iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

SHINE for Kids @shineforkids.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Our Belonging to Family team and wonderful volunteer Elders made the trip to Bathurst last week to meet with men and women in the centre, listen, share and inspire hope. #SHINEforKids

000

SHINE for Kids @shineforkids.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Our Cairns team had the privilege of meeting with some of the team from @TheIndigenousMarathonFoundation ! We look forward to building meaningful connections and exploring ways we can work together to support young people and communities.

000

SHINE for Kids @shineforkids.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

“The kids enjoyed every minute!” 💛 Our Child & Parent Days are a highlight of the school holidays, and this latest one did not disappoint! Games, crafts, lots of long chats and hugs - every minute was cherished by the families. Learn more zurl.co/Hv7au

010

SHINE for Kids @shineforkids.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Some of our brilliant team recently attended the National Justice Forum in Brisbane. The team reflected that, "We left the Forum feeling inspired, challenged and motivated. What stayed with us most was that every person we heard from was, in their own way, changing lives."

000

SHINE for Kids @shineforkids.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

📢 Storytime is now available at Junee! Children can now receive a voice recording of their dad reading a story to them, along with the book, to help them stay connected💜

shineforkids.org.au

Storytime starts at Junee! - Shine for Kids

The first packages have already reached 15 children, with four dads recording stories especially for them.

000

SHINE for Kids @shineforkids.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Our first ‘Community Chocolate Bingo’ event was a hit! 🍫 The games were heaps of fun and the day was filled with laughs, prizes and smiles, with one excited family even winning a trip to the zoo! Read more: zurl.co/DkKPD

000

SHINE for Kids @shineforkids.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

If you haven't had the chance to read this About Time piece about our #Storytime program helping children stay connected with their dad, please do! We are so pleased to see the big impact this program is making being shared. Thank you to the mums who contributed. Read here: zurl.co/KNrO2

000

SHINE for Kids @shineforkids.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Huge thank you to Wagga RSL Club and the Wagga Wagga community for supporting our programs for kids with a parent in custody. 💜 💜 💜 Our centre in Junee re-opened this year and families have been very grateful to have support again when visiting a loved one.

001

SHINE for Kids @shineforkids.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

It's been a wonderful few months celebrating NAIDOC! "The team at SHINE for Kids, together with Elders from Dunghutti, Wiradjuri, Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung Nations, look forward to this special event each year." - Barb Cohen, Manager

000

SHINE for Kids @shineforkids.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Sometimes being a #Rise mentor means a quick dash to the shops! 💨 This mentor made the trip to get swimming gear her student needed so that she could take part in her school's swimming program. It seems like a small thing, but it's moments like this that make sure kids don't miss out. 💛

000

SHINE for Kids @shineforkids.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

Huge thank you to @Halekulani Bowling Club for supporting our vital programs for kids! 💛 💛 💛 Our team work closely with kids who have a mum or dad in custody, keeping them motivated, engaged at school, and connected with family and community. #ChildrenofPrisoners #ThankYou

000

SHINE for Kids @shineforkids.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

A little sneak peek at our recent interactive Aboriginal art sessions with families in Townsville! 🎨💛 It was wonderful to see members of our community come together to create, connect and learn more about Aboriginal culture and connection to Country. We’re excited to share more soon.

000

SHINE for Kids @shineforkids.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Meet our wonderful team! Introducing Arun. ☀️

000

SHINE for Kids @shineforkids.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Staying connected with a teenager isn't always easy, but for mums and dads in custody, it's especially challenging. When Jessica recorded a poem for her teen son through our Storytime program, she knew a standard reading wouldn't cut it. So, she thought outside the box ...

000

SHINE for Kids @shineforkids.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

zurl.co

Sense of humour helping mum connect with her teen son through Storytime

“The experience allowed her to create a meaningful and memorable message that reflected both her love and her sense of humour,” said our team.

000

SHINE for Kids @shineforkids.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

"One mum said she sometimes struggled to think of things they could do together ... I reassured her that she would get lots of ideas from our playgroup, as well as from the ‘Things to Do at Home’ resource she will now receive each week." 💜 💜 💜 Read the story: zurl.co/HgGzS

000

SHINE for Kids @shineforkids.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

The NAIDOC Week celebrations continue! 🌞 This #Rise mentor joined her current and former students at a local primary school for a big day of activities, song and dance, and a huge spread of bush tucker! #naidoc2026

010

SHINE for Kids @shineforkids.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Our team joined what felt like "the whole city" for Townsville's #NAIDOC Week March! One of our team shared that the "feeling of connecting made my heart run over, like we were a part of something bigger than us." 💛 Read more: zurl.co/3ERaX

000

SHINE for Kids @shineforkids.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

Meet our wonderful team! ☀️ Introducing Jana, our data wiz!

