The CEO of Baby Give Back talks about the 2023 Baby Give Back Parmy-thon.
The CEO of Baby Give Back talks about the 2023 Baby Give Back Parmy-thon.
Carly Fradgley is a remarkable force for positive change within the community. In 2016, she initiated the heartwarming movement of Baby Give Back, a charity that addresses critical gaps in supporting families facing various challenges, from domestic violence to homelessness, with essential everyday items.
Over the years, Baby Give Back has transformed more than 25,000 children’s lives across South East Queensland and Northern NSW, demonstrating the profound impact of community support.
Carly’s commitment to fostering partnerships that truly make a difference is evident through the annual ‘Baby Give Back Parmy-thon’ hosted by Robina Pavilion.
This initiative embodies the power of collective giving, as the venue and the community come together to raise funds for families in crisis. We chatted to Carly about the path that led her to found Baby Give Back and why we should all get down to Robina Pavilion for a parmy, stat.
What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
Having worked in the charity sector for nearly seven years, one of the wonderful things I have discovered about the Gold Coast is its strong sense of community and willingness to rally together for collective giving. Gold Coasters are always ready to jump in and lend a helping hand when action is required, whether it be during the flood disaster or when we put the call out for urgent baby and children’s items in the wake of the cost of living crisis – the generosity and kind-heartedness of locals continues to amaze me.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am a born and bred Gold Coaster, mum of two, former lawyer turned charity founder and passionate change-maker in our community. I started Baby Give Back at the end of 2016 as a make-shift operation in my garage after noticing a gap in the community for charities that could support families facing a broad range of challenges, from domestic violence to homelessness, with everyday essentials. In six-and-a-half short years, we have changed more than 25,000 children’s lives for the better across South East Queensland and Northern NSW, and it’s thanks to the support of our donors, volunteers, caseworkers and stakeholders that our work is made possible.
We will continue to target our support to disadvantaged and vulnerable families who need us most, and with the number of requests for help increasing weekly, we know how critical our organisation is to so many.
Can you tell us about the ‘Baby Give Back Parmy-thon’ and what inspired Robina Pavilion to partner with Baby Give Back for this charity fundraising campaign?
The Robina Pavilion has been a long-term supporter of Baby Give Back, and we’re thrilled to be continuing our ongoing partnership. The Fitzgibbons’ family-owned, family-friendly establishment has long recognised the important work of Baby Give Back, supporting local families and helping children get a strong start in life.
The Parmy-thon is designed to take our partnership to the next level to raise thousands of dollars for Baby Give Back. From 16 August to 8 October, the Robina Pavilion will donate $1 from every parmy or schnitty sold over that time, conduct a big-ticket prize raffle and encourage voluntary donations throughout the venue. The Parmy-thon will culminate with a lakeside Family Fun Day Fundraiser at the venue on 8 October, to celebrate the work of Baby Give Back and the Parmy Army.
Full details on how to get involved and show your support is available at www.robinapavilion.com.au
The Parmy-thon seems like a unique and engaging way to raise funds for local families in crisis. How did the idea of forming a ‘Parmy Army’ to support Baby Give Back come about?
The Parmy Army is a way to connect and build on the goodwill in the Baby Give Back and Robina Pavilion communities, raising awareness of the support we provide to families in crisis, and by tucking into a parmy or schnitty at the Robina Pavilion, raise thousands of dollars which will go such a long way.
Our hope is that the longer campaign builds a lasting connection with the broader community and inspire other businesses to engage their local communities to also give back.
Could you tell us about this year’s fundraising campaign and how it contributes to the overall goal of supporting Baby Give Back?
As an organisation that relies solely on the generosity of donors to keep our doors and arms open, fundraising appeals are absolutely critical to ensure we can continue to help the families who rely on us every single day. We know times are tough for so many right now, which affects people’s ability to give to charities, so we are forever grateful to our supporters who donate anything from a pack of wipes or nappies, $5, right through to our big-hearted major donors and sponsors – we truly can’t do this work without our village.
A huge thank you to Robina Pavilion for championing our cause with this appeal – every single dollar raised through the purchase of a parmy or schnitty will help to change the life of a child facing disadvantage and vulnerability.
The Family Fun Day Fundraiser on October 8th sounds like a fantastic way to end the campaign. What can attendees expect and how will the event celebrate the work of Baby Give Back?
The Family Fun Day Fundraiser will celebrate the work of Baby Give Back by bringing together the Baby Give Back and Robina Pavilion communities for an afternoon of relaxed family fun in the sun down by the lakeside.
