfinancial theand endcash of year theequivalents financial year at the end of the financial year Surplus/(deficit) for the year Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year hensive income Other comprehensive income Cash cash equivalents at the end of the financial year Otherand comprehensive income me hensive for theincome year Totalfor comprehensive the year income for the year Total comprehensive income for the year

109,170 3,735 37,693 150,598

Note

8

cial t of Position Financial Statement Position of Financial Position Statement of Financial Position June 2025As at 30 June 2025 As at 30 June 2025

ASSETS ASSETS SETS CURRENT ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS h equivalentsCash and cash equivalents er receivablesCash Tradeand andcash otherequivalents receivables Trade and other receivables ENT ASSETSTOTAL CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS TS TOTAL ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS LIABILITIES ABILITIES LIABILITIES CURRENT LIABILITIES CURRENT LIABILITIES er payables Trade and other payables Trade and benefits other payables efits Employee Employee benefits LIABILITIES ES ENT LIABILITIES TOTAL CURRENT TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

Note

Note

2 3

2 3

4 5

4 5

Unspent Total Grants Reserve Reserve Reserve A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 2 6 Retained Earnings Unspent 2025 2025 2024 $ $ $ $ 2024 $ Grants $ $ 2025 Reserve 2025 109,170170,301 170,301 109,170 279,471 279,471 170,301 $ $ $ $ $ $$ - 3,7353735 3735 -$ 3,735 109,170 170,301 37,693(37,693) (37,693) 37,693 (37,693) 239,317 239,317 308,580 308,580 239,317 3,735 239,317 150,598132,608 132,608 150,598 283,206 283,206 132,608 174,891 174,891 174,891 96,592 96,592 37,693 (37,693) 174,891 150,598 132,608 9,783 9,783 9,783 71,448 71,448 9,783 9,750 9,750 20,920 9,750 20,920 9,750 1,935 1,935 4,189 1,935 4,189 1,935 2025 2025 2025 2024 2024 435,677 435,677 501,729 435,677 501,729 435,677 $ Note $ $ $ $ 2025 (320,966) (320,966)(443,460) (320,966) (443,460) (320,966) $ Note 241,226 241,226 241,226 535,901 (14,365) (14,365) 535,901 (14,365) (17,580) (17,580) (14,365) (15,739) (15,739)(542,558) (15,739) (12,269) (12,269) (363,554) (363,554) (363,554) (542,558) 241,226 (15,739) (4,215) (4,215) (4,215) (10,090) 1,935 1,935 (10,090) 1,935 4,189 4,189 (363,554) (4,215) (1,535) (1,535) (1,535) (1,426) (1,426) (120,393) (120,393) (2,468) (120,393) 8 (2,468) 1,935 (1,535) (5,171) (5,171) (2,021) (5,171) (2,021) (120,393) (5,171) (37,330)8 (37,330) (11,148) (37,330) (120,393) (120,393) (2,468) (2,468) (120,393) (11,148) (37,330) (399,323) (399,323)(497,994) (399,323) (497,994) 312,170 312,170 314,638 312,170 314,638 (120,393) (399,323) 36,354 36,354 312,170 36,354 3,735 3,735 191,778 191,778 312,170 191,778 36,354 312,170 0 0 0 0 0 191,778 0 36,354 36,354 3,735 36,354 3,735 36,354

2025 $ Note Note

2025

191,7782 35,92823 227,7063

191,778 312,170 35,928 2,284 227,706 314,454

227,706

227,706 314,454

5,026 4 5,433 45 10,4595

5,026 11,655 5,433 19,593 10,459 31,248

$

2024 $

2025 2024 $ $ 2025 $

191,778 312,170 191,778 35,928 2,284 35,928 227,706 314,454 227,706 227,706 314,454 227,706

5,026 11,655 5,026 5,433 19,593 5,433 10,459 31,248 10,459

38

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS, INCLUDING PODCASTS PODCAST INTERVIEW: | The GP Show Dr Sam Manger & Rob Park, | University of Melbourne/ Nossal Institute, Navigating Health ‘Enabling Patients, System Wide’ Forum, 1 April 2025 | Webinar Speaker ­— Change Makers HIPPY Australia (Brotherhood of St Laurence) Marta Blumeris, 3 June 2025 | 100 Women webinar presenter Meet Our Members Online Event A moment for Menopause, 4 June 2025

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T H E W AT E R W E L L P R O J E C T

| Paeds Education Podcast interview Grace Larson, Published 7 June 2025 | Radiotherapy RRR radio interview with Lexi Frydenberg & Grace Lee, 8 June 2025 | 135 Korovians book launch 11 October 2025 | Federal AMA ‘The Waiting Room’ released 6 November 2025.