000

SHINE for Kids @shineforkids.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

When Marie entered custody pregnant with her third child, she was determined to reunite her family. Learn more about SHINE for Kids www.shineforkids.org.au 💜 #SHINEforKids #KeepingFamiliesConnected

000

SHINE for Kids @shineforkids.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Visitors to our Cairns office are in for a real treat! ✨ Now on display is a collection of wood burning prints depicting influential Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander figures from history. Our team hopes they will inspire the young people who visit and start conversations. zurl.co/ir6Yi

000

SHINE for Kids @shineforkids.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

Learning superstar! ⭐ When her Rise mentor asked Sally* (Year 4) if there was anything else she'd like to focus on in their sessions, she said help practising her reading and sight words. Together, they have set a goal: for Sally to read aloud with confidence in class. www.shineforkids.org.au

000

SHINE for Kids @shineforkids.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

“Thank you for making this program happen. I really like being able to connect with my children.” 💜 Dads in custody made thoughtful gifts for their children at this Arts & Crafts Day. Please read more about this day, and all of our good news on our website www.shineforkids.org.au 💛

000

SHINE for Kids @shineforkids.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

"Can we do this every day?" That's what a kid asked his mentor at this super fun holiday activity day! They are a reward for hard work at school and a chance for kids to meet other kids who 'get it'. Rise mentors support children to stay motivated and engaged at school. www.shineforkids.org.au

000

SHINE for Kids @shineforkids.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

💜 “Visits like this are what children need.” Our first-ever Family Fun Day in Kempsey was a huge success, filled with joy and laughter! By the end of the day, every family was asking the same question: When is the next one? Learn more: www.shineforkids.org.au 💜 #SHINEforKids

000

SHINE for Kids @shineforkids.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

📢 Our Practice Manager Moana Wati shares the challenges, but also immense rewards, of supporting young people transitioning out of custody in this story by Nine.com.au. www.nine.com.au/australia-ne...

nine.com.au

Youth crime QLD: Can Staying on Track program fix revolving door of youth detention | Nine.com.au

Nine in ten young people released from detention in Queensland reoffend within a year.

000

SHINE for Kids @shineforkids.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

This June, show your support for children with a mum or dad in custody and their families by donating to our #EOFY appeal. Every bit counts and helps us provide much needed story books, activities, school supplies, resources, mentoring, and so much more. 💛 eofy-appeal.shineforkids.org.au

000

SHINE for Kids @shineforkids.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

“Child & Parent days are about connection in a relaxed environment. They are having lunch together; they are doing things families do when they are all at home and it is incredibly normal ... it really is an opportunity for mum to be mum.” 💜 #ChildandParentDays #ChildrenofPrisoners

000

SHINE for Kids @shineforkids.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

When parents are supported, they can show up and help their children thrive. And that’s what it’s all about. Learn more and support our work: www.shineforkids.org.au #Parenting #Families

010

SHINE for Kids @shineforkids.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

These children in our #Rise mentoring program spent the week creating cards, gifts and messages for the mums, step-mums, aunties, sisters and carers who mean so much to them 💛 Learn more: www.shineforkids.org.au

000

SHINE for Kids @shineforkids.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

“The boys told their mum it was the best day. She said they haven’t stopped talking about it since!” 💜 Feedback after another wonderful Child & Parent Day. These are so cherished by families and give kids missing their mum or dad quality time together. www.shineforkids.org.au

000

SHINE for Kids @shineforkids.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

A little peek at some exciting new things happening at SHINE for Kids with inaugural MasterChef Australia winner Julie Goodwin! We'll share more soon and can confirm, everyone left with some great tips and full stomachs! #SHINEforKids #YoungPeople

000

SHINE for Kids @shineforkids.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

It’s the beautiful messages, letters, texts and words of gratitude (like this one) that our team receives every day that make the impact of our work clear. Learn more and support children to be connected and supported www.shineforkids.org.au #ChildrenOfPrisoners #Family

010

SHINE for Kids @shineforkids.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

📢 Do you know what it's like to have a parent in custody? This important research by Monash University is calling for participants (over 16 years old) to share their experiences of growing up with a parent or carer in custody.

