Hopes and Dreams-supporting kids to reconnect and look ahead.

At Varsity Lakes Community Resource Centre, we believe that every child deserves a space to feel safe, heard, and hopeful. That’s exactly what our Hopes and Dreams Workshops were designed to offer.

Created as a gentle response to the lingering impacts of recent natural disasters, particularly the 2023 Christmas Day tornado and most recently TC Alfred. These workshops gave children a chance to explore their emotions and reconnect with their sense of optimism about the future.

We know that children don’t always process things the same way adults do. They might not talk openly about their fears or feelings, but they express them through play, creativity, and imagination. That’s why Hopes and Dreams was built around hands-on, fun, and engaging activities that gave kids space to reflect, dream, and share at their own pace.

From drawing what makes them feel strong, to creating dream jars filled with affirmations, to storytelling and role-play, each session focused on helping kids:

• Name their feelings in a safe and supportive environment

• Build confidence through creative expression

• Share their hopes for the future

• Connect with other children in a positive, playful setting

Parents often told us they were surprised by what came up, things their children hadn’t voiced before. Some kids talked about wanting their house to feel safe again, others shared big dreams about growing up to help others. One little boy quietly said, “I just want the wind to go away next time.”

These moments are powerful reminders that emotional recovery doesn’t always look dramatic. Sometimes it’s found in soft play mats, jars of glitter coloured pencils, pizza shared with new friends and a room filled with kindness.

Funded by the Queensland Government Community Recovery and supported by City of Gold Coast, the Hopes and Dreams workshops were part of our broader commitment to supporting children’s wellbeing, especially in the wake of tough events. While the sessions were simple, the outcomes were meaningful, children left feeling calmer, more connected, and ready to dream again.

As a community centre, we’re proud to nurture resilience in our youngest community members—one crayon, one story, one hopeful heart at a time.

Look out for our July workshops, Bravery Quest- an adventure exploring our feelings!

Elli Gardner

CEO