Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Survivors Group Incorporated (HKSG) is a community-based charity supporting people experiencing vulnerability, trauma, isolation, disability-related barriers, and major life disruption.

Originally established as a survivor-focused support network, HKSG has evolved through many years of community involvement, peer connection, practical support, and grassroots community participation.

At HKSG, many conversations begin the same way — around a coffee table, a shared project, a workshop bench, or a relaxed online chat.

We believe calm, welcoming environments can make it easier for people to reconnect socially, exchange practical knowledge, rebuild confidence, or simply spend time around others without pressure or judgement.

Small practical support can make a meaningful difference.

Over time, we have seen how vulnerability is often increased by:

• isolation
• disability-related barriers
• financial hardship
• trauma
• loss of confidence
• limited access to practical assistance
• difficulty reconnecting with community life

HKSG aims to help reduce these barriers through practical autonomy, accessibility, inclusion, peer connection, and community participation.

A Community-Based Approach

HKSG is not a clinical service or large institution.

We are a grassroots community organisation built around practical support, respectful conversation, shared problem-solving, and community participation. Whether activities take place in a café, online group chat, community space, or garage workshop, we aim to create calm and approachable environments where people feel welcome.

Our developing programs may include:

• adaptive independence initiatives
• equipment rescue and reuse
• accessibility support
• practical technology assistance
• inclusive recreation and participation activities
• peer connection and referral guidance

We believe many people benefit from practical assistance, skill-sharing, community participation, and opportunities to reconnect safely with everyday life.

Community Skills & Participation

HKSG values practical knowledge, creativity, curiosity, and lived experience.

We welcome involvement from:
• carers
• retired tradespeople
• engineers and technicians
• IT hobbyists
• disability advocates
• makers and adaptive tinkerers
• people with lived experience of recovery, disability, trauma, or isolation

Many small practical adaptations can help improve independence, accessibility, confidence, participation, and dignity.

Some of the best ideas and community connections begin over coffee, conversation, and shared practical projects.

Our History

HKSG has a long history of grassroots community involvement and survivor-focused advocacy.

The archive images below reflect different stages of the organisation’s development, local engagement, practical community activities, and participation over time.

HKSG has published peer-reviewed research on the neurological impact of verbal abuse. [See our publications →]

Important Information

HKSG is a community-based charity and not an emergency crisis service.

We do not provide:

• emergency accommodation
• crisis intervention
• legal advice
• clinical therapy

Where appropriate, we encourage people to access specialist services and emergency supports.

Highlighting elder abuse on White Ribbon Day at Hornsby Mall. Joy McDonald with Hornsby Mayor and former Attorney General of Australia, Mr Philip Ruddock AO at the Hornsby Mall.

Click articles to read.

Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai Survivors Group Inc.
A registered Australian charity
ABN 54 883 981 332