The afternoon will kick off with delicious roving canapes complimented by a thirst-quenching beverage package, insta-worthy activations and for the kids there will be face painting and the bottomless popcorn will return by popular demand.To encourage family fun, kids under 13 will be welcome for free.
The afternoon will culminate in the raffle draw and handing over the proceeds from the Parmy-thon, raffle and fundraiser to Baby Give Back.
You can purchase tickets and find out all the details at www.robinapavilion.com.au
As the founder of Baby Gives Back, what message or advice would you give to individuals who are passionate about making a positive impact but are unsure how to start or where to begin?
I would suggest doing some digging to unearth the incredible local charities who make up our community and finding one that resonates with you; then offer to jump in and volunteer in some capacity as most charity organisations have a volunteering program that relies on the help of community members.
This is an excellent way to dip your toes into the not-for-profit sector and create meaningful social impact.
The majority of our team members at Baby Give Back all started out in a volunteering role, so never underestimate the power of giving back if the not-for-profit path is one you are hoping to pursue.
What are your Gold Coast favourites:
Favourite café: Tarte in Burleigh as I’m partial to a bagel and crueller; and as a southern Gold Coaster, I am bursting to try its sister venue Tarte Beach House at Currumbin.
Favourite restaurant: It’s a toss up between Tommy’s at Currumbin for a wood-fired pizza and pasta in the sunshine, or Hideaway Kitchen for a Street Feast and margarita – yum!
Favourite bar: We love an afternoon sundowner at Robina Pavilion – kids menu / dedicated play area + rose on tap + water views = winning combination. The kids are always asking to go there and I love how you can easily see them in the play area while enjoying a meal.
Favourite beach: Currumbin Alley is my family’s favourite spot.
How do you choose to spend your days off?
A day off midweek is a little rare these days, but when I can steal a moment or two during the week I love to get down to Currumbin and dip my toes in the water. No matter the temperature, putting my feet in the ocean grounds me and helps to keep me focused. I also love nothing more than sitting on the couch or outside with a good fiction novel.
Founder & President of Gold Coast-based not-for-profit Serving Our People (SOP)
A COVID success story, Serving Our People (SOP) first opened its doors in March 2020 as a complimentary delivery service for those who could not leave their homes to purchase essential items such as groceries, baby formula and medications, providing comfort and convenience to those who need it most.
Now, more than two years on, the organisation has helped more than 52,000 people across Southeast Queensland and Northern New South Wales, delivering more than 25,000 meals to those in need with a registered volunteer base surpassing 1,100.
This December, Serving Our People’s headquarters will be transformed into a modern community hub that will offer Queensland’s first ‘Free Supermarket’ – a place when members of the community can collect essential non-perishable grocery items they need but are unable to afford.
“We want to make sure that everyone in the Gold Coast community and across Australia is aware of the services that we provide,” said Yas Matbouly, Founder of Serving Our People (SOP).
Tell us a bit about yourself.
Over the past 18 years, I have lived and worked in some of the world’s most exciting cities – Dubai, Doha, London, New York and Australia. I have a significant career leading major transactions for governments and global brands such as IBM, Omnicom and Dolce & Gabbana. Additionally, my experience as an advisor for a Middle Eastern Royal Family Private Affairs office gave me unique insights into how to restructure financial institutions and pursue international investment opportunities. In particular, real estate, energy, finance, agriculture and technology are all areas where there is significant potential for growth. I also worked with the Sunland Group, an ASX listed property developer, before I founded Serving Our People. Sitting on the Bond University’s MBA alumni committee is another one of my many passions. My Executive MBA is from Bond University, Australia, and Stanford Executive Education Graduate School of Business, Stanford University, CA, USA.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I have been back on the Gold Coast and living here for the last 6 years. I was in Brisbane for a year before moving back to Australia from New York.
What do you love about the Gold Coast?
It is the best city in the world. I have travelled all over the world and by far the Gold Coast is magical, it has everything to offer from family life to the best nature escapes, great education and entrepreneurial hub, amazing weather and very healthy environment, it is a great environment to be relaxed and happy, which is the best.
You are the founder of Serving our People (SOP). Can you tell us about this charity?
Serving Our People (SOP) is a complimentary delivery service born from the adverse global pandemic of COVID-19. We are a logistics, delivery, and emergency relief service. Our mission at Serving Our People is simple: to serve those in need. We were founded in 2020 with the goal of helping as many people as possible, and we now operate in Brisbane, Logan, the Gold Coast, and Northern New South Wales. Our vision is “to deliver to anyone, at any time, in any place”. At a time when many are feeling uncertain, we remain committed to serving all Australians, no matter their need or circumstances.
You’re currently building Queensland’s First Free Supermarket. What an amazing initiative. Can you tell us about this project?
