Take a Break – Family program
The Take a Break – Family program provides an opportunity for families to get away from their day-to-day lives for a short and restorative seaside break.
Respite unit for the Take a Break – Family program
Cottage by the Sea purchased the original Riptide building in 2006 and from 2020-23, Riptide was used as a respite facility for families in need of a seaside holiday. Riptide’s respite program will continue in 2026.
The new Riptide facility includes a self-contained unit for our new Take a Break – Family program. The respite unit has two bedrooms, a kitchenette, lounge and bathroom. It will be used separately when there are not groups using the main facility.
Families will be referred to Cottage through agencies for different reasons. Some families will be doing it tough and need a holiday together, others may be fleeing violence. Cottage provides the basics for the families – made beds and donated gifts for the children – and they are left to enjoy their holiday. “In our previous respite program, one mum with two teenage boys who shared a bed in their caravan and had no cooking facilities told us that it was a pleasure just to hang out and cook together,” shares Adam.
First two images by Zarco Creative
Feedback from the Take a Break – Family program
I just wanted to say a massive thank you to you and Cottage by the Sea for having us last school holidays at Riptide.
The boys and I had the most amazing opportunity to have a break, and reconnect as a family. We loved the Riptide accommodation, as it had a lovely, relaxed, family feel to it, with the boys loving the soccer game. We also loved the playground and the closeness to the beach. It was greatly appreciated. Thank you again.
The kids and I had the best weekend.
The kids spent the weekend swimming in the beach and playing all day in the sun. It was a beautiful house to stay at and we also visited the cafe and shopping strip. The kids kept saying they love the beach and they had the best time on the weekend. Thank you so very much for the opportunity. I am so grateful for the time I spent with my kids in Queenscliff.
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