Life Ed Queensland expands regional impact with prevention funding

More children and families across Queensland’s regional, rural, and remote communities are set to benefit from life-changing social and emotional wellbeing education, thanks to a funding boost from the Queensland Government through Health and Wellbeing Queensland.

Life Ed Queensland (best known for its mascot Healthy Harold) is 1 of 6 state-wide prevention programs receiving a share of the Queensland Government’s $43 million investment to promote healthier lifestyles and tackle preventable health issues across the state.

Through Health and Wellbeing Queensland, the renewed funding will assist Life Ed Queensland to expand the reach of its youth education, particularly in remote and First Nations communities. CEO Taryn Black highlights the unique challenges and opportunities associated with this work.

‘It really does take a village to raise a child – and we’re proud to be part of that village in communities right across Queensland,’ said Ms Black.

‘Our work in regional, remote and First Nations communities is especially close to our heart. It’s central to our mission to promote more equitable outcomes for all young people, particularly those who face greater barriers to accessing preventative education.’

Growing impact across Queensland

Between October 2023 and December 2024, Life Ed Queensland programs funded by HWQld, which include Healthy Harold and Talk About It, reached 164,093 students, with 65% of sessions delivered outside metropolitan areas and 12.5% of participants identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

‘This funding helps us support highly skilled educators who live and work in these communities,’ said Ms Black. ‘They bring deep local knowledge and cultural understanding, which is absolutely vital for building trust with schools, families and students – and for engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in ways that are meaningful, respectful and culturally safe.’

Life Ed CEO Taryn Black and Health and Wellbeing Queensland CE Dr Robyn Littlewood.

Meeting modern challenges

As the needs of students have changed in recent years, so too has Life Ed Queensland’s curriculum, addressing critical issues like online safety, digital literacy, consent, mental wellbeing, and respectful relationships.

‘Today’s kids are navigating challenges we couldn’t have imagined a generation ago – bullying, anxiety, online harm and social media pressures, all amplified by emerging technologies like AI,’ said Ms Black.

‘That’s why our focus now goes far beyond physical health. We’re equipping students with knowledge and strategies around digital citizenship, respectful relationships, puberty, consent and mental wellbeing – helping them to navigate their world safely and confidently.’

A standout example is Harold’s Online World, a new cyber safety module designed specifically for students in Years 1 and 2. The module, developed in response to children accessing the internet at increasingly younger ages, aligns with national and international best practices, including the eSafety Commissioner’s framework and the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on digital health.

Life Ed Queensland isn’t just a once-off experience; it’s a long-term learning journey. The program works closely with teachers and parents to reinforce lessons in the classroom and at home.

‘From the moment a school books a Life Ed session, teachers get access to our online hub packed with pre- and post-lesson plans that help embed key concepts into everyday classroom learning,’ said Ms Black.

‘85% of teachers in our 2025 survey said they feel more confident teaching the content after a Life Ed visit – and many continue using our group activities and conversation starters long after we’ve left.’

Parents are also engaged through information sessions, take-home materials, and access to free webinars and parenting programs, such as Triple P parenting program.

The future of ‘Talk About It’

Looking ahead, one of the most anticipated initiatives is a full review of Talk About It, Life Ed’s long-running respectful relationships and sexual health education program.

‘This program has been a game-changer, helping students understand big topics like consent, body safety, respectful relationships, puberty and identity in a way that’s safe, age-appropriate and easy to engage with,’ said Ms Black.

The review, in partnership with Curtin University’s RSE Project, will assess the program’s effectiveness, sustainability, and alignment with key standards, including UNESCO’s guidelines on sexuality education and the Queensland Health and Physical Education Curriculum.

‘At the end of the day, it’s all about making sure Queensland kids get the best possible respectful relationships education – and that families and schools have the tools and support they need to help kids grow up safe, confident and respectful,’ Ms Black added.

A statewide commitment to prevention

Life Ed Queensland is one of several organisations benefitting from Health and Wellbeing Queensland’s $43 million reinvestment in preventive health, with more than 352,000 Queenslanders supported across multiple initiatives since July 2021.

Dr Robyn Littlewood, Chief Executive of Health and Wellbeing Queensland, emphasised the long-term impact of prioritising prevention.

‘Our reinvestment is delivering measurable outcomes across Queensland, from healthier school tuckshops to tens of thousands of health checks and community activations that are changing lives,’ said Dr Littlewood.

‘When we invest in prevention, we change futures. Fewer people need treatment, our health system can focus where it’s needed most, and more Queenslanders live healthier, longer lives.’

Alongside Life Ed Queensland, other initiatives supported through Health and Wellbeing Queensland include:

Deadly Choices
My health for life
10,000 Steps
QCWA Country Kitchens
Healthier Tuckshops Program by the Queensland Association of School Tuckshops