Annual Report • 2023–24
Disclaimer Unless identified by explicit permission, client names have been changed in this document for privacy reasons. First Nations readers are advised that, over time, this document may be found to contain images and names of deceased people. Image credits Jacquie Duffus; Ian Mace; AdobeStock; all other images: BUSHkids. Full financials Full Audited Financial Statements for the 2023-24 Financial Year are available at the BUSHkids Precinct at 16 Morley Street, Toowong Q 4066; please scan the QR code to view on the BUSHkids website or click here ►https://t.ly/P-da2 to download the PDF file. TOPICS 23 | 24 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 5 Services | Strategies 5 Funding 6 Our People | Partnerships | 2025 7 ICT | Quality Compliance 20 WHS | Building staff capacity 21 BUSHbabies | Retirements | FoBk 22 Gratitude 23 THEMES 23 | 24 COMMUNITY CONNECTION 8 INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 12 BUILDING CAPACITY 14 SKILLED WORKFORCE 16 RAP UPDATE 18 ESSENTIALS 23 | 24 SNAPSHOT Numbers 2 BOARD Q&A 2 CHAIR Report 3 Acknowledgement of Country 4 Donate, bequest or sponsor 23 FINANCIAL Highlights 24 Estates, legacies and trusts 24 CONNECTIONS ISBC Notice of AGM The 88th Annual General Meeting of the Royal Queensland Bush Children’s Health Scheme Limited – BUSHkids – will be held on Friday 6 December 2024 at 6.00pm at the BUSHkids Precinct, 14-16 Morley Street, Toowong Q 4066. Business • Confirmation of Minutes of the 87th Annual General Meeting held on 8 December 2023; • Receive and adopt the 88th Annual Report for the 12 month period 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024; • Presentation of Annual Financial Report for the 12 month period 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024; • Appointment and Removal of Directors; • Appoint Auditors for the ensuing year. By order of the Board. Dr N J Bartels oam Chair Notice of AGM The Annual General Meeting of BUSHkids Corporate Limited will be held on Friday 6 December 2024 at 6.00pm at the BUSHkids Precinct, 14-16 Morley Street, Toowong Q 4066. Business • Confirmation of Minutes of the 87th Annual General Meeting held on 8 December 2023; • Receive and adopt the 88th Annual Report for the 12 month period 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024; • Presentation of Annual Financial Report for the 12 month period 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024; • Appointment and Removal of Directors; • Appoint Auditors for the ensuing year. By order of the Board. Dr N J Bartels oam Chair BUSHkids • Royal Queensland Bush Children’s Health Scheme Limited ACN 667 574 781 | ABN 43 824 927 762 Annual Report • 2023–24 88.1
2023–24 SNAPSHOT BOARD 2 KEY QUESTIONS: Dr Neil Bartels oam (Chair) Giving back to disadvantaged remote communities Appreciating staff engagement at grassroots level Ms Carolyn Searle (Deputy-Chair) Importance of making a positive difference Great results with Board and staff Ms Allison McLean (Honorary Treasurer) My revered organisation, making a difference Importance of Warwick Centre’s Sensory Garden Mr Julian Martin Helping children and families in need How we improve children’s lives Ms Judy Peters oam Genuine caring commitment to families Community Events and networking scarecrows! Emeritus Professor Deborah Theodoros ao Strong belief in BUSHkids services Creation of BUSHkids Capability Statement Dr Louise Cahill Using my knowledge to assist BUSHkids Contributing to the Capability Statement For full profiles of BUSHkids Board members, scan the code or click here ► https://t.ly/LPAWX For a summary of Board meetings and members’ attendance, please see page 1 of the full Financial Statements at ►https://t.ly/P-da2 +8% CLIENTS SEEN +10% ECA CLIENTS 1 Why did you join the BUSHkids Board? 2 What has been your highlight of the past year? (Answers in 6 or fewer words!) 150 Q103,270km 73,000km Angel Flight 25hrs 10,660 ECA SESSIONS TELEPRACTICE SESSIONS 8,100 173,550km 4,690 Total social media followers +8% /BUSHkids /BUSHkids 500+ /BUSHkids_Qld 550 Annual Report • 2023–24 88.2
Partnerships, Academic Collaboration and BUSHkids’ well-proven Model of Care remain a foundational trio and, over the past year in particular, much time and effort has been given in these areas by my fellow Board members Emeritus Professor Deborah Theodoros ao and Dr Louise Cahill. I thank them for their efforts in supporting our frontline clinical and research teams and helping position our organisation as an explemplary, future-focused service provider. Our Workforce, foremost of the six pillars, is critical to the evolving work of BUSHkids, with enhancing and empowering skilled professionals in their own local communities key to deepening our embedded connections across Queensland. In this regard, we have been well served by the dedication of Board member Judy Peters oam, supported by the Friends of BUSHkids (FoBk) groups in Bundaberg, Emerald and Warwick. Trans-professional collaboration is an increasingly important element of our workforce development, with more seamless integration of different clinical disciplines and specialities further expanding BUSHkids’ credentials and telehealth capabilities. Our leading role in pre-pandemic telehealth, thanks to the passion of my Deputy Chair Carolyn Searle, is now our state-of-the-art telepractice with Deborah’s support; our Technology pillar continues to be skilfully driven by 15-year Board member Julian Martin in our Digital Strategy for secure remote services provision. Our sixth pillar is not really ‘new’ — its foundations stretch back tens of thousands of years — but is truly a significant one for BUSHkids, learning to mindfully understand and heartfully appreciate the shared learnings and insights of our First Nations Peoples. CEO Carlton will have more to say in his narrative about our successful completion of the initial “Reflect” stage of our ongoing Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and, as always, I pay particular tribute to his strategic vision and acute understanding of the landscapes which BUSHkids navigates. None of this would have been possible without the ongoing work of BUSHkids’ Honorary Treasurer Allison McLean. Next year, in the approach to our organisation’s 90th birthday, will also mark Allison’s 20th year of voluntary Board service as the custodian of BUSHkids’ financial governance and structural wellbeing: a remarkable achievement and one about which it is increasingly difficult for me to find suitable words of thanks. Thank-you, Allison, and all my Board