Charleville School of Distance Education’s “classroom” spans close to 440,000 square kilometres – and when students come together for field events, staying cool and hydrated in the mid-40s heat becomes a real challenge.

Thanks to a Variety QLD community grant, the school now has a permanent water bubbler on site for field events, and it’s already making a difference for students and staff alike. For years, teachers relied on large coolers filled with ice and water to keep everyone hydrated. Now, children can simply refill their bottles with clean, cold water throughout the day.

A community grant from Variety QLD has enabled Western Suburbs State Special School to purchase an eye gaze machine that’s opening up communication, learning and connection for around 40 students. For children living with complex physical disability, cerebral palsy or neuromuscular conditions, traditional ways of learning and communicating can be out of reach.

An eye gaze system changes that. Using only their eyes, students can make choices, express feelings, take part in literacy and numeracy lessons, and engage independently with digital learning – sometimes giving them a voice for the very first time.

A Variety QLD community grant for Boccia Australia has funded boccia balls and adaptive equipment including ramps, hand pointers and head pointers, helping remove barriers to participation and ensuring children of all abilities can get involved.

For many children, it has been their first opportunity to experience a Paralympic sport in a supportive environment. Along the way, they are building confidence, developing new skills and forming meaningful friendships.