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Children Australia

childrenaustralia.org.au
The Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare

Original Research

Parenting in rural and remote communities in Queensland, Australia: Parent and service provider perspectives

AUTHORS

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Alina Morawska1,2 PhD, Professor * ORCID logo

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Monique Waite3 PhD ORCID logo

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Alimila Hayixibayi1,2 PhD, Postdoctoral Research Fellow

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Stevie-Jae Hepburn4 PhD, Lecturer ORCID logo

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Jonas Fooken5,6 PhD, Associate Professor ORCID logo

AFFILIATIONS

1 Parenting and Family Support Centre, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld 4072, Australia

2 Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Children and Families over the Life Course, Brisbane, Qld 4072, Australia

3 School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld 4072, Australia

4 School of Education, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld 4072, Australia

5 Macquarie University Centre for the Health Economy, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2113, Australia

6 Centre for the Business and Economics of Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld 4072, Australia

ACCEPTED: 5 November 2026


Early abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to explore the strengths and challenges of raising children in rural and remote communities based on social, educational, and health experiences and access to services, from the perspectives of families, service providers, and community members. 
Methods: A qualitative study design was employed, using semi-structured interviews to gain in-depth insights into parenting experiences in two regional and one remote community in Queensland, Australia between November 2024 and June 2025. Participants included parents (n = 10) and service providers (n = 6). Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. 
Results: Participants’ experiences of raising children and supporting families in rural and remote communities were shaped by multiple, interconnected factors operating at the individual, family, community, and broader societal levels, resulting in three major themes. Parents and service providers shared many similar perspectives, while service providers also identified additional system-level factors and professional challenges. 
Conclusion: Drawing on the perspectives of parents and service providers, the key findings underscore the importance of a systems-based approach in research, policy, and practice, including support for family-friendly community features and collaborative practices that enable integrated and coordinated care. Such approaches are critical for improving service access and fostering supportive environments for families in rural and remote communities, given the central role of place in child development and family wellbeing.
Keywords: child behavioural and emotional adjustment, family friendly communities, health and allied health services, parenting, rural and remote communities.