Helping Queensland children grow, learn and thrive – wherever they live
As we celebrate our 90th year of supporting Queensland children, I want to share a story that captures the heart of what BUSHkids does – and why your generosity truly matters.
Earlier this year, our team met Jess* and her four-year-old son Mason* from a small community in Western Queensland. Like many families we meet, Jess was doing everything she could, but she felt unsure about how best to support Mason’s development. He was getting easily upset, showing big emotions and was finding it hard to follow routines and join in play with other children. Jess worried every day about whether he would be ready for Prep and shared that Mason’s frequent meltdowns were creating increased family stress.
Living more than 300 kilometres from the nearest children’s specialist meant options were limited. But because of supporters like you, BUSHkids was able to provide a hybrid model of care – a combination of in-person visits from our Occupational Therapist, and regular telepractice sessions that brought expert support straight into their home.
Over time, something remarkable happened.
With gentle coaching, practical strategies and lots of encouragement, Jess began to grow in confidence. She learnt why Mason was expressing big emotions, how to set up play activities that supported Mason’s sensory needs, how to use simple routines to help him feel calm and secure, and how to recognise the small steps that showed he was progressing.
Mason blossomed.
He began joining play at kindy.
He started using words to ask for help.
He proudly showed his mum how he could calm his body when things felt too big.
But the most powerful moment came when Jess said, “I finally feel like I know how to help my little boy.”
Family time and everyday routines became more enjoyable for the whole family.
This is the real impact of BUSHkids – strengthening parents so children can thrive.
Why we need your help this Christmas
Telepractice is now a vital part of how we reach families across regional, rural and remote Queensland. To keep children engaged and learning online, our clinicians need high-quality digital resources – interactive games, visual supports, activity packs and tailored tools that bring therapy to life. Right now, we do not have enough of these resources for the growing number of families who rely on us.
Your donation this Christmas will help us create and purchase evidenced based online tools that make telepractice sessions fun, accessible and effective for children like Mason. These resources will help our clinicians:
- build parent confidence through clear, visual coaching tools
- keep young children engaged in therapy from home
- provide consistent support between in-person and online sessions
- reach families who would otherwise miss out due to distance
Every dollar makes a difference.
Please donate today to help children thrive – no matter where they live.
With your support, BUSHkids can continue to stand beside families across Queensland, offering them hope, guidance and practical help during a time of rapid change and challenge.
From everyone at BUSHkids – our clinicians, our volunteers, our Board members, our partner communities, and especially the children and families we support – thank you for believing in the work we do.
Wishing you and your family a safe, restful and joyful Christmas.
Yours sincerely
Carlton Meyn
Chief Executive Officer
*Names changed to protect the family’s anonymity.