The growing national partnership between genU and media group Nova Entertainment is creating meaningful connections and unforgettable experiences, both on the airwaves and in communities across Australia. 

United by shared values, genU and Nova actively turn up the volume on inclusion through a series of innovative collaborations. These include a backyard blitz‑style Nova Give Back Day, a vibrant Art for Good creative session, a Charity Golf Day, and regular on‑air interviews and cross‑promotion. 

Through this partnership, Nova presenters and team members step into the world of genU, while genU participants experience the buzz and excitement of live radio firsthand. The ongoing exchange between both organisations also opens pathways to employment opportunities and provides exclusive access to studio tours, sparking creativity, confidence and joy for participants.

Nova Give Back Day 

Teams from both organisations step away from radio studios, office desks and support work roles to make a tangible difference in the community during Nova Give Back Day. 

The day brings Nova staff together with genU employees, participants and the genU Property Care team to volunteer their time and skills. Through hands‑on landscaping, painting and creative work, volunteers help improve the environments where genU participants live, making spaces even more comfortable, welcoming and personal. 

With genU operating a range of accommodation options for people with disability across Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia, there is always an opportunity to enhance these homes and outdoor areas. 

Working alongside the genU Property Care team, which employs people with disability, volunteers roll up their sleeves, pull on gumboots and quite literally dig deep to create change. 

One recent Give Back Day took place in Perth’s inner north, where genU residents live in a spacious duplex with a large tree in the expansive garden. After enduring years of harsh Australian sun, the backyard needed renewal. 

Importantly, residents were involved from the very beginning, having a say in how they wanted their home environment improved. Susan, one of the housemates, shared how meaningful the transformation has been. 

 “The recent makeover makes such a difference, with new chairs to sit on, plants and banana trees, freshly painted seats, and even a BBQ lunch. It really brightens up the space and makes it feel like home.” 

In total, 50 volunteers came together for a full day of large‑scale landscaping and painting. The refreshed outdoor space now features new lawn areas, fruit and vegetable garden beds, and fresh mulch surrounding the shady tree at the centre of the backyard. 

Running for the past three years, Nova Give Back Day continues to make a lasting impact at genU. Beyond improving the look of spaces, these upgrades foster pride, ownership and connection. genU support teams build on this by introducing simple routines, such as watering schedules, so residents can take an active role in caring for their environment. 

Art for Good 

Nova presenters Jase and Lauren donned white overalls to join genU participants for a vibrant splash art session as part of Art for Good. 

Side by side, they dived into hands‑on creativity, embracing the fun, colour and expressive energy of the experience. Throughout the session, the Nova team also took time to sit down with participants for relaxed, conversational interviews, giving each person the opportunity to share their story, their personality and what being part of genU means to them. 

Together, participants and presenters created a series of collaborative artworks, later displayed at the prestigious Flinders Lane Gallery. The exhibition celebrated what’s possible when creativity and inclusion come together. 

Following the art session, participants were invited into the Nova studio to listen to Jase and Lauren live on air. They enjoyed a behind‑the‑mic glimpse into how a radio station operates, while the hosts promoted the artwork on air and online.

After the exhibition, the artworks were returned to participants, and Nova generously supported genU with a donation to help continue its important work. 

Smooth FM Golf Day 

genU proudly joined the annual Smooth FM Golf Day, hosted by Nova’s sister station, as the charity partner on the picturesque Mornington Peninsula. 

Hosted by Smooth FM’s Cameron Daddo, the day brought together more than 80 players for a relaxed round of golf. genU hosted a hole‑in‑one competition, encouraging players to get involved, donate, and go into the draw to win a Maldives getaway thanks to Luxury Escapes. 

Throughout the day, the genU team connected with attendees, sharing insights into genU’s services and the impact of its work. During the three‑course lunch, Victorian State Manager Barb Cronin highlighted genU’s proud 70‑year history, while genU Training contributed an exclusive training package to the silent auction. 

Off the green, the local genU team showcased participant made products, including jams and chutneys. Guests had the opportunity to support genU directly while learning more about the programs behind the products and the meaningful employment they provide to people with disability. 

A Partnership That Keeps Growing 

The partnership between Nova Entertainment and genU continues to strengthen, with its impact felt across the many communities genU supports. As awareness grows, more people gain a deeper understanding of genU’s services and the importance of building genuinely inclusive communities. 

And there’s more to come, with another Nova Give Back Day planned for Melbourne later this year.