BUSHkids Annual Report | 2023-24

Annual Report • 2023–24

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OUR PEOPLE AND THEIR STORIES

Carlton Meyn

Chief Executive Officer

Approaching 2025, when BUSHkids will celebrate 90 years transforming the lives of children, families, and communities in regional, rural, and remote Queensland, it’s worth reflecting on our inspiring past 12 months.

Across the generations, BUSHkids has continuously adapted. Tapping into the famous ingenuity of bush communities to help solve problems, we’ve worked together to make a brighter future. Our deep community roots, combined with our team’s professional expertise, allow us to effectively meet the evolving needs and unique challenges faced by local families. And so it is with renewed excitement that I report some of the highlights from our efforts in 2024. Services provided This year, BUSHkids supported nearly 9,000 children with more than 20,000 sessions across Queensland, providing valuable opportunities to grow and thrive, regardless of where they live. Our diverse range of programs operate in over 30 communities ensuring that vital support is accessible to those who need it most. One new location is the remote town of Boulia, where we are working with other stakeholders to codesign and implement a much needed, capacity building children’s service.

Key strategies and publications

In 2024, we launched our Capability Statement , Making Early Years Count — The BUSHkids Way . This foundational document is the first in a series that will shape our future. It articulates the comprehensive services we offer, the meaningful impact we strive to achieve, and our strategic priorities moving forward. We are also working on refining BUSHkids’ Model of Care to foster deeper engagement with our stakeholders. To foster the ongoing evolution of BUSHkids as an organisation, we are actively developing a comprehensive Digital Strategy. This is designed to position us as a modern entity, leveraging technology to its fullest potential. By enhancing our operational efficiency, driving innovation, and ensuring safety and security, we aim to maximise the benefits that technology can bring to our mission. During the year, BUSHkids implemented our first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) — our Reflect RAP . This represents a commitment to strengthening relationships, building partnerships, and celebrating First Nations culture in a respectful and meaningful way. We are continuing our reconciliation journey with the Reconciliation Australia program as we commence our Innovate RAP.

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