Life Without Barriers' Education Consultant named 'Community Champion' by the Western Sydney Wanderers for her work supporting young people in the community.
Image: Lorna holds up a Western Sydney Wanderers jersey and smiles. Next to her is a man with a microphone, gesturing towards a camera.
Lorna Genoud, Education Consultant at Life Without Barriers, has been recognised with the Community Champion Award from the Western Sydney Wanderers, acknowledging her ongoing work supporting young people in out-of-home care.
Lorna’s work focuses on helping young people stay connected, engaged, and heard. This commitment has shaped her strong partnership with the Wanderers, grounded in shared values of inclusion and community.
Recently, Lorna collaborated with the club to host an event for Life Without Barriers’ Youth Advisory Group, a group of young people with care experience, at the Wanderers’ training facility.
Image: A young person with their back to the camera talks to a player through a fence at a training session.
The players opened their space, provided access to coaches, a playing field, a lunch area, and a room for the Youth Advisory Group session. Lawrence Thomas, Wanderers captain, also gifted an official jersey to each young person who attended, a gesture that reflected a genuine commitment to listening to and backing young people.
This event built on earlier moments of connection where the Wanderers have created opportunities for young people in care to feel included through game-day experiences. The time spent with players has gone a long way in building a sense of community, belonging, and celebration for the young people.
Image: Two young people with their backs to the camera engage with the Wanderers mascot at a game.
"The Western Sydney Wanderers have been a true reflection of community impact, using their platform to lift others," said Lorna.
"I’d like to thank the Wanderers, Antony Jakovcevic in partnerships, and Captain Lawrence Thomas for always showing up, not just on the pitch, but in the lives of the young people we work with."
"Your support, time, donations, and genuine care are creating moments that turn into belief; belief in themselves, their future, and what is possible."
Beyond the partnership with the Wanderers, Lorna’s work extends across multiple initiatives, including a collaboration with Sydney University, aimed at increasing access to higher education for young people in out-of-home care, and 'The Boutique,' a now closed program which Lorna ran that provided formal and interview clothing for young people navigating important life events.
Image: A player hugs a young person at a game.
Every step of the way, Lorna's focus has remained on creating access and affirming young people’s right to participate fully in their communities.
The award from the Wanderers celebrates her approach where partnership, trust, and practical support are seen as essential for positive change.
