108 Bargara Rd
Bundaberg East, Qld, 4670
Over the last several weeks, children have had a blast learning about science the fun way at The Nest’s Little Bang workshops, facilitated by Children’s Discovery with support from IMPACT Community Services.
From tornado tubes, seesaws and balloons to spinning tops, sand timers and child-friendly manacles, the sessions had it all.
Each week of the program, which has been running for 13 years, is dedicated to teaching the youngsters a new skill, including categorisation, measuring, fairness and experimenting.
Tamara Kelly, Children’s Discovery’s sales manager, said every child received a Little Bang Discovery Box, filled with tools to harness children’s natural curiosity and engage them in science learning outside the classroom.
“They can take the Discovery Box home, and they can take the science home, which is what we're always really keen on,” Tamara said.
“These are not just toys; they’re science. They’ve all got scientific principles behind them.”
Alongside equipment like chop sticks, thermometers, rubber bands and tape measures, each box contains a set of cards. These cards feature experiments related to what the children learn throughout the program, allowing them to explore the world of science whenever and wherever inspiration strikes.
Originally a science communicator at Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, Tamara also spent time in the classroom as a primary school teacher. However, Tamara said Children’s Discovery’s programs are nothing like traditional science classes.
“We make things practical. There are no pens in hands,” she said.
“If children want to write something in their notebook, that’s good. Nobody's going to criticise what they write, so then they like it.”
“It's trying to make them realise that science is fun and that you should engage with it. It's not boring.”
There's no doubt Little Bang was a perfect fit for existing IMPACT clients from the organisation’s Positive Start Parenting and Pathways to Early Learning and Development (PELD) programs.
IMPACT’s Early Years Team Leader, Sharelle Steinback, said it was special to see the parents getting involved and connecting with their children, and it was no wonder that the families gave such fantastic feedback.
It’s a reminder of how important it is to support children’s learning and development outside the school gates. After all, it’s never too early for children to start their learning journey.
Developed by psychologist Ursula Benstead, the Shark Cage program continues to support women healing from domestic violence and sexual abuse, with IMPACT Community Services’ Positive Start team recently facilitating the third round of the program for 10 local participants.
Through guided discussions and creative activities, Shark Cage supports women who have experienced childhood or adulthood abuse to rebuild their self-worth and develop emotional strength in a safe, supportive environment.
Facilitators Cat Pjevac and Kayla Wylie completed specialist training in the Shark Cage framework before commencing local facilitation of the program in July.
Cat said the program teaches women about healthy relationships, helping them recognise early signs of an abuser and break negative cycles.
“It's not only for their personal relationships with men,” Cat said.
“It’s also about family members and friendships and learning to understand what boundaries they need to put in place to keep themselves and their children safe.”
Over six weeks, participants created a mural filled with symbolic sea creatures and objects, using sharks to represent abusers, dolphins for friends, fish for themselves, treasure chests for self‑care, and seaweed for their rights and protections. They wrote on each symbol to express their feelings, identify ways to care for themselves, and define the rights that keep them safe.
Harmony, who finished the program earlier this month, has been on a journey of self-discovery since going through domestic violence with her children. The Shark Cage program has recharged her batteries and inspired her as she reinvents herself and creates a brighter future for her family.
Harmony stated, “I find it really empowering. All the issues bring you down, but being in an environment like this helps.
“Being around people who have gone through the same type of things makes you feel like you’re not alone and you’re not crazy,” she said.
Harmony’s no stranger to IMPACT, having been engaged on and off with the organisation since she was pregnant with her three year old. The team is currently helping Harmony regain her licence and boost her work-readiness, goals she hopes to fulfil before her youngest child starts school.
Tallara, who finished the program alongside Harmony, also has nothing but rave reviews of IMPACT and Shark Cage. While she was nervous before the program started, she’s come out the other side stronger.
Shark Cage has boosted her confidence, and she recommends the program to those in similar situations.
