At a Mango Hill gaming club, the biggest wins don’t appear on a leaderboard. There are no trophies for making a new friend, but that hasn’t stopped two parents from putting friendship at the centre of the game.
Play Tech Australia brings autistic and neurodivergent young people together through something many already love: gaming and technology. Its small, supported groups turn shared interests into opportunities for conversation, collaboration and friendship, without the pressure of conventional social activities.
Behind the idea are Mark and Amanda, two parents who saw possibilities in gaming that went well beyond the next high score.
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Two Parents, One Different Game Plan
Amanda is a mother of two autistic children, while Mark, their stepfather, has spent more than 35 years working in information technology. His interests include computer hardware and old-school gaming, giving the couple a combination of family experience and technical know-how.
They recognised that traditional social groups, particularly those with rigid activities or unfamiliar expectations, could be overwhelming for some young people. Instead of creating another programme that expected participants to fit a particular mould, they decided to work with interests the young people already had.
That idea became Play Tech Australia, initially a small community-driven initiative that has since developed into programmes across several South East Queensland locations.
There’s no requirement to be the fastest player or the most confident person in the room. Participants are encouraged to explore their interests, with facilitators helping them connect with others along the way.
A favourite game, a shared challenge or a conversation about computer hardware can provide common ground. For young people who find conventional social situations difficult, having something familiar to focus on can make getting to know someone feel less daunting.
More Than a Few Rounds of Gaming
At Mango Hill, Play Tech Australia’s 2026 school-term timetable lists Saturday sessions from 1pm to 3pm, with separate groups for children under 12 and participants aged 13-plus.
Rather than following a rigid lesson plan, the sessions are participant-led. The young people’s interests help shape what happens, while facilitators support interaction and shared activities.
Gaming is the obvious drawcard, but Play Tech’s wider programme also includes coding, digital design, board games, Dungeons & Dragons and creative projects. Not every activity is offered at Mango Hill, with some taking place at other locations, including Murrumba Downs and Chermside.
The organisation says its groups are deliberately small, with mentors drawn from backgrounds including education, technology and disability support.
Screen time is often a point of debate for families, but organised gaming can have a social side too. Australia’s eSafety Commissioner recognises that gaming clubs can encourage collaboration, social connection and a sense of belonging. Its guidance also stresses the importance of supervision, age-appropriate games and online safety.
In other words, what happens around the screen matters just as much as what happens on it.
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Finding Your People Beyond School
The idea doesn’t stop when participants finish school. Play Tech Australia’s young adults programme caters to people aged 18 to 24, with Mango Hill and Murrumba Downs among the locations identified for activities designed around shared interests and meeting peers.
After all, finding people who enjoy the same things doesn’t suddenly become easier once someone turns 18.
The organisation’s approach has also received recognition beyond its gaming sessions. In 2022, Play Tech Australia was a finalist in the Accessibility and Inclusiveness Excellence category of the Moreton Bay Business and Innovation Awards.
What began with Mark and Amanda’s family experiences has grown into programmes reaching young people across the region, with gaming providing the common ground rather than the ultimate goal.
And perhaps that’s the best twist of all. At this Mango Hill club, nobody needs to top the leaderboard to come away with something worthwhile. Sometimes, simply finding someone who wants to play another round is a pretty good win.
Published 12-November-2026
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