P U B L I C AT I O N S 1. Bupa Health white paper “The Hidden Strain on Migrant Health” LP interview Overview: The white paper, “The Hidden Strain on Migrant Health,” highlights that while migrants are vital to Australia’s economy, they face significant barriers to maintaining health and wellbeing.

Challenges include high healthcare costs, language and cultural barriers, unclear care pathways, and social isolation—especially for younger or newly arrived migrants, who are more vulnerable to stress and mental health issues. The paper argues that economic opportunity alone is not enough; holistic support is needed. It calls for coordinated action across government, employers, healthcare providers, universities, migration agents, and communities, including culturally aware healthcare, multilingual services, transparent costs, digital access solutions, and workplace and community programs to support mental health. The focus is on meeting migrants “where they are” and designing solutions with communities to enable them to thrive and contribute fully to Australian society.

2. WwWA Reproductive Care Working Group Position statements on Reproductive Care Policy Reproductive Coercion

AWARDS AND ACHIE VEMENTS | Victorian Women’s Honour Roll induction Change Agent—Dr Linny Kimly Phuong 2 September 2025 | Volunteering Victoria The Water Well Project finalist for Volunteering Partnerships Award

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We extend our sincere thanks to our funders, partners, and volunteers for your invaluable support. Without you, we could not achieve the impact we have, together we are creating lasting change in the health and wellbeing of our communities.

FUNDERS • 100 Women

• City of Greater Dandenong

• Phil Taylor Foundation

• Australian Multicultural Health Collaborative (AMHC)/ Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA)

• City of Melbourne

• BUPA Health

• John and Miriam Wylie Foundation

• Quality Use of Medicines (QUM) Grant, via the Quality Use of Therapeutics, Diagnostics and Pathology (QUTDP), Federal Government Department of Health & Ageing

• Bruce Wong Foundation

• Diabetes Victoria • Kennedy’s Group

• Mercy Foundation

• Tasmanian Government • The Cancer Institute of NSW

PROJECT ENGAGEMENTS | 180 Degrees student consulting, Monash University ­­ Aishani Manatunge, Alison Pelusi, Natalie Chung, Lauren Kwon, Amy Nguyen, Alicia Tran

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| John Hopkins MPH Practicum Bharat Ramakrishnan | University of Melbourne Physiotherapy clinical student placement Maxine Ness, Mia Teoh, Grace Sutherland, Evie Corrigan

T H E W AT E R W E L L P R O J E C T

|U niversity of Melbourne MD student Rika An Literature review of health education in antenatal women of CALD backgrounds

ANNUAL REPORT 2026

IN-KIND SUPPORTERS • Allan Hau and Vermont South Pharmacy • Dr Alesha Thai • Associate Professor Amanda Gwee • Dr Amandeep Hansra and Creative Careers in Medicine Team • Anna McCann and Tanarra Social Purpose • Dr Anthea Rhodes, Emma Caller, Alicia Norton and RCH Kids Health Literacy team • Australasian College of Emergency Medicine (ACEM) • Benefolk Expert Bar • Carol Mackie • Dr Cheryl Martin • Emily Wild, One Box

• Dr Joshua Casan • Kara Barnett, City of Melbourne • Kerrie McDonald, Sally Witchalls and AMA Federal Public Health Committee

• Professor Rob Moodie

• Associate Professor Kudzai Kanhutu

• Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG)

• Leadership Victoria

• Ruth Oakden, Mental Health First aid facilitator

• Mark Davis and team at Today Design

• Sarah Sexton and Kidsafe Victoria

• Dr Martin Nguyen and Medical Pantry • Nam Tran, Amcal North Melbourne Pharmacy and Amcal Arden Gardens • Nidia Raya Martinez and the Australian Multicultural Health Collective (AMHC)

• Enliven Victoria • Associate Professor Georgia Paxton

• Dr Paul Eleftheriou, Tim Tucker, Nous Group

• Ignite Global Health Network, University of Melbourne • Professor Jim Buttery • Johnny Nguyen and Malvern East Pharmacy

• Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP)

• Maddocks Lawyers

• One Stop Bakery, Wantirna South

• Grace Larson and the Sisterhood Project

• Dr Rachel Toovey, School of Physiotherapy, University of Melbourne

• Professor Paul Thambar, Monash Business School • Pauline Long and TerryWhite Chemmart Balwyn • Phil Taylor Foundation • Pressroom Philanthropy

• Sian Slade and the Navigating Health team • Associate Professor Silas Taylor and Dr Kalli Spencer, and Office of Medical Education at UNSW Medicine and Health • Taryn Sheehy, Lily Upston, Shelley Heaney and AMA Victoria Comms team • Dr Tasnim Hasan • TAS Migrant Support Group • Translating Interpreting Services (TIS) National • University of MelbourneFaculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences • Victorian Multicultural Commission • Victorian Refugee Health Network • Vivienne Nguyen • VU Consulting • Wingate

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OUR ACTIVE VOLUNTEERS A massive thank you to the following volunteers who delivered at least one health education session in 2025.

