In a sector often defined by systems and structure, Dominic Porter is redefining what it means to truly care. As Co-Founder of All Care Australia Group, the proud sponsor of our Sustainability Spotlight, Porter has built an organization that puts people, especially vulnerable children and young people, at the center of everything it does.
We recently sat down with Porter to explore how his leadership is driving positive change, the values shaping All Care Australia Group’s work and why social sustainability must sit at the heart of every business. Let’s dive in.
All Care Australia Group is an example of a business using its platform as a force for good. What inspired the company to adopt a purpose-driven approach?
The inspiration behind our purpose-driven approach stems from a deep understanding of the impact trauma, abuse and neglect can have on children and young people. We recognize these vulnerable groups need more than just support – they need dedicated care, resources and a safe space to heal.
This awareness drives our commitment to creating a platform that empowers children, young people and their families to heal, rebuild their lives and break the trauma cycle.
Sustainability often focuses on environmental initiatives, but your work highlights the often overlooked social impact aspect. How does All Care Australia Group create a positive social impact through its work?
We focus on the healing journey and increasing the sense of safety for children and young people who have faced adversity. We offer tailored, trauma-informed services to help them regain their sense of security, self-worth and hope for the future.
“The inspiration behind our purpose-driven approach stems from a deep understanding of the impact trauma, abuse and neglect can have on children and young people.”
By supporting these children and young people, and where possible, their families and networks, we foster healthier, more resilient individuals and families, and reduce reliance on tertiary welfare responses.
Caring for others is at the heart of what you do. What does that look like in action, both for your clients and your team?
We subscribe to the ethos that how we care for our team members translates to how they then care for their clients. For clients, it means compassionate, individualized support, where their voices are heard and needs are met with respect and empathy.
For our team, it’s about continuous training, a positive work environment and a culture of mutual respect. When staff feel supported, they’re empowered to make a lasting difference.
What role does human connection play in the care services you provide?
Human connection is at the heart of our services. Building trust, empathy, mutual respect and understanding is essential for creating an environment where both our clients and staff feel psychologically safe and supported.
We prioritize genuine relationships with everyone we work with, guided by our saying, ‘Connection before correction’. Establishing trust opens the door to meaningful intervention.
Is there a story you’re particularly proud of?
While confidentiality limits specifics, we’ve had many adolescents enter our care feeling disengaged and overlooked.
Through our social enterprise cafe, we provide workplace experience and build their confidence. And many go on to secure employment, using this experience as a launching pad for their future. Stories like this remind us why we do what we do every day and make the hard days easier.
Trust is vital in the care industry. How does All Care Australia Group build trusted relationships with clients and families?
Trust takes time, but building it is fundamental to the care we provide. For this, we lead with our values – respect, integrity and safety – and focus on transparent communication, empathy and developing personalized care plans.
“Human connection is at the heart of our services.”
By continuously striving for excellence and doing what we say we will do, we build relationships based on mutual respect and trust.
Why is a personalized approach key to the Group’s ongoing success?
A one-size-fits-all model doesn’t work. Every child and family is unique, with different experiences and goals.
We use agile, evidence-based methodologies tailored to each case, empowering individuals to take control of their own journey and achieve better outcomes.
What are some of the biggest challenges facing the care sector, and how is the Group working to address them?
Staff retention, workload stress and safety are major issues. To tackle this, we foster a supportive workplace with regular debriefing sessions, supervision and bespoke training.
We also stay engaged with industry forums to help shape and strengthen the sector’s future.
What does sponsoring The CEO Magazine’s Sustainability Spotlight mean to you?
Sponsoring The CEO Magazine’s Sustainability Spotlight is a true honor for us. It allows us to showcase the value of socially impactful work achieved with vulnerable children and families.
We hope this sponsorship encourages more businesses and leaders to take action and contribute to shaping a better future for society and generations to come.
What advice would you give to other businesses looking to create social impact in their own way?
Start by understanding the needs of your community and identifying the key levers that can drive meaningful change. Listen to those with lived experience, review the research and build strategic partnerships.
“A one-sized-fits-all model doesn’t work. Every child and family is unique, with different experiences and goals.”
Use a theory-of-change framework and respond with evidence-based, agile solutions.
True impact comes when your business is aligned with the needs of society, committing to sustainable change rather than offering interim short-term fixes.
What does long-term success look like for All Care Australia Group in creating a more socially sustainable future?
Generational change. We want to see children and families move beyond trauma and thrive.
Success also means seeing our model adopted by others, expanding our impact far beyond our immediate reach and for decades to come.
What role does leadership play in embedding social sustainability into your business culture?
Leadership must model the values we stand for – care, empathy and accountability. We invest in people, hold regular leadership forums and create an environment where everyone is empowered to drive change.
If you could summarize All Care Australia Group’s mission in one sentence, what would it be?
We empower children, young people and their families by delivering innovative services that uphold human rights, promote wellbeing and ensure safety through a therapeutic, inclusive partnership.
What’s the best leadership advice you’ve ever been given?
Good leadership hinges on prioritizing strong working relationships. Relationships are the vehicle to connection with other people, enabling honest conversations.
Through these conversations, shared objectives can be clarified, support can be identified, a high-performance culture can be developed and future success can be followed through with commitment.
