Giving every child an equal start - no matter where they live
A new hub in Townsville means we can reach families sooner - and it's community donations and volunteers that will make that possible.
By Deb Smith, Regional and Remote Coordinator, Baby Give Back Townsville
Some of the families who need us most live in the places that are hardest to reach. 30 of Queensland's 40 most disadvantaged communities are outside Brisbane. For families in our regional, rural and remote north, distance itself can become a barrier to something as simple as warm, well-fitting clothes for a growing baby or child.
As Baby Give Back's Regional and Remote Coordinator, based at our Townsville hub, my role is to change that. Having lived and worked in remote communities, I've seen first-hand how geographic isolation and a rising cost of living - fuel included - can stack up against families doing their best. I'm here to make sure that where a family lives never decides whether their child has what they need.
“Some of the families who need us most live in the places that are hardest to reach”
A growing base in Townsville
Our Townsville hub is now a genuine local base, not just a drop-off point. Support workers can collect clothing bundles and safe start boxes directly from us, quickly and easily, so families receive essentials when they need them most. Just as importantly, it puts us face to face with local partners - building the relationships that let us respond faster and work together across the region.
Reaching families across northern Queensland
The need in our remote communities is real, and so is the opportunity. Take Kowanyama, in the Gulf of Carpentaria. Since the local church op shop closed down, families have had nowhere nearby to buy children's clothing at all.
We're proud to be working alongside One Tree Children’s Services - a partner connected to the local child care centre, the playgroup, the local Council, public health clinic and the Aboriginal Health Service. When services join forces, families receive wraparound support, giving children the ability to thrive in the early years.
Working with services across the state, we're now able to extend similar coordinated support to communities including Doomadgee, Weipa and Aurukun. By strengthening partnerships, we are working to reach more remote areas with practical support where it is needed most.
This is the model we want to grow - and it's where the support of partners and funders makes the difference. Every new community we reach depends on backing from people and organisations who believe, as we do, that a child's start in life shouldn't come down to their postcode.
Community spirit is thriving in Townsville
Our Townsville hub is now welcoming clothing donations from the public, and we're building a local volunteer team, with both hub-based and home-based roles. There's something special taking shape here: local families supporting local families and communities supporting one another.
This is just the beginning. With the right partners beside us, we'll keep growing our reach across northern Queensland - so that every child, in every community, has an equal start.
If you'd like more information on partnering with Baby Give Back or volunteering with us, we'd love to hear from you.
Deb Smith
Regional and Remote Coordinator, Baby Give Back Townsville
