The Impact of Community

Much of this momentum began during the Christmas season, when many of our communities came together to donate time, money, and gifts to the communities they support. 

What continues to shine through today is how that spirit of giving has carried forward, with Churches of Christ communities showing up for one another with compassion and a genuine commitment to caring for people of all ages and backgrounds. 

Across Queensland, from aged care and foster and kindship care, to social housing and our churches, these acts of support are creating meaningful change every day. 

The collective efforts of the Hervey Bay and Maryborough communities brought together $4,000 in gift cards, 65 food hampers, and a wide range of toys and essential items to help ensure that local children, foster carers, and kinship families felt supported and celebrated during the Christmas season.

Volunteers, staff, and church members worked together to sort, pack, and personally deliver these items to local children and foster and kinship families.  Turning generosity into meaningful moments of care. One of the true highlights of the season was seeing generosity come to life through community celebrations. In Bundaberg, children enjoyed waterslides, jumping castles, fairy floss, and a lunch kindly provided by the local Lions Club, while the local church added festive cheer with cookie‑decorating.

The celebrations continued in Maryborough, where families gathered at the Showgrounds for a day filled with a BBQ, games, a jumping castle, and a petting zoo. Made possible through community donations and the support of Churches of Christ staff, these events embodied the spirit of community; giving children the chance to play and celebrate, while carers connected in a relaxed, supportive environment.

In Bundaberg, Church of Christ volunteers gathered more than 50 hampers, along with toys and gift cards, which Children, Youth, and Families  staff delivered to foster and kinship carers and their families across the region. Providing both practical help and emotional encouragement, these gifts were a heartfelt acknowledgment of the tireless work our carers do to support the children in their care.  

As one staff member shared: 

“We had so many relieved and happy carers who appreciated this support so much.”
— Belinda Wood, Team Leader CYF Bundaberg

Simple acts of kindness like these help remind carers and families how much they are appreciated.  

Eidsvold Church, located in a rural town two hours west of Bundaberg, has been steadily growing into a vibrant, connected community after two decades without regular services. With a total population of 538, the church is now home to more than 20 active members, and the congregation is becoming a trusted place of support and belonging.

A generous local business in the Wide Bay region donated $5,000 worth of toys, which will benefit families for years to come. Bundaberg Church members contributed children’s Bibles and clothing, and additional Bibles were purchased for adults who wanted them.

While some of these gifts were shared during the festive season, their impact is continuing well into the year, especially through the church’s children’s ministry, where the remaining Bibles are being used each week.

Acts of kindness also reached residents in our Gold Coast Housing services, thanks to the generosity of Southport Churches of Christ. Their support made it possible for sixteen residents to enjoy a scenic bus trip to Mount Tamborine. An experience that meant far more than a day out. Residents spent time exploring local shops and sharing a meal at Club Tamborine, creating moments of joy, connection, and relief from daily pressures.

For some, it was their first ever visit to the mountain; for others, it was a rare chance to overcome social isolation or mobility challenges and simply enjoy being with new friends. 

One resident, managing chronic back pain, shared:
“It was all worth it because it was such a lovely day.”

Another said it was an opportunity to:
“Forget about the many dramas in life and enjoy the day with new people.”

These small moments filled with conversation, laughter, and fresh air highlight the lasting value of community and connection. 

Together, these stories remind us that community isn’t something created in a single season, it grows through everyday acts of care, generosity, and connectio