colleagues. To BUSHkids volunteers, CEO, leadership teams and frontline staff, thank-you also, for another progressive year supporting Queensland families. In plain terms, BUSHkids’ service ethos has long been ‘equity of access regardless of postcode’ and this continues to be an underpinning passion of not only the Board but also the increasingly diverse peoples of our organisation too. But I can never overlook the postcode much closer to home and I remain indebted to my wife Annette and to our growing families for their love and support for what I do. Indeed, it is the connection to home which is part of the reason why this year will be the last of Judy Peters’ time on the Board of BUSHkids and, on behalf of us all, I extend special thanks and gratitude to Judy for her six years of Board service. Although post-pandemic technology has made virtual workplace (and Board meeting) participation unremarkable, Judy believes her stated “100 percent commitment” to BUSHkids will be better delivered via her long-established community connections in Bundaberg and as Chair of our FoBk group there. So, with the continuing renewal of our organisation, we look forward to welcoming new Board members in 2025 as we begin to quietly start celebrating BUSHkids’ astonishing 90 years of service to the children and families of Queensland. I know this imminent anniversary will be deeply felt by our Patron, Her Excellency Dr Jeanette Young ac psm, with the role of the Queensland Governor continuing to represent that of our founder, Sir Leslie Orme Wilson since 1935, and I thank Her Excellency for her warm engagement and close interest in our work. With my warmest regards and best wishes for 2025, our 89th year ahead! Neil Two-thirds of our way along the path plotted in BUSHkids’ 2021–26 Strategic Plan, we are making solid progress in reorientating the six key aspects of that document to the six “looking to the future” pillars set out in our 2024 Capability Statement, which enhance our forward focus from these established performance measures. BOARD CHAIR MAKING ALL YEARS COUNT Dr Neil J Bartels oam MBBS LL.M Grad.Cert.Leg.Med. FACRRM Annual Report • 2023–24 88.3
Acknowledgement of Country In the spirit of reconciliation, BUSHkids acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which our services operate and recognises their cultural authority and continuing connection to land, waters and communities in which we work. We pay respects to their Elders past, present and future, and respect their wisdom and guidance building stronger futures for their children. We extend that respect to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander partner organisations, professional colleagues and other First Nations families who are an important part of our BUSHkids community. Annual Report • 2023–24 88.4
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OUR PEOPLE AND THEIR STORIES Approaching 2025, when BUSHkids will celebrate 90 years transforming the lives of children, families, and communities in regional, rural, and remote Queensland, it’s worth reflecting on our inspiring past 12 months. Across the generations, BUSHkids has continuously adapted. Tapping into the famous ingenuity of bush communities to help solve problems, we’ve worked together to make a brighter future. Our deep community roots, combined with our team’s professional expertise, allow us to effectively meet the evolving needs and unique challenges faced by local families. And so it is with renewed excitement that I report some of the highlights from our efforts in 2024. Services provided This year, BUSHkids supported nearly 9,000 children with more than 20,000 sessions across Queensland, providing valuable opportunities to grow and thrive, regardless of where they live. Our diverse range of programs operate in over 30 communities ensuring that vital support is accessible to those who need it most. One new location is the remote town of Boulia, where we are working with other stakeholders to codesign and implement a much needed, capacity building children’s service. Key strategies and publications In 2024, we launched our Capability Statement, Making Early Years Count — The BUSHkids Way. This foundational document is the first in a series that will shape our future. It articulates the comprehensive services we offer, the meaningful impact we strive to achieve, and our strategic priorities moving forward. We are also working on refining BUSHkids’ Model of Care to foster deeper engagement with our stakeholders. To foster the ongoing evolution of BUSHkids as an organisation, we are actively developing a comprehensive Digital Strategy. This is designed to position us as a modern entity, leveraging technology to its fullest potential. By enhancing our operational efficiency, driving innovation, and ensuring safety and security, we aim to maximise the benefits that technology can bring to our mission. During the year, BUSHkids implemented our first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) — our Reflect RAP. This represents a commitment to strengthening relationships, building partnerships, and celebrating First Nations culture in a respectful and meaningful way. We are continuing our reconciliation journey with the Reconciliation Australia program as we commence our Innovate RAP. Carlton Meyn Chief Executive Officer 88.5 Annual Report • 2023–24
Funding BUSHkids receives funding from a range of sources to deliver our programs across the state. Early childhood approach Services are delivered under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Partner in the Community Program. Delivered in Rockhampton, Emerald, Gladstone, Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Kingaroy, Gympie, Maroochydore and Caloundra, these services target children younger than 6 with developmental delays or children younger than 9 with disability access the supports and services they and their families need to achieve better long-term outcomes. Funding provided by Queensland Health and the Department of Education supports our allied health teams to deliver services in Warwick, Dalby, Bundaberg, Emerald and Mount Isa. The Department of Education also funds our eKindy pods. BUSHkids provides professional learning, and practice supports to eligible Kindergartens across the state under the Kindy Uplift program. Department of Social Services funds our Children and Parenting Support Services in Agnes Water, Kingaroy and Stanthorpe. Western Queensland Primary Health Network funds our work under the Healthy Outback Kids initiative in Cunnamulla and Boulia. We are operating in a rapidly evolving service environment. Under the NDIS review, significant changes are expected for delivery of NDIS services for young children. Next year will see the implementation of Foundational Supports, and BUSHkids is working with leaders and stakeholders to explore how this will impact supports and opportunities for children. 88.6 Annual Report • 2023–24
