Not all Australian children started school this year with shiny new shoes and backpacks full of stationery. Many kids returned having experienced some of the worst natural disasters in Australia’s history.

In the course of Queensland's worst ever flood disaster, ten Active After-school Communities (AASC) sites have experienced major infrastructural damage with approximately 1000 children and their families feeling the effects. Some sites lost equipment or administration records, while major damage at other sites made playing grounds and school facilities unusable.

Bundamba Outside School Care (OSC), situated at Bundamba State School in Ipswich, suffered major damage in the January floods. A large amount of the centre’s resources and sporting equipment was lost or damaged but through a combined effort from AASC staff and community members Bundamba students will still be able to participate in the AASC program this term.

Acting Regional Coordinator for the AASC Brisbane Outer West Region, Greg Fox, said staff had been in a race against time to be ready for the start of the school year on Monday 24 January.

‘Bundamba currently has 45 children in the AASC activities,’ Greg said. ‘It was vitally important to us that we have the program back up and running in order to provide a sense of routine and normalcy for the community. 

‘I received donations of stationery supplies and used sporting equipment from community contacts. They were able to re-commence operations on the first day of term – an impressive effort given the amount of flood damage that hit the school and surrounding community.’

AASC Queensland State Manager Brigid Walsh said it has been amazing to witness the camaraderie in flood-affected communities and the support and well wishes from across the country.

‘The messages of support played a huge role in helping those most affected to know they were not alone,’ Brigid said.

‘One of the amazing things about the AASC program is the ingenuity of the coaches and the children to come up with a variety of fun games with limited resources and playing areas.’ 

Most Queensland AASC programs are up and running, however access for some children, teachers and coaches may be limited in some areas. Only two AASC programs have been deferred, due to extensive facility damage.

The full impact of Cyclone Yasi on the AASC program in north Queensland is unclear at this time.