We are excited to announce our plans to transform Serving Our People’s headquarters, a 45-year-old warehouse in Mermaid Beach, into a modern community hub that will offer Queensland’s first ‘Free Supermarket’ for those in need. This will be a place where members of the community can come and collect essential non-perishable grocery items, relieving the cost of living pressures they are facing. Set to open in December this year, with a half size basketball court, electric bicycles and plenty of space for community activities and fundraising events, this will be a hub for everyone to enjoy.
How will the free supermarket work? Where will the food come from & who can access the supermarket?
Non-perishable goods are already being collected from donation boxes stationed in leading supermarkets across the Gold Coast. Each box is used to stock the shelves of Serving Our People’s “pop-up supermarket” or fill “bags of love” to deliver to those who cannot ‘shop’ in-person. No matter who you are or what your circumstances may be, you are welcome to come and collect items at our supermarket. We are dedicated to helping anyone in Australia who needs it, and we will do everything we can to make their lives better. Whether you are a family, an elderly person, displaced persons or disadvantaged communities, carers, victims of disasters or people living with disabilities, we are here for you.
When can we expect the supermarket to be up and running?
Our grand opening is set for 22 December 2022, and to launch our opening event, we’ll be inviting our local homeless community to join us for a Christmas lunch at the new headquarters.
Are you looking for donations of food, money or time?
We’re looking for all the above! Our volunteers are working hard to collect food boxes every week. Each box provides enough food for 40 families, which means we can help feed 2000 families each year. However, with the new supermarket open, we hope to support even more people in need.
What is the most valuable way for locals to get involved?
There are many ways to help those in need, and one easy way is to donate items through our donation boxes. You can find these boxes in supermarkets across Gold Coast and Brisbane. Just purchase some extra items to donate, and you’ll be making a difference in the lives of others. Once the boxes are full, volunteers from SOP collect the items and create ‘bags of love’, which include items such as non-perishable food, and essentials such as toothpaste, bottled water, and sanitary items for the free supermarket.
What are you most looking forward to in the next 12 months?
As we move into the new year, we are committed to continuing our work serving those in need with compassion and integrity. We are proud to be known as a collaborative charity that works closely with other charities and organisations to meet the needs of our community. We look forward to continuing this important work in the coming year and beyond.
What are your Gold Coast favourites…
Café/Coffee spot: Le Cafe Gourmand in Mermaid Beach & The Salt Mill in Currumbin
Beach: Currumbin
How do you choose to spend your weekends?
Enjoying time with my family or at various Serving Our People activations with the family.
This ‘burb has all the bells and whistles.
Pop quiz! Where’s one place on the Gold Coast, where you can shop till you drop, eat your body weight in quality nosh, wander amongst stunning natural parklands and more? It’s Robina! There’s also a hospital and train station, but unfortunately, they’re not exciting enough to make our list.
Here are 18 things that are exciting enough to make our list.
Say ciao to Robina’s (perhaps, Gold Coast’s) most authentic and downright delicious pasta joint! The artisan pasta boutique store is brought to us by a European mother and daughter duo – how could it not be? Made with high-quality durum wheat semolina (rich in fibre, protein, vitamin B, and also digestion-friendly), their fresh-as pasta can be paired with a selection of their no-nasties, slow-cooked sauces. The best!
Where: Easy T Centre, 514 Christine Avenue, Robina
The Euro food tour continues at My French Pastries- a slice of Paris right in Robina. They deliver made-from-scratch croissants, tarts, and decadent desserts, with each pastry crafted with high-quality ingredients that keep locals coming back for more (and more and more). Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat.
Where: Shop 5, 4226/361 Robina Pkwy, Robina
Home of our beloved Titans, CBUS Super Stadium is one of the best regional stadiums in Australia and it’s ours, all ours (insert wicked snigger). Not only do Gold Coasters spend their weekends cheering on the boys here, but we’ve also been lucky enough to watch A-league and international football games, the Nitro Circus, and the Rugby 7s as part of the Commonwealth Games. High five to CBUS for being our homegrown hub of sporting joy.
Where: Centreline Place, Robina
An intimate 24-seat Asian bar and restaurant offering a modern take on Southeast Asian cuisine. The menu showcases creative dishes from Laos, Thailand and Vietnam, inspired by vibrant street food flavours and regional classics. With its cosy setting, flavour-packed plates and a Chef Hat from the Australian Good Food Guide for 2025, it’s a top pick for both date nights and group dining.
Where: 44 Commerce Dr, Robina
She’s smart, she’s stunning- she’s Bond University. Yes, Robina is home to the prestigious and world-class institution that helps current and future generations reach their biggest goals! Bond combines innovative teaching, a supportive campus community, and beautiful surroundings to create an inspiring study environment.
