Where Childhood Begins on Two Wheels
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August 2026
Welcome to the August edition of Heartly News.
This month, we’re shining a spotlight on Variety’s Bikes for Kids program. While it has grown organically over the years, it is already helping Queensland children experience the freedom, confidence and joy that comes with owning a bike. As more families reach out for support, we know there are many more children who could benefit from this life-changing program.
In this edition:
- Bikes for Kids: Where Childhood Begins on Two Wheels
- Creating Possibility Together: The difference you are making
- Opportunities for Variety Families: Water Skiing Day | Indoor Skydiving
- Brisbane Children’s Christmas Party
- What's Coming Up: 2026 QLD Variety Bash
And finally, Variety Heart Scholarships are still open, but not for much longer. If you know a child with talent, passion and determination who could benefit from a $5,000 scholarship, please share this newsletter and encourage their family to apply before applications close on 31 August by clicking the button below.
Bikes for Kids: Where Childhood Begins on Two Wheels
KONE took part in a bike-building day in November 2024, providing brand-new bikes for children from Hendra State School (above) through Variety's Bikes for Kids program.
Do you remember getting your very first bike?
The excitement of seeing it waiting for you. The first wobbly attempts to find your balance. Then suddenly, you were off – the wind in your hair, racing your friends down the street, riding to school, or just exploring your neighbourhood. A bike represented something special: freedom, independence and the simple joy of being a kid.
For many children across Queensland, that experience never comes.
Through Variety’s Bikes for Kids program, we’re helping more children experience the freedom, confidence and belonging that comes with having a bike of their own. We provide brand-new bikes to children who are sick, experiencing disadvantage or living with disabilities, opening the door to more active play, greater independence and the chance to enjoy the everyday moments of childhood.
While the NDIS doesn’t generally fund standard two-wheel bikes, we know the impact they can have reaches far beyond recreation. A bike can help a child build confidence, stay active, strengthen friendships and feel included alongside their peers.
Advanced Respiratory Physiotherapist Joanne Leavitt delivering a bike to Jarrabah in Cherbourg.
Eight-year-old Jarrabah is one child whose life has been changed by something as simple as a bike. Living with bronchiectasis, a chronic lung condition that affects his breathing, staying active is an important part of maintaining his lung health. Thanks to Variety, an Advanced Respiratory Physiotherapist was able to deliver a bike directly to Jarrabah in his remote community, giving him a fun way to exercise while enjoying the freedom every child deserves.
For six-year-old Alice, a bike helped her family reconnect after an incredibly difficult chapter. Following treatment for a rare cancer that resulted in the loss of her eye, much of family life had been put on hold.
Variety provided bikes not only for Alice (pictured left, with Dad), but for her three brothers as well, giving the siblings the opportunity to get outside together, create happy memories and return to the simple pleasures of childhood.
Today, we’re seeing many families reach out for support through our Bikes for Kids program. For many children experiencing disadvantage, owning a bike simply isn’t possible, despite the enormous difference it can make to their wellbeing and sense of belonging.
Thankfully, more workplaces are stepping in to help.
Looking for a meaningful way to give back, new Variety supporters HTS Construction joined a bike-building day for children from Benowa State School in June 2026.
Earlier this year, staff from HTS Construction rolled up their sleeves for a bike-building team day, organised by Beyond the Boardroom in partnership with Variety. Together, they assembled five brand-new bikes for children from Benowa State School.
The biggest surprise came after the final bolt was tightened.
The children walked into the room to discover the bikes waiting just for them, along with the people who had built them. There were huge smiles and plenty of excitement as each child took home their very own bike.
It was more than a team-building activity. It was a reminder that when the community rallies together, we can create moments that stay with a child for years to come.
Every bike built is an opportunity for a child to experience greater confidence, independence and connection with their community.
If your workplace is looking for a meaningful team-building activity that creates a lasting impact for Queensland children, consider a bike-building day and nominate Variety Queensland as your charity recipient. Together, we can help more kids experience the freedom that begins on two wheels.
Bright & Duggan helped build brand-new bikes for children supported by the Multicultural Community of Queensland at our latest bike-building day. Just look at those smiling faces!
Creating Possibility Together
July was another month of meaningful impact for Queensland children and families, with Variety programs, grants and partnerships helping create more opportunities across the state.
Our Financial Literacy Program continued to grow, with 24 workshops delivered across four schools during Term 2, supporting 136 students. A further four roadshow sessions reached even more young people, and 14 workshops are already scheduled for Term 3.
