Lily House excursion program to reconnect mums and kids

Jo Higgins accepts the grant from Nambour RSL Chaplain Kerry Evans, left, and Nambour Community Foundation Board Chair Al Upton.

Lily House has received $5000 to fund a new program of simple, joyful outings that give residents some time for fun in a safe and supported environment and facilitate connection with children who may not be living with them at this time. The aim is to help build confidence, skills and family resilience along the way.

Accepting the grant at the Nambour Community Foundation ceremony on October 21, business manager Jo Higgins said many mums arrived with little money and few ideas for positive time together.

“There’s a gap for the mums who stay with us who have children living out of home,” Ms Higgins said.

“We’ll engineer a program of outings including vouchers for local places like Australia Zoo and Aussie World, plus gear for picnics and beach days, while teaching how simple it is to engage, how to manage little ones in the community and how to give everyone a fun time.”

Ms Higgins said the goal was about much more than entertainment.

“It’s education. These children need a bit of fun and the mums need a bit of levity,” she said.

“Some of these ladies didn’t grow up in nuclear families. There was no modelling of picnics and fun days out.”

The initiative sits alongside Lily House’s supported accommodation for women recovering from crisis, giving families a practical pathway to reconnect and heal.

The grant will provide transport, entry passes and basic equipment so money is no barrier to making new memories. For families navigating reunification, small, shared experiences can be the building blocks of trust and stability.

This funding ensures those moments can happen safely, locally and with support.

• Lily House received $5000 for a mums-and-kids outings program at the Nambour Community Foundation Grants Ceremony, Nambour RSL, October 21.

This grant was funded by NCF community partner Nambour RSL, with Suzanne Long, CEO thrilled to support Lily House and validates their crucial role in helping women regain their independence during some of their most challenging times.

"Without Lily House these vulnerable families could find themselves facing homelessness, insecurity or even returning to harmful environments. Lily house brings a sense of hope and community, demonstrating that with the right support, everyone has the potential to rebuild their lives in a safe environment."

• You can become NCF donor too, learn more at ncf.com.au