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.
Board Members
Elysia Bonfield
Founder and President
Diane Funke
Secretary/Treasurer
General Member
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.
General member
Rochelle Bishop
General member
Tracey Graham
Elizabeth has lived in Hervey Bay for the past 13 years and is currently the Deputy CEO at HBNC.
She brings a diverse global and professional background, having previously lived and worked across Asia, Europe and the United States.
In Australia, she has worked across multiple roles in corrections, family and relationships services and youth mental health.
She is passionate about community collaboration and the importance of care and opportunities for young people.
General member
General member
Kerry Staunton
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.
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.
A dedicated team with experience in education, therapy, social work, and community support.
Tracey is an early childhood and family support professional with experience across Western Australia and Queensland in community playgroups, family connection services, early intervention, and parent education.
With training in Circle of Security and Triple P parenting programs, she helps parents understand their children’s needs, build confidence, and access support.
Tracey believes every child deserves to feel safe, seen, and understood, and every family deserves to feel supported. Through Play 4 Change, she brings her passion for play and nurturing relationships to help children grow, strengthen family connections, and build resilience.
Bio to come!
Elizabeth Sturgess
General member
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.
We are always open to welcoming passionate individuals who share our commitment to supporting children and families in our community.
Contact
Phone
info@play4change.org.au
0494 598 053
© 2025. All rights reserved.
Incorporation Number: IA4909122
ABN Number: 45 959 368 628