Our People As always, BUSHkids could not provide the high- quality services for children and families without focusing on supporting and developing Our People. This year, we have continued to invest in our teams through leadership development and mentoring support, reviewing our supervision program, and running a series of consultative planning workshops. To ensure BUSHkids attracts and retains the best people, we are undertaking a workforce planning exercise and have introduced a new Recruitment Coordinator role to lead on recruitment and retention. As our workforce has grown and matured, we have constantly reviewed best practices in the modern workplace. Next year, we will continue to explore flexible and family-friendly work arrangements. Partnerships and collaboration Collaboration is one of our core values. This strong focus is reflected through our many partnerships, particularly in the communities we serve for the benefit of children. BUSHkids’ focus on academic collaboration makes a difference in the early years by enhancing the evidence base and providing the opportunity to translate knowledge into practice. This year, BUSHkids has contributed to a range of research projects. Towards 2025 As we look towards the celebration of a remarkable 90-year milestone in 2025, BUSHkids remains committed to improving outcomes for children, families and communities, ensuring that our legacy of care and support continues to flourish. Within this year’s annual report, you will find stories that highlight the significant differences we make in the lives of children and their families. > page 20 COMMUNITY CONNECTION 8 INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 12 BUILDING CAPACITY 14 SKILLED WORKFORCE 16 Annual Report • 2023–24 88.7
Linda (Family Health Support Worker since 2007) With extensive experience in navigating the unique challenges faced by families in rural areas, Linda is well-known in Warwick, especially in schools, early childhood centres, and kindergartens. She helped start our Nature Playgroup, and is also involved with local disaster management. Aisling (Psychologist) Having grown up in nearby Toowoomba, Aisling joined our team in 2021. She attends for local outreach visits while also being based at our Toowong teleBUSHkids Centre. Annelie (Occupational Therapist) Joining as a graduate in 2020, Annelie has grown into her role, providing quality interventions for families. Annelie is dedicated to fostering the next generation of allied health professionals, and recently received an OT Futures Practice Educator Award for excellence in practice education. Tanya (Allied Health Assistant) A true local, Tanya joined us in 2021 as our Administration Officer. Combining this experience with further study and qualifications, she now serves as our Allied Health Assistant and also helped Linda start our Nature Playgroup. Hannah (Speech Pathologist) Our other thriving 2020 graduate, Hannah completed the BUSHkids Leadership Development Program and has taken on a frontline Team Leader position while continuing to provide clinical services. We await her return to BUSHkids in 2025 after a break for the arrival of her new baby — another true local. Lexi (Occupational Therapist) Joining us in 2023, Lexi provides some supports locally, as well as outreach and telepractice services for families in Emerald. Lexi excels in supporting students and has also recently received an OT Futures Practice Educator Award. Warwick is a beautiful town in Queensland’s charming Southern Downs district, where BUSHkids supports many children and families. Together with supporters such as our local Friends of BUSHkids group, we have served this community for over three decades; nearly 10 years, now, at our bespoke premises on Wood Street. Let’s start by introducing the faces of our local team: COMMUNITY CONNECTION AUTHENTIC RELATIONSHIPS The work you have all done is amazing. You saw me when I came in … I had tried every corner, every avenue … He has friends now where before kids didn’t want to play with him because of the behaviours … Now he’s sounding out words when before he didn’t even know his letters or couldn’t try homework. I just wanted to say thank you so much for suggesting Stories for Life and having our son be a part of it. He loved it so much. He’s actually really sad it’s come to an end. 88.8 Annual Report • 2023–24
Authentic relationships’ is not just a slogan at BUSHkids — our Warwick team (some home-grown on the rich Southern Downs soil, some newly planted and thriving, some whose branches in Warwick are part of a wider reach) is deeply embedded in the town. The expertise and connection to community of this team of professionals allows us to effectively meet the unique challenges faced by local families. It’s playtime, naturally Children laughing. Exploring. Developing friendships. It’s all happening at our Nature Play Area, where a flourishing community of families come together as part of the weekly routine during school terms, for two hours of exploration and connection. Parents watch as their children climb, dig, and discover. There’s a sandpit, man-made creek and mud pit, as well as a thriving vegie and herb garden, where children ‘play for real’ using wheelbarrows and tools to harvest their produce. While at Nature Playgroup, many families take advantage of the adjacent BUSHkids library to expand their children’s home reading. Some of our Friends of BUSHkids volunteers also join in, bringing along books to share and songs to sing. After all, there’s nothing better than settling down before dinner with a quiet read after a boisterous playtime has engaged the imagination. Even in the crisp, colder months the Playgroup has between 35-55 attendees per week, embracing the joys and benefits of natural play, while offering opportunities for our team to provide incidental parenting support. An initiative of team members Linda and Tanya, the Playgroup supports kids’ development while enabling more relaxed access to much needed child and family expertise. Among the regulars in 2024 were families involved in the Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY). These parents found both practical support and encouragement in an inclusive environment. As they played with their children, they also built lasting friendships, while the BUSHkids team shared invaluable parenting tips. Playgroup has really helped me to get to know other parents and I know others who are having the same experience as me … I love seeing our kids play outside in nature in a safe environment. My child is developing social skills, and I am now looking forward to her making new friends when she starts school … The playgroup area is such a safe and welcoming environment, looking out at the countryside. Our kids love coming to playgroup. When they drive past your building, they ask if it’s ‘BUSHkids day’ … The opportunity to talk about being a parent and hearing ideas from the BUSHkids team is really helpful. Annual Report • 2023–24 88.9
