The Guardian of Change: Where Courage and Healing Come to Life
KIDS Foundation
A powerful new exhibition is set to shine a light on the extraordinary bond between humans and horses, and the life-changing work of the KIDS Foundation. The Guardian of Change will bring together inspiring photography and breathtaking art to celebrate courage, resilience and healing.
This October, the KIDS Foundation, with the generous support of the MRC Foundation, invites you to a deeply moving celebration of courage, connection and resilience with The Guardian of Change – an intimate photographic showcase that captures the transformative power of the human–horse bond.
Through more than 30 powerful images by photographer Nicole Cleary, including images from Tour d’Horse 2025, guests will experience moments of hope, healing, and human spirit. At the heart of the showcase is The Guardian, a breathtaking freehand masterpiece by Rafael Medeiros that beautifully portrays childhood innocence, the trust between humans and horses, and the wisdom that comes with age.
“I’m thrilled to present THE GUARDIAN OF CHANGE, an exhibition designed to captivate audiences with powerful images that showcase the life-changing work of the KIDS Foundation and the extraordinary bond between humans and horses.
“We are forever grateful to the talented artists who have so generously donated their time and skills to bring this vision to life. Photographer Nicole Cleary captures not just images, but the very soul of each story, while The Guardian, a masterpiece by Rafael Medeiros, beautifully portrays the innocence of a child, the deep emotional connection with the horse, and the wisdom that comes with maturity,” said Dr. Susie O’Neill OAM, Founder and CEO of the KIDS Foundation.
Nicole Cleary reflected on her experience:
“Being a witness to the effects of being a part of the KIDS Foundation Tour d’Horse was a privilege I will hold dear to my soul for the rest of my life. The horses, the participants, the volunteers, no one was immune to the healing of huge proportions, and I hope I captured that in these photographs. Everyone deserves to know a horse.”
Link to the images (Credit to Nicole Cleary):
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1WadxHywPIqC7ftGcc__oOQDlB0BWDPas
Artist Rafael Medeiros shared his vision for The Guardian:
“Through The Guardian, I wanted to illustrate courage, trust, and the profound connection between the child, the woman, and the horse. Each piece represents my artistic vision, shaped with Susie’s input, adding depth to the masterpiece’s concept. It’s a privilege to contribute to a cause that empowers children and celebrates resilience.”
Link to the artwork (Credit to Rafael Medeiros):
https://drive.google.com/file/d/14L0p331NbfADUM-SYtqvpGLDKM8Y2SEJ/view?usp=drive_link
Caitrin Kelly Chair of the MRC Foundation:
“On behalf of the MRC Foundation, we’re so pleased to be collaborating with the KIDS Foundation in bringing this wonderful exhibition to life at Caulfield. It was an honour to represent the MRC Foundation in the 2025 edition of the KIDS Foundation Tour d’Horse and has provided me with memories that will last a lifetime. I hope our members and visitors to the exhibition find inspiration in the stunning work produced by these talented artists, and can recognise the genuine beauty that is the horse.”
Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, 14 October 2025 – Opening night launch event
Time: 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Location: Grand Lobby, 161 Collins Street, Melbourne
The full exhibition will run for four days in the lobby at 161 Collins Street, with a select collection of photographs also on display during trackside as part the Caulfield Cup Carnival, giving racegoers a unique preview of the powerful imagery. Racegoers can view the images on the ground floor of the Rupert Clarke Stand.
Alongside the trauma survivors who have been part of the KIDS Foundation programs familiar faces showcased at the exhibition include leading trainers Annabel Archibald and Sam Freedman, Olympian Amanda Ross, KIDS Foundation ambassadors Georgina Burke and Emma Hawkins, and actor Tom Burlinson.
Guests will also have the rare opportunity to acquire The Guardian and selected photographs, with all proceeds supporting the vital work of the KIDS Foundation.
About the MRC Foundation and KIDS Foundation Connection
The MRC Foundation has been a long-standing support of the critical work of the KIDS Foundation. Having participated as a slot holder in the inaugural Tour d'Horse event, and continuing to support the event annually, they have signed on once more to saddle up in 2026. In addition, the KIDS Foundation has been a partner of the MRC Foundation's annual Chairty Race Day, that raises over $300,000 for local charities.
About the KIDS Foundation
KIDS stands for - ‘Kids In Dangerous Situations’.
A not-for-profit charity for children with traumatic life-altering injuries, burns, and rare genetic conditions that affect appearances and capabilities.
Our purpose is to help differently abled children and families in their recovery from horrific trauma, injuries and life-altering rare genetic conditions, and educate to promote safety and wellbeing.
The support we provide is life-long. Our people are of all ages, because little people grow to become big people!
Our Impact: We reach 300,000 to 400,000 children and families through KIDS Foundation Recovery and Education Programs each year. The support we provide is life-long, and our participants are of all ages, races and genders.
Mission: Our mission is to ‘Build Strong Lives’ through empowerment, Recovery and Education programs.
Vision: Every child is safe, free from harm and injury.
Values: Trust, Loyalty, Kindness, Respect, Acceptance.
Contact details:
Melanie Mullen – KIDS Foundation
PR, Media & Communications 0418 331 994
Scott Reinemann - BossMan media 0416 050 212