Boots on the ground for country kids

To amplify the voice of country kids and their needs, The John Villiers Trust (JVT) is co-funding a Country Queensland Engagement and Partnership Lead position at Thriving Queensland Kids Partnership.

TQKP is a major systems-change initiative designed to drive significant, long-term changes in child and youth wellbeing in Queensland.

It brings together key organisations and leaders across the health, education, social services, research, philanthropy, non-government and government sectors who together make up the system that serves our children, young people and families.

These partners are working to ensure all parts of the system are working in unison and having the greatest impact for children and youth.  (See breakout box for more)

JVT CEO Lea-Anne Bradley said the goals of TQKP align with JVT’s advocacy for rural, regional and remote communities.

“Regional children experience even greater levels of vulnerability compared with those in the major centres and in Queensland this is exacerbated by our vast geography and decentralised population,” Ms Bradley said.

“Adding a dedicated Country Queensland Engagement and Partnerships Lead role will put boots on the ground to connect regionally based organisations and communities with all that TQKP has to offer.

“Our grant is for $255,000 over three years and this will be matched by a co-funder who shares our belief that having a senior person representing country kids at the table will amplify outcomes for children and youth living in rural, regional and remote Queensland.

“To maximise their effectiveness, the position will be based in country Queensland close to the communities it represents.”

A philanthropic collaboration across Queensland and interstate

The love of country drives JVT and we collaborate with the community, thought leaders, government, service providers, philanthropists, and citizen donors on projects that have multiple, deep, and long-lasting impacts.

This grant is part of a collaboration with philanthropic funders from across Queensland (Hand Heart Pocket and The Bryan Foundation) and interstate (Paul Ramsay Foundation) to support TQKP.

We welcome new philanthropic partners to join us and TQKP to help drive significant, long-term changes in child and youth wellbeing in Queensland.   Please contact [email protected] for more information.