Friends of BUSHkids call out for BUSHdance It was knees up and hair down for about 90 people of all ages at the annual BUSHkids BUSHdance in August, featuring the ever-popular local legends, the Band o’ Coots Bush Band. Organised by our local Friends of BUSHkids, our staff, volunteers and members of the community came together to celebrate the support BUSHkids provides within the community, and the support the community provides for BUSHkids — a partnership that’s in step. Together the BUSHdance and multiple raffles raised valuable funds to support the BUSHkids Warwick Centre. FoBk Warwick was established in 2015 and the group has become central to our understanding of and response to the needs of the local community. ► Read more See page 22 for links to the full 2024 FoBk Chair reports. Support when natural disaster strikes Storms, droughts, floods and fires have always been a part of Queensland country life. But what of the children when adults have their hands full rebuilding, recovering and ‘showing resilience’? BUSHkids is always there, with its stable, consistent community presence playing a vital role for children and families at times of disaster. Along with individual and group parenting support for families, BUSHkids provides community linkage and connection between children and family services in the region. We provide children’s resilience programs including: ► FRIENDS ► Birdie’s Tree ► Stormbirds ► Peaceful Kids Our FHSW Linda is uniquely positioned to support the community through all phases of disaster management. She is Chair of the Southern Downs Regional Council Network Meeting, and a member of the Human and Social Recovery Task Group, Local Disaster Management Group, and the Children and Young Person’s Recovery Task Group. This work includes prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. BUSHkids is also part of the Thriving Queensland Kids in Disaster Alliance. 88.10 Annual Report • 2023–24
Community connectedness a valuable two-way street … view at ►https://t.ly/2pA9t FoBk Emerald group Chair Charlie Wilson reflects on just some of the many benefits arising from a deep, strong connection with our local communities: digital readers may click to watch the video; print edition readers can type the short link into a browser or scan the QR code to see BUSHkids 2024 videos. CASE STUDY Kevin’s mum helps him get off to a good start at prep Kevin, a kindergarten-aged boy living on a Southern Downs property 45 minutes from our Warwick Centre, was referred to BUSHkids in March 2023. His parents noticed him stuttering prominently, affecting his every conversation, making it difficult for him to be understood. As a social and talkative child who loved to interact with others, Kevin was increasingly upset and frustrated. Speech Pathologist Hannah began working with Kevin using the Lidcombe program, an intensive behavioural therapy intervention for children who stutter under the age of six. It required Kevin’s mum to complete a daily severity rating of his stuttering, alongside a home activity program to promote smooth talking. Kevin and his mum worked on this daily program while meeting with Hannah every fortnight. This was both face-to-face and via telepractice sessions: an important element of Kevin’s treatment that reduced the otherwise onerous travel to town and back. During the program, his mother was equipped and upskilled with strategies to help Kevin’s speech, and took on the role of main therapy provider. Over time, she grew in the confidence and strength needed to support her son’s communication. By the end of the therapy block Kevin had been completely fluent for several months, conversing freely, telling stories, and engaging in long conversations without stuttering. In 2024, he successfully started prep and is doing well. Kevin’s mum was thrilled with the amazing progress of her son, saying, “it was fantastic to be able to access a free service like BUSHkids”. Welcoming parents for coffee and a chat The BUSHkids team hosts a fortnightly ‘Coffee and Chat’ dropin session at our Warwick Centre. At each gathering the team shares evidence-based strategies for a particular parenting challenge. And parents and carers share their own experiences and insights for reflection. This informal approach fosters an open dialogue about parenting, creating a supportive network among families. The sessions also provide a soft entry point for families needing additional support from BUSHkids. For example, our Occupational Therapist was able to drop in and provide valuable assistance to a mother and child navigating challenges, without any potential anxiety ahead of a formal appointment. Annual Report • 2023–24 88.11
Background ADHD affects approximately 5–10 percent of Australian children (AIHW, 2018; Deloitte, 2019). Despite diagnosis often being provided by paediatricians, many families find it difficult to access follow-up information and therapeutic support, particularly in rural regions. The lack of understanding among educators, largely due to limited training opportunities, compounds this problem. Program overview In 2023–24, BUSHkids undertook a comprehensive review and redesign of our ADHD Parent Education and Support Group Program. The revised program is: 1 Strengths-Based, focusing on the capabilities and potential of children with ADHD. 2 Family-Centred, engaging families in a holistic manner. 3 Neurodiversity-Affirming, celebrating different brain styles. 4 Current, incorporating the latest research and best practices. Development and funding In 2024, a GenQ Health and Wellbeing Community Grant was secured to further enhance the program. This funded the creation of additional resources and collateral, including: ► an online parent workbook, developed by an Educational and Developmental Psychologist; and ► video resources, designed to supplement the educational aspects of the program. Trained BUSHkids staff facilitated the program, aiming to empower parents and caregivers with insights into ADHD brain styles, along with practical ways to support their child’s development. Initial outcomes The initial trial phase of the program was completed in 2024, gathering feedback from various stakeholders, including: ► Parents/Caregivers ► Clinicians ► Individuals with lived experience of ADHD. There were three key findings. Here at BUSHkids, we continue to develop and evolve our Model of Care to ensure more Queensland children can thrive. This year we focused on assisting even more parents to support their children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) by making innovative use of digital technology for more engaging learning. INNOVATIVE PRACTICE ADHDIGITALLY INTERACTIVE Annual Report • 2023–24