We also continued our support of the YMCA Schools’ Breakfast Program, helping ensure children have access to nutritious breakfasts that support learning and wellbeing. When program funding was not fully utilised during Terms 1 and 2, we redirected those funds to provide holiday hampers for families. In total, 128 families across eight schools received support, benefiting approximately 256 children during the school break.
Many of the grants approved in July will soon be delivered through the 2026 QLD Variety Bash, with more than $170,000 in life-changing support set to reach children, schools and communities across Queensland.
Here are just three of the many other July grants made possible by our generous supporters:
A one-year-old girl undergoing treatment for leukaemia received a dehumidifier, air purifier and iPad to support her wellbeing at home and during hospital stays. With a weakened immune system, improving air quality in her home environment will help reduce exposure to mould and bacteria, while the iPad will provide entertainment and connection during long periods of rest for her and her siblings.
A three-year-old girl living with cerebral palsy and hydrocephalus received a Hypervibe Machine, providing access to whole-body vibration therapy in the comfort of her own home and supporting her ongoing development and wellbeing.
A nine-year-old boy with very significant needs received a tablet, speech app and swing set. The speech app will help him communicate with family, friends and healthcare professionals, while the swing set will provide opportunities for play, exercise and building mobility.
Every grant, program and partnership helps create a world where more children can thrive, belong and reach their full potential.
Just another reminder that applications for Variety Heart Scholarships are still open, but close on 31 August. If you know a child with talent, passion and determination who could benefit from a $5,000 scholarship, please share this opportunity with their family and encourage them to apply today.
Opportunities for Variety Families
We love seeing Variety families connect, try new things and create special memories together. Here are two exciting opportunities coming up for children and families to get involved.
Come & Try Water Skiing Day
Date: Sunday 13 September 2026
Location: Ski Road, Kurwongbah QLD 4503
Time: 9:00am – 1:00pm
Ready to make a splash? Lake Kurwongbah is hosting a fun and welcoming Come & Try Day, giving children and families the opportunity to experience the excitement of water skiing in a safe and supportive environment.
Whether it’s your first time on the water or you haven’t skied for years, experienced club members will be there to provide guidance and support. Participants will have the chance to ski behind members’ boats and enjoy a wonderful day of adventure and fun.
Attendance is free, but tickets are required. To register, please email kidssupport@varietyqld.org.au
Free iFLY Indoor Skydiving Vouchers
Location: iFLY Gold Coast only
Ages: 3 – 17 years
Accessibility: Suitable for people of all abilities
Ready to experience the thrill of flying? Variety families can access free vouchers for iFLY Gold Coast, where children can experience the excitement of indoor skydiving in a safe, controlled and inclusive environment.
With trained instructors providing support throughout the experience, iFLY is designed to be enjoyed by people of all abilities. It’s a fantastic opportunity to build confidence, try something new and create unforgettable memories.
To enquire about a voucher, please email kidssupport@varietyqld.org.au
Limit one voucher per child.
Brisbane Children’s Christmas Party
It’s never too early to start getting excited about Christmas! Registrations are now open for the Brisbane Children’s Christmas Party, a magical day created especially for children with disabilities and complex needs.
Children can enjoy rides, interactive activities, entertainment, photos with Santa and plenty of festive treats – plus, every registered child will receive three brand-new presents from Santa!
Date: Saturday 12 December 2026
Location: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
Time: 10:30am – 2:00pm
Cost: FREE (apply below)
The event is open to children aged 0-12 years who are eligible for the NDIS. Children do not need to be receiving NDIS funding to attend. Places are limited, so families are encouraged to register early. Registrations close 28 September 2026.
To find out more and register your interest, please visit the registration page below.
What’s Coming Up
What a fantastic day we shared at the 2026 Celebration of Friendship Golf Day! With blue skies, beautiful weather and plenty of friendly competition on the course, it was a wonderful celebration of friendship, generosity and community.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us. Whether you purchased a ticket, sponsored a hole, bought an eagle or birdie bribe, entered the raffle, bid in the auction or simply came along to support the day, you helped make a real difference for Queensland children.
The countdown is on! In just six days, the 2026 QLD Variety Bash will hit the road, with a colourful convoy of cars travelling from Innisfail to Gladstone via the road less travelled.
Behind every Bash car is a team of passionate Queenslanders who have spent months fundraising, bringing their communities together and getting ready for an unforgettable adventure – all to help create brighter futures for children across Queensland.
From themed cars and school stops to grant presentations and special moments along the way, there’s always plenty of excitement when the Bash is on the road.
Follow our Variety QLD Motoring Events Facebook page for daily updates, photos and stories as we travel from 17-27 August.
Building a Brighter Future
Takes All of Us
Thank you for reading Heartly News. We truly appreciate your interest and support.
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Questions? marketing@varietyqld.org.au