About Facing Forward Australia

Facing Forward Australia is a First Nations-owned, Supply Nation Registered Indigenous Business creating evidence-informed education and practical resources to improve how visible difference is understood and supported across families, education and healthcare.

Why we exist

Visible difference can shape experiences far beyond a diagnosis: at school, in healthcare, in social settings and within families. Too often, the responsibility to cope is placed on the child. We believe the environment around them needs the knowledge and confidence to respond well.

Where it began

Facing Forward Australia began with our founder, Brooke, and her daughter, Ella. When Ella was born with a facial port-wine stain, Brooke had countless questions, very few answers and no clear direction. She found a significant gap in support for Australian families navigating visible difference, and set out to change that.

As a Registered Nurse and medical student, Brooke combines professional knowledge with lived experience as a parent.

How we work

  • Families: accessible diagnosis guides, practical tools and resources developed with lived experience at the centre.

  • Education: Beyond the Classroom, professional learning and a Teacher Hub for schools and universities.

  • Healthcare: Beyond the Diagnosis, whole-person education for healthcare workforces and university health programs.

Professional and evidence input

Our programs are evidence-informed and professionally reviewed. Beyond the Classroom has been reviewed by experienced educators and school leaders, and its resources are mapped to the Australian Curriculum v9.0.

Our business

  • First Nations-owned, Supply Nation Registered Indigenous Business

  • NSWICC Assured Member

Work with us

Get in touch to talk about education, healthcare or partnership opportunities, or read Brooke's full story.

Brooke kissing her daughter Ella on the cheek