Bindi Bindi Place

Communify is a well-established community organisation with a long history of supporting vulnerable individuals and families in Brisbane. For more than 40 years, Communify has been providing a comprehensive range of services to address complex issues such as aging, disability, mental health, homelessness, and child protection.

Communify's approach is centred on delivering integrated and multidisciplinary care, addressing not only immediate needs but also the underlying causes of vulnerability. Their commitment to supporting families and children is evident in their long-standing delivery of the Intensive Family Support program. 

Recognising a lack of intensive specialised support for children in high-risk families, Communify created Bindi Bindi Place to offer a safe, supportive and learning environment which prioritises family connection.

The proposed Bindi Bindi Place program is modelled on the internationally recognised and highly regarded Abecedarian approach, which in Australia was developed and licensed by the Melbourne Graduate School of Education (MGSE) at the University of Melbourne. This comprehensive learning program was developed to improve the life outcomes for vulnerable children.

Defining characteristcs of the intervention include:

• purpose-built centre and facilities

• lower ratios of children to staff

• higher volume of contact hours

• staff trained in the Abecedarian approach

• earliest possible engagement of identified children (i.e. in the weeks after birth)

• embedded access to wrap-around services

• partnerships between educators and parents.

Designed to improve the later academic achievement of children from at-risk and under-resourced families, we have already seen children participating in the Abecedarian enriched learning programs experienced positive, long-term life impacts.

Unlike traditional out-of-home care which removes children from their homes, Bindi Bindi Place will prioritise keeping families connected. It will provide a safe, supportive care and learning environment while offering early intervention through engaging educational programs.

We also recognise the importance of strong families and provide support services to help parents build confidence and improve their parenting skills. This holistic approach aims to address challenges early on, potentially preventing the need for out-of-home care all together.

By focusing on family connection, early intervention and comprehensive support, Bindi Bindi Place strives to create a brighter future for both children and families within our community.

The decision to centrally locate Bindi Bindi Place in Zillmere was strategic, guided by the primary goal of ensuring accessibility for vulnerable children and their families in North Brisbane.

Proximity to public transport infrastructure was a key factor in this decision. By situating the centre in a location well-served by public transport, we aim to reduce barriers to access for families who may not have reliable personal transportation. This aligns with our commitment to providing inclusive and equitable services.

Additionally, Zillmere's location allows for strong partnerships with other support services, enhancing the overall social impact of Bindi Bindi Place.

Bindi Bindi Place goes beyond simple supervision – it will provide a safe, supportive care and learning environment for vulnerable children. Bindi Bindi Place will include qualified caregivers who prioritise building positive relationships with each child. This sense of security forms the foundation for their emotional well-being and development.

But protection is just one piece of the puzzle. Bindi Bindi Place will also foster growth through the Abecedarian approach. Engaging learning programs will be tailored to each child's needs, promoting language, interaction and cognitive development in a fun and stimulating way. This early intervention empowers children and equips them with the tools they need to thrive in the future.

Bindi Bindi Place is designed to provide a safe and nurturing environment for a maximum of 48 children at a time.

To ensure the highest quality care and support for these vulnerable children, the exact number of childcare/teaching staff will fluctuate depending on the number of children on site. With a capacity of 48 children, we plan to have a ratio of one childcare/teaching staff member for every three children. This means at full capacity, there would be approximately 16 childcare/teaching staff.

In addition to the childcare/teaching staff, Bindi Bindi Place will have a dedicated cook to provide nutritious meals, a social worker to provide additional support for families, and a bus driver for transportation needs. Early childhood specialists, medical practitioners and therapists will also be available to visit the site and offer their expertise when required.

Bindi Bindi Place will offer flexible care options to meet the needs of vulnerable children and their families.

We understand these families face diverse challenges and require support outside of traditional childcare hours. By offering care up to 7 days a week on an as-needs basis, we aim to provide a safety net for families when they need it most, allowing them to balance their responsibilities while ensuring their children receive the care and stimulation they need to thrive.

Protecting the wellbeing of children, families and the local community is paramount at Bindi Bindi Place. We will implement robust security measures to ensure a safe environment for everyone.

To safeguard these vulnerable children, we will maintain strict staff-to-child ratios (1:3) and implement rigorous recruitment and training procedures.

Our facility will incorporate physical security measures such as secure entry points and surveillance systems. Additionally, we will adhere to strict child protection policies and procedures, including regular safety audits.

To ensure minimal disruption to the local community, Bindi Bindi Place has carefully considered the parking arrangements. By limiting onsite parking and promoting the use of our provided bus service, we aim to reduce traffic congestion and maintain a peaceful neighbourhood environment. This approach will allow us to control all in-and-out traffic and contain most activities onsite.

The car park entrance will be located on Grasspan Street.

Bindi Bindi Place is committed to being a positive addition to the neighbourhood and our parking strategy reflects this. While we will have some on-site parking (9 spaces + minibus), the total number is intentionally limited to minimise traffic congestion and ensure ample street parking remains available for residents.

Bindi Bindi Place will offer a private minibus service to transport families, reducing the need for personal vehicles and lessening the overall traffic burden in the area. Furthermore, the proposed location of the centre is accessible by public transport, encouraging families and staff who don't require the minibus to use nearby buses or trains.

We also plan to explore other innovative transport options to meet ESG commitments.

Bindi Bindi Place will nurture sensitive children who require a calm and quiet environment to support their development. The centre has been designed to minimise noise distractions with soundproofing and staff training. This will ensure we provide a suitable space for our children’s learning and development.

By prioritising a quiet environment, we are not only creating an optimal space for vulnerable children to learn, grow, and thrive but it also reduces noise pollution for the local community.

Bindi Bindi Place is being funded through a mix of government funding, donations and fundraising efforts. Generous corporate sponsors are donating professional services like architecture and legal counsel. The initiative is also actively seeking financial contributions and donations of materials to equip the centre.

Once built, the centre will be funded by the Child Wellbeing Subsidy, a government program supporting at-risk children and families and additional government funding.

We are seeking support to build this groundbreaking initiative for vulnerable children and their families. Here's how you can contribute:

• donate funds for the build

• become a construction partner

• contributions of professional services

• donate materials or furnishings.

Your contribution, big or small, will directly support Bindi Bindi Place. As a not-for-profit, all donations are tax-deductible and go towards building this vital centre. Visit our website to find out how you can best contribute.