In her words – Nicolle Edwards on leading with purpose

This year, RizeUp Australia celebrates 10 years of making a real difference in the lives of families impacted by domestic and family violence. The Foundation and Five V Capital support the marquee Homes Program as well as the Health and Wellbeing Hub.

At the heart of RizeUp is Nicolle Edwards, the Founder and CEO. Nicolle’s passion and drive have helped RizeUp grow into a national movement of hope and practical support. We caught up with Nicolle to hear about the journey, the challenges and milestones along the way, and her growth plans for the future.

Can you take us back to the beginning — what was the moment that inspired you to start RizeUp?

RizeUp Australia was born from heartbreak—but also from hope.

My journey in this space began when my life intersected with the story of a young mother who had fled from one side of Australia to the other—three long days on a train, holding a baby in her arms, with three other little ones by her side. All she had with her was a small backpack and a handbag. No belongings. No home to go to. Just her courage and the instinct to survive.

She had done the bravest thing imaginable – left everything behind to protect her children. But when she arrived, there was nothing. No safety net. No welcoming hand. No way to begin again.

Hearing her story ignited something fierce in me—the flames of injustice roared. I couldn’t look away, and I couldn’t unhear it. I knew in that moment that we, as a community, had to do better. That everyday Australians, united in empathy, could rise up and be the difference.

What would you say has been one of the most powerful lessons you’ve learned along the way?

Leading RizeUp through the highs, heartbreaks, rapid growth, and constant change has stretched me in ways I never expected. But if I had to distil one of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned along the way, it’s this: you don’t have to have all the answers to show up and make a difference.

There’s this misconception that leadership means having it all together—that you need a flawless plan and a clear path before you take that first step. But the reality?

Sometimes, you step forward with your heart first, not your head. If we rely solely on our heads, we mightn’t step forward at all.

And when you’re doing work that matters this deeply—when you’re walking alongside individuals and families in crisis—you learn quickly that the most powerful thing you can offer is your presence, your compassion, and your willingness to keep showing up—to step forward.

What anchors us is this unshakable belief in our purpose. When you’re guided by that and surrounded by a team and a community that cares deeply, you find the courage to rise.

So that’s the big lesson: you don’t need perfection. You need purpose, people, and the courage to say yes—even when the path ahead isn’t clear. That’s where the magic happens.

With such a large and dedicated network of volunteers, how do you maintain a strong sense of purpose and connection?

For us, it’s always been about heart. RizeUp was built on the power of community—people coming together not because they have to but because they choose to. That sense of purposelives and breathes in every volunteer, supporter, and partner who shows up to be part of the village.

We don’t take that lightly. We work hard to make sure everyone feels seen, valued, and deeply connected to the impact they’re creating. Whether celebrating a home being completed, sharing stories from the families we support, or just picking up the phone for a chat – we always come back to why we’re here.

And honestly, the magic lies in the fact that this movement is driven by humans who lead with empathy and kindness.

Connection doesn’t happen by accident—it’s nurtured through gratitude, storytelling, and reminding each other that what we’re doing matters. At RizeUp, no one is just a cog in a machine. We’re all part of something bigger. A movement of changemakers, all walking shoulder to shoulder.

RizeUp is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. What does this milestone mean to you, the organisation and the broader cause?

It’s hard to put into words what this milestone means. Ten years—ten years of heartbreak and hope, grit and grace. Personally, it’s deeply emotional because RizeUp was never just an organisation. It was a response to a cry for help. It was a promise that we would not look away.

To stand here a decade on, knowing how far we’ve come, is overwhelming. It’s a reflection of every volunteer who’s rolled up their sleeves, every partner who’s backed us, every frontline worker who’s trusted us, and most importantly—every courageous person and family who’ve allowed us to walk alongside them during the darkest chapter of their lives.

For the organisation, this moment is a marker of growth and impact—but it’s also a reminder that our work is far from done. We’ve lit up well over 3,000 homes now, but we know each of those homes represents a story of survival, of courage, of starting again. And behind every number is a name, a face, a future.

For the broader cause, this anniversary is a rallying cry. It says that when a community comes together and we lead with purpose and compassion, real change is possible. We can build a world where violence is never tolerated, and dignity is restored.

So, while we pause to acknowledge this milestone, we do it with full hearts and clear eyes—ready to keep rising, keep showing up, and keep making a difference, one family at a time.

Looking ahead to the next 10 years, what impact will RizeUp continue to have on families affected by domestic violence?

The next 10 years hold so much promise because we’ve seen what’s possible when people come together with purpose. What we’ve built at RizeUp isn’t just a service—it’s a movement. And we’re only just getting started. I think about the children who will grow up in homes we haven’t created yet but will. I think about the families who, right now, don’t even know we exist—but, in the future, will be met with compassion, safety and dignity because of the work we’re doing today.

I’m excited to see our programs deepen and expand, to continue innovating in how we support recovery, and to amplify the voices of lived experience in everything we do. But more than anything, I’m excited to keep building our village. Because when we wrap around victim-survivors with unwavering support—when we remind them they’re not alone—that’s where the transformation happens.

The impact ahead isn’t just about numbers. It’s about changing generational stories. It’s about giving families not just shelter but a fresh start. That’s the future I see—and I can’t wait to keep walking towards it with the incredible community by our side.

And to Five V and the PNI Foundation—thank you for being in that community. Your belief in what we do is part of the very heartbeat of this movement. With your support, we’re not just dreaming big—we’re making it happen, and together, we’ll continue to rise – one family, one person at a time.