Fun for Families
Host fun activities for families!
Get ready to ignite community connections with the Creating Connected Communities toolkit!
This dynamic resource is your go-to guide for individual, community groups and organisations looking to spark inspiration and transform ideas into unforgettable events and projects to address social isolation and loneliness across our community.
This Meet the Neighbours toolkit provides an overview of ideas to help you get started and includes specific details such asideal group sizes, necessary materials, and budget-friendly tips. Each event comes with a step-by-step “how-to” guide, making it a breeze for you to bring your vision to life
Whether you are organising an intimate teambuilding retreat or a vibrant community celebration, this toolkit empowers you to explore a variety of creative ideas, tailor them to your unique audience, and craft memorable experiences that bring people together.
Let’s connect and nurture our neighbourhoods!
CHIEF EXECTUIVE OFFICER
TanyaStevenson
Ho this kit
To use the Event Suggestion Guide, start by browsing through the event ideas to find one that suits your community group or organisation's goals and resources. Each suggestion includes an overview of the event, recommended group size, a list of materials needed, and estimated costs Once you have selected an event, follow the detailed "how-to" guide provided to plan and organise it step by step This toolkit simplifies the process, making it easy to adapt and execute the event idea for your unique needs, ensuring a successful and enjoyable experience for all participants.
This toolkit contains guides for the following events:
Chalk & Talk
Donate to little library
Karaoke Night
Kindness Calendar
Silent Disco
Street Photography
Trivia Night
Volunteer
FOR FAMILIES
Chalk & Talk FUN
shared creativity. This interactive activity not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the area but also promotes positive interactions among participants, as people leave encouraging notes and colourful designs for others to enjoy. Additionally, the event encourages spontaneous social interactions and builds a stronger sense of community by inviting everyone to contribute to a collective art project, ultimately brightening the environment and lifting spirits.
Group Size:
Ideal for community participants as individuals or in family and friend groups.
Materials Needed:
Chalk pack: includes assorted coloured chalk, cleaning wipes, community messages and event instructions.
Cost:
Chalk and chalk bags, cleaning supplies, protective mats (optional): to protect surrounding surfaces and simplify cleanup. Tables and chairs and signage, permits and permissions, promotion and advertising, staffing and volunteers, storage containers and trash bins.
Share your photo!
Chalk & Talk
How to Deliver:
Plan the Event
Define the purpose of the event, such as fostering community engagement, promoting creativity, or enhancing the local environment. Select a date and time that suits your target audience and allows for maximum participation
Secure Permissions
Obtain Approvals: Contact local authorities or property managers to get permission to use the esplanade and set up the event. Ensure you comply with any regulations regarding the use of public spaces
Gather Supplies
Assemble the chalk packs with sticks of assorted colours, chalk holders, stencils, wipes or cleaning cloths, and storage bags. Arrange for any additional items needed, such as protective mats for clean-up.
Set Up the Venue
Mark out specific areas along the esplanade where participants can use the chalk. Clearly label these zones to guide people. Place tables or stations where chalk packs can be distributed and where participants can access supplies.
Promote the Event
Use social media, local flyers, community boards, and other channels to spread the word about the event. Include details about the date, time, location, and what to expect. Reach out to local groups, schools, and organizations to encourage participation.
Host the Event
Greet attendees as they arrive and provide them with chalk packs and instructions on how to use the materials Monitor the event to ensure everything runs smoothly, assist participants as needed, and encourage creativity and positive interactions.
Manage Cleanup
Ensure that wipes or cleaning cloths are available for participants to use, and set up designated bins for disposing of any trash After the event, check the area to ensure it is clean and all chalk marks are within designated zones.
Follow Up
Post photos and highlights from the event on social media or local community channels to celebrate the creative contributions and thank participants. Collect feedback from attendees to learn what worked well and what could be improved for future events.
Donate to a little library FUN FOR FAMILIES
A Little Library is a small, community-managed book-sharing box where people can take a book or leave a book for others to enjoy. These libraries are usually placed in public or easily accessible spaces like neighborhood streets, parks, or near community centers. They promote reading, literacy, and a sense of community by providing free access to books. The concept is built on the idea of a shared love of reading and the desire to spread that love by making books available to everyone.
Group Size:
Anyone in the community can donate or borrow from a Little Library.
Materials Needed:
To set up a little library you would need a weather proof box large enough to hold a small collection of different size books. Permission from local council and businesses to place the book in a business or public place.
