Every Queensland child deserves the chance to grow, learn and thrive — no matter where they live
As we look ahead to our 2026–2031 Strategic Plan, we are not simply planning for the future — we are helping to define it. This is a moment to reflect on how far BUSHkids have come, to reimagine what is possible for Queensland children, and to commit to the impact and legacy we will create together at BUSHkids. Because behind every strategy is a child whose future can be reshaped.
I’d like to share a story that captures the heart of our work — and why your support matters so deeply.
Four-year-old Ava* had never seen a speech pathologist or occupational therapist. Not because her family didn’t care. Not because they didn’t try. But because living in remote western Queensland meant the support Ava needed was hundreds of kilometres away.
When Ava started kindy, her educators noticed she was finding things harder than other children. She struggled to communicate. Changes to routines felt overwhelming. Joining in with group activities was difficult, and transitioning into the kindy room each day was a challenge.
Without support, those struggles could have followed Ava into school and beyond — shaping not just her learning, but her confidence, friendships, and opportunities.
That’s where caring people like you make all the difference.
Through our hybrid outreach model, we brought support directly to Ava’s community. Our speech pathologists and occupational therapists worked alongside Ava in her kindergarten and home environment through face-to-face visits, while telepractice sessions provided regular support between outreach trips. Together with her family and educators, we built simple everyday strategies to strengthen Ava’s communication, confidence, and emotional regulation.
Slowly, things began to change.
Ava started joining group activities.
She found more words.
She smiled more.
Then one morning during kindy group time, Ava quietly raised her hand and said: “My turn.”
For most children, those two words might seem small.
For Ava’s mum, they meant everything.
Because they represented connection. Confidence. Belonging.
They represented possibility.
Every day, children living in regional, rural and remote communities face barriers to accessing life-changing early intervention support simply because of where they live.
With your support, children like Ava can access the care they need — helping them build the skills, confidence and foundations to thrive at school, at home and in life.
Because where a child lives should never determine what they can become — but right now, for too many children, it still does.
Your support matters now more than ever.
With your continued support, we can reach more children like Ava — children whose futures depend on early access to the right care, at the right time.
We recognise that cost-of-living pressures are affecting many households, and we are genuinely grateful for any support you feel able to give. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps ensure children and families in regional, rural and remote Queensland can access our free, vital services.
Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible, and giving is simple via our website at bushkids.org.au by clicking the “Donate” button.
Thank you for standing with us. Together, we are ensuring that geography does not define a child’s future — and that every Queensland child has the opportunity to thrive.
Because of you, “my turn” becomes the beginning of everything.
Yours sincerely,
Carlton Meyn
Chief Executive Officer
*Names changed to protect the family’s anonymity.