Where: 14 University Drive, Robina
The spacious, sports-themed bar and restaurant made a big splash on Robina Town Centre when it first moved in and continues to do so in 2023. Within The Sporting Globe there are no less than 50 high definition screens including two 5m2 screens and a nine-screen video wall, so yeah nah, you’re not missing a single second of the action. They’re also serving up perfect sport-watching food, frosty bronsons galore, and an all-round cracking good atmosphere. It’s a sure thing.
Where: The Promenade, Robina Town Centre, Robina
Calling all dog lovers! This expansive dog park is the perfect place for your furry friend to run, play, and socialise safely. With plenty of open space and shaded areas, it’s ideal for a weekend outing with your four-legged family members.
Where: Lot 21 Robina Pkwy, Clear Island Waters
A vibrant café serving wholesome, flavour-packed meals crafted from fresh, local ingredients. Harvest Foodhouse is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a relaxed lunch, with mouthwatering options like lamb shoulder tacos, cauliflower steak with a white bean hummus, loaded savoury croissants and triple-choc waffles. You’re gonna need to make a few trips.
Where: 361 Robina Parkway, Robina
The playground to end all playgrounds! Greenheart Robina Parklands is a 22.5-hectare wonderland with towering slides, net bridges, trampolines, swings, water play, and a toddler zone, all fully fenced with an onsite café (hallelujah). Kids can pedal off to the bike track with humps, bumps, and traffic signs, while parents chill under shady umbrellas. Add in walking paths, a boardwalk, half basketball court and a dog park, and you’ve got the ultimate family day out.
Where: Stadium Dr, Robina
A tried and tested (regularly. Very regularly….) favourite, Robina Pav features a sleek look’n’feel, dreamy deck overlooking the water, a specialised kids area, and plenty of good vibes. Boasting a menu packed with epic eats from woodfired pizzas to stacked burgers, it would be rude not to get involved with the impressive cocktail menu #IfWeMust. It’s the perfect spot for sun-soaked afternoon sessions with you posse.
Where: 229 Ron Penhaligon Way, Robina
A modern Australian rooftop bar and restaurant, Green Fields serves up flavour-packed dishes with a focus on quality produce and sustainability. The stylish rooftop setting makes it ideal for enjoying a meal while taking in the Robina skyline.
Where: 94 Laver Dr, Robina
A yakitori-focused Japanese-Korean grill in Robina, known for its smoky binchotan charcoal skewers. The menu features wagyu beef, free-range chicken, veggie options, and fresh seafood, paired with Japanese whisky, beer, and wine. Perfect for casual dinners or a night out.
Where: 126/128 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina
If open spaces and oodles of greenery, in the middle of a city no less, is your thing (yes please), Cheltenham Park is the business. There are plenty of areas for the kids – human and fury – to run themselves ragged (#yeahmums!) bushwalking tracks, and big leafy trees to stretch out beneath with a picnic and your favourite people. Perfect for escaping the rat race without chewing through the petrol in search of a tree change.
Where: Cheltenham Drive, Robina
Cocoflufferia by Goji is the all-new dessert wonderland, where dairy-free decadence meets a candy-land of toppings! Grab a bowl of their light and fluffy vegan soft serve, then go crazy with a line-up of delicious toppings like pistachio kanufa, Bueno, pistachio and Nutella sauce, Biscoff crumbs, mini mochi, M&Ms and fresh fruits!
Where: Robina Town Centre, Robina
Step into a world of optical illusions and interactive 3D art. Artvo is not only visually stunning but also a playground for your imagination, offering endless photo opportunities and fun for all ages.
Where: Ground Floor, Near the Kitchens, next to Lush, Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina
Riva is the home of sleek and stylish premium workspaces that make the 9-to-5 grind feel…well, less grindy. They’re designed to foster productivity and creativity by combining comfort, style, and convenience, with both private and co-working options.
Where: 2/14 Edgewater Court, Robina
Small Fry offers a modern twist on classic Australian seafood. One of their signature dishes is the Bug Bao– lightly battered bug meat in a steamed bun with coleslaw, chilli, shallots, lime, and sriracha mayo. Don’t walk, run! Pair that with a serve of their Family Parmesan and Truffle Fries, and damnnnnn!
Where: 273 Scottsdale Drive, Robina
Your most Instagrammable matcha moments await at Matcha Therapy- where everything is made with ceremonial grade matcha powder from Uji, Japan. Sit, sip and shop your way through matcha heaven.
Where: 129 Laver Drive, Robina
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