Key findings of BUSHkids’ ADHD Parent Education and Support Group Program 1 Knowledge and skills improvement Parents/carers said they had better understanding and felt empowered to support their children’s social-emotional wellbeing. “The group has been invaluable. At our early stage in the journey, it has been excellent groundwork to understand the ADHD brain and child,” said one mother. 2 Community connection The program fostered a supportive community among parents who experience geographical and emotional isolation. “I loved connecting with parents in the same situation. It allowed me to have support from other parents, even after the program finished,” a father remarked. 3 Need for educator support The increasing number of ADHD diagnoses highlighted the necessity for professional development tailored for teachers. A learning support teacher noted, “The number of students being diagnosed with ADHD is growing each term, so a PD opportunity like this would be extremely beneficial.” Innovative practice develops shared online learning … view at ►https://t.ly/2pA9t BUSHkids Lead Psychologist Kaitlin Hinchliffe, together with some of the parents and educators who participated in the initial trials of this internally-developed interactive resource, speak about the program: digital readers may click to watch the video; print edition readers can type the short link above into a browser or scan the QR code to see BUSHkids 2024 videos. Impact analysis Preliminary analyses show improved knowledge and skills essential for parents/caregivers to support their children. The program helps fill the service gaps in rural and remote Queensland, enhancing equitable access to health services for isolated groups. Future directions Building on this initial success, the program is being adapted into an educator workshop to: ►enhance educators’ understanding of ADHD ►build their confidence and capacity to effectively support students with ADHD. This innovative BUSHkids program for addressing the challenge of ADHD in regional, rural and remote locations is fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all involved. We now hope to partner with First Nations communities to further develop the program. 88.13 Annual Report • 2023–24
At the core of our service delivery model is a capacity building approach, aiming to increase the capabilities of all who support the healthy development of children, including families and carers, our own staff, and those who serve children in our host communities; we also contribute to research that will have a positive impact. BUILDING CAPACITY UPLIFT, ENVISAGE AND EMPOWER! Kindy Uplift — BUSHkids’ experience is educating the educators Kindy is of course a fun place where everyone belongs. But it also lays the foundations for learning and growth that makes ‘capable kids’, setting them up for positive educational outcomes in later life. With a focus on giving children the best possible transition through kindy to the start of school, BUSHkids identifies and prioritises opportunities to build the skills of early educators. In 2024, BUSHkids delivered 37 Kindy Uplift workshops across Queensland. These evidence- informed workshops strengthen the capacity of Early Childhood Teachers to better understand the learning and developmental differences in their classrooms, so they can respond to specific needs. The aim of Kindy Uplift is to create culturally safe, inclusive, and responsive kindergartens. These workshops have been very well received! Building capacity is a joint effort When a Mount Isa child exhibited a need to fidget and move during tasks at school and home, our Occupational Therapist (OT) gave valuable insights regarding sensory processing, to both parents and classroom teacher. This helped see how movement aids the child in processing sensory information, regulating emotions, and maintaining task focus. Armed with this knowledge, parents and teacher incorporated movement into the child’s learning that also helped overall wellbeing. This type of strong therapeutic working relationship with families is guided by the principles of early intervention best practice, under our service delivery model. Our therapies are designed to nurture and enhance the skills and confidence of families, equipping them to effectively support their child in everyday routines. First, we ask families to set specific goals for their child. Our therapists then provide tailored strategies to help families achieve these goals, while monitoring progress and development. Then, by seeking regular feedback from families to refine and improve our approach, we also give parents a greater sense of empowerment, confidence and wellbeing. Received with so much gratitude! We are still talking about the workshop and realisations! Thoroughly enjoyed it … the session was very beneficial and the advice you have provided was very useful. The information I have gathered will help me support the children in my classroom and those in the future by having a better understanding of sensory processing and co/self-regulation. This is amazing! Thank you so much for spending the time to invest in us as professionals. We are very inspired, and it has opened our thinking some more … The in-service was appropriate to our needs with children here at Cambooya. … Great presentation, very informative. And in Beth’s own words … view at ►https://t.ly/2pA9t Hear about Kindy Uplift first-hand and check out the selection of participants’ feedback below: digital readers may click to watch the video and print edition readers can type the short link above into a browser or scan the QR code on page 15 to see BUSHkids 2024 videos. 88.14 Annual Report • 2023–24
