Play2Learn: connecting community in Doomadgee

In a rural town in far northern Queensland, the intimacy of remote community life fosters strong connections among families.

“Of course, we all shop at one shop … and everybody knows everybody,” says Leanna.  At 37, she is raising her six children in this outlying town.

Yet, despite the strong bonds within the community, young children don’t automatically know one another from the start. In their early years, they mostly keep within their own family circle.

54 reasons’ Play2Learn gives them the opportunity to meet, play and learn together as they grow up.

“We all live in different places in the community, and most of us don't get out of the house. So here is where they'll all meet each other for the first time,” says Leanna.

In this video, Leanna shares more.

Support for families and children

Leanna’s children have all attended Play2Learn. Her youngest son Japheth has been attending for three months now and is already showing development:

“He hasn't been here for a very long time. But he has learned a lot of things from here since he's been here and coming and attending.

I think Play2Learn is really good. It's good for kids to develop their growth and their learning and get them ready for preschool.

Leanna also shares the social opportunities at Play2Learn, and what it means for her son’s future:

“[The kids] only know their family circle. So kids from his dad’s family are the kids he plays with every day. But when he comes to places like this, he gets to meet other kids. And then from here to preschool, he'll meet more and more other children. So I think it's good.”

The largest of our play-based education services, Play2Learn has been running for more than 30 years in Australia, and we currently deliver the program in more than 100 sites across the country.

In Doomadgee, our partnership with GSK has supported children’s social and emotional wellbeing and school readiness through Play2Learn. In 2025, we noted an increase in family attendance.

“This year we’ve had up to 15 new families join our playgroups. We think it’s because of the activities we’ve created using the books written by local authors. The families love seeing their stories and culture in the books — it builds pride and belonging for everyone,” says a 54 reasons staff member.

Aside from Play2Learn, Save the Children Australia/54 reasons and GSK work with the children and families through programs like health expos, women’s health events, men’s health camps, hygiene packs and family camps.

Together, we can empower and support communities to ensure children grow up healthy, strong in their identity and deeply connected to culture and community.