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Who we are

Local families supporting local families — since 1982.

SCMBA is a registered Australian charity run entirely by volunteer parents of multiples. We exist to reduce isolation, build confidence and connect families across the Sunshine Coast.

Our mission

To ensure no Sunshine Coast multiples family feels alone.

The Sunshine Coast Multiple Birth Association Inc. (SCMBA) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-run charity providing peer support, education and community for families expecting or raising twins, triplets and higher-order multiples in the Sunshine Coast region of Queensland.

We were founded on 4 July 1982 by a small group of local mothers who recognised that parenting multiples is a distinctly different journey — physically, emotionally and financially — and that families thrive when they’re connected to others who truly understand.

Today, SCMBA supports hundreds of local families every year through our weekly playgroup, hospital care packs, expectant-parent evenings, member events and 24/7 online support community.

What guides us

Our values

Everything we do is grounded in these four principles — shaped by the lived experience of multiples families.

Community first

We prioritise real, local, in-person connection. Nothing replaces a friend who’s been there, sitting beside you at playgroup.

Peer-led support

Every program is designed, delivered and refined by parents of multiples — not by professionals speaking about us, but with us.

Inclusion & respect

Every family is welcome: single-parent, blended, LGBTIQ+, adoptive, foster, culturally diverse and neurodiverse.

Transparent & accountable

We’re a registered charity with the ACNC, governed by an elected committee, and answerable to our members and community.

Evidence-informed

Our resources draw on Australian multiple-birth research, midwifery best-practice and AMBA affiliation guidance.

Sustainably run

Small, careful, volunteer-driven — every dollar donated goes directly toward family programs and support.

Our journey

Four decades of showing up for local families

1982

Founded on 4 July 1982 by a group of Sunshine Coast mothers of twins who wanted a place to swap advice and stroller tips.

1990s

Formal affiliation with the Australian Multiple Birth Association (AMBA); expanded to weekly playgroup format.

2012

Registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) at the commission’s inception.

2018

Launched our hospital care-pack program for Sunshine Coast Hospital and Buderim Private maternity wards.

Today

Supporting 250+ local families with playgroup, peer support, resources and community events — still 100% volunteer-run.

Governance

How we’re run

SCMBA is an incorporated association governed by a volunteer management committee elected annually by our members.

Legal status

Incorporated Association registered in Queensland; endorsed as a charity by the ACNC.

ABN

13 025 603 530 — verifiable via the ACNC Charity Register and ABN Lookup.

Financial year

Ends 31 December each year; annual information statements are lodged publicly with the ACNC.

Committee

A volunteer President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and Committee Members — all current parents of multiples.

AGM

Held annually and open to all financial members; positions are elected via democratic vote.

Charity size

Registered as a “Small” charity by ACNC classification — modest budget, large local impact.

View our ACNC Charity Register profile