“I reckon this program is good for people that have experienced abuse and have no one to talk to or nowhere to go,” she said.
The entire group has come a long way, building friendships, healing from trauma and learning coping strategies that will support them into the future in all aspects of their life.
Cat said participants enjoyed Shark Cage so much that they didn’t want it to end, prompting facilitators to connect participants with PCYC’s Rise Up, Be Yourself (RUBY) physical fitness program as a way to maintain connection and wellbeing.
“They’re sort of sad that they finished the program because they’ve built some great friendships and they want to keep those going,” Cat said.
“We try to encourage them to go to the RUBY program so they can reconnect and have something else to look forward to.”
IMPACT Community Services facilitates Shark Cage locally twice a year, with the next round due to start on 14 July. To express your interest in joining, call 07 4153 4233 or complete the referral form on IMPACT’s website.
It’s an opportunity for women to let their guard down in a setting where their voices are heard, their experiences are understood and their feelings are validated.
When Tahlia returned to Bundaberg as a young mum, she knew she needed more than just a fresh start, she needed connection.
And she knew exactly where to find it: IMPACT Community Services’ Positive Start Parenting program.
Having previously been part of the program before moving away, Tahlia rejoined with her three-year-old daughter, Spirit, and was welcomed back with open arms.
“I really love the program,” she said. “I feel much more connected and want to be more involved in the community through this program.”
Like many mums, Tahlia had felt the isolation that can come with raising young children. But Positive Start offered her more than just parenting tips.
It gave her a safe, non-judgmental space to share, learn, and grow alongside other mums on similar journeys.
“I definitely recommend Positive Start,” she added. “It’s very beneficial and helpful for your overall wellbeing. They’re a great team and so understanding.”
The program supports young mothers and mothers-to-be by providing access to local services, resources, and a strong sense of community. It’s a place where parenting is celebrated, challenges are shared, and no one feels alone.
If you're a mum looking for support, connection, or simply a place to belong, Positive Start could be your village too.
Learn more by visiting the Positive Start Parenting webpage or calling 4153 4233.
IMPACT Community Services is proud to announce the release of a second series of videos as part of its successful Parenting Pathways initiative, continuing its mission to support and empower local parents and caregivers.
Funded by the St John’s Grace Fund, this expanded offering builds on the success of the original series launched in 2024, further breaking down barriers that often prevent parents from seeking help.
“Following the positive response to our first series, we knew there was more we could do,” said Nancy Oosterhof, General Manager for Health & Support at IMPACT.
“This second series dives into struggles many parents face and offers practical, judgment-free guidance.”
The new videos cover topics including:
All videos are available for free on the Parenting Pathways section of IMPACT’s website and include subtitles for accessibility. Whether during a quiet moment or a late-night feed, parents can access expert advice when it suits them.
“Accessibility and relatability remain at the heart of this project,” said Nancy.
“By featuring our own experienced staff and addressing real-life parenting struggles, we’re helping families feel seen, supported, and empowered.”
“We encourage all parents and caregivers to explore the new content and share it widely,” said Nancy.
“Together, we’re building a more resilient, connected community.”
IMPACT Community Services is proud to introduce The Shark Cage Program to the Bundaberg region – an empowering 8-week group course designed for women who have moved beyond crisis and are ready to strengthen their boundaries, rebuild confidence, and protect themselves and their families from future harm.
Developed by psychologist Ursula Benstead, The Shark Cage framework uses a powerful metaphor to help women understand their rights, recognise unhealthy relationship patterns, and develop tools for long-term safety and wellbeing.
“This program is for women who are no longer in crisis but are still healing. It’s about reclaiming your space, your voice and your future,” said Lesley Allen, Team Leader at IMPACT.
“At IMPACT, we are deeply committed to breaking the cycle of domestic violence. The Shark Cage plays a vital role in prevention by equipping women with the tools and knowledge to protect themselves and their families moving forward,” she said.
This course will be facilitated by trained staff from IMPACT’s Positive Start Program, Kayla and Cat, and is open to a maximum of 10 participants.