000

SHINE for Kids @shineforkids.bsky.social · 16/04/2026

It's school holidays! For us, this means loving every minute supporting children to have quality time with mum or dad at our Child & Parent Days. 💛 Learn more shineforkids.org.au #SHINEforKids #Connection

000

SHINE for Kids @shineforkids.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

The very first #Storytime for dads at Bathurst and their kids was a hit! 🌞 In Storytime, a parent in custody records themselves reading a specially chosen story to their child. Hearing their parent's voice helps to bridge the gap until they can be together again. www.shineforkids.org.au

000

SHINE for Kids @shineforkids.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

Trying out his new wheels! 🚲 When our Townsville team received a donated a green dino bike, they knew exactly the little boy it should go to! He and his mum are being supported by our team as they settle into a new community and build a fresh start. #SHINEforKids 💚

000

SHINE for Kids @shineforkids.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

The SHINE smile in action! 🌞 Our friendly team in the purple t-shirts are on hand to make visits child-focussed, support kids in the community, and work with young people impacted by the justice system. Learn more about our unique programs www.shineforkids.org.au #SHINEforKids

000

SHINE for Kids @shineforkids.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

For children with a parent in custody, staying connected to their mum or dad can be incredibly hard. Our Storytime program helps bridge that distance. 💜 🌞 Learn more about Storytime and support our work: shineforkids.org.au/programs/storyt… #SHINEforKids #Storytime

000

SHINE for Kids @shineforkids.bsky.social · 23/02/2026

The holidays feel so long ago but the happy memories remain! Some snaps from our #Rise mentoring holiday events in Townsville. #SHINEforKids

000

SHINE for Kids @shineforkids.bsky.social · 16/02/2026

Layla* joined our #BelongingToFamily program to rebuild trust with her children. With support, she’s strengthened those relationships, found her voice, and now speaks with her kids every night. 💛 Read her story: shineforkids.org.au/stories/layl...

shineforkids.org.au

Layla’s journey in the Belonging to Family program - Shine for Kids

Layla*, in her mid-30s and originally from Queensland, is a mum in custody at the Mid North Coast Correctional Centre. When our team first met her in the

000

SHINE for Kids @shineforkids.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

Lovely check-in (and a little pamper time with a pedicure!) with a former #Rise mentee. 💜 This mentor loved hearing all about high school, life, and how her former mentee was going with her goals. #Mentoring #SHINEforKids

000

SHINE for Kids @shineforkids.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

#ICYMI: Our CEO Julie Hourigan spoke with Saskia Mabin for ABC Radio Canberra Mornings about our work with children in this special #GravyDay program. Please have a listen if you missed it! shineforkids.org.au/allnews/shin...

shineforkids.org.au

SHINE for Kids on ABC Radio Canberra Mornings - Shine for Kids

4th February, 2026

010

SHINE for Kids @shineforkids.bsky.social · 28/01/2026

Thank you to this case worker for the great feedback about our work. Our mentors walk beside young people, supporting them as they transition out of youth justice. This is how you set young people up for success and break cycles. #Youth #Mentoring #SHINEforKids

000

SHINE for Kids @shineforkids.bsky.social · 26/01/2026

Amazing feedback our team received after a great kick off mentoring session in our youth justice program #StandAsOne. Learn more about our work with young people impacted by the justice system: www.shineforkids.org.au #Youth #Mentoring #SHINEforKids

000

SHINE for Kids @shineforkids.bsky.social · 21/01/2026

When Mike* was released from custody to suddenly face losing his housing, our Belonging to Family (BTF) program stepped in. Today, he has a safe and secure place to call home. 🔗 Read Mike’s full story here: shineforkids.org.au/stories/belo...

shineforkids.org.au

Belonging to Family program helps Mike find stability after release - Shine for Kids

Mike* had just been released from custody, where he was in the Belonging to Family (BTF) program, and gone to live with his mother on the Central Coast when

010

SHINE for Kids @shineforkids.bsky.social · 12/01/2026

We’re back at Junee! Families visiting a loved one will spot our friendly team back on site, with activities, colouring-in and toys to help make visits calmer and child-friendly. We're looking forward to reopening our Junee drop-in centre soon as well. Learn more www.shineforkids.org.au

000