About Highway Foundation
Highway Foundation are Australia’s leading charity in cultivating inner connection for young people. We recognise the growing need for young people to have safe spaces where they can be seen, heard, and known. We make our impact through a host of school programs, community events, meaning-making retreats, and our flagship online peer-led sessions. More recently, Highway have taken on policy reform and have begun advocacy in bringing visibility to more holistic, non-clinical pathways to mental health care.
From the ground up, founder and CEO Lela McGregor has worked in consultation with young people, wellbeing researchers, schools, and First Nations contemplative leaders to truly understand the landscape of young people’s wellbeing needs and how best to serve this population through the lens of relational care.
Vision
Highway Foundation is the gold standard for connection, ensuring that no person feels alone but feel empowered by their life journey and that contemplative practices become a cornerstone of everyday life.
We envision a future where loneliness is no longer an epidemic, but a challenge we have overcome through meaningful connection, deep listening, and self-awareness.
In this world, people are not just surrounded by others—they feel understood, valued, and empowered in their own journey. Contemplative practices, self-reflection, and intentional spaces for connection become an integral part of everyday life
Mission
01
Designing a Culture of Connection
Connection isn’t just something that happens—it’s something we design, cultivate, and sustain. At Highway, we create experiences that foster real & meaningful relationships.
02
The Whole-Person Approach
We believe true connection starts with understanding the three core elements of human experience: 🧠 Mind, 🏃♂️ Body,💡 Spirit. This isn’t about religious spirituality —it’s about how we connect with ourselves and others.
03
Practical Tools for Real Connection
We use Contemplative practices to encourage self-reflection. Deep listening techniques to foster genuine understanding & Community-driven support to ensure no one feels alone setting a standard for a connected future.
During Melbourne’s first COVID lockdown, young people started asking deeper questions about purpose, identity, and belonging. Lela McGregor (founder & CEO), a life coach and international wellbeing educator, noticed a pattern—young people weren’t looking for advice, they were looking for space to be heard. Seeing the gap, she began shaping a new approach to youth wellbeing.
Highway Foundation became a registered charity, allowing it to receive donations and expand its reach. Approved for DGR (Deductible Gift Recipient) Status.
Our first cohort successfully graduated to be certified & a network of trained facilitators was established to hold space for young people.
The first peer-led group sessions and 1-on-1 support programs were launched. These programs provided a new, non-clinical pathway for youth to explore their inner world without pressure or judgment.
Today, Highway Foundation has journeyed alongside over 3,000 young people, offering them the space to be seen, heard, and empowered. And this is just the beginning!
Be a part of Highway
Be part of the change
