Cottage By The Sea

Cottage by the Sea, located at the seaside township of Queenscliff (29 Flinders Street) in Victoria, is a children’s charity that provides camps for over 900 primary school aged children each year from families in need throughout the state. .

The Cottage provides over 1,000 needy children
annually with holidays, whilst giving the adult family
members time out. The Cottage cares for a large
variety of children with family difficulties, including:
• Domestic violence
• Emotional trauma
• Foster carer fatigue
• Sudden death or departure of a parent
• Social/economic disadvantage
• Cultural and refugee difficulties
Staff work closely with community counsellors,
schools and foster agencies and these 5-12 year olds
enjoy a week filled with activities designed to build
self-esteem, confidence and encourage social
interaction with fun filled memories to keep forever.
Trained/qualified staff co-ordinate activities, including
beach games, rock pool rambling, swimming, horse
riding, surfing lessons, art activities, cooking, bike
riding and many more …

Over the next six months Cottage by the Sea will focus extensively on rendering assistance to those tragically affected by the bush fires. These holidays will be available on an on-going basis, so children will be able to participate at a time that is sensitive to their social and emotional needs, as well as the needs of their families.

 We plan to offer 3 types of camps to address the needs of the children who have suffered from the bushfires. The camps will be designed differently to cater for the children who:

Are living in areas where the normal activities of children have been severely curtailed. These camps will be focused primarily on having a fun holiday by the sea, although the Cottage staff will ensure sensitivity and adequate care in light of the recent experiences of children..

Have been traumatised. These camps will be structured in a way that provides social and emotional support, as well as having fun. For instance, the number of staff will be minimised to ensure continuity of care, family members and local support workers will be encouraged to accompany children, circle work activities will encourage children to share their feelings, and the Cottage will have access to counselling services as required.

Have been displaced and will be returning to their communities at a future time. Many of these children will have been separated from other members of their community. The Cottage will offer camps that aim to help rebuild friendships and a sense of belonging. These camps will be offered in the future as communities begin to rebuild, and families begin to return to some of the worst affected areas.
 

The Board, staff and volunteers at Cottage by the Sea are passionate about trying to put a smile back on the faces of fellow Victorians who are suffering at this time.  When the ashes settle and communities are feeling the pressures of rebuilding lives, a holiday by the sea in a relaxed, caring and homely environment may help to ease the intense trauma being experienced by so many. 

In between our holiday camps for children in need, we can hire the Cottage out. All funds raised from such hire go towards funding more holidays for children. Refer to the accommodation section of this website for details about booking the Cottage.

If you find yourself in a position to assist us, please do so – your generosity will go directly to helping these children and families.