About The Sanctuary of Embracing Difference

We have different coloured skin, religious beliefs, nationalities, traditions and sexual orientation; still we are all human beings. We all deserve access to good health care, equal rights, education that speaks to our way of learning, social and emotional wellness; and as we aged, good quality aged care.
This organisation, a not for profit benevolent institution, was founded by Leanne Phillips, whose work in the community encapsulates her giving heart and desire to create inclusive, healthy and successful communities.

Our Purpose

The Sanctuary of Embracing Difference provides creative and sustainable solutions to communities and peoples by successfully delivering a holistic social and emotional wellbeing approach to mentoring, training, assessing, and coaching including natural therapy programs and strategies specific to each diverse demographic; partnering with various Indigenous and non indigenous peoples and companies.

Creating relationships and networks within these communities with honesty, trust, and commitment.

Our Vision

To provide relief in diverse ways to the following peoples:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples
Women at risk of domestic violence and incarceration
Children at risk of domestic violence, drug and alcohol misuse/abuse
Elderly at risk of elder abuse, or loneliness and helplessness
Job Seekers rebuilding self-esteem growing hope, addressing helplessness
Men who perpetrate domestic violence, or who are homeless

Directors

 

Leanne Phillips

Leanne-Phillips

“If I can make a difference then I have succeeded”

Healer, Teacher, Mentor, Guide and Connector….Leanne Phillips has dedicated her life to working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people…a passionate campaigner for a holistic approach to humanity, she is a creator and serial entrepreneur.
Her expertise lies in developing and delivering social and emotional wellbeing programs to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as well as migrant Australians.
A professional mentor, trainer and assessor; her commitment to awakening people’s potential is strong. Over the past 10 years, she has started a number of successful organisations that focus on helping people eliminate the box of society and reach towards a sustainable self.
As CEO of Healing to Employment, founder and Managing Director of The Sanctuary of Embracing Difference and Oasis of Inner Light, her focus is always on bringing people together. Her most recent project  with Sanctuary of Embracing Difference  is working towards building a multi-purpose aged care facility that will provide services for LGBTQISB people. Her mission is to create a place where acceptance and love know no bounds.
Leanne’s approach to mentoring and leadership is a reflection of her spirit and heart. She believes a mentor is more than just a person to focus on one area of life; her mentoring is a unique blend of confidant, best friend, coach and parent; a truly holistic approach.
She believes that to grow the seed of self, and to live as one community, we need to heal the spirit of individuals. The path to healing is paved with forgiveness and acceptance of all.
Her career has spanned multiple agencies including government, helping her develop programs that can assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with education, employment and life skills. As an Aboriginal woman, her insights into real issues have helped her hone the services she provides with a focus on personal responsibility, life skills and social pressures.
Leanne is certain she can make a difference by providing creative and sustainable solutions for her communities and peoples. Her understanding of issues underpins the work she does helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people reconnect with their spirit.
Her Living Cultural Heritage Workshops, Women’s Business Workshops, Retreats, Reconnecting with The Land Workshops, and understanding the aging population of current LGBTQISB Elders and a need to grow the next generation of leaders are well attended and well respected.

 


 

Yvonne Orley

Yvonne-OrleyYvonne takes pride in her Aboriginal background with family in the G/Kamiloroi area (Sth Qld and Nth NSW).  She has four children and eight grandchildren.

Yvonne is a Registered Nurse, has a Graduate Dip in Health Education, Diploma of Disability, Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training and Frontline Management. She has worked in government as a policy and project officer and worked in community development with the establishment of NGO self-help groups.

Yvonne is the Spiritual leader of the Westside Spiritual Haven based at Camira, Ipswich; she assists people with their spiritual development through guest speaking, group work, meditation and one to one sessions.

Yvonne is owner of Orley Supported Accommodation which provides support to people with intellectual disabilities, mental illness and acquired brain injury in the form of housing and support services.