Cottage supporters

Long-standing partners ABN Group and Boutique Homes have contributed more than $2.68 million towards the development of Cottage by the Sea's new Riptide facility through the sale of two charity homes. Boutique Homes also supports Cottage by the Sea through volunteering their time and assistance with onsite working bees.

The APCO Foundation and the Anderson family are long-term supporters of Cottage by the Sea. Since 2014, the APCO Foundation has been a donor to Cottage. Since 2015, the Anderson family has offered their property in Moulamein to the Programs Team for an annual offsite adventure on the Mentor program. 

The Boardriders Community is the charitable division of Boardriders South Pacific, dedicated to supporting and enhancing the quality of life for boardrider communities. This is achieved through a focus on environmental protection, education, health and youth-related initiatives.

Better known through its iconic brands – Quiksilver, Roxy, Billabong, DC, Element, RVCA, Von Zipper, and Volcom – Boardriders Community has been a valued supporter of Cottage since 2007. Their generous donations of wetsuits, paddles, backpacks and more have brought joy and comfort to children and families visiting our programs.

Each year, they also host an Annual Surf Day for our program participants – a highlight on our calendar that has made lasting memories for so many children. Our former Patron, Cathy Freeman, was a regular guest at this special event.

The partnership with Boardriders Community has played a vital role in enriching the lives of children engaged in Cottage programs, and we are deeply grateful for their continued support.

Our research partnership with Deakin University, led by Deakin's Strategic Research Centre in Education, Research for Educational Impact (REDI), explores the evidence-based impact of Cottage by the Sea's programs on children and young people experiencing vulnerability.

Published in 2023, The Difference ‘Take a Break' Makes’ examined the impact of our Take a Break program and highlighted the importance of continuing to offer the program at Cottage by the Sea.

In 2024, Deakin published its second study, The Impact of Cottage by the Sea: From Ripples to Waves, which explored the longer-term benefits of Cottage programs and how these experiences continue to influence children's lives.

In 2026, Deakin published its third study, Turning Points for Children Experiencing Vulnerabilities: The Role of Outdoor Adventure, investigating how adventure-based experiences at Cottage help children and young people overcome challenges, build resilience and cultivate hope for the future.

“We are privileged to partner with Cottage by the Sea on research that is influencing national and international conversations about supporting children and young people to thrive.” – Professor Louise Paatsch, PhD, Deakin University.

We look forward to continuing our partnership with Deakin University as we work together to create positive outcomes for children and young people.

In addition to providing all of our IT support, eManaged also donated part of their technology agreement to Cottage. eManaged believes in supporting causes that make a real difference, and we are so grateful for this partnership. 

The Gordon in Geelong has been a long-time supporter of Cottage by the Sea by offering short courses for participants in our Mentor program.

Port Phillip Sea Pilots is a valued supporter of Cottage by the Sea. With over 185 years of service, operating 24/7, 365 days a year to ensure vessels cross Port Phillip Heads safely, they are a trusted presence in our local community. Their support goes beyond their day-to-day operations, regularly attending Cottage fundraisers and making generous in-kind contributions when needed, and we’re grateful for their support.

Our partnership with Searoad Ferries has involved community support for our fundraising events and donated services for our programs. We also have a recycling initiative at the Queenscliff ferry terminal, where recycled empty cans and bottles become donations to our children’s programs.

We're proud to welcome Wahu Australia and Goliath Games Australia as partners of Cottage by the Sea, bringing joy through the donation of more than $10,000 worth of outdoor play equipment and board games. The year-round partnership will help create more opportunities for children and families, including visitors staying in our new Riptide respite accommodation, to connect, play and create lasting memories together.