Just as children thrive with the right support, Thriving Queensland Kids Partnership (TQKP) has grown from a strong foundation within ARACY—bringing people, evidence, and systems together to improve the health and wellbeing of Queensland’s children and young people. 

Born from a moment of change 

TQKP launched in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when both the cracks and strengths in our systems became clear. The pandemic exposed gaps, inequities, and weaknesses, especially for young children already missing out on vital support. 

But it also showed what was possible: rapid policy change, stronger community connections, and new ways of working. There was momentum to ‘build back better’—to invest in prevention, early intervention, and systemic change. 

A partnership built to last 

ARACY’s Board and then-CEO Penny Dakin, and TQKP Executive Convenor Michael Hogan, saw the opportunity to build collaboration, systems thinking, and long-term solutions in Queensland – where child and youth wellbeing lagged behind the national average on key measures. 

With ARACY’s expertise in research, systems, and partnerships, we had the tools to help. 

• Philanthropists, including the Paul Ramsay Foundation, backed our vision for system change. 

• Global leaders in child development, like Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child, the Royal Foundation’s Centre on Early Childhood, and the Palix Foundation, have shaped our thinking. 

• A coalition of the willing came together to learn, share, and drive practical change.