Our story, our why.
Spotters Project is an early-intervention mentoring organisation built on a simple belief: nobody rebuilds alone. We connect young people experiencing disadvantage or at risk of disengagement — and women experiencing, at risk of, or rebuilding after domestic and family violence — with trusted mentors, movement-based experiences and positive pathways forward, working alongside families, schools, services and community partners because meaningful change is stronger when nobody has to face it alone.
The people behind the movement.
Founded by Sarah Gradwell, Spotters Project is led by Sarah alongside Director and General Manager Alana Shum — bringing together lived, professional and movement experience with a shared commitment to helping people rebuild.
"I kept seeing the same gap — people were surviving, but no one was helping them rebuild. I decided to do something about it."
Sarah Gradwell
Founder, Director & CEO
For more than a decade I've worked in coaching, fitness and community support. Today I work directly with young people in Out of Home Care, and every day I see how confidence changes when someone has one person consistently showing up for them. That consistency — not the training — is what rebuilding actually looks like.
"Fitness gave me a foundation I didn't know I needed. I want others to experience that same foundation."
Alana Shum
Director & General Manager
With more than twenty years in health and fitness, I've helped hundreds of people build strength, confidence and resilience. I believe movement is one of the most powerful tools for improving mental health and rebuilding self-belief — and that everyone deserves access to it in a way that feels safe, supported and their own.
Why we started.
Why Spotters Project Exists
We didn't start Spotters Project because the world needed another fitness program.
We started it because too many young people and women survive incredibly difficult circumstances without someone consistently walking beside them afterwards.
Spotters Project began with a strong commitment to young people in out-of-home care. As the need became clearer, our focus expanded to include young people from all backgrounds who may be experiencing disadvantage, disconnection or emerging risk.
Movement became the vehicle.
Mentorship became the difference.
Spotters Project exists to ensure nobody has to rebuild alone.
Our mission, vision & values.
Spotters Project exists to help young people experiencing disadvantage or at risk of disengagement — and women experiencing, at risk of, or rebuilding after domestic and family violence — build confidence, connection and positive pathways through mentoring, movement and meaningful support.
"A future where every young person and woman facing disadvantage, disconnection or the impacts of domestic and family violence has someone in their corner and a positive pathway forward."
Because everyone deserves a Spotter.
Connection
Nobody rebuilds alone.
Consistency
Showing up, every week.
Movement
Confidence built step by step.
Dignity
Every person, every story.
Built on lived and professional experience.
Sarah Gradwell
Alana Shum
An organisation built for good.
Spotters Project Limited is a not-for-profit public company limited by guarantee, registered in Australia. ABN 15 702 885 023 | ACN 702 885 023. Our intended funding model includes sponsorship, grants, philanthropic support, trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, major donors and in-kind support. Under our not-for-profit structure, any surplus is reinvested into program delivery, mentor development and expanding the impact of Spotters Project.
Purpose-led
Every decision serves our mission first.
Reinvested
Under our not-for-profit structure, surplus is reinvested into mentors, sessions and communities.
Transparent
We intend to report openly on verified impact, confirmed partnerships and the use of program funding.
