Born from one act of compassion,
built for every child.
It started with one child, one birthday, and one life-changing moment.
Friend in Me was founded in response to a story that stopped Louise Larkin in her tracks. While driving to work one morning, she heard a mother on the radio talk about her six-year-old son, Logan, who has Spina Bifida. He’d invited his classmates to his birthday party — and not a single child showed up. No balloons, no laughter, no friends. Just an empty room and a heartbroken little boy.
That moment changed everything.
Louise was a high-achieving corporate professional, but Logan’s story stirred something deeper. She couldn’t ignore the pain of exclusion — and she knew she had to act. So she threw a party. Not just for Logan, but for every child who had ever felt left out.
That single act of kindness became a movement.
Since then, Friend in Me has grown into a registered charity dedicated to creating inclusive communities through events, play, and connection. We exist so that no child ever feels invisible. Every event, every program, every interaction is guided by one simple belief:
Every child deserves to belong.
Building a world where no child is left behind.
At Friend in Me, our purpose is simple yet powerful: to ensure every child feels seen, celebrated, and included — no matter their differences.
We believe inclusion is where mental wellbeing begins. Through joyful events, sensory-friendly spaces, and community-led programs, we create environments where children of all abilities feel safe to be themselves, connect with others, and thrive.
Our vision is of a future where difference is embraced, where kindness leads, and where every child — regardless of ability, background, or circumstance — grows up with a deep sense of belonging.
We exist not only to create memorable moments, but to shift mindsets. Our work goes beyond play — we aim to influence how schools teach, how communities connect, and how businesses lead with compassion. By educating, advocating, and celebrating inclusion, we’re planting the seeds for lifelong impact — one child, one family, and one act of connection at a time.
Because when a child feels they belong, everything changes.
Turning inclusion into action.
Through a range of inclusive initiatives, Friend in Me creates safe, joyful spaces where every child feels connected and supported. From play-based events to school programs, our work nurtures belonging and builds emotional resilience – one experience at a time.
Pop-up play, family days & community celebrations.
Purpose-built environments for calming, creative exploration.
INCLUZION sessions to support kids, families & professionals.
Teaching kindess, boundaries & emotional awareness.
The Hearts behind the Movement.
Our team is made up of passionate, creative, and purpose-driven individuals who bring diverse experiences, and a shared belief in inclusion to everything we do. From planning joyful events to shaping big-picture change, they are the driving force behind Friend in Me’s mission to make every child feel seen, supported, and celebrated.
Together, we’re building something bigger than ourselves – A world where no child is ever left out.
Click one of the photos below to find out more.
Louise is a loving wife and devoted mother of three girls (Giselle, Florence and Annabelle) and in April 2023, will be adding a baby boy into the Larkin clan.
Louise’s professional career began in hospitality and events at Crown Melbourne and she has never looked back.
When Louise was on maternity leave with her daughter Giselle she started a mums support group ‘West Assured Mums’ to help mothers on the journey of parenthood through trust, kindness and friendship.
When Louise learnt back in 2016 that children were missing out on going to parties her heart broke and she knew she had to make a change so Friend In Me was born.
Louise loves nothing else than seeing other people smile, especially our children.
Louise is committed to breaking the stigma of any child left behind and feeling lonely.
Naomi is the founder of The Cool To Be Kind Project, a global social enterprise.
After a devastating battle with infertility and a subsequent hysterectomy, Naomi has found other ways to make an impact on this world and proudly shares her story of survival and courage.
Naomi has a background in Psychology and 10 years experience working within the disability sector both privately and at a Federal Government level.
Naomi has also written and published a children’s book “One Kind Day” and loves nothing more than baking at 3am whilst singing to Elton John.
Paul is an experienced chartered accountant with over 22 years of success in providing taxation and business services, he specialises in helping SME’s and high net worth families achieve financial success. Recognised amongst his peers for his strong communication skills and rapport with clients. Personally, he is married with two boys, and in his free time he enjoys sport, playing tennis and spending time with his family. Paul is also the Treasurer of the board for the non for profit organisation, Friend In Me.
ASIC Registered Agent
NTAA Member
Registered Tax Agent
Chartered Accountant (ICAA)
Brenda is a seasoned Change and Communications Manager who works on large transformation projects involving large IT changes for organisations.
Brenda is passionate about working with people ensuring everyone involved or touched by these projects is provided with the communications and training in a format that is accessible to them.
Brenda ensures everybody of any ability can be a contributing part of the change. Brenda has a background in Human Resources and Project Management, skills which still come in handy in her work.
As well as her day job, Brenda also makes leggings with impact by collaborating with charities to bring about a design which means something for them and then donating back part of the sales to help the charities raise much needed funds.
Brenda works towards making this world more inclusive for everyone and is still learning ways to do this through educating herself and spending time with groups who are not always included or felt heard.
Brenda has won a Gold of Ausmumpreneur award for her Business in the Rising Star Category and 2ndplace in Pivoting a Business, has co-authored a book about the mistakes not to make when starting businesses and is about to start her second co-author stint with Tererai Trent (Oprah’s favourite author). Brenda also made the Australian Roller Derby Teams uniforms (for the women and the men) when they travelled to Barcelona in 2019 and won several medals! We know it was the uniforms that gave them the edge.
Brenda loves travel and with the new work from anywhere world is hoping to combine travel and work in the future. Brenda has a great sense of humour and adventure and will do almost anything to assist with publicity for a good cause or her leggings business. She says almost as sky diving and bungee jumping are off the table.
Peta Hooke is a passionate disability advocate based in Melbourne. She lives with the lifelong disability of Cerebral Palsy and uses her voice; shaped by both lived experience and university qualifications in Business, Accessible Tourism, and Access and Inclusion; to educate, connect, and challenge assumptions.
She is the creator and host of The I Can’t Stand Podcast, a weekly show that explores life with disability through conversations with fellow disabled guests. Peta has interviewed a wide range of people including advocates, performers, politicians, business owners, and authors each with their own powerful story to share. Peta has her own stories too, like that unforgettable day she was rescued by six firemen from a library (yes, really). Expect heart, insight, and a bit of a laugh.
In 2025, she launched Eggs, a deeply personal limited-series podcast documenting her journey navigating fertility preservation as a disabled woman. The series sparked vital conversations about ableism, accessibility, reproductive rights, and the medical system.
Beyond the podcast studio, Peta is a sought-after disability consultant, helping educators, tourism providers, workplaces, and creative industries improve access and inclusion. She also proudly serves on the board of the Australian charity Friend In Me.
When she’s not working, you’ll find Peta happiest in the sunshine, sipping margaritas and sharing laughs with friends.
With a career spanning both private practice and in-house roles as General Counsel for commercial and residential builders, Donna Abu-Elias brings a wealth of experience to the legal landscape. She founded Spectrum Lawyers & Consultants driven by her passion for the building and construction industry—and the need for a practice that offers flexibility for both busy professionals and parents. As a mother of a child on the Autism Spectrum, Donna understands the importance of balancing professional ambition with personal commitments.
Donna was introduced to Friend In Me when her third child, Jayden, was diagnosed with Autism. Attending one of the organisation’s events became a turning point for her family. It was the first time Jayden felt truly at ease, thanks to the inclusive environment and thoughtful sensory spaces. That day also connected Donna with a community of support and understanding she hadn’t known before.
Now serving as Legal Director on the Friend In Me Board, Donna is committed to advancing the charity’s mission: to ensure no child is left behind, and that every family finds a place where they feel welcome, included, and able to make lasting memories.
Express your interest by completing our volunteer form.