Breaking Thru Disability & Youth Support Services

13/08/2025

🌟Celebrating Small Wins, Every Day 🌟

At Breaking Thru, we know that progress doesn’t always come in giant leaps - sometimes, it’s found in the small steps, the quiet moments, and the shared smiles💛

Today, we’re celebrating the little victories:

✔️ Trying something new (and loving it!)

✔️ Using our voices - in words, signs or smiles

✔️Working together and supporting one another

✔️ Finding joy in everyday moments

Because every step forward matters, and every person’s journey is worth celebrating 💫

31/07/2025

📚 3 Powerful Children’s Books That Nurture Disability Awareness & Empathy 🌈

At Breaking Thru, we believe in starting meaningful conversations with children early — and books are a beautiful way to do just that. These three picture books are thoughtful, inclusive, and perfect for helping kids understand and embrace diverse experiences:

✨ 1. We Move Together by Anne McGuire
A vibrant, joyful story that celebrates community, accessibility, and the beauty of moving through the world together — in all the ways that people do.

☀️ 2. It Was Supposed to Be Sunny by Samantha Cotterill
A touching story about sensory challenges and managing expectations, told through the eyes of a young girl with autism navigating her birthday party.

🌊 3. This Beach Is Loud! by Samantha Cotterill
A gentle, relatable story that explores sensory overload at the beach, helping kids understand overstimulation and how to self-regulate emotions.

These books open the door to empathy, inclusion, and understanding — one story at a time. 💬💕

📖 Which book would you read first with your little ones?

24/07/2025

🌿 MyTime is Back for Term 3! 🌿

We’re so excited to welcome back our wonderful parents and carers — and to meet some new faces too! 💛

Our first MyTime session will be this coming WEDNESDAY 30th July and then fortnightly on Thursdays for the remainder of the term.

MyTime sessions are all about connection, support, and self-care for parents and carers of children with disabilities.

✨️ What to expect:

🫶 A safe, judgment-free space
😂 Laughter and emotional support
☕️ Morning tea and great company
🎨 Creative activities like arts & crafts
💅 Pamper sessions to unwind
🎤 Inspiring workshops with guest speakers

Whether you're returning or thinking of joining us for the first time, we’d love to have you in our community.

📩 Interested? Slide into our DMs or email us at admin@breakingthru.org.au to find out more.
You’re not alone — we’re here, and we get it. 💬❤️

17/07/2025

🌞 Discover the 10 Best Playgrounds on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast! 🛝✨

1. Grahame Stewart Park, Currimundi
A huge 3.5 ha playground with bike/scooter traffic track (complete with road signs!), swings, sand diggers, pod swing, basketball & cricket—all right by the lake and beach 👟🚗

2. Aura Treehouse Playground, Bells Creek
A multi-level treehouse wonderland decorated with butterflies and birds, slides galore, seating for parents, full amenities—pure artistic playground joy!

3. Maroochydore Rotary Park
Two sandy playground zones by the river, featuring a giant wooden pirate ship, rockers, monkey bars, dry creek bed, stepping stones—and a small jetty for fishing!

4. Pierce Park, Maroochydore
A refreshed space with a big fort, climbing nets, swings, rockers—and a life size Snakes & Ladders game where kids are the game pieces! Plus barbecues & picnic tables.

5. Aura Dino Park, Nirimba
Kids climb inside a massive dino, crawl through its mouth, slide down its tail! Includes fossil digging site and sandy play—ideal for budding paleontologists.

6. Fig Tree Park, Nirimba
Another stunning Aura design—extensive climbing frames, tunnel slide, oversized flying fox, hill-slide. Challenging and loads of fun.

7. Bells Reach Playground, Caloundra
Unique rubber matted mounds with tunnels, crow’s nest, slides, and a toddler-friendly mini play area atop smooth sand. Great for all ages.

8. Little Mountain Common
Expansive district park with flying fox, swings, castle-style climbing, bike paths, skate park, sports courts—and even a fenced dog off leash zone.

9. Kevin Asmus Park, Buddina
A pirate themed playground linked by bike track through the community centre—complete with play café, petrol pump, swings, half court basketball and cricket oval.

10. Russell Family Park, Montville
Hinterland hill retreat with a 10 m slide, climbing tower, flying fox, swings, grassy mounds, dry creek bed, wildlife walk, and BBQ/picnic facilities.
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Perfect for families – these playgrounds offer a fantastic mix of creative play, nature exploration, and facilities (toilets, shade, BBQs). Whether you're after theme park style excitement, water play, big slides, or peaceful river views, the Sunshine Coast delivers for kids of all ages.

Which one will be your family's next adventure? Let me know your favourite or tag someone keen to explore with you! 😊

09/07/2025

Take us back to the wonderful evening, where we accepted an incredible donation from Zonta Club of Blackall Range. We are extremely grateful for all the work you do and we look forward to future collaborations.

Zonta celebrates year of service and impact

The Zonta Club of Blackall Range celebrated another successful year of service and welcomed its new leadership at the annual Changeover Dinner held this week at Flaxton Gardens. The event was attended by members, community leaders, and special guests including Andrew Wallace - LNP Federal Member for Fisher, Past District Governor Lyn Agnew, and Governor of Zonta District 22 Petra Ladwig, who officially inducted the incoming office bearers.

