Mirabel is the only organisation in Australia specifically addressing the needs of this vulnerable group of children, the most profoundly overlooked casualties of substance abuse in our society. Mirabel supports children aged 0-17 years and works at restoring a child’s sense of self-worth, belonging and hope for the future in order for them to reach their full potential as young adults. Mirabel believes that investing in children is the most compassionate and economic investment we can make. Whether it is done financially, emotionally, or by lessening the stigma and feelings of isolation, both the community and these children will reap the rewards.
Mirabel Servicing the Community
Mirabel provides advocacy, referral, research, practical and emotional assistance to the children and their kinship carers. It leads the way in providing a community response to these families and reducing the stigma and isolation they experience. Mirabel is Victorian based with some services also extended to New South Wales. Mirabel identified and filled a gap in the assistance available with the provision of innovative and individual services to a group of children and families that had been largely overlooked by both Government and the community.
Mirabel's services currently include:
Advocacy
Advocacy for Mirabel families
Community awareness
Lobbying for changes to legislation
Research to promote social change
Emotional and Practical Assistance for Children and their Kinship Families
Individual assessment
Intensive crisis support
Mirabel House
Recreational Program
Respite Program
Education Program
Support groups for kinship carers
Family/Grief therapy
Sibling reunification
Creative therapy
Extra curricular activities
Family camps/holidays
Childcare assistance
Contingency Fund
Resource Book for carers
Youth Ambassadors
Scholarships
Children & family events
Telephone support/counselling
Youth support/mentoring program
Referral and Advice
Referrals to existing agencies and specialist supports
Information regarding Centrelink payments
Information sessions for kinship carers
Legal advice
Health information and advice 
top
Mirabel was the vision of Jane Rowe, who identified a vulnerable group of children and families and took action to make a positive difference to their lives. In her work as a drug and alcohol counsellor, Jane witnessed the devastating effects that drug use has on the children of drug users and the cycle of drug use that repeats itself through generations if action is not taken.
Jane believed so strongly that it was possible to bring about positive change to the lives of these children. Through her insight, passion and experience, she has raised awareness of this vulnerable group of children and in December 1998, with the support of countless individuals, Mirabel was launched with a two-night benefit concert in Melbourne. Jane is the worthy recipient of the Prime Minister's Centenary Medal and a 2005 Human Rights Award. top
The Mirabel fable tells the story of a woman who loved and cared for vulnerable and neglected children. Although her resources were scarce, Mirabel never turned a child away. Today Mirabel lives on through the Mirabel Foundation and the support they provide to vulnerable children throughout Victoria and New South Wales. top
Many people have been touched by the vision and passion of Mirabel and have given of themselves to make Mirabel the unique and innovative Foundation that it is today.
Founding Members
Jane Rowe, Peter Bucci, Donald Mack, Spencer P. Jones, Suzy Walker, Rebecca Barnard, Simon Northeast, Chris Thompson, Melinda Walker, Jay Jordens, Paul Stewart, Michael Pavlich
Patrons
Deborah Conway, Hon John Fogarty, Barbara Holborow, Shane Jacobson, Jeff McMullen
Ambassadors
Dr Patch Adams, Rebecca Barnard, Jimmy Barnes, Raimond Gaita, Rachel Griffiths, Hazel Hawke, Rob Hirst, Ella Hooper, Robert Mascara, Ben Mendelsohn, Mikey Robins, Rhys Wakefield, Tim Watson
Board of Management
The management structure of Mirabel involves a Board of Management who control and manage the business and affairs of the foundation. All positions on the Board of Management are honorary positions. The Board of Management consists of an influential, accomplished and committed group of professionals who use their skills and expertise to oversee and progress the foundation.
