📰 More Than 230 Students Enjoy Souths Cares 2026 Free School Holiday Clinic
This year, Souths Cares expanded the clinic beyond its regular skills and active movement sessions. Alongside the usual Rugby League programme, participants took part in STEM activities delivered in partnership with the Minderoo Children's Comprehensive Centre, and local connection to culture activities delivered in partnership with the Gujaga Foundation. Inclusive programming supported by Tryumph Academy ensured children of all abilities could take part, while our friends at Vinnies kept everyone fuelled with free lunch and snacks.
Souths Cares Health and Wellbeing Programs Manager Erin Geddes said the expanded clinic was designed to support young people and their families in more ways than one.
Erin Geddes"At its heart, this clinic is about public health. Fewer than one in three Australian children meet the national physical activity guidelines, so getting kids moving and building healthy habits early is a big part of why we do this. By adding STEM and connection to culture alongside Rugby League, we're helping young people discover new interests and grow their confidence. With so many families feeling cost of living pressures, our partners made it possible to keep the whole day free and provide lunch, so parents could send their kids along without worrying about the cost."
For parents, the combination of variety, safety and accessibility made a real difference.
Megan, Participant Parent"As a parent, it was fantastic knowing my girls could spend the day in a safe, fun and supportive environment close to home. They made new friends, stayed active and loved the variety of activities from sport to arts and crafts. The fact it was a full day, they were fed AND it was free, just made the whole thing even more incredible!"
The clinic was also supported by more than 20 students from the current cohort of the Rabbitohs Institute of Sports Management. Working alongside Souths Cares staff and community partners, the students helped run activities, support participants and keep the day running smoothly, while gaining valuable hands-on experience in community programme delivery.
The collaboration with our community partners was key to the day's success, allowing students to engage in activities they might not otherwise experience, from hands-on science experiments with real researchers to learning about the culture of the local area.
Kiri Collins, Head of Built Environment and Infrastructure and Project Lead, Research, at the Minderoo Children's Comprehensive Centre."We had an absolute blast at the Souths Cares school holiday programme! Seeing hundreds of kids get excited to meet researchers and do hands-on experiments was incredibly rewarding and such an important development opportunity for our young research talent. Hopefully we inspired some future scientists and made research feel accessible, relevant and fun for every child!"
Souths Cares thanks all partners, staff, volunteers and families who helped make the clinic such a success, and looks forward to welcoming students back at future clinics.
