Dolly’s Dream welcomes the recent announcement from the Queensland Government outlining a $33 million commitment to new anti-bullying measures in schools.
We commend Premier David Crisafulli and Minister for Education John-Paul Langbroek for placing urgent focus on the issue of bullying, and for recognising the need to provide swift, coordinated support for students, families and educators.
At Dolly’s Dream, we know the devastating effect bullying can take on young people, their families and the wider community. Our mission has always been to act in Dolly’s memory by raising awareness, delivering education and providing practical, accessible support to communities impacted by bullying and cyberbullying, especially those in regional, rural and remote areas across the country.
Dolly’s Dream works with primary and secondary schools nationally in metro and rural areas to deliver age-appropriate content to students covering topics such as bullying, kindness, self-worth and digital footprint (focusing on the impacts of online behaviours).
Children and young people have the right to feel safe, respected and included. Dolly’s Dream school workshops aim to help support schools and students in building safe, supportive environments for everyone.
In 2024, Dolly’s Dream delivered workshops across Australia, reaching 23,801 children and young people through 474 sessions in 263 schools. Our workshops are designed to build resilience, promote kindness, prevent bullying, and foster digital safety. The program had a strong national reach, with the highest delivery in Victoria (42%), followed by the Northern Territory (22%) and Queensland (16%).
As of March 2025, Dolly’s Dream has already delivered 43 workshops to 1,364 young people in the first quarter of the year, with 83% of sessions taking place in regional, rural and remote (RRR) communities. A further 313 workshops are already booked across 48 schools, set to reach nearly 10,000 more children and young people - 81% of whom are in RRR areas - highlighting the growing demand for Dolly’s Dream’s programs and support.
“Rural and regional families want support from those who understand their communities and unique needs, Dolly’s Dream was built by regional people alongside Australia’s leading experts in bullying and 7 years on, our programs have been proven to have a significant positive impact,” said Sally Sweeney, Head of Dolly’s Dream.
We also deliver Youth Mental Health First Aid Training in schools. We know that there is a lack of availability to mental health services, particularly in regional, rural and remote areas across Australia. As a result, we also work closely with teachers to help them in building their skills and capacity to recognise and respond to someone experiencing mental health issues.
Dolly’s Dream supports Australian families by providing crucial services, programs and resources, including:
- Dolly’s Dream Support Line
Australia wide, free 24-hour phone and web chat service with qualified counsellors available to help by contacting 0488 881 033.
- Beacon Cyber Safety app
Free cyber safety app that provides families with trustworthy, practical resources to help them confidently navigate their children’s technology use and reduce associated harms.
- Dolly’s Dream School Workshops
Anti-bullying and digital safety workshops for students of all ages, as well as Mental Health First Aid training for teachers to help implement a whole school approach to support wellbeing.
We look forward to seeing how Queensland’s new initiatives evolve and how organisations like ours can continue to support students, schools, and families in creating a culture where bullying has no place. Together, we can help every child feel safe, seen and supported.
If you or someone you know needs support, the free Dolly’s Dream Support Line is available 24/7 on 0488 881 033.