Sessions will run weekly over eight weeks, offering a safe, supportive environment for personal growth and development. Participants must be committed to attending all eight sessions to ensure the full benefit of the program.
Location: IMPACT Community Services, 108 Bargara Road – Bundaberg East
Start Date: 8-week program starting 8 July 2025, concluding 26 August 2025
Day/Time: Every Tuesday from 10:30am – 12:30pm
Cost: Free of charge
For more information, please call 07 4153 4233.
To register your interest in IMPACT's future Shark Cage programs, please complete our referral form.
In a bustling room filled with colourful toys and the sounds of cheerful laughter, children are blossoming. Their curious minds explore, their tiny hands grasp, and friendships develop, in an environment where every interaction, every discovery, lays the foundation for a lifetime of learning.
The first five years are crucial for child growth and development, and IMPACT Community Services’ innovative Prep Transition Program offers a guiding hand to parents and their little ones, ensuring children get the best possible start in life.
As part of Positive Start Parenting, the Prep Transition Program identifies and addresses potential developmental issues early on, so parents can obtain wrap around support to access the required services to address their children’s needs.
Parents are actively involved from the outset, providing valuable input about their child's strengths, weaknesses, and goals. Through questionnaires and observations during playgroup sessions, parents and program coordinators collaboratively develop tailored plans to support each child's unique needs.
Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, a testament to the program's effectiveness in nurturing essential skills crucial for school readiness.
Ms Allen emphasised, “we want our little ones to be as ready as they can be prior to starting school.”
“We support our parents to have their child’s eye, teeth and hearing checks as well doing appropriate referrals to assess any developmental delays so that in the two years prior to starting prep, the children have access to the required therapies needed to improve their transition into school.”
Children identified as needing additional support are seamlessly connected with other vital resources and services, ensuring a holistic approach to their well-being. Whether it's referrals to specialised programs like Bushkids or the NDIS, or even facilitating developmental checks through partnerships with Child Health, every effort is made to provide comprehensive support for families.
But it's not just about the children; parents are also empowered through education and support. Workshops on effective parenting techniques, such as 1,2,3 Magic and Emotion Coaching and Bringing Up Great Kids, equip parents with the tools they need to foster healthy development in their children.
Parents are also encouraged to explore what it may look like for them once their child starts school. Coping with the separation, making new social connections, and possibly taking on some education or employment to enrich their own lives.
In the end, the Positive Start Parenting program isn't just about preparing children for school; it's about setting them on a trajectory for lifelong success. By investing in the crucial early years and empowering families, IMPACT Community Services is truly making a positive impact on the next generation.
To learn more about this program, call 1800 179 233, visit the Parenting Support page, or complete the Contact Us form.
A group of young parents recently took part in a therapeutic drumming program designed to facilitate the social and emotional skills for healthy relationships and values.
Seven IMPACT Community Services Positive Start Parenting participants took part in DRUMBEAT over a 10 week period. The program uses music, psychology and neurobiology to reconnect with self and others.
DRUMBEAT is an acronym for Discovering Relationships Using Music, Beliefs, Emotions, Attitudes, and Thoughts.
IMPACT’s Manager of Support Services, Sandra Higgins, said many lively discussions around the role of parents in children’s’ lives were facilitated over the course of the 10 weeks.
“This program was challenging at times, however a lot of laughing and fun made it all worthwhile,” she said.
“One of the plays we do is to drum how we feel at the start of the session and at the end of the session. Everyone is happier at the end after banging on the drums for an hour.”
Session 1 was The Rhythm of Parent – Child Relationships which looked at the patterns and impact on the relationship between the two. It proved that stable rhythms are safe rhythms, and that stable people form better relationships. Conflict between parents and their children can often be viewed as a clash of rhythms. The clients were taught the basic notes to use on the Djembe drum. They started learning the Listening Rhythm, the Heartbeat Rhythm and the Storm.