In her address, returning President Margy Henderson reflected on the club’s achievements in 2024, acknowledging the dedication and teamwork of members. Over the past year, the club raised vital funds through events such as the Valentine’s Trivia Night, monthly plant stalls, and annual Zonta Hinterland Business Directory.

These efforts funded Zonta’s donations to local organisations including Sonshine Sanctuary, Lily House, Mapleton Community Library, and Breaking Thru Disability & Youth Support Services. The club also provided educational scholarships, supported women’s refuges, assembled 600 birthing kits for women in developing countries, and recognised a local Woman of Achievement on International Women’s Day.

As challenges like the rising rates of domestic violence, elder abuse, and homelessness persist, Zonta’s mission remains vital. “With new members, an enlarged Board and new energy, I feel we will achieve a lot to improve the lives of women and girls, both locally and internationally,” said Ms Henderson.

The Changeover Dinner is a cherished tradition in the Zonta calendar, marking both continuity and fresh momentum. At the heart of everything the club does is the spirit of the Zonta mission – to build a better world for women and girls, so that everyone can thrive.

• For more information email membership@zontablackallrange.org.au

Pictured: The District Governor with 2025 Zonta Board: from left Petra Ladwig with Margy Henderson, Rita Kerr, Lyndel Grant, Linda McElrea, Lynette Mackenzie, Alison Huth, Micheline Batchler, Chris Andrade, Sue McCleary, (Eva-Marie Seeto absent).

08/07/2025

🌿 NAIDOC WEEK 2025 🌿
Theme: The Next Generation – Strength, Vision & Legacy

At Breaking Thru, we proudly acknowledge and celebrate NAIDOC Week — a time to honour the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This year’s theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, speaks deeply to our mission. We believe in empowering young people, nurturing their voices, and walking alongside them as they shape a future rooted in pride, resilience, and cultural strength.

We are committed to creating inclusive, culturally safe spaces where the next generation can thrive — connected to community, country, and culture.

💬 Let’s listen.
💪 Let’s empower.
🌱 Let’s grow strong together.

30/06/2025

🌐 Happy Social Media Day 📱✨

Today we celebrate the power of connection, collaboration, and community that social media brings to our lives — especially right here in our local areas! 💛

At Breaking Thru, social media isn’t just about scrolling — it’s a way for us to connect with families, support young people, share resources, celebrate achievements, and raise awareness for important causes in disability and youth support. 🌟

It allows us to reach people who might otherwise feel isolated, to share stories that inspire change, and to collaborate with other amazing organisations making a difference in our community. 🤝

Together, we are stronger — both online and offline. Let’s continue using these platforms to lift each other up, spread kindness, and build an inclusive community for all. 💬🌈

How has social media helped you feel connected? Tell us below! 👇

26/06/2025

One of the things our participants love doing is trips to the beach! Nothing beats vitamin sea 🌊

25/06/2025

We are incredibly honoured and grateful to have been chosen as recipients of a generous donation from the wonderful .blackall.range organisation. 💛

These funds will go a long way in supporting the at-risk children and families who access our services here at Breaking Thru. Your support helps us continue providing safe spaces, connection, and opportunities for those who need it most.

A special thank you to our lovely admin Susie, who proudly accepted the donation on our behalf. It was a privilege to be recognised by such an inspiring group making real change in the community.

19/06/2025

🌟 Fundraising Spotlight! 🌟

One of our amazing young girls is taking on the Hair With Heart Challenge! 💇‍♀️✨ She’s bravely cutting off her long locks to raise funds for her chosen charity – supporting children who experience permanent hair loss due to medical conditions like alopecia and cancer.

We are so proud of her big heart and generous spirit! 💖 Let’s cheer her on and help her reach her goal. Every donation makes a difference!

https://hairwithheart.variety.org.au/fundraisers/lillysimpson/hair-with-heart

17/06/2025

🌈 Pride Month at Breaking Thru 🌈

At Breaking Thru, we believe everyone deserves a space to feel safe, seen, and celebrated — especially our LGBTQIA+ young people and those living with disability.

This Pride Month, we’re standing loud and proud with the q***r community. We celebrate diversity in all forms — because being yourself should never be a barrier to support, connection, or empowerment. 💪💖

We’re here to champion inclusive spaces where identity is honoured, voices are heard, and all young people feel like they belong.

🏳️‍🌈 You matter. You are enough. You are loved. 🏳️‍🌈

06/06/2025

We are excited to host MyTime at our space next Thursday 12th June!

Are you a parent or carer of a child with a disability? 💙
You’re not alone — and you don’t have to do it all on your own.

Join us at MyTime, a welcoming support group designed just for you.
Our next session is all about support, connection and creativity, featuring:

✨ Arts & Crafts
🍰 Morning Tea
☕ Coffee & Tea

Whether you’re looking for support, a safe space to share your story, or just a good laugh with others who truly get it — MyTime is your time.

Why join a support group like MyTime?
✔️ Reduce feelings of isolation
✔️ Share experiences in a safe, understanding space
✔️ Gain practical tips from others who’ve been there
✔️ Improve emotional wellbeing
✔️ Build lifelong friendships

If you are interested in joining, get in touch with our team!

We also offer childcare at our centre during MyTime sessions.