Cost:
It costs minimal to donate to your local little library. If you wish to set up your own your costs will involve:
Any footpath/parks and gardens permits, weatherproof enclosed book display unit, books and book repair supplies, signage, marketing and volunteers
Donate to a little library
How to Deliver:
You can organise to support your local Little Library on the Fraser Coast by visiting www.thelittlelibrary.com.au or you can organise to start your own community led Little Library.
Register Your Library:
Registration: If you want your library to be part of the official Little Free Library network, you can register it on the Little Free Library website. Once registered, you’ll receive a sign with your charter number. Display this on your library so visitors know it’s part of the official network
Stock and Maintain the Library:
Start with a diverse selection of books for all ages and interests. Include a variety of genres like fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, and more. Visit the library regularly to ensure it’s clean, dry, and well-stocked, replace worn or damaged books, and tidy up if needed, and encourage the community to donate books
Promote and Engage the Community:
Consider hosting a small event to introduce the Little Library to your community. Share updates, photos, and stories about your Little Library on social media. Involve local schools, clubs, or organisations to donate books or help with maintenance
FUN FOR FAMILIES
Karaoke Night
A Karaoke Night is an event where participants sing along to popular songs, using lyrics displayed on a screen as their guide. It's a fun, social activity that encourages people to step out of their comfort zones, express themselves, and bond with others over shared music. Involvement in Karaoke Night can boost confidence, reduce stress, and create a lively atmosphere of community and connection. It's a great way to unwind, laugh, and make lasting memories with friends and neighbours.
Group Size:
Ideal for group sizes suitable to your venue.
Materials Needed:
A dedicated karaoke machine, or set up a laptop with karaoke software or an online platform like YouTube, which offers many karaoke versions of popular songs. 2 or more microphones, Speakers, TV or Projector and Screen. Optional: A sound mixer to control audio levels and balance the music with the singers' voices and stage lighting or disco lights to enhance the atmosphere you would also need a venue suitable to the group size you want with plenty of seating, designated stage area and noise level controls.
Cost:
A list of basic costs you might incur when hosting a karaoke night include: Equipment costs such as karaoke machine or software rental/purchase, microphones (2 or more), speakers, TV or projector and screen, sound mixer (optional) lighting (optional, for stage or ambiance), venue costs, licensing fees, promotion costs, refreshments, prizes and extras.
Karaoke Night
Plan the Event:
Choose a date and time that works well for your target audience. Then secure a venue that fits your audience size and has the necessary facilities, such as power outlets and space for seating and a performance area. Determine your budget for renting equipment, venue, prizes, decorations, and refreshments.
Gather Equipment:
Set up a karaoke machine or laptop with karaoke software. Prepare at least two microphones, testing them for sound quality and volume control and set up speakers that can fill the room with sound without distortion. Arrange a screen that’s easily visible to all participants, and connect it to display the lyrics
Prepare the Song List:
Create a diverse playlist with songs from different genres and eras to appeal to all tastes and set up a system for participants to request songs from an app or playlist or other chosen list.
Set Up the Venue:
Designate a performance area where participants can sing such as a stage or just a cleared space in the room. Arrange seating so the audience has a good view of the screen and the performers. Decorate the venue to match the theme of the night.
FOR FAMILIES
Kindness Calendar FUN
A Kindness Calendar is a tool designed to promote and encourage acts of kindness by providing a daily or monthly schedule of suggested activities. The intent behind a Kindness Calendar is to inspire individuals to engage in and commit to small, manageable acts of kindness regularly. This practice aims to serve as a motivational guide to integrate kindness into daily life, helping individuals make a positive difference in their own lives and in the lives of others
your photo!
Kindness Calendar
How to Deliver
Define the Purpose and Goals
Determine what you aim to achieve with the Kindness Calendar, such as increasing community engagement, improving mental well-being, or simply spreading kindness Decide on specific goals, like the number of acts of kindness or the areas of focus (e.g., community support, environmental care).
Plan the Calendar Content
Choose a variety of kindness activities that are meaningful and achievable. These can include both individual and group activities. Decide whether your calendar will be daily, weekly, or monthly, and map out which activities will be assigned to each day or week.
Design the Calendar
Decide whether the calendar will be physical (e.g., printed or hand-drawn) or digital (e.g., an app or online document). Design the calendar layout, ensuring it is visually appealing and easy to read. Include spaces for notes or tracking completed activities.
