What’s Happening?
Senior students from eight Queensland schools took part in Sony Foundation holiday camps across Townsville, Toowoomba, and Brisbane last weekend.
From Saturday 19 to Monday 21 September, Year 11 and 12 students served as full-time companions to children with disability. The camps offered children time away with friends and activities, while giving their families free respite.
Why It Matters
The break came as families considered changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Parliament passed the reforms in August, but changes to eligibility will not begin until 1 January 2028. The federal budget projects $37.8 billion in savings over four years, while NDIS spending will continue to grow.
Children and young people have a substantial stake in those changes. More than 60 per cent of active NDIS participants were under 25 in June 2026. Around one in five were aged eight or younger.
In written responses, Sony Foundation CEO Sophie Ryan-McPhee said the camps offered families another source of support.
“With families facing uncertainty around NDIS supports and potential changes to eligibility, supplementary programs like Sony Foundation’s Holiday Camp can provide a valuable source of respite and connection. Sony Foundation’s Holiday Camps give children with disability the opportunity to spend a weekend away from home in a safe, supportive and inclusive environment, while parents and carers have a chance to step back from their caring responsibilities. For some families, this also means parents can spend dedicated time with their other children, something that can be difficult to prioritise alongside ongoing caring responsibilities.”
She said the camps could help families for a weekend, while children built confidence and new friendships.
“While Sony Foundation’s Holiday Camp program does not replace the broader supports families may need, it provides a meaningful weekend of respite while giving children the chance to build independence and form connections with student volunteers and other children with disability. At the same time, volunteers gain firsthand insight into the experiences of people with disability, helping to build greater understanding and empathy among the next generation.”
Local Impact
For Steven in Townsville, the camp offered the prospect of a rare break from his full-time caring role. His son Sean, 11, was preparing to attend his first camp at Townsville Grammar School.
Sean has level 2 autism and a congenital heart condition. Steven, a single father of two, has cared for him full-time since Sean’s mother died from cancer in 2021.
Townsville Grammar School principal Connor Barrett said the camp had become a valued part of school life.
“Sony Foundation Camp represents a key part of our School’s service program. It is a much loved and valued event and opportunity for our students. This is the ninth consecutive year that we have hosted the camp, and we have established partnerships with many organisations and people who volunteer year on year to contribute to the event. Sony Foundation Camp is deeply ingrained in the life of our School and our awareness of this event within our local community grows each year.”
By The Numbers
- More than 200 Queensland high school students were involved in the September camps, supporting more than 100 children with disability.
- Toowoomba Grammar School, The Glennie School and Fairholme College marked 20 years with the program in 2026, while Townsville Grammar School marked nine years.
- Across Australia and New Zealand, Sony Foundation plans 22 camps in 2026, involving more than 1,000 student volunteers and more than 440 children with disability.
Zoom In
Barrett said students looked forward to becoming companions in Year 11. Some then returned as mentors in their senior year.
“Sony Foundation Camp has become a highly anticipated opportunity that our students aspire to and look forward to participating in when they reach Year 11. Similarly, on completion of their involvement in Year 11, they look forward to contributing again in their Senior year as mentors.”
“Sony Foundation Camp is one of our most significant opportunities for service and service leadership, and it positively impacts each student in many different ways. It is challenging and it can be confronting, but it is always an incredible time of joy and learning.”
Zoom Out
The program began at one Sydney school in 1998. Ryan-McPhee said its growth reflected the commitment of participating schools and students.
“For 27 years, Sony Foundation’s Holiday Camp program has helped bridge a gap in disability respite care, partnering with schools and universities across Australia and New Zealand to deliver free, multi-day camps for children and young people with disability. What began with one school in Sydney in 1998 has grown to more than 20 camps across Australia and New Zealand each year. In 2026, more than 1,000 student volunteers will create memorable experiences for more than 440 children with disability and their families across 22 camps.”
She said the anniversary held particular meaning for Toowoomba’s participating schools.
“This year is particularly significant for Toowoomba Grammar School, The Glennie School and Fairholme College, who are celebrating 20 years as part of the Sony Foundation Holiday Camp program. Across two decades, thousands of students from the three schools have volunteered their time to create memorable camp experiences for children with disability and their families across the Toowoomba region.”
“The longevity of this program is a testament to the commitment of the schools and their students. Year after year, students bring energy, empathy and a willingness to learn, building genuine connections with campers and creating an inclusive environment where everyone can be themselves.”
What To Look For Next?
Families interested in a future camp can register their interest with Sony Foundation. For participating schools, the program offers another chance to give children a holiday, carers a break and students a lasting connection with their community.
