Deborah Holmes OAM has spent nearly four decades developing practical, compassionate responses to unmet needs in her community. As Founder and President of the Avalon Centre, Deborah’s work has always been grounded on one simple principle: To help where we can, when we can, and in whatever way we can.
The Avalon Centre is a volunteer-led organisation providing aid, affordable accommodation, and human connection for people experiencing homelessness, disability, or mental health challenges.
Almost 20 years ago, Deborah established the Avalon Circle Future Fund with the Australian Communities Foundation to strengthen the Centre’s capacity to respond flexibly to community need. Most recently, her leadership and dedication were recognized in the January 26 Honours, where she was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM).
“Receiving the OAM was quite overwhelming,” Deborah reflects. “I felt excitement, gratitude, humility and emotion. But this award is not a recognition of my efforts alone; it belongs equally to the extraordinary volunteers and to the people who have trusted us with their stories and their lives.”
In this Q+A, Deborah shares reflections on community-led change, resilience in advocacy, and the role philanthropy plays in sustaining meaningful impact.
What has guided your approach to advocacy over the years? And what has helped you sustain your energy and commitment through challenges?
My approach to advocacy has always been based on compassion, practicality and action.
There are many people in our community who have slipped through the cracks, who have been left behind or overlooked. These are the people we seek to support through our Drop-In Centre, affordable accommodation, clothing and bedding, material aid, advocacy, friendship and genuine care. While policy and advocacy are important, real change happens when words are followed by action.
Sometimes it’s something small, other times it can be life-changing… seeing the results from the time, energy, and commitment gives us the motivation to keep going
There have certainly been challenges since opening the Centre in 1987, but what has sustained me is witnessing the difference we are making. Sometimes it’s something small, like providing a food parcel; other times it can be life-changing, like giving a family a safe roof over their head. Seeing the results from the time, energy, and commitment we put in gives us the motivation and passion to keep going.
What prompted you to start a Future Fund with ACF? What has this meant for the organisation over the years?
I established our Fund, Avalon Circle, about 20 years ago to strengthen and support the work of the Avalon Centre. The Centre engages many vulnerable members of the community, who face complex challenges, including disability, homelessness, mental health, addiction, and more.
I strongly believe the most effective philanthropy is through community funds
The grants we have drawn from our ACF Fund have enabled us to respond to the unmet needs in the community, offering support in whatever way is possible and most meaningful.
You’ve spoken about the importance of communities shaping their own responses and solutions. What does community-led change look like in practice?
Community-led change begins with recognising an unmet need and responding directly. Avalon Centre identified gaps in support that weren’t being addressed, and through the dedication of volunteers, we built practical responses.
Community organisations can act with humanity rather than bureaucracy. They respond quickly, grounded in trust and lived experience. When people are empowered to contribute their skills, compassion, and resources locally, it builds connection and ensures that no one slips through the cracks.
What’s your advice to other members of the ACF community who want their giving to more deeply reflect their values and create meaningful change?
I strongly believe the most effective way to contribute to society through philanthropy is through community funds. Grassroots organisations address issues directly, operate with minimal overheads and allow donors to see the real impact of their support.
Learn more and get involved
Support the Avalon Circle Fund | Read more about the work of the Avalon Centre