Many remote families have enjoyed a visit from RAFS teams in the lead up to Christmas.

As the five RAFS teams wrap up for the year, they are trying to visit as many families as possible to bring the excitement of Christmas to the children as it will be a long break in between visits over the holidays.

Everyone is hoping the rain won’t be as heavy as the start of this year, which pushed back the first RAFS visits and left many families isolated by the flooding.

Decked out with Christmas decorations and filled with Christmas craft and toys, the Mt Isa RAFS vehicle has been travelling up to the Territory to the Gulf of Carpentaria, to Nelia (along the Flinders Highway) and even down to Birdsville as the team and their colourful car visited many families, braving scorching temperatures.

Despite the weather, which has been up to 42 degrees, Christmas is a fun time to be a RAFS girl, says Bel Anderson. “The kids are really excited and jumping around us. They are really looking forward to the school holidays and Christmas,” she said. 

Charleville RAFS has also been spreading Christmas cheer to the children in their area which included some fun waters slides to cool down on a hot day. This is a photo of their vehicle, decorated in the Christmas spirit.  

RAFS teams support remote families with home visits, advice in the area of Early Childhood Development, mobile playgroups which bring local families together as well as guidance and direction in approaching professionals for family related matters.