Megan is envisaging — and developing – a brighter future … view at ►https://t.ly/2pA9t Redefining boundaries and expanding connections based on mutual support is key to the new Envisage program: digital readers may click to watch the video; print edition readers can type the short link into a browser or scan the QR code to see BUSHkids 2024 videos. Partnerships, research, and evidence-based practice UQ and ACU research To improve clinical goal-setting practices, BUSHkids supported joint PhD research by The University of Queensland (UQ) and Australian Catholic University (ACU) identifying child and family goals in a community allied health service, and examining how these goals corresponded to the domains of the International Classification of Functioning. Titled “I Can Set MyGOALS”, the study also evaluated the alignment of documented goal-setting practices with child-centred and family-centred practice principles. The study has been submitted for evaluation and publication in Disability and Rehabilitation. PACT Online Another partnership is with UQ’s Child Health Research Centre, recruiting families for the Parenting Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (PACT) Online Study. This randomised trial provides free parenting support to families with children aged 0–10 years who have been diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disabilities — including autism, cerebral palsy, Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) — or developmental delays. UQ OT Honours project Relationship-focused practice aims to strengthen the parent-child relationship, support the child’s development, enhance parent competency, and improve cue reading for children facing developmental delays. This was the subject of a 2024 collaboration between BUSHkids Lead Occupational Therapist Megan MacDonald and Dr Jacqui Barfoot from the Child Health Research Centre at UQ. They co-supervised an OT Honours student project that explored the lived experiences and perceptions of BUSHkids clinicians who employ a relationship-focused approach. It found that while all clinicians encountered challenges in implementing this approach, they still recognised its positive outcomes. This reflects a growing body of evidence supporting relationship- focused practice, underscoring the need for further research aimed at overcoming its challenges. Envisage: empowering families Many families in regional, rural and remote locations struggle to raise children who may have disabilities, developmental concerns, or who are neurodivergent. So BUSHkids partnered with ACU to deliver the Envisage Families program. It’s designed to empower both First Nations and non- Indigenous families, instilling confidence and providing the support they need. Capacity building is part of every stage of the Envisage rollout: ► training to enhance our staff’s clinical knowledge, improving the quality of care provided ► creating local employment opportunities and developing skills in Parent-Peers, fostering the robust parent support networks essential for effective and sustainable services, and ►effectively delivering the program via a combination of qualified clinicians and local Parent-Peers, who bring their lived experience in raising children with developmental delays or disabilities, to build families’ own capacities in an accessible and culturally sensitive manner. We have begun delivery of the Envisage program in Bundaberg, Agnes Water, and Emerald. Capacity building is fundamental to BUSHkids: our clinicians can work one-on- one and build the capacity of parents to support their children’s development, but the more people in the community who can also provide this support, the more children will thrive across Queensland. Susan Harrison BUSHkids Director Clinical Services and Strategy Annual Report • 2023–24 88.15
Molly’s starting-out in Speech Pathology “Despite growing up in Brisbane, I’d heard great stories from other students about working in regional and remote communities, so I was keen to give it a go. “In my final study year in 2023, I had an 8-week placement at BUSHkids Warwick, which introduced me to the joys of working with children and families; quite a shift from my previous focus on adults. “Witnessing a child’s progress and growing confidence within just six weeks was incredibly rewarding. It highlighted the impact of short-term interventions in the early years. Being immersed in the Warwick community deepened my understanding of the issues families face in accessing health services, while also witnessing their strength, resilience and support of one another. “After my placement, I collaborated with the BUSHkids speech pathologists for a project which created a workbook aimed at helping families support their children’s early language development. As part of the project, we also visited the teleBUSHkids Centre in Toowong, where I saw the innovative ways clinicians deliver telepractice. “I also learned about BUSHkids’ role as an NDIS Partner in the Community, and how the Early Start team supports children who need early intervention, but aren’t accessing the NDIS, who might otherwise fall between the cracks. “So when a speech pathology position opened during this project, it was a no-brainer for me to apply! “In January 2024, I began my role as a graduate speech pathologist at the teleBUSHkids Centre, joining the BUSHkids Early Childhood Approach (ECA) team. With the guidance of experienced speech pathologists, I honed my skills in delivering effective services via telepractice. I have enjoyed the creative problem-solving it requires and how it involves parents. “From the first appointment, they’re present, engaged and supportive of their child. By the end of our intervention, parents can confidently lead activities at home with my support. It is very rewarding to witness the child’s resulting development. “Recently, I worked with a fourand-a-half-year-old girl whose parents were concerned about her speech, and her frustration when not understood by others. I scheduled an outreach visit to their town, but completed the prior assessment and goal-setting using telepractice. “When I visited two weeks later, therapy focused on her speech sounds, and upskilling her parents to support her at home. Her family was really motivated to improve her intelligibility to prepare for prep next year. “I also visited the childcare centre she attends to observe her communication in this setting, so I could provide information and