July 2026

Welcome to the July edition of Heartly News.

This month, we’re taking you inside one of the most joyful weekends on the Variety calendar – Variety Kids Camp. You’ll meet some incredible children and families, hear their stories in their own words, and see the friendships, confidence and sense of belonging that make this camp so special. Be sure to scroll down to read the full story and watch our latest video.

Applications are also now open for 2026 Variety Heart Scholarships. Thanks to the incredible support of the Grahame Mapp Family Foundation, Variety will award 20 scholarships worth $5,000 each this year, helping young people pursue their potential across the arts, education and sport.

If you know a child with talent, passion and determination, we’d love your help. Please share this newsletter and encourage them to apply by clicking the button below.

Variety Kids Camp: A place where every child belongs

“It takes all the hard things out of the day – and just celebrates them.” – Belinda (Ivy and Olive’s Mum)

From creative workshops and sport to sensory spaces and plenty of free play, there was something for everyone to enjoy at their own pace. New accessibility initiatives this year, including a volunteer trained in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), helped ensure even more children could fully participate.

While the activities were a highlight, it was the friendships formed throughout the weekend that families spoke about most.

One young camper summed up the weekend simply:

“My favourite things were playing with my friends, the water fight, cricket, disco, kicking the footy at free time, sleeping over, swimming.”

For parents and carers, watching their children grow in confidence was just as meaningful.

“He’s really come out of his shell, participating in everything, and just having an absolute ball.” – Jayde (Ryder’s Mum)

Just as importantly, camp gave children the chance to see they weren’t alone.

“He sees other kids like him, and he’s not by himself. He just loves it. He’s having the time of his life.” – Jayde (Ryder's Mum)

Jayde and Ryder.

One family captured the impact perfectly:

“My child was shy at the beginning and by day three he had found some friends – learning that the kids at camp will play with him and not run away from him – made him feel so special and for that I thank you all.”

Parents also valued the opportunity to step back and watch their children become more independent.

“I really enjoyed being able to sit back and watch my child enjoy activities and receive some assistance from staff and volunteers and step in only when I was needed. This really promoted independence for my child.”

As one attendee reflected:

“These camps are so supportive and give these children an incredible opportunity to grow emotionally and make friendships and have a try at sports.”

Events like these are only possible because of our incredible Variety family of fundraisers. Thank you for your on-going support, and to our amazing volunteers for giving your time, energy and care to create such a special experience for every child. A special thank you to Poppy, our Variety International Ambassador, for joining us at camp, and to Sporting Wheelies for returning this year and introducing adaptive fencing for the very first time.

Creating Possibility Together

In June, Variety Queensland awarded five life-changing individual and community grants, helping children access the support they need to thrive. These included home gym equipment for a nine-year-old boy to support his therapeutic physical activity, a Thermomix to assist a child with high support needs and oral dystonia, a dedicated AAC device for a five-year-old boy, classroom mats to enhance learning for students at a Queensland state school, and funding for several upcoming Variety Bash community grants.

Our impact continued beyond grants. Last term, Variety’s Financial Literacy Program delivered 18 workshops across three schools, equipping 129 students with practical skills to build confidence and independence. Through our partnership with Y Queensland, Variety also continued to provide nutritious breakfasts to children attending nine schools in regional, remote and high-need communities across Queensland.

Variety grants close for the year on 31 August. If you know a child, school or community organisation that could benefit from support, we’re here to help. Click here to learn more.

Variety Heart Scholarships

Variety Heart Scholarships are open – and we need your help to spread the word!

Last year, we received just 14 applications for our Variety Heart Scholarships. We know there are many more talented young Queenslanders who could benefit from this opportunity – we just need to help them find it.

Take Tom, for example.

Growing up in a remote part of Gympie, Tom has big dreams of representing Australia in beach volleyball. But pursuing elite sport comes with significant costs, particularly for families living outside major centres.

Thanks to a Variety Heart Scholarship, Tom has been able to replace essential equipment, compete in more tournaments and continue developing his talent. His hard work is paying off too, recently claiming his fourth consecutive Queensland Youth Beach Volleyball Championship title.

Variety Heart Scholarships provide funding to help talented children across the arts, education and sport take the next step in their journey, covering costs such as coaching, equipment, uniforms, lessons, specialist training, travel and other essential opportunities.

This is where you can help. Do you know a child or young person who could benefit from a Variety Heart Scholarship? Whether they’re an aspiring athlete, musician, artist or academic, please encourage their family to apply before 31 August.

Together, we can help more Queensland children follow their dreams.

Variety Motor Mouth Camp

Our next camp is just around the corner – the Variety Motor Mouth Camp!

Our next camp is just around the corner – the Variety Motor Mouth Camp. Designed for children who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems and their families, the Motor Mouth Camp will be held from 6-8 November at the Sunshine Coast Recreation Precinct.

Applications for campers and volunteers are open until 31 July.

What’s Coming Up

We are gearing up for this year’s Celebration of Friendship Golf Day. If you can’t attend this year but would still like to help, we have some amazing raffle prizes this year such as a Noosa Holiday Voucher. Get yours here – we will announce our winners on the night.

Building a Brighter Future
Takes All of Us

Thank you for reading Heartly News. We truly appreciate your interest and support.

Please feel free to share this newsletter with anyone who may be interested in learning more about Variety – and encourage them to subscribe.

Questions? marketing@varietyqld.org.au