Gladstone puts children at the centre of shaping future family supports
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
What happens when the voices of children become the starting point for decisions about the future?
That was the focus of Gladstone's first Children and Family Supports (CaFS) Partnership Table, held on 27 and 28 August. More than a workshop, it marked the establishment of a new partnership approach for the region, bringing community partners, providers and government together to collectively navigate significant reform while keeping the wellbeing of children and families at the centre of decision-making.
Over two days, participants worked together to deepen understanding of what children and families are experiencing across the Gladstone Region, identify where current efforts are making a difference, and explore where greater alignment could strengthen outcomes over time. Drawing on local evidence and community insights, discussions remained firmly grounded in what children need to thrive.
Importantly, the workshop began not with programs, funding models or organisational interests, but with children.
Participants reflected on artwork and messages created by local children, considering what helps children feel valued, loved and safe, and what contributes to thriving childhoods. Those reflections shaped conversations throughout the workshop and served as a constant reminder of who sits at the centre of the decisions being made.
In June this year, the Australian Government announced a new Place Partnership Model, strengthening how communities and government work together to improve outcomes for children and families. Rolling out across 18 communities nationally, including Gladstone, the model is designed to support coordinated, locally-led action by bringing community knowledge, lived experience and local priorities into decision-making.
The Partnership Table builds on the significant contribution already being made by community organisations, service providers, and government partners across the region. It provides an opportunity to strengthen shared understanding of local priorities, align efforts around community priorities, and ensure future responses are informed by the experiences and needs of local children and families.
Across the workshop, participants explored local data, community knowledge and service insights, mapped existing supports across the region, and identified opportunities where greater alignment could strengthen outcomes for children and families. Discussions acknowledged both the strengths that exist within Gladstone and the challenges families continue to face, particularly where earlier support, stronger connections and more responsive systems could make a difference.
A strong theme throughout the two days was the willingness to step into uncertainty together. Participants acknowledged that significant change lies ahead and that achieving better outcomes for children and families will require community, providers and government to navigate that change side by side.
Participants reflected on the value of having dedicated time together in person, learning alongside one another and drawing on the diverse knowledge, experience and perspectives present in the room to explore challenges and opportunities that extend beyond any one organisation. There was recognition that working differently will require openness, trust and a willingness to engage with both opportunities and uncomfortable questions as they emerge.
While many questions remain, the two-day workshop established important foundations. Relationships were strengthened, local knowledge was surfaced, and a shared commitment emerged to keep the voices and experiences of children at the centre of future discussions.
The Partnership Table is only the beginning.
As the Children and Family Supports program continues to evolve, the challenge and opportunity for Gladstone is to build on this foundation, drawing on community voice, service expertise and government partnership to achieve the best possible outcomes for children and families, now and into the future.
Contact GRT to find out more information.
P: 07 4970 7382