strategies to staff to support her development. Her parents really appreciated the outreach visit and it was fun to see the child recognise me as the person she normally sees on screen! “Then followed weekly sessions via telepractice, which she really enjoyed. After 7 sessions, she could produce the target sounds and use them in conversation. Her family’s efforts played a big part and it was rewarding see their confidence and skills grow. They were so pleased she that could now say her grandfather’s name. “With more families becoming increasingly open to and aware of telepractice, it is wonderful to be able to support more children and improve access for regional and remote families.” A highly skilled workforce is more than just a key plank in BUSHkids’ service offering. Read on as two of our wonderful staff members take us through their experiences supporting children and their families — especially regarding early intervention — at different stages of their rewarding career paths. SKILLED WORKFORCE MOLLY’S AND MONICA’S LEARNINGS See Molly’s evident passion … View at ►https://t.ly/2pA9t … thrive in her journey from student to skilled practitioner. Digital readers may click to watch the video; print edition readers can type the short link into a browser or scan the QR code. 88.16 Annual Report • 2023–24
Dylan’s story, and how he met Senior Coordinator Monica With a Bachelor of Behavioural Science majoring in Psychology and Disability Studies, nearly a decade working with children and families, and ongoing professional development, Monica became a Senior Coordinator in our ECA team. She supports Early Intervention Facilitators who carry a caseload of families – often with challenging circumstances — through complex disability and life circumstances for the child and family. When he was just 3 weeks old, Dylan* was diagnosed with an extremely rare genetic condition that affects many parts of the body and causes congenital malformations, as well as neurological and developmental difficulties. Infants with this condition have low muscle tone, feeding difficulties, and a slower growth rate than other infants. Dylan received his first NDIS plan at 8 months of age. Monica met Dylan when he was 4 years old, when his mum approached BUSHkids in preparation for his annual plan reassessment. She was concerned that Dylan’s current plan was no longer adequately meeting his needs. Dylan was requiring significant support to communicate with others and participate in daily self-care and learning activities. In addition, Dylan’s underlying joint hypermobility and low muscle tone significantly impacted his gross motor development, and physical endurance. His mum expressed concerns to Monica regarding Dylan’s regression in oral consumption of food, with most of his nutrition being delivered via his PEG device. Dylan’s mum also expressed concerns about some of Dylan’s behaviours, and difficulties he experienced engaging in social and community activities. She was anxious to ensure he was supported in transition to school for 2024. By working to understand Dylan, his individual needs, and the needs of his family, and with input from his health care team and service providers, Monica was able to effectively advocate for Dylan during the plan reassessment process. Her advocacy resulted in a new, funded plan that met Dylan’s support needs, including the ongoing care provided by his in-home support workers, and assistive technology such as a wheelchair, something crucial for Dylan’s independent mobility during his first year of school. The family expressed their gratitude: “Plan review time can be stressful; however, our coordinator was extremely proactive and pleasant to deal with through the entire process. We received valuable guidance that resulted in us securing a plan that supported Dylan (and our entire family) through this big year as he transitioned to school. Thank you.” Great skill and empathetic understanding needed … view at ►https://t.ly/2pA9t Watch Monica share insights into how BUSHkids’ practitioners skillfully tackle challengingly complex health issues in young children: digital readers may click to watch the video; print edition readers can type the short link into a browser or scan the QR code on page 16 to see BUSHkids 2024 videos. Annual Report • 2023–24 88.17
Building momentum in our cultural knowledge of First Nations People BUSHkids has embraced the opportunities presented under our first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) — our Reflect RAP. We’ve learnt and acknowledged the importance of a deeper understanding of First Nations history, culture and traditions across the many communities we serve. Our Reflect RAP has renewed our commitment to strengthening relationships, building partnerships, and celebrating First Nations culture in a respectful and meaningful way. The Reflect Journey has been a time of listening — valuing the cultural knowledge, wisdom, and stories of First Nations people — and embedding awareness, enhancing our engagement, and adopting collaborative practices and protocols that improve cultural competency within our organisation. In 2025, BUSHkids will embark on the next stage in the Reconciliation Australia program and commence an Innovate RAP. As we continue our reconciliation journey, we will build on foundations of the work undertaken during our Reflect RAP and undertake strategies to embed cultural safety in the practice of our workforce and how we plan and govern our organisation. In our Innovate RAP we will continue to be guided through leadership provided by our RAP Working Group and RAP Champion using the four domains of Respect, Culture, Relationships and Opportunity. We will work to further our commitment by implementing change, eliminating racism, contributing to greater health equity, and piloting strategies for further reconciliation commitments and empowerment of First Nations people, to be implemented over 2025 and 2026. RAP UPDATE REFLECT TO INNOVATE BUSHkids has a long association with First Nations Queenslanders, spanning many decades. For Western Queensland communities, BUSHkids as an organisation is synonymous with providing vital health care and wellbeing to the children and young people in these small, remote, and very remote communities. The WQ region has a large proportion of First Nations people. A formal commitment to reconciliation not only provides stakeholders with the confidence that … BUSHkids take its responsibility seriously in providing first class services, but also is genuinely committed to the journey of Reconciliation. Sandy Gillies CEO, Western Queensland Primary Healthcare Network Annual Report • 2023–24 88.18
