Australia is a free country, isn’t it?
It isn’t, and you can help us make a difference.The number of known and reported cases of modern slavery in Australia is believed to be understated, with only 1 in 5 being detected.
The Freedom Hub was founded on a simple but powerful belief: freedom is a human right, not a privilege. Help us support victims today.
Our Story & Mission
Starting alone, with no funding or team, Sally opened The Freedom Hub as a place where survivors of slavery could begin again, safely, gently, and on their own terms. She launched a social enterprise café to fund the work, building a business that models the very change it seeks to create: one that empowers people, values ethics over exploitation, and puts people before profit.
“Once you have heard, you cannot unhear. Once you have seen, you cannot unsee. Start with what you can do, work on doing more, and eventually you are doing what seemed impossible.”
— Sally Irwin, Founder
Today, The Freedom Hub is Australia’s only long-term, wraparound care provider for survivors of modern slavery. We are entirely independently funded, and 100% of our profits go toward helping survivors rebuild their lives with dignity.
Our mission is simple:
- End slavery in Australia
- Help survivors recover and thrive
- Partner in the global fight to end slavery
We believe the next 10 years will be transformational. Our 2034 Vision is bold: a national expansion of Survivor Schools, ethical business partnerships in every state, and over 10,000 survivors supported into freedom and independence.
What Is Modern Slavery?
Modern slavery still exists in homes, businesses, supply chains, and communities across Australia. It can take many forms: forced labour, domestic servitude, human trafficking, or forced marriage. And often, it hides in plain sight.
Estimates vary, but the 2023 Global Slavery Index suggests that around 41,000 people were living in modern slavery in Australia in 2021, that’s approximately 1.6 people for every 1,000. The Australian Government identifies around 1,500 victims, but research from the Australian Institute of Criminology suggests only one in five victims are ever detected.
49.6 million people live in slavery globally
An estimated 41,000 people live in slavery in Australia
Only 1,500 have been identified by the Australian Government
Only 1 in 5 victims are detected.
What We Do
Modern slavery is hidden in plain sight — in homes, businesses, supply chains, and service industries. But together, we can do something about it.
At The Freedom Hub, we tackle slavery through four powerful pillars:
Free, trauma-informed education and employment readiness programs that help survivors rebuild from the inside out.
We train and equip businesses to identify, prevent, and address modern slavery risks within their operations.
Our Sydney venue funds our mission while offering a space for community, connection, and celebration, with zero slavery in our supply chain.
Our curated ethical gift collections make it easy for anyone, anywhere in Australia, to join the movement.
How We Work + Our Impact
Our approach is different. We are survivor-informed and survivor-led. That means survivors help shape the programs we run, the policies we advocate for, and the services we deliver. We listen first, and then we act.
Our care model is not a quick fix. It’s long-term, trauma-aware, and built on the belief that true healing takes time, trust, and choice.
We don’t receive government funding. We are powered by people like you, conscious consumers, courageous donors, and ethical businesses who believe in real change.
In the past 10 years, your support has helped us:
- See 75% of survivors enter work or education within 12 months
- Train over 400 businesses to reduce the risk of modern slavery
- Reach 250,000+ people across Australia through education and events.
When I escaped, I had no identity, no support, and no hope. But at The Freedom Hub, I found safety, skills, and the belief that I could start again.
Recognition, Values & Trust
We are deeply committed to transparency and integrity. Everything we do is grounded in values that protect people and prioritise purpose.
Our Core Values
ENCOURAGE those around you
EXCELLENCE in everything we do
EASY GOING in fun demeanour
ENGAGED in the moment/media
EQUALITY + for every human
Trusted Credentials
- NSW Social Enterprise of the Year (2024)
- Accredited by Social Traders
- Accredited by People Planet First
- Verified by Global Good Market and SEWF (Social Enterprise World Forum)
- Verified as a ‘Responsible Cafe’
- DGR charity with 100% reinvestment of profits
- Independently audited and impact tracked
Partnerships and Networks
The Freedom Hub works with NGOs, businesses, and the government to help fight modern slavery in Australia. We have participated in and continue to participate in Australia’s National Action Plan and are members of the Commonwealth 8.7 Network.
Join the Movement
We believe a slavery-free Australia is possible. But we can’t do it alone.
Whether you’re a business owner, policymaker, philanthropist, or simply someone who cares, you have a role to play in building a future where no human is bought, sold, or forgotten.