News & Articles
The lasting impact of Cottage by the Sea
Every week we are reminded of the impact of Cottage by the Sea by the program participants who provide their feedback. But the impact of an experience at Cottage by the Sea lasts well beyond the duration of a program. For many Cottage alumni, the impact is lifelong. On Saturday morning, a lovely listener called […]
Cottage by the Sea’s Annual Fair raises more than $75,000!
On Saturday January 13, Cottage by the Sea raised more than $75,000 at its Annual Fair. More than 2,500 people were in attendance at Cottage’s longest-running fundraiser. All of the funds raised from the Annual Fair will go directly to Cottage by the Sea programs. “The support of our community, as always, is amazing. We […]
Cottage by the Sea Annual Fair 2024 map
We look forward to welcoming you to Cottage by the Sea tomorrow, Saturday January 13, for our Annual Fair from 9am–2pm! Here is a map outlining the location of the stalls. Please note that the location of some stalls may be subject to change on the day. Please call us on 5258 1663 if you […]
Rewilding – a nature prescription at Cottage by the Sea
Fresh, seaside air has been the prescription for children visiting Cottage by the Sea for more than a century. Our mission, values and philosophy have remained the same since our inception in 1890 – to enhance the lives of more children by providing inspiration, fun and opportunity within a holiday environment. Nature is interwoven into […]
Cottage by the Sea Annual Fair 2024
On Saturday January 13, 2024 from 9am–2pm, Cottage by the Sea will host its Annual Fair at 29 Flinders Street in Queenscliff. The Annual Fair is Cottage’s longest-running fundraiser. Originally an Annual Picnic, the children’s charity has records of the fundraiser dating back to 1924. “Our Annual Fair has been operating for almost 100 years […]
The value of surfing on Cottage by the Sea programs
The wellbeing benefits of surfing have been well researched. We hear about these effects anecdotally from the visiting children on Cottage by the Sea programs – they feel the thrill of catching a wave, increased confidence and self-belief from the sense of accomplishment, and an overall sense of calm from spending time in the ocean. […]
The importance of green and blue spaces at Cottage by the Sea
Spending time in green and blue spaces has a host of benefits for physical and mental health. This is why Cottage by the Sea programs focus on activities in nature. We see these effects first-hand each week with the visiting children. A child may express delight from feeling the sand between their toes, feel overjoyed […]
Merry Christmas from Cottage by the Sea!
From everyone at Cottage by the Sea, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and hope you have a wonderful start to 2024. Thank you for being a part of our success this year as we continue to enhance the lives of more children through inspiration, fun and opportunity. We can’t wait to support more […]
Farewell, Megan!
Last week, we said farewell to our treasured colleague, Megan. Megan started working at Cottage by the Sea as a volunteer 19 years ago. Her staff roles at Cottage have ranged from working as a Funding Coordinator to a Grant Writer. Megan’s work in helping to secure funding for Cottage has been instrumental to our […]
Volunteer Christmas lunch
We had a wonderful afternoon with our volunteers today enjoying a delicious festive lunch. Cottage by the Sea volunteers play such an important role in the day-to-day operations. Even though they don’t work directly with the children, they certainly make a difference behind the scenes to enhance the lives of program participants. Our CEO Adam […]
Summer Wish List
Please find below Cottage by the Sea’s Summer Wish List for 2024. Thank you for your donations – they go directly to the children who attend our programs.
Last Mentor adventure!
We always love it at the start of the year when we have our Grade 6 Reefies begin their journey with us at Cottage. It is then sad that at the end of the year, we have to say goodbye to the Mentors who have completed their journey with us after seven years. For our […]
Cottage by the Sea 2023-2024 Summer Newsletter
Welcome to Cottage by the Sea’s 2023-2024 Summer Newsletter. We have been busy as ever across our programs near and far, in addition to hosting events and engaging with our donors, volunteers and other supporters. We also continue to welcome a greater number of children through on program – at a time when the need […]
A visit from Santa at Cottage by the Sea!
Each year for our last Take a Break program, Santa and his helpers arrive at Cottage by the Sea on a fire truck to surprise the children onsite. Santa visiting the children for an early Christmas surprise has been a tradition at Cottage by the Sea for more than 100 years. This year was no […]
2023 REEF graduation!
Cottage by the Sea’s REEF program is designed to support students in Year 6 as they transition into Year 7. The program provides them with opportunities to push themselves out of their comfort zones and help foster growth in confidence, resilience and leadership. Our graduating Reefies came from St Leonards and Clifton Springs Primary Schools […]
Create a life-changing legacy in 2024
Make 2024 the year you create a life-changing legacy with Cottage by the Sea. Leaving a gift in your Will allows you to leave a legacy of money, property, shares or goods beyond your lifetime that will help the generations of children to come. Anyone can write a free, legally binding Will, with free and […]
“My first time at the beach and I surfed!”
Just like every Take a Break program with students from the country, there are always a few children who have never seen the beach before. This week was no different. For the participants on this week’s Take a Break program from a rural town near Shepparton, we had more than a few who had NEVER […]
Queenscliff Branch Christmas craft morning
This morning, the Queenscliff Branch hosted a Christmas craft morning at Cottage by the Sea. Guests gathered in our art room to make Christmas-inspired gifts, cards and decorations for the festive season, followed by morning tea in our dining room overlooking the sea. Thank you to everyone who attended this morning’s craft event while supporting […]