REFLECT RAP OUR ACTIONS REFLECT RAP TARGETS MET BUSHkids Lunchbox Learning: RAP and more… BUSHkids RAP, Reconciliation Australia, Uluru Statement of the Heart, music, hear from local champions Indigenous Literacy Foundation Registered for Book Supply – received for use at Cunnamulla, Cherbourg, Mount Isa, Boulia National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day Live stream, reading books, posters National Reconciliation Week Stories, posters, music, hearing from local Indigenous people, sharing stories NAIDOC week celebrations Indigenous foods, beach walks, art, family fun days, posters, music, flag raising, colouring in, networking, activity sheets, Elders morning tea, Indigenous-inspired cooking, Indigenous-inspired staff lunch, NAIDOC march, story books, webinar, education, staff PowerPoint presentation Elevated the visibility and importance of partnerships and celebrated our valued First Nations relationships in our publications and newsletters Celebrated our partnerships with First Nations community organisations Developed and disseminated Cultural Capability tip sheets Formalised the adoption of Acknowledgement of Country at meetings Undertook a detailed review of key internal policies and procedures, including staff induction processes Established a dedicated e-folder for cultural resources and information Prepared and shared regular Resources and Education information updates to staff Supported the work and leadership of our RAP Working Group Established our RAP Champion and empowered Local Champions Promoted our Reflect RAP with stakeholders and encouraged engagement and exchange of ideas and key learnings Annual Report • 2023–24 88.19
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) In 2024, BUSHkids began a cornerstone project to review our current digital architecture and capabilities, and craft a new digital strategy. This will guide BUSHkids’ digital transformation well into the latter part of the decade. Jeff Parker and Terry Hoppitt of JP Consulting were contracted to help steer the project, initiating a four-phase approach set to culminate in early 2025 with the release of these documents: ► Blueprint and Roadmap ► Change Management Plan. BUSHkids’ digital transformation will then begin in earnest. 2024 also saw numerous other improvements, projects, and security initiatives that: ► reinforced and secured our digital perimeter ► strengthened our mobile device management ► reduced costs, and ► enhanced reliability and connectivity of BUSHkids’ teams. Internal communications channels were further improved with a new internal video library and increased documentation of organisational ICT processes. Thanks to Freshmethod, Bootstrap IT and Smart Multimedia; external partners which provided us with fantastic, timely support in 2024. Quality Compliance Human Services Quality Standards Following the mid-term assessment in June 2024, BUSHkids maintained certification in the Human Services Quality Standards for child and family services. The assessment was conducted by auditors onsite at Bundaberg, Dalby and Toowong. BUSHkids continues to demonstrate commitment to attaining the requirements of the Standards, and achieving a culture of consistent quality and continuous improvement across the organisation. Our Certification is current until February 2026, with the Recertification Assessment scheduled for early November 2025. Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) In accordance with the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012, BUSHkids submitted its annual compliance report in April 2024, thus achieving our Certificate of Compliance for the 2023–24 reporting period. The WGEA vision is for women and men to be equally represented, valued, and rewarded in the workplace The WGEA uses information from employers to present the latest figures on the gender pay gap, women’s workforce participation and representation in leadership, and emerging trends on employer action. 88.20 Annual Report • 2023–24
Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) BUSHkids has a proactive approach to risk management, where reporting risks and hazards is encouraged and the importance of following WHS procedures is well understood. This positive safety culture fosters a safe working environment and is characterised by a responsible attitude towards WHS at all levels of our organisation. Travel safety It might surprise some to learn that traffic jams are a common hazard in the outback, though usually from wildlife or livestock, not vehicles. With our teams travelling further West to support remote Queensland families, we are focusing on travel safety in the various environments they encounter. By raising awareness of potential issues and providing risk reduction strategies, we’re helping them stay safe while travelling. With mobile phone coverage unpredictable, alternative communication methods are being explored. Building staff capacity: investing in our team’s ongoing growth Locally appointed Allied Health Assistants have been a successful innovation, delivering more effective, community-embedded therapies. But how best to work with, and effectively delegate to, these assistants? Through consultations with leadership and clinicians, we developed and implemented an evidence-based, easily accessible Delegation Training Package for allied health professionals. This has significantly enhanced confidence in delegation, ensuring safe and effective practice with our Allied Health Assistants, providing more children and families with the support they need. Our Dalby OT showcased the project at the National Rural and Remote Allied Health Conference in Mildura, Victoria this year. And when she received a SARRAH (Services for Australian Rural and Remote Allied Health) sponsorship to pursue the Rural Generalist Pathway through James Cook University, BUSHkids provided the necessary time and resources for her to complete this program alongside her project work. This also highlights BUSHkids’ commitment to investing in our staff. Building confidence, capacity, and capabilities has a direct and positive impact on children and their families. So we offer a diverse range of professional development and growth opportunities, including: ► work-shadowing ► supervision ► lunchbox learning presentations ► funded professional development, and ► pathways for career progression. Annual Report • 2023–24 88.21
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