Community Leaders Gather to Support Queensland Families
Centacare FNQ was proud to welcome community leaders, partners, supporters and local families to a special edition of the Rotary Club of Cairns West Breakfast Club at the Manoora Neighbourhood Centre.
The event formed part of the Raising Queensland campaign, a statewide initiative led by QCOSS that is advocating for greater investment in children and families across Queensland. The campaign calls for a coordinated approach to supporting families and ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of where they live.
Special guest Aimee McVeigh, Chief Executive Officer of QCOSS, joined attendees to discuss the campaign and the growing pressures facing families across the state. Her visit formed part of a statewide tour engaging with communities, service providers and sector leaders about the challenges affecting children and families and the opportunities to strengthen support across Queensland.
Connecting Statewide Advocacy with Local Action
The Raising Queensland campaign follows the release of research highlighting increasing housing stress, rising living costs and unequal access to services and opportunities for many Queensland families.
As one of 26 frontline organisations supporting the campaign, Centacare FNQ sees these challenges firsthand through its work with children, young people and families across Far North Queensland.
The breakfast provided an opportunity to connect statewide advocacy with local experiences and demonstrate how place-based initiatives can strengthen communities and improve outcomes for children and families.
Centacare FNQ Executive Director Anita Veivers said the event highlighted the importance of bringing people together around a shared commitment to supporting families.
“Every day, the Breakfast Club provides a welcoming space where children and parents can start the day together with a healthy meal and caring support,” Ms Veivers said.
“We know that when families feel connected and supported, children are better able to learn, grow and thrive.”
A Longstanding Community Partnership
The Breakfast Club is funded and delivered by the Rotary Club of Cairns West and hosted at Centacare FNQ’s Manoora Neighbourhood Centre.
The initiative provides local children and families with access to a healthy breakfast in a welcoming environment while creating opportunities for connection, conversation and support.
Programs like the Breakfast Club demonstrate how local partnerships can create meaningful impact. Alongside practical support, they help build belonging, strengthen community ties and contribute to positive outcomes for children and families.
Bringing the Community Together
The morning included community conversations, networking opportunities and a friendly Pancake Flip competition, creating a relaxed and engaging atmosphere for guests.
The event showcased the strength of collaboration between community organisations, volunteers, advocates and supporters who share a commitment to creating brighter futures for children and families.
Looking Ahead
Centacare FNQ thanks QCOSS, Aimee McVeigh, the Rotary Club of Cairns West and everyone who attended and contributed to the event.
By combining statewide advocacy with local action, initiatives such as Raising Queensland and the Breakfast Club are helping create stronger communities where every child and family has the opportunity to thrive.