About Play 4 Change Inc. | Play 4 Change Inc.

About Play 4 Change

Our Story

Play 4 Change Inc. was founded on a powerful belief — that healing begins with safety, connection, and the language of play.

As a newly established not-for-profit organisation on the Fraser Coast, our mission is to make trauma-informed therapeutic supports accessible for the children and families who need them most — especially those who may otherwise fall through the gaps.

Our primary focus is supporting children impacted by trauma, family and domestic violence, emotional overwhelm, grief, loss, and experiences that disrupt their sense of safety. At the same time, we recognise that many children experience big emotions, behavioural challenges, and developmental vulnerabilities that make the world feel confusing or overwhelming, even when no single traumatic event has occurred.

Through play-based, creative, and relationship-centred therapies, we help children:

💜 express what they cannot yet put into words
💙 rebuild internal safety
💜 develop emotional regulation
💙 strengthen resilience
💜 gently process overwhelming experiences
💙 reconnect with their world in a safe, supported way

We are currently building strong community partnerships with schools, services, and local supporters to create sustainable, long-term impact. Every connection we form helps us offer more opportunities for children to experience safety, healing, and hope.

Play 4 Change is still growing, but our purpose is clear.
We are here to create a community where every child feels safe, seen, supported, and empowered — and where the journey of growth and healing begins through play.

grayscale photography of woman carrying girl

Board Members

Elysia Bonfield

Founder and Treasurer

Rochelle has lived in Hervey Bay since 2017 and is a registered teacher and child-centred play therapist.
She founded Play 4 Change Inc. to create equitable access to play-based and creative therapies for children who may otherwise miss out — particularly those impacted by trauma, family violence, or developmental challenges.
Rochelle is passionate about helping children heal and thrive through play, connection, and creativity. She believes lasting change begins with early intervention and community connection, where every child feels seen, safe, and supported.

Diane Funke

Secretary

President

Elysia has worked in the early childhood sector for over 20 years, building a strong foundation in child development and the importance of nurturing relationships. After completing her Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, she worked as a teacher across various settings before going on to complete a Master of Child Play Therapy.
Elysia now works part-time as both a teacher and play therapist. She is passionate about advocating for children who face challenges or barriers to accessing support. Her commitment to Play 4 Change reflects her belief that every child deserves the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive through play.

With over 40 years in early childhood education and care, including 13 years as Director and teacher at C&K East St Kindy, Diane brings deep knowledge of child development and inclusive practice.

Now operating her own business, Early Interventions 4 Learning, she supports children with disabilities and developmental delays through play-based programs. Having lived in Hervey Bay since 2010, she’s passionate about creating opportunities for all children to thrive through play.

Her commitment to Play 4 Change stems from a belief that every child deserves access to developmentally appropriate, child-led therapy, regardless of circumstance.

General member

Rochelle Bishop

General member

Tanya holds a Diploma in Childcare (Education) and has worked in the early childhood education sector for over 30 years.

She believes every child should have access to the services they need to achieve the best possible outcomes for their wellbeing.

Play 4 Change Inc. is an organisation Tanya is proud to be part of, as it ensures these vital supports are available to children who might otherwise miss out.

Tanya Slater

Bio to come!

Announced soon!

General member

General member

General member

Kerry Staunton

Bianca Higgins

Bianca brings experience in not-for-profit organisations, community services, and administration to the Play 4 Change committee. She works with the administration team at the Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre and has previously supported youth programs through Girl Guides and Veritas House.

She holds qualifications in community health, education support, First Aid, Mental Health First Aid, and crisis intervention.

Bianca joined Play 4 Change because she believes in its mission to support children, young people, and families across the Fraser Coast, and recognises the vital need for these services within the community.

Olivia Hodges

Bio to come!

Announced soon!

Olivia has lived on the Fraser Coast her whole life. She holds a Diploma of Counselling and a Bachelor of Social Work. Over the past two years, she has worked closely with families and is particularly passionate about supporting those impacted by violence. Olivia has experience in the child safety sector and is currently working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, helping families overcome barriers to wellbeing.

She chose to join the Play 4 Change committee because she sees the significant need for play-based therapies among the families she has supported and recognises the gaps in accessible therapeutic services for children in our community.

Bio to come!