IMPACT builds school readiness supports at The Nest 

IMPACT Community Services is bolstering its school readiness supports at The Nest, Bundaberg’s child and family hub, as young people settle into a new school year. 

Since the multi-service space launched in late 2025 at 57 Bourbong Street, IMPACT has grown its presence to prepare young people and families not only for school, but everything life throws at them.  

IMPACT’s teams range from Hope, Empower, Resilient and Enable (HERE) and Pathways to Early Learning and Development (PELD) for young people to Positive Start Parenting (PS) and Family Mental Health Support Services (FMHSS) for parents and families.   

Nancy Oosterhof, IMPACT’s General Manager of Health and Support, said The Nest’s school readiness supports are year-round and assist 0 to 18 year olds along with their families. 

“It can be a two year old engaging in a playgroup, or support for young people starting school, transitioning to a new school, moving to a new year level or navigating friendships,” Ms Oosterhof said. 

“We can also help parents with routines or different strategies that will ultimately support the young person but will also support the household to make school and those earlier years as smooth as possible.” 

Family mental health workers, youth workers, early education workers and community navigators are among the IMPACT professionals available at The Nest. 

One of them is Tamika Thompson, IMPACT’s Bundaberg Family Mental Health Team Leader. She said her team personalises support because every young person and family experience challenges differently. 

“We’re not going in with expectations about what we think the family and young person needs,” Ms Thompson said. 

“We tailor support to each young person and their family from their own individual needs, circumstances and environment. 

“First, we focus on building rapport. Once we understand what’s happening for that young person, we then work alongside them to navigate those challenges together.” 

Ms Thompson said IMPACT provides support in multiple settings, including IMPACT Community Services, The Nest, schools and family homes. 

“If a young person is feeling overwhelmed or anxious about everyday challenges, we can support them by offering practical strategies such as breathing techniques, five‑senses grounding and confidence‑building activities,” she said. 

“We partner with young people, families and schools to apply an agreed approach, led by the young person. 

“We’ve even gone to homes in the morning to help a young person get ready and then travelled with them to school so they feel safe and supported to start their day.” 

Ms Thompson’s team offers evidence-based programs such as The BRAVE for managing anxiety; Seasons for Growth for dealing with change, loss or grief; and Love Bites for promoting healthy relationships.  

They are also running a holistic homework and socialisation program called Belonging, Assistance, Support and Empowerment (BASE) that will run from The Nest.

On 11 February, her team will start Steady Steps, a 10-week mindfulness program. 

Ms Thompson said it’s important to have a shared understanding of the pressures families face, and that’s exactly what the IMPACT team brings to the table.  

“Sometimes life is really hard, especially for families working long hours and juggling everything after school. It can feel like a daily race. 

“I understand that, and I can relate to that completely. It's okay if you're feeling a little bit low.  

“We will meet you where you’re at, walk alongside you and support you through it.” 

While The Nest can’t always directly support specific needs, IMPACT and partner organisations can draw on their network to assist. 

Ms Oosterhof said an example is that, even though The Nest doesn’t provide emergency relief regarding school items, the team can link parents with other services in this space. 

“If accessing resources, fulfilling the school booklist, preparing lunch boxes and just providing that really strong start for the young one is a challenge for people, then we can certainly support them,” she said. 

“We've got a really vast network of connections and ways that we can link people in with other services in the community in a respectful and dignified manner.” 

Ms Oosterhof said anyone is welcome to drop in to The Nest during business hours from Monday to Friday, regardless of which service they need. 

“We operate within a ‘no wrong door’ model,” she said. 

“Anyone is welcome at any time to come into the space to connect, access support, resources and information, or just find a safe space to share their story.” 

For more information on The Nest and IMPACT’s programs, visit our website.