One of the first stops on the Jet Trek was a visit to NRL Cowboys House, where Jet Trekkers saw firsthand the difference their fundraising is making for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women from some of Australia’s most remote communities.

NRL Cowboys House is a boarding facility supporting Indigenous students who relocate to Townsville to attend partner schools. For many young people, arriving means adjusting to a completely new environment while catching up academically and navigating practical life challenges.

The team at Cowboys House provides wraparound support, from education, health and wellbeing, through to practical life skills such as setting up MyGov accounts, obtaining driver’s licences, and preparing for employment.

Variety Queensland is proud to support the Girls Learning Centre. Check out a video from our visit here. For the Jet Trekkers, it was a powerful reminder of how fundraising translates into real-world outcomes for bright, resilient young people.

The Jet Trekkers were also delighted to meet 12-year-old Matthew and his family at the official Townsville welcome dinner.

Matthew lives with cerebral palsy and communicates through sign language. In 2024, his mum Jessica reached out to Variety Queensland seeking support for registration and uniform costs so Matthew could compete at the State Athletics Championships.

That support opened the door to new opportunities. Matthew has gone on to thrive in para-athletics and has since joined Variety Kids Camp in both 2024 and 2025, where he has built confidence, connection and new friendships.

In Charters Towers, a small town 136 km inland from Townsville, the P&F at Blackheath & Thornburgh College received support from Variety Queensland for flexible seating in the Junior School, including wobble chairs, rocker chairs and wobble cushions.

While simple in design, these tools can make a world of difference for children who need extra sensory regulation or support to stay engaged in learning. Importantly, this support is available to every child who needs it, including those still awaiting diagnosis or facing barriers to accessing formal assistance.

Already supporting 56 children, it’s a practical example of how the right support can help young people feel included and ready to learn.

In Airlie Beach, Jet Trekkers met representatives from Sailability Whitsunday, a not-for-profit organisation helping children with disabilities experience the joy and freedom of sailing.

Supported by volunteers, participants learn water safety skills while enjoying time out on the water. Thanks to the generosity of Jet Trekkers, Variety Queensland was proud to provide funding for a brand-new dinghy and life jackets to support this important work.

At Sarina State High School, the Inclusive Learning Centre supports students living with disabilities, alongside many young people navigating the impacts of significant trauma.

Variety Queensland has funded an annual camp that will see 30 students travel from Sarina to Noosa for a five-day experience. For many students, this will be the first opportunity to travel beyond their local community.

The camp is designed to strengthen relationships with peers and staff, helping students build confidence in themselves while creating positive memories and experiences that will stay with them long after they return home.

In Mackay, Jet Trekkers heard from MADEC, a community organisation empowering young people with disabilities through inclusive, person-centred support.

MADEC operates a respite care facility providing short-term accommodation and day programs. Variety Queensland has helped fund a new sensory room and sensory garden, which will be used daily by children aged 8-17 navigating autism, ADHD, intellectual disabilities, sensory impairments and trauma backgrounds.

These carefully designed spaces help reduce anxiety, support emotional regulation and improve wellbeing. For families, it means knowing their child has access to spaces where they feel safe and supported, too.

On the final night in Mackay, Jet Trekkers had the privilege of meeting Eli and his parents, Brooke and Brodie.

Born prematurely, Eli contracted a neonatal virus at just 19 days old and was later diagnosed with cerebral palsy. He is also vision impaired, adding another layer of complexity to how he navigates the world and communicates with others.

Last year, Eli attended Queensland’s inaugural Variety Motor Mouth Camp – a program designed for children who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and their families – where he thrived.

Stories like Eli’s are exactly why the Yamaha Variety Jet Trek matters – helping children and families access practical support, meaningful connection, and opportunities to thrive.

As the final PWCs were pulled from the water in Mackay, the impact of the 2026 Yamaha Variety Jet Trek was only just beginning. Together, Jet Trekkers raised an incredible $276,578 – support that will continue creating opportunities for children who are sick, experiencing disadvantage or living with disabilities.

From practical grants to life-changing programs, the ripple effect of this year’s Jet Trek will continue to be felt by Queensland children and families for years to come.

To every Jet Trekker, sponsor, volunteer and supporter – thank you for helping create a world where every child can thrive, belong and reach their full potential!