Promote and Distribute
Distribute the calendar to your target audience through community centres, social media email or local businesses Encourage people to join in by sharing the calendar’s
FUN FOR FAMILIES
Silent Disco
A Silent Disco is a unique party where participants dance to music broadcast through wireless headphones, allowing them to switch between different DJ channels and choose their preferred tunes. This creates a personalised and immersive experience, enhances social interaction without the need for loudspeakers, and minimises noise pollution— making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. Silent discos also cater to diverse musical tastes, promote physical exercise, and offer a novel, memorable experience that stands out from traditional dance events.
Group Size:
Ideal for groups that are suitable to the size of the venue and the material available.
Materials Needed:
Wireless Headphones for all participants, with multiple channels for different music streams.
Transmitters to broadcast the music to the wireless headphones on different channels
Music Source such as laptops, smartphones, or DJ setups to play the music.
Live DJs or pre-made playlists to provide the music for each channel
Lighting: Optional but can enhance the atmosphere, such as LED lights or disco balls.
Charging Stations to keep headphones charged and ready for use
Signage to guide participants on how to switch channels and adjust volume.
Cost:
Costs can vary based on the scale of the event and the specific requirements. in addition to the materials listed above also consider venue rental, permits, insurance and refreshments.
Silent Disco
Plan the Event:
Choose a date and time that suits your target audience. Select a venue that accommodates the number of guests and has enough space for dancing. Ensure it meets any noise restrictions and set a budget for equipment, venue, and other expenses
Arrange Equipment:
Rent or purchase enough headphones for all participants. Ensure they have multiple channels Set up transmitters to broadcast the music to the headphones on different channels. Prepare the music sources, such as DJ setups or playlists. Ensure they’re compatible with the transmitters and provide stations for charging the headphones
Book DJs or Create Playlists:
Hire DJs if you want live music on multiple channels, or set up pre-made playlists for different music styles. Decide on the number of channels and types of music each will play.
Promote the Event:
Street Photography FUN FOR FAMILIES
Street Photography involves capturing spontaneous, candid moments in public spaces, focusing on the everyday life and character of urban environments. It benefits participants by fostering artistic expression, enhancing observation skills, and deepening their connection to the community. Additionally, it helps improve technical photography skills and provides personal fulfillment through documenting unique and meaningful moments.
Group Size:
Ideal for individuals, families and friends.
Materials Needed:
To engage in street photography, you’ll need a digital camera or smartphone with good image quality and manual controls for various shooting scenarios Sufficient storage for capturing numerous photos. Suitable clothing for blending into the environment and moving around easily. Notebook or journal and pen for jotting down observations or ideas related to your shots.
Cost:
Participating in street photography involves some costs, which can vary based on your equipment and approach. Costs can include items such as a camera and lenses or smartphone, memory cards, batteries or portable charger and traveling expenses.
Street Photography-Virtual event
How to Deliver
Define the Event:
Decide on a theme or categories for the competition (e g , “Urban Life,” “Street Portraits”) Specify who can participate and any restrictions.
Set Up the Online Platform:
Use an online platform where participants can upload their photos. This could be a dedicated website, a Google Form, or a photo-sharing platform like Flickr or Instagram with a specific hashtag. Clearly state the format, size, and resolution requirements for submissions.
Create Event Guidelines:
Outline how many photos each participant can submit, the deadline for entries, and any technical specifications Define how photos will be evaluated, including criteria such as creativity, composition, and adherence to the theme. Provide a clear timeline, including the start and end dates of the submission period and when winners will be announced.
Promote the Event:
Share details about the event on social media platforms, using relevant hashtags and
Street Photography - Day event
How to Deliver:
Plan the Event:
Define the purpose of the event, such as a photo walk, workshop, or competition Choose a date and time that accommodates your target audience. Select a diverse and interesting urban area or neighbourhood to explore and plan a route with varied scenes and landmarks
Promote the Event:
Use social media, local photography groups, and community boards to promote the event and send out invitations or create an event page where participants can sign up.
Prepare for the Event:
Set up a registration process to manage participant numbers and gather contact information and provide participants with information about the event, including meeting points, route details, and any rules or guidelines for the shoot and ensure you have any necessary equipment like maps, signage, tables, chairs and a portable PA system if needed.
Conduct the Event:
Trivia Night FUN FOR FAMILIES
A Trivia Night is a fun and engaging event where participants answer questions on various topics, ranging from general knowledge to specific themes. This social gathering encourages teamwork and friendly competition, fostering a lively and interactive atmosphere. Participants benefit from Trivia Night by stimulating their intellectual curiosity, learning new facts, and enhancing their problem-solving skills. The event also promotes social interaction, allowing friends, family, and colleagues to connect and bond over shared interests and experiences, making it a great way to enjoy an evening together while challenging the mind.
