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 not-for-profit organisation on the Fraser Coast, our mission is to make trauma-informed therapeutic supports accessible to 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 and 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 can make the world feel confusing or overwhelming - even when no single traumatic event has occurred.

Through play-based, creative, and relationship-centred approaches, we support children to:

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

We are building strong community partnerships with schools, services, and local organisations to create meaningful, long-term impact. Every connection we form helps expand access to support, healing, and opportunity for children and families in our community.

Play 4 Change is growing, but our purpose remains clear.

We are here to create a community where every child feels safe, seen, supported, and empowered - and where the journey of healing and growth begins through play.

grayscale photography of woman carrying girl

Board Members

Elysia Bonfield

Founder and Treasurer

Diane Funke

Secretary

President

Elysia has over 20 years’ experience in the early childhood sector, with a strong foundation in child development and relationship-based practice. She holds a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and a Master of Child Play Therapy, and works as both a teacher and play therapist.

She is passionate about advocating for children who face barriers to accessing support and believes every child deserves the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive through play.

Diane brings over 40 years’ experience in early childhood education and care, including 13 years as a Director and teacher at C&K East St Kindy. She has a strong foundation in child development and inclusive practice.

Now operating Early Interventions 4 Learning, she supports children with disabilities and developmental delays through play-based programs. She is passionate about creating opportunities for all children to thrive through play.

General member

Rochelle Bishop

General member

Tanya holds a Diploma in Childcare (Education) and has over 30 years’ experience in the early childhood sector.

She is passionate about ensuring every child has access to the support they need to achieve positive wellbeing outcomes and is proud to be part of Play 4 Change in helping make this possible.

Tanya Slater

Bio to come!

Danielle Pearson

General member

General member

General member

Kerry Staunton

Bianca Higgins

Bianca has experience across not-for-profit organisations, community services, and administration, and works with the Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre. She has also 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, and is passionate about supporting families in the Fraser Coast community.

Olivia Hodges

Could this be you?

Olivia is a Fraser Coast local with a Diploma of Counselling and a Bachelor of Social Work. She has experience in child safety and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, supporting families to access services and improve wellbeing.

She is passionate about supporting families impacted by violence and joined Play 4 Change to help address gaps in accessible support for children in our community.

Danielle has over 10 years’ experience in early childhood education and as a Special Education Teacher in secondary schools. She holds a Bachelor of Education and a Postgraduate Certificate in Autism Studies.

She is passionate about supporting children with additional needs, including autism, ADHD, and emotional or behavioural challenges, using relationship-based approaches to help children feel safe, build confidence, and develop strong connections.

Rochelle is a registered teacher and child-centred play therapist who founded Play 4 Change to improve access to support for children impacted by trauma, family violence, and developmental challenges.

She is passionate about helping children heal and thrive through play, connection, and early intervention, so every child feels seen, safe, and supported.