Just three months ago, an 18-year-old named AJ was so withdrawn he barely spoke to anyone in his youth program. On Saturday, December 20, 2025, he stood before a crowd of 16,000 people at Gosford's Carols in the Stadium, his voice strong and clear.
A Voice for the Unbroken
AJ was performing as part of the Unbroken Carollers, a group of eight young Australians who have survived difficult childhoods. The choir was formed by the Central Coast not-for-profit, Musicians Making a Difference (MMAD), as part of their Sounds Like Home fundraiser appeal this year.
"We are a voice for all the kids who have gone through similar stuff that all of us have, and we can hopefully make a change and let them know that they are not alone," AJ told the Newcastle Herald.
One Last Shot at a Better Life
AJ's path to the stage was paved with hardship. He grew up in a broken home in country NSW, surrounded by domestic violence and addiction, and experienced homelessness. A couple of years ago, while homeless and in a tough situation, a youth employment agency told him about MMAD's Catch A Falling STAR scholarship for special, traumatised and at-risk youth.
"I signed up thinking I'll give one last shot at trying to get better," AJ said. The program is designed to break negative cycles through music and mentoring.
After entering the program, AJ moved to the Central Coast in September 2024 to be closer to MMAD's base. He stayed in refuges and, at one point, had to quickly find a hotel when his time at a refuge ended.
"It's given me the tools I need to work through all the trauma I've been through, and look at life in a positive way," he explained. "I always have someone I can go and talk to. It has given me a family, and a home, and that is all I ever really wanted."
Light at the End of the Tunnel
AJ admits he was "rough around the edges" when he first arrived, but says the MMAD team pushed him in the right direction. His transformation is stark. He now lives in his own place with his girlfriend, just minutes from the beach.
His passion for the Unbroken Carollers stems from a desire to help others. "I want them to know that there's always light at the end of the tunnel, no matter what you are going through," AJ said.
Meanwhile, MMAD co-founder Dominic Brook said the charity's first public fundraiser is still well below its $30,000 goal. The money is crucial to fund rent, electricity, food, and resources for participants.
"We help give a home to hundreds of at-risk young people and help them heal and find their potential and create safer communities," Mr Brook said. He is also hoping to develop a branch of the charity in Newcastle, but noted that would require securing significant funding and capacity.