Group Size:
Ideal for groups of 6 to 10 people per table. The number of tables will depend on the size of the venue
Materials Needed:
List of all questions and answers, questions cards, answer sheets, scoreboard, pens and pencils for participants, timer, microphone and speakers, tables and chairs, prizes optional: decorations, refreshments.
Cost:
Venue costs, quiz master, microphone and speaker, printing costs, starionery, scoreboard, trivia materials, promotional material, event registration, prizes, decorations, refreshments.
Trivia Night
How to Deliver:
Plan the Event:
Choose a Date and Venue that can comfortably accommodate your expected number of participants If it's a virtual event, choose a reliable online platform like Zoom You may also choose to have a general trivia night or focus on a specific theme (e.g., movies, sports, history).
Prepare Trivia Questions:
Create or Purchase Questions: Prepare a variety of questions in different categories (e.g., history, science, pop culture) Ensure questions range in difficulty to keep the game balanced Group questions into rounds, such as multiple-choice, true or false, or picture rounds, and decide how many questions will be in each round and remember to prepare a few extra tie-breaker questions
Promote the Event:
Advertise using social media, flyers, and word of mouth to promote the event. Include details like date, time, venue, entry fee (if any), and prizes and set up a system, such as Eventbrite or Google Forms, for participants to register in advance, especially if there’s limited space.
Set Up the Venue:
Trivia Night
Where to find trivia packs online
There are numerous sites on the internet where you can purchase trivia question and answer packs
We have listed a few Australian sites to get you started
Trivialicious (www trivialicious com au) has a range of downloadable trivia packs:
PowerPoint packs (4 to 8 round packs)
Printable packs (5 to 8 round packs)
Themed kits (wide variety)
Bulk Pub Trivia Pack (1,000+ questions)
Free sample trivia kit
I Love Pub Trivia (www.ilovepubtrivia.com) has a range of trivia games for purchase:
Bigscreen trivia games
Paperbased trivia games
Pub Trivia Australia
Themed trivia games
Musical bingo
Make your own kit - from a range of mixed general knowledge packs
Trivia Head (www.triviahead.com.au) has a wide variety of trivia packages that will suit anyone, whether it's a one-off event or every week.
Once-only trivia pack
Weekly Gold Package
Volunteer FUN FOR FAMILIES
g g p g p g y about, driven by a desire to make a positive impact In doing so, they experience a boost in mental and emotional well-being, finding purpose and satisfaction in helping others. Volunteering also offers opportunities to develop new skills, gain valuable experience, and build social connections, enriching both personal and professional lives. For the community, volunteers play a crucial role in strengthening social bonds, providing essential services, and fostering a culture of civic engagement and shared responsibility, ultimately contributing to a more connected and supportive society.
Group Size:
Ideal for individuals and families to support the community together.
Materials Needed:
Materials would depend on the organisation and type of support given, however suitable footwear and clothing would be the main materials a volunteer would require.
Cost:
Volunteering generally involves minimal costs, but volunteers may incur expenses related to travel, uniforms, training, and equipment. These can include transportation fees, purchasing appropriate attire, attending required certifications or workshops, and bringing personal supplies. Some organisations may also have membership fees or encourage optional donations. Additionally, volunteers might need to cover their own meals during long shifts and consider personal insurance for certain activities. While these costs are usually small, it's important to be aware of them when planning to volunteer.
Volunteer
Volunteering in Hervey Bay, Queensland, offers a variety of opportunities for individuals to contribute to the community and make a positive impact. Here are some ways to get involved:
1. Environmental Conservation:
Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary: Help care for native wildlife, assist with habitat maintenance, or support educational programs
Clean Up Australia Day: Participate in local beach or park clean-ups to protect the environment and reduce litter
2. Community Services:
Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre: Volunteer in programs that support families, youth, and seniors, including food distribution, crisis support, and community events
Meals on Wheels: Deliver meals to elderly or disabled community members, providing both nourishment and social interaction
3. Healthcare and Support:
Hervey Bay Hospital and Healthcare Facilities: Offer support to patients and staff, assist with administrative tasks, or participate in fundraising activities
Palliative Care: Provide companionship and support to individuals in palliative care through local hospice services
4. Education and Youth Programs:
Local Schools and Libraries: Help with reading programs, tutoring, or extracurricular activities to support children's education.
Scouts or Guides Australia: Mentor young people through outdoor activities, leadership development, and community service projects.