The Mackay Homeschool Community is an intentional group which connects families in the Mackay Region for rich home learning experiences. We are a co-operative and active group of diverse homeschooling families connecting for social meetups, events, field trips, and other face-to-face activities. Our desire is to be a thriving, healthy and safe space where families can gather for support, friendship and learning experiences, and grow together as a community.

This inclusive and welcoming group represents families from all walks of life with many different homeschooling styles, ranging from unschooling to distance education and everything in between. 

We hold regular events which are organised and run by parent volunteers. Any group member is welcome to host an event, or connect with smaller groups of families within this larger group.

Each parent takes responsibility for themselves and their children to abide by the shared values of the group: inclusive, safe, responsible, respectful, open, and co-operative.

Members agree to an annual commitment contribution of $25 per family. Funds from members’ contributions are used to cover group administration costs such as insurance and web hosting fees, as well as paying for activities or supplies which the group votes on.

Each parent takes responsibility for themselves and their children to abide by the shared values of the group. Membership of this group is conditional on your agreement with our values. Our primary value is that we are respectful of other parents/carers and children so that everyone in the group is treated with courtesy and dignity.

We celebrate different cultures through feasting and sharing at our annual International Dinner. We share a potluck style dinner with food from across the world. Children who wish to present projects on a particular country through speeches, music, dance and posters.

We host a hugely successful open-air market where children produce goods to sell to one another. Families share their creativity and skills, and children learn financial and business skills through hands-on experience.

We are involved in the community gardens where children and parents meet regularly to contribute to the upkeep of the gardens through projects such as art installations, planting and gardening maintenance. The children learn about gardening and growing their own food through workshops and explorations with experienced gardeners. Younger children participate in a nature based circle and playtime. 

Children have an opportunity to present what they have been learning in the area of Science through project displays, speeches and demonstrations. The Science Fair has a relaxed and supportive environment for children to become comfortable sharing their work.