The current Board of Management are:
Margaret Campi – President
Manager of Jigsaw (set up to assist people who are adopted) 1975 - 1983
CEO of Vanish (Victorian Adoption Network) 1989 - 1999
Chairperson of VSCAAF
Awarded Medal of the Order of Australia in 2001
James Flintoft – Treasurer
Managing Director, Business Banking, ANZ Bank
Lena Hamilton – Secretary
Accounts Manager Mirabel
Swinburne University Associate Diploma of Accounting Advanced Certificate of Accounting
Simon Jagot - Vice President
Retired, previously UBS Banking
Suzi Carp
Nordia Foundation
River Capital
Ben Dortimer
Managing Director, Micador Australia
Michael Schneider
Chief Investment Officer, Vianova Asset Management Pty Ltd
Judith Pettitt
Human Resources Department, Vic Roads
Jane Rowe - Mirabel Founder and CEO
Drug & Alcohol Counsellor for over 14 years
Former Director of the Windana Community Centre
Recipient of Centenary Medal and 2005 Human Rights Award
Finalist Dame Phyllis Frost Award 2007
Current focus is to highlight the needs of children affected by parental illicit drug abuse
Advisory Panel
Peter Chiodo, Abi Crompton, Tanya Hamersfeld, Tracee Hutchison, Ray Jennings, Lawrence Mooney, Kim Purdey, Robyn Szechtman, Julie White, Marcus Williams
NSW Steering Committee
Simon Jagot, Michael Traill, Jane Shelton, Peter Curry, Nic Halley, Gary Gerstle, Hal Herron, Noel Whyte, Roslyn Miller, Jane Rowe
Staff Team
Mirabel chooses to maintain a small, highly-skilled team of professionals with a diverse range of experience and education. Each team member is self-motivated, takes initiative and is passionate about the rights of children.
Jane Rowe - Founder and CEO
Nicole Patton - Manager Kinship Care and Research
Miranda Purchase - Recreation
Kaylene McKay - Child and Youth Support
Julz Grover - Child and Youth Support
Daniel Clohesy - Recreation and Children's Groups
Elizabeth McCrea - Family Programs and NSW Co-ordinator
Natalie Ryan - Family and Youth Support
Janine Pezzotti - Kinship Support and Mirabel House
Joanna Francis - Kinship Family and Child Support
Natalie Brass - Kinship and Youth Support
Amanda Gilbert - The Mirabel Collection
Christina Almond - Children's Resources
Cassie Rericha - Reception
Deb Ambrose - Assistant to CEO
Lena Hamilton - Manager Administration/Accounts
Volunteers & Mentors
Mirabel is forever grateful to its volunteers and mentors and their commitment and dedication to Mirabel children... Legal - Jacinta Dwyer, Bronwyn Lay, Kate Morgan Mirabel Events - Tony Day, Ann Gibson, Tim Millikan, James Rowe, Chrissie Vincent Artwork & Design - Emma Magenta, Vince Patton, Jessica Rowe Printing - Braemar Graphic Reproductions Mirabel Children's Programs & Activities - Luke Bell, Nicole Bell, Sian Brown, Ben Cooksey, Matt Courtney, Anthony De Masi, Jennifer Dolling, Jeremy Dunning, Stephanie Edwards, Rod Fanner, Ruth Finlayson, Shaun Fowler, Julz Grover, Paul Gurney, Jehan Kanagasingham, Shobana Kanagasingham, Helen Kierce, Jade McKenzie, Charis McKittrick, Danielle McMinn, Luke Meikle, Serge Mendis, Emma Moir, Simon Moloney, Joanna Morrison, Michael Muncaster, Katharine Ranken, Kellie Scott, Joelle Shaperon, Richard Simpson, Stacey Smith, Nick Taubert, Katharyn Taylor, Alan Thompson, Shaun Ward, Angela Winneke, Elaine Wright, John Wright, Susan Youngblood, Rebecca Zapulla top
The child is central to Mirabel's organisational structure. All of Mirabel's programs and services are built around the needs of the child, their kinship carers, their environment and their community.