Session 2 was Developing Stronger Parent-Child Relationships which touched on healthy relationships, boundaries, values, good listening supports healthy parent – child relationships. We continued with the Listening Rhythm and touched on the Respect Rhythm.
Session 3 was Harmony in our Relationships. We looked at musical harmony using the Djembe drums, what factors help support family harmony, how the way we treat each other can improve harmony in the parent – child relationship. We completed learning the Listening Rhythm and the Respect Rhythm.
Session 4 was about Discipline and Parent – Child Relationship. Clear boundaries and link to values was discussed, role modelling, consistency and trust, compliance through understanding, communication and consequences.
Session 5 looked at Emotions and Feelings. Did you know there are 600 words in the English dictionary that describe feelings. Two-thirds of these are negative words! Parents need to be sensitive to children’s feelings and they can sometimes be misinterpreted which can lead to conflict. How we express our feelings is important, and some ways are healthier than others. We practiced the Listening Rhythm and the Respect Rhythm.
Session 6 looked at Teamwork and the Family. We discussed the different teams that we are a part of as well as other teams that we enjoy. Healthy teams like families communicate well with each other and respect differences among their members. The clients started learning the Teamwork Rhythm and a lot of fun was had by the clients.
Session 7 was about Outside Influences on the Parent – Child Relationship. How do parents manage the peer relationships of their children, the impact of negative peer influence, parental acrimony and its impact on the child, bullying and working with the school system.
Sandra said: “The clients enjoyed a mini concert by working their way through all the rhythms and finally coming together in harmony. The participants had found their rhythm by the end of the program and received a certificate and most stated that they wanted to do it again next year!”
Did you know you can access prenatal and postnatal care with IMPACT Community Services’ Foundations for Life program?
Each fortnight a midwife comes to IMPACT to answer any questions you and your partner may have about pregnancy and parenting in a one-on-one session.
The midwife can perform physical checks, take measurements, and has a doppler, a machine which can enable you to hear the baby’s heartbeat.
After you have had your baby, the midwife can do in-home visits for up to six weeks.
The aim of the Foundations for Life program is to improve access to high quality and appropriate antenatal and postnatal care for vulnerable and at-risk women aged under 25 years and their partners in the Bundaberg region.
IMPACT’s Positive Start Parenting team leader Lesley Allen said the midwife gives wonderful advice and was very knowledgeable.
She said having the individual sessions with the same midwife can create a greater sense of reassurance, less chance of conflicting information, and a stronger rapport.
Lesley said parents feel safe being able to speak with a midwife at IMPACT.
She said this program was a great opportunity to ask any questions you or your partner might have early on in the pregnancy journey.
As part of the program, IMPACT hosts educational forums covering all things parenting. In the past there have been forums on bathing a baby, dental hygiene, and introducing solid foods to a child’s diet. The next forum will cover Baby massage.
The Child Health team has assisted the Foundations for Life program in providing parents with Pepe-Pods which provide a safe co-sleeping setup for parents and new-born babies.
For more information about this group phone 4153 4233.
The value of a safe place to learn and be supported when entering parenthood cannot be overstated.
IMPACT Community Services holds a weekly group session for young parents or soon-to-be parents to connect with one another and learn from health professionals.
IMPACT’s Positive Start Parenting Team Leader Lesley Allen said this group was aimed at providing support and education for people aged 15-19 years old.
She said information to help the young parents prepare for when the baby arrives without fear of judgement was what the group was all about.
During their first session a representative from Child Health spoke with the group about their new Pepe Pods which they can give to the parents before the baby is born.
The pods are used to enable safe, co-sleeping for parents and new-born babies.
Lesley said the session will not always be held at IMPACT, with the potential to host the group at a local park or café if it is of interest.
The young parents group meets on Wednesdays from 3.30pm-4.40pm to ensure they aren’t missing out on school.
IMPACT can also aid with transport to the sessions should you require it.
For more information about this group phone 4153 4233.
