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Social Sustainability
At Gundog Estate, sustainability is not only environmental — it also means contributing to the wellbeing of our community.
Since 2018, we have partnered with Path 2 Change to support vulnerable and disadvantaged young people in the Newcastle and Hunter region who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. Through fundraising, donations, work experience, awareness projects and practical skills program support, our customers and team have helped create pathways for these young people towards education, employment, independence and connection.
Supporting opportunity, dignity and connection in our community.
Making a positive contribution to the wellbeing of people in our community has been a driving force at the heart of our business. Our partnership with Path 2 Change began in 2018 and what started as a fundraising relationship has developed into a broader commitment to practical support, awareness, work experience and opportunity. It is a reminder that even a small business can help create positive change when its customers, staff and community are invited to be part of something purposeful.
“It is inspiring that Matt and his team are leading the way by taking up the challenge of responding to homelessness at a community level by investing in our youth to create life changing opportunities.”
JEN O’SULLIVAN –
Executive Manager –
Path2Change
Our partnership with Path 2 Change
Path 2 Change provides client-centred, strength-based support to young people who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness. Their work helps young people access education, training, employment pathways and the practical assistance needed to move towards independence and connection with community.
Through our partnership, Gundog Estate has helped support a range of Path 2 Change programs and initiatives. Funds raised through wine sales, member events, donations and special projects have contributed to practical needs such as food, rent, fuel, transport, interview clothing, course fees, equipment and other essentials that can make an immediate difference in a young person’s life.
Over time, the partnership has also expanded beyond direct fundraising. Together with Path 2 Change, we developed a “Pathways to Employment” program centred around hospitality work experience at our Pokolbin cellar door that includes education, training and a pathway to future employment opportunities. These experiences take place in a nurturing and supportive environment, where our staff are committed to helping young people build confidence, skills and a connection to the world of work.
“Knowing every bottle of wine we sell has the
potential to change a young person’s future truly
inspires our team.”
MATT BURTON – Gundog Estate – Winemaker & Owner
We have also helped raise awareness through a special limited-edition Gundog “Lived Experience” wine, with a label that shares stories of experiences and resilience. 100% of profits from the sale of Gundog Lived Experience are donated to Path 2 Change.
These projects give visibility to the challenges faced by young people impacted by homelessness, family breakdown, trauma, abuse and domestic and family violence — while also highlighting strength, recovery and the possibility of a more secure future.
More recently, Gundog Estate has supported practical Path 2 Change initiatives including driving lessons through the Pathway Wheels Program and sponsorship of Empower Me life-skills workshops. These programs speak directly to the real-world barriers many young people face: transport, independence, confidence, employment readiness and the everyday skills needed to move forward.
A continuing commitment
We are proud to stand alongside Path 2 Change and deeply grateful to our customers for helping make this partnership possible. The challenges faced by young people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness are complex. But practical support, genuine opportunity and consistent community commitment can make an enormous difference.
For Gundog Estate, social sustainability is about using our business as a platform for positive contribution. Wine brings people together; through this partnership, it also helps create pathways towards safety, independence and hope for young people.
How can you help?
The Gundog Estate community has played an essential role in this partnership. Every donation, event ticket, wine club membership and special release connected to Path 2 Change helps extend the impact of their work.
You can support Path 2 Change through Gundog Estate by:
- Making a donation online or at one of our cellar doors
- Attending Gundog Estate events that support Path 2 Change
- Joining our wine club and supporting the broader work of the business
- Purchasing special releases or limited-edition wines linked to the partnership (you can purchase The Lived Experience Shiraz here)
- Sharing the Path 2 Change story with others
One hundred per cent of customer donations made through Gundog Estate go towards supporting Path 2 Change programs.
Want to know more ?
To learn more about Path 2 Change and the Gundog Estate partnership, visit:
Path 2 Change — Gundog Work Experience
https://www.path2change.org.au/gundog-work-experience/
Path 2 Change
https://www.path2change.org.au
