Relationships Australia NSW has launched a new campaign to raise awareness of its low-cost Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) services, offering separating couples a more affordable alternative to the legal route.

At a time when more separating families are staying under the same roof due to cost-of-living pressures, the financial and emotional strain of separation is becoming even harder to manage. The centrepiece of the campaign is an emotive new video depicting the chaos and uncertainty of modern co-parenting – from miscommunication to mounting pressure – before cutting to a calm, neutral setting with a mediator. 

Produced by Home Prod Co, the video was filmed in suburban Sydney and draws on raw, relatable moments from everyday life. 

“Separation can feel overwhelming and emotionally charged – especially when parenting and financial decisions are left unresolved,” said Relationships Australia NSW CEO Elisabeth Shaw. “This campaign is about showing that support is available, and that we can be a steady, trusted presence through that process.”

The not-for-profit organisation says the need for accessible mediation has never been greater. While lawyer-led mediation can cost between $300–$600 per hour, Relationships Australia NSW offers government-subsidised sessions starting from around $30.

The campaign is rolling out across YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and Google, backed by a $30,000 digital media spend. A complementary out-of-home transit campaign is running across metropolitan Sydney bus depots, targeting commuters in high-density areas.

“We wanted to show the often-unseen mental load of separation – the confusion, the conflicting advice, the overwhelm,” said Marina Pliatsikas, Digital Marketing Lead at Relationships Australia NSW. “We contrasted that chaos with the calmer and more collaborative environment of our mediation room to demonstrate that there’s another way.”

Family Dispute Resolution – also known as family mediation – is a process that helps separating couples resolve parenting and financial matters with the help of a neutral, expert facilitator. In most cases involving children, attempting mediation is now required before families can apply to court.

Last financial year, the organisation delivered more than 12,200 mediation sessions with funding support from the Australian Government, alongside over 12,700 counselling sessions and hundreds of group programs across NSW.

Relationships Australia is a community-based, not-for-profit Australian organisation with no religious affiliations. Their services are for all members of the community, regardless of religious belief, age, gender, sexual orientation, lifestyle choice, cultural background or economic circumstances.