Catch Up on Community: Inside Our June Chatter Newsletter

Welcome to the latest update from St John Queensland’s Community Support Services! Our bi-annual newsletter, Chatter, is your go-to source for all the incredible things happening within our community. We are thrilled to share that the June edition is officially out.

You can read the full edition of the newsletter online here: St John June 2026 Chatter Newsletter.

Here is a sneak peek at a few of the most inspiring stories and important updates featured in this edition!

Bringing Generations Together with Shared Smiles

One of the most heartwarming highlights of the June Chatter is our new Shared Smiles pilot program. Launched in Brisbane, this beautiful intergenerational initiative brings seniors living at home together with local four-year-olds at early childhood centres.

Through gentle, engaging activities like reading stories and creative play, Shared Smiles builds meaningful friendships. For our older participants, it’s a wonderful way to reduce social isolation and rediscover a sense of purpose, while the children benefit by developing empathy, respect, and communication skills. It is a true testament to the power of human connection!

An image of a social group stood together outside of a community van, smiling.

Reflecting on National Volunteer Week

Back in May, we proudly celebrated National Volunteer Week. Our community services simply wouldn't be possible without the unwavering dedication, compassion, and hard work of our incredible St John volunteers.

This edition of Chatter looks back at the weeklong celebrations, including special moments like the Queensland Volunteering Awards, where we were able to honour the lifelong commitments of our volunteers. To everyone who generously gives their time to make everyday life a little easier for others, thank you!

Expanding Our Community Transport Services

Getting out and about safely is essential for health, wellbeing, and independence. That is why we are constantly looking for ways to improve and expand our Community Transport options.

In the June newsletter, we highlight some exciting new updates, including the expansion of our services across the Fraser Coast. By bringing our Maryborough and Hervey Bay service areas together, we are now offering a highly affordable and reliable intercity transport option for medical appointments and essential activities.

Furthermore, our Community Connections Transport has recently collaborated with Meals on Wheels QLD, providing clients with direct, easy access to delicious and nutritious meals.

Reflecting on all the wonderful progress shared in this edition, our General Manager of Community Services, Opal, shared: “I am incredibly excited about the opportunities we have to partner with like-minded organisations to deliver innovative new initiatives that truly make a difference in people's lives. By thinking outside the box and keeping our clients at the centre of everything we do, we can create meaningful opportunities for people to connect with their communities, access fundamental healthcare support when they need it most, and benefit from the dedication of our wonderful volunteers who help bring these opportunities to life.”

We have so much to be proud of, and we are so grateful to have you as part of our community. Be sure to click here to read the full June Chatter Newsletter to catch up on everything we’ve been up to!