• Aaron Jelbart

• Emma Tam

• Abigail de Waard

• Esther Duruchukwu

• Abigail Zhang • Ailin He • Aimi Arai • Alexander Crawford • Amita Roy • Angela Xue • Anna Plant • Anna Venetsanakos • Annabel Pilecka • Anton Lu • Anusha Maheshwari • Ashly Jerome • Caitlin Nguyen • Callum Trainor • Chamathka Thathsarani • Chantelle Larkin • Charlotte Young • Cheau Han (June) Chin

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T H E W AT E R W E L L P R O J E C T

• Eve Taylor • Georgia Keating • Hannah Collings-Andrews • Hannah Lay • Harleen Kaur • Huoy Shyan Koh • Indira Barrow • Isobel Dunbabin • Jacken Chan • Jacob Roberts • Jade Chan • Janine Mosford • Jessica Crawford • Jessica Han • Jessica McClatchy • Jessica Sun • Jessica Thee • Jocelyn Satya Graha

• Christopher Balshaw

• Joel Begley

• Claire Bai

• Kathleen Brew

• Claire Roberts

• Katrina Valciukas

• Clarice Tang

• Keeth Mayakaduwage

• Dhanushree Patel

• Kirsten Arnold

• Donna Chen

• Lap-San Howitt

• Elaine Chan

• Lawrence Lin

• Elyse Wilson

• Liz Wyatt

• Emily Scott

• Louise Rath

• Emily Whalen

• Maria Gonzalez

ANNUAL REPORT 2026

• Marjia Johns

• Paula Stephenson

• Sonja Berryman

• Marra Aghajani

• Rachel Graven

• Sophie Carne

• Matilda Maynard

• Rachel Kour

• Srikar Boddupalli

• Matt Walker

• Rachel Lim

• Stella Le

• Michael Lam

• Rachel Phan Nguyen

• Subhashi Ediriweera

• Michelle Min Hsiao

• Renee Cocks

• Tharuka Bodaragama

• Michelle Xin

• Romany Martin

• Theresa Koo

• Michelle Yao

• Roya Gorji

• Tracy Douglas

• Miles Ong

• Samantha Ting

• Vanessa Tran

• Mithila Zaheen

• Samuel Morriss

• Mya Thit Khet

• Sarah Corker

• Varitsara Mangkorntongsakul

• Nanditha Hareesh

• Saranya Natarajan Thirumalai Nambi

• Natasha Chandrasena

• Vicky Xu • Vishavjot Kaur Bhandohal

• Schuyler Tin

• Wendy Davis

• Natasha Walker

• Sheareen Tan

• Yajat Dua

• Nate Flacks

• Shughla Satari

• Yamema Esber

• Niamh Murray

• Siobhan Reynolds

• Yanyan Wu

• Nicki Atkinson

• Smita Bhattacharjee

• Yufei Su

• Nicole Yoong

• Sonia Srinivasan

• Yufei Xu

LOOKING AHEAD: 2026 AND BEYOND

As we move into 2026, we will continue to prioritise building strategic collaborations and exploring synergies with other health promotion organisations and healthcare professional bodies. These partnerships will extend our reach, amplify our impact, and strengthen the sustainability of our funding base.

We remain firmly committed to our mission to improve health literacy and create culturally safe spaces. Through place-based delivery models and co-designed sessions, we will ensure our programs remain responsive to the evolving needs of the communities we serve.

In the year ahead, we will also strengthen our capacity-building initiatives for volunteers, equipping them with the skills and confidence to deliver inclusive, high-quality health education and to carry culturally safe practices into their broader professional roles.

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The Water Well Project acknowledges and pays respect to the Traditional Custodians of the land, and acknowledges their continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and Elders past and present. We recognise that sovereignty was never ceded. This land always was and always will be Aboriginal land. www.thewaterwellproject.org/contact-us/ P.O. Box 6218 Vermont South Victoria Australia 3133

thewaterwellproject.org ABN 38 177 188 057

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ACN 626 808 811