Eumundi Voice Issue 120, 26 June 2025

YOUTH

Boosting behavioural support –but let’s not forget the power of prevention

The Qld Government has announced more than $77M in funding to tackle rising behavioural issues and bullying in schools – a move welcomed by educators and families across the state.

The $44M “Behaviour Boost” will be distributed to every state school in Qld, including over $418,000 allocated to schools in the Ninderry electorate. This funding can be used to hire new support staff or increase the hours of existing staff, such as teacher aides, speech pathologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists. Schools can also invest in professional development and mentoring to improve classroom management and support.

Member for Ninderry Dan Purdie said, “Every teacher and student deserves to feel safe in the classroom. More in-classroom support will free up teachers to focus on teaching, while tailored strategies will help meet the behavioural needs specific to each school.”

In addition, the government has committed $33M to 5 new anti-bullying initiatives, including the establishment of Rapid Support Squads to respond to bullying hotspots, especially in remote and regional areas. A new Parent Crisis Hotline (1300 301 300) now offers immediate, confidential support to parents and carers, and a Stakeholder Reference Group chaired by Professor Donna Pendergast AM will guide future efforts.

While these initiatives are critical, they are inherently reactive – they step in after harm has occurred. This raises a crucial question: how do we create school and community environments where these behaviours are less likely to arise in the first place?

The answer lies in prevention through positive culture-building.

Here in Eumundi, we’re proud to be a Certified Kind Community – part of a growing movement that promotes kindness as a core community value. By embedding kindness across homes, schools, workplaces, and public spaces, we’re creating conditions that aim to prevent abuse, isolation and behavioural issues before they begin.

Research shows that consistent modelling of empathy, respect and connection can significantly reduce aggression. Kindness is more than a feel-good concept; it’s a practical, evidence-based approach to strengthening communities.

As we welcome these new government initiatives, let’s also recognise the quiet power of prevention. Kindness is a strategy – one we all play a part in. Robyn Simpson