From ripples to waves, Deakin research supports Queenscliff charity to foster positive change in children’s lives.
By Rebecca DiNuzzo
For 50 years, we’ve put the communities we serve first.
One shining example is our research partnership with a cherished Queenscliff-based charity that has been serving vulnerable children and young people in Victoria for over 135 years.
Founded in 1890, Cottage by the Sea aims to enhance the lives of young people aged 8 to 18 years by creating a space where they can relax, feel safe, have fun and make friends.
A Deakin report finalised in 2024 tracked for the first time the transformative effect of the Cottage and its pivotal impact on young people’s lives.
The Impact of Cottage by the Sea: From Ripples to Waves report examines the medium-to long-term outcomes of the Cottage’s youth programs through interviews with existing and former participants.
Researchers also spoke with parents, local school principals, teachers and Cottage staff.
‘Our approach to research, which walks alongside our partners, aims to enhance the social fabric of our regions and change lives,’
Project lead Professor Louise Paatsch of Deakin’s Centre for Research for Educational Impact (REDI) said it was one of the most humbling and rewarding studies she had been involved with.
Cottage alum Ebony Storrar, 22, said she could speak first-hand about the Cottage’s positive influence.
It played a big role in her formative years by supporting her schooling and providing an opportunity to go on camps, meet friends and participate in activities such as surfing and snowboarding.
She also valued the chance to work with the Cottage as an adult in the capacity of camp leader to ‘facilitate the same life-changing experiences for others’.
‘They helped fund a laptop for me, which I used throughout high-school and carried on into my university degree … today I’m a registered nurse,’ Ebony said.
Cottage by the Sea Chief Executive Officer Adam Wake said the Deakin research ‘brings to life the enduring impact of Cottage by the Sea. Insights that we have known anecdotally for some time but can be so difficult to quantify and articulate.’
The report noted short-term benefits of participating in the Cottage’s programs included a greater sense of confidence, belonging, self-belief, and a healthier mindset.
But interviewing alums provided a meaningful way to quantify the longitudinal effect of the Cottage as children carried their positive experience into their later years of schooling and eventually their careers.
Clifton Springs mum Amanda Humphries said her son, Lachlan, 13, was more confident after engaging with the Cottage.
He was now more willing to step out of his comfort zone at school and even try new foods.
‘He volunteered to take part in the grade 6 school production in 2022, taking one of the main roles,’ Mrs Humphries said.
‘This has continued in 2024, where he has been involved with the secondary college production, stepping up to take control of the entire lighting of the show.’
Professor Paatsch said the report had achieved its purpose of capturing the depth and impact of the Cottage by the Sea’s work.
‘What struck me the most was their strong emphasis on relationship building and supporting children and young people to develop their confidence and self-belief within a teaching practice scaffolded around encouragement.
‘It is my hope this research draws greater recognition to the Cottage. The charity needs further funding to expand its reach and services in a time of increased community need.’
REDI Director Professor Julianne Moss said Deakin had a long history of harnessing the power of ideas to benefit communities.
‘Our approach to research, which walks alongside our partners, aims to enhance the social fabric of our regions and change lives,’ Professor Moss said.
‘Our research partnership with Cottage by the Sea enables the voices of those who matter, the children and young people and the key stakeholders of the organisation, to come to the fore. It not only supports the Cottage to understand its strengths and impact but prepares it to map pathways to meet the future needs of children and young people.’
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