Rainbow Region Kids: Community-based care for Northern Rivers families

NORTHERN Rivers Community Gateway (NRCG) is celebrating the success of Rainbow Region Kids (RRK), a community-based outside school hours care service. NRCG has operated as a charity in Lismore for nearly 50 years, and RRK has expanded to 15 sites across the Northern Rivers.

Working with schools and communities to build child-safe spaces, RRK offers before-school, after-school, and vacation care for children aged 5 to 12.

The service is not-for-profit and is externally accredited through ACEQA.

RRK provides:

• A safe space for all children and families
• Qualified and skilled staff
• Fun and affordable vacation club excursions and incursions
• Support for local businesses
• Approved childcare subsidy (CCS)

The program is based on the “My Time, Our Place” framework, supporting children to learn through play and fostering creativity, confidence, and friendships.

RRK staff create an environment that nurtures young minds, encourages curiosity, and ensures plenty of fun.

Engaging with children, parents, and the wider community, RRK develops programs that build knowledge of the environment and cultural experiences.

Belonging, being, and becoming are central to how young people form their identity.

The service also supports staff through mentoring and ongoing professional development. RRK operates within both government and private primary schools across the Northern Rivers, welcoming children from surrounding schools.

Transport options may be available for those attending from other locations.

What the students say:

• What makes you a legend?
• “Because I keep practising and keep practising.”
• “Because I help others who can’t play as good as me.”

What the parents say:

• “The excursions are a big hit. My child can be resistive, but with cinema, golf, and fitness kids, it was not an issue, and they had a great time.”
• “Thank you to your staff for caring for our little ones so well!”
• “So many wonderful excursions in the program – great work planning and implementing these!”
• “The step-by-step emails for enrolment made the process much easier.”
• “Great communication and feedback.”

For more information, RRK’s office is open from 9 am – 3 pm, Monday to Friday. Contact 0429 640 075 or email [email protected].

Enrolments are open for part-time or full-time support, with the next vacation care program starting April 14.