Come and play at Play2Learn

A place for children to connect and learn, through play and culture

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.

Doomadgee is the homeland of the Traditional Owners the Gangalidda and Waanyi people, including the Garrawa who have made the community their home.

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 just 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.

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.”

Play2Learn gives the children a chance to play, be friends and grow together.

The largest of our play-based education services, Play2Learn has been running for more than 30 years in Australia. It is currently provided in more than 200 sites across the country by 54 reasons, which delivers Save the Children’s programs in Australia.

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.

We support children and families to thrive.

Aside from Play2Learn, Save the Children along with 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 create an environment where children can grow up healthy, strong in their identity and increase their connection to culture and community.

Photos: Julia Loersch / Save the Children Australia.