MinterEllison has advised longstanding pro bono client Whitelion Youth Agency Ltd (Whitelion) and its subsidiary on their merger with Kids First Australia (Kids First). The merger brings together two organisations that are aligned in values and purpose, and facilitates greater investment in innovation and service delivery children, youths and young families at risk, creating a national organisation operating under the Kids First Australia banner. The existing charitable programs offered by Whitelion will continue under Kids First, whilst allowing Kids First to expand its operations into New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia as a result of the merger.

The MinterEllison team was led by Partner Kate Koidl with support from Samantha Currie (Senior Associate) and James Mullins (Associate).

MinterEllison assisted with all legal aspects of the transaction – spanning Corporate, Taxation and Charities law teams and additional expertise and support from MinterEllison's Insurance, Workplace, Finance, Intellectual Property, Real Estate, Litigation, Information Technology, and Pro Bono specialists.

MinterEllison Partner Kate Koidl said "We're pleased to have supported Whitelion in this transformative merger with Kids First Australia. This collaboration embodies shared values and a unified vision, enabling greater innovation and expanded services for at-risk youth across Australia. At MinterEllison, we're proud to have provided our expertise to Whitelion as an important leader assisting young Australians in the not-for-profit sector, fostering this impactful union and the continuation of vital programs under Kids First Australia's new national umbrella."

About Whitelion

Established in 1999, Whitelion is a public benevolent institution registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) that provides relief to at risk youths, with a focus on reintegration on release, combatting disengagement and increasing pathways to work. MinterEllison has provided legal support on various occasions to Whitelion, including corporate M&A and governance, employment, litigation and regulatory on a pro bono basis since 2015.

About Kids First Australia

Kids First is an independent child, family and youth services provider and early learning specialist working to improve the lives of children and young people up to the age of 24. The organisation is an ACNC registered public benevolent institution that provides relief to children and young families, predominantly through its childcare centre and counselling programs for families at risk.