Churches of Christ in Queensland

The residents of Lady Small Haven Retirement Village were recently treated to a special visit by author and Gold Coast local, Rachel Syers. Rachel was invited to share insights into her latest biography, Sir Bruce Small: From Malvern Star to Mr Gold Coast, and personally sign copies. Lady Small Haven was named after Sir Bruce’s wife, Lady Lillian Small. Although Sir Bruce and Lady Lillian are no longer with us, their remarkable legacy lives on through Lady Small Haven. Together, they dedicated years of planning and fundraising to establish Lady Small Haven – a place where Gold Coast senior citizens can reside in comfort and style during their retirement years. A big thank you to Rachel for bringing Sir Bruce and Lady Lillian's inspiring story to life for our residents.

We would like to say a big thank you to Callum Osborne and the team at 1-800-GOT-JUNK? Gold Coast who donated their labour and moving truck costs to help us with the removal of surplus furniture and recyclables from one of our aged care facilities. Most of the furniture and other items has been donated to local charity organisation, Serving Our People Inc., who help people during times of hardship. This partnership is a true example of community collaboration, with the donations benefiting those in need and making a positive impact. We are so proud to be a part of this shared effort to give back and make a difference!

The Transition to Adulthood (T2A) team, in collaboration with Child Safety, recently hosted an incredible Family Fun Day for Next Step Plus (NSP) participants, and it was a resounding success with a great turnout. From laser tag and bowling to arcade games and prizes, attendees had a blast. Fun aside, the day was also packed with valuable resources to help young people on their journey to independence. 🤝 A big thankyou to our partners - Services Australia, TAFE Queensland and Queensland Transport, for providing insights into key areas like obtaining a driver’s licence, exploring post-school study options, and navigating government services. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and we’re proud to see such strong engagement. Together, we’re making a difference in the lives of young people as they transition to adulthood.

Last week, Practice Advisor Arshee Qadir delivered a TCIF Refresher for our Bundaberg Foster and Kinship Care Service team. TCIF (Therapeutic Crisis Intervention for Families) plays a vital role in equipping our staff and carers to better support the children in their care, ensuring they feel valued and understood. Joining Arshee was CYF Chaplain Stewart Harris, who wrapped up the day with a reflective ‘Year in Review’ session. Service Manager Jasmine Sims also joined, sharing her thoughts: "The Bundaberg team took the time to celebrate their achievements and milestones in what has been an incredibly busy and successful 2024. It was wonderful to highlight the fantastic outcomes they’ve achieved for young people and their carers alike." A huge thank you to the Bundaberg team for their unwavering commitment to making a positive difference! 👏

Christmas has come early for our Brisbane and Moreton Bay Foster and Kinship Care Service! 🎁 Thanks to the generosity of Bright Bags QLD, a local NFP with a commitment of supporting vulnerable children in the Moreton Bay Region, nearly 400 Christmas gifts have been donated to our children in care. We’re incredibly grateful to founder Kerri for her dedication and generosity. Practice Advisor Andreea (left) and our team were thrilled to meet Kerri and accept this incredible donation. Partnerships like this highlight the power of community and connection, to make a real difference.

#StaffSpotlight 🔍 Swipe to learn a bit more about Alex from our South East Counselling & Intervention Service. From his favorite hobbies to what inspires him every day, Alex brings something truly special to our team. 👏

Creating safe, nurturing environments for children is essential to fostering their growth and well-being. We commend Little Stars Foundation for their trauma-informed approach to early education, emphasising the critical importance of child protection. At Churches of Christ, we share this commitment to empowering children through care, understanding, and support.

Our Housing Services Christmas Gift Drive is in full swing. Want to make a real difference this holiday season? Every year, we run a special gift drive for our foster families, social and affordable housing residents, home care clients, and others across Churches of Christ care services in Queensland. Your organisation can take action and create lasting support for Queensland families. Your contribution – no matter how big or small – can help brighten someone’s Christmas, bringing joy to those facing tough times. Here are four impactful ways to help. 👇

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our newly implemented Children, Youth, and Families Practice Team! Based out of Kenmore HQ, this dedicated team is here to elevate and support our vital services across Queensland. Please join us in welcoming our new team members: Adelisa Kospic – Practice Manager Arshee Q. Qadir – Practice Advisor Andreea Grigoruta – Practice Advisor With their expertise and passion, we look forward to strengthening our impact on communities across the state, ensuring children, youth and families receive the best support possible.

Yesterday, we came together for #RemembranceDay to honour the courage and sacrifice of the brave men and women who have served, and continue to serve, in our armed forces. We remember their dedication, reflect on their legacy, and express our gratitude for their commitment to safeguarding our freedom. #LestWeForget