pinarc babies (0-2) 
plan management 
therapy – teens 
therapy – adults 
local parent/carer groups & activities
- Ballarat Parent Carers Connect This group is open to all parent/guardian carers of children and young adults with disabilities. We meet for activities, information sessions and social coffees or meals. Next activity is festive wander through the Sturt Street Christmas displays followed by lunch at the café at Provincial Home Living . Meet us on the Sturt Street median across from the at the front of Town hall at 11am Wednesday 17th November (or at the café at 12pm). Contact Rebecca on rpaton@pinarc.org.au or 0493 765 542
- Ararat Parent Carer Connect Ararat region Parent/Guardian Carers of children and young adults (0-21yrs) with disabilities and additional needs are invited to join a new group with a focus on information sharing and social connection for carers. Contact rpaton@pinarc.org.au to register your interest. Meeting times TBA.
- Ballarat Autism Early Years Connect is a parent-led group supported by the Pinarc Parent Support Program. This group is for parents/carers supporting young children (0 – 12 yrs) with autism.
The next meeting is a celebration lunch at IneXterior Café on Thursday 11th December, 11am – 1pm funded by Carers Victoria. Contact Amy at ballaratautismey@gmail.com - Ballarat Autism Parent Connection meets for coffee at the Robin Hood Hotel for social connection and information sharing. The next meeting for the Ballarat Autism Parent Connection Group Monday 15th December at 10.30am. Group Flyer: https://www.pinarc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Autism-Parent-Group-2025.pdf
- Bacchus Marsh Disability Parent Connection meet for social dinners and information sessions monthly on Monday evenings during school terms.. Contact rpaton@pinarc.org.au to register. Group Flyer: https://www.pinarc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Bacchus-Marsh-Group-2025.pdf
- Ballarat Down Syndrome Parent Connection group meets regularly for social connection and information sharing. The next get-together is social dinner at the Ballarat Golf Club on Tuesday 9th December. Thanks to generous funding from Carers Victoria, main meals will be free of charge heavily discounted. Places are limited so registration is essential: emails rpaton@pinarc.org.au to register.
- Daylesford Disability Parent Connection Group. This group will resume meetings in 2026.
Group Flyer: https://www.pinarc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Daylesford-Disability-Parent-Group-2025.pdf - SCODA – (Supporting Carers of Disabled Adults), is a Ballarat-based group who meet for lunch first Monday of each month. Contact Rose on 0459 216 992
- Would you like to start a new group? Our parent support coordinator can help. Please contact Rebecca Paton, on 0493765542 or at rpaton@pinarc.org.au.
Carer Activities
Carers Gateway- PATHWAYS For Carers CHRISTMAS LUNCH
Thursday 18th December
Carer Walk – 10:45am
Join us for a stroll around the Botanical gardens before celebrating with our Carer Christmas lunch. Meet out the front of Pipers by the Lake from 10:45am for an 11:00am departure (look for the flag) Christmas Lunch 12:00pm
Join us for our Carer Christmas lunch and help us celebrate the year that was. Carer only event.
Free for Carers residing in Ballarat, Golden Plains, Moorabool, Hepburn, Ararat & Pyrenees Shires
Pipers by the Lake 403 Wendouree Parade, Lake Wendouree
Numbers are limited – RSVP is essential
Phone: (03) 5333 7104 or Email: Carers@gh.org.au
activities for children and young people with disabilities
All Abilities Afternoon in Ballarat – 3 December 2025
When: Wednesday 3 December 2024
Where: Ballarat Regional Soccer Facility, 910 Pleasant Street South, Ballarat Central 3350 VIC
Free Sausage Sizzle included!!
Join us for a fun and inclusive day of sports, dance, and arts in Ballarat, designed for people with disability and access needs, carers, and anyone keen to explore accessible local programs. Supported by all-abilities clubs and organisations, this event is part of the International Day of People with Disability celebrations. Come along and give something new a go!
https://events.humanitix.com/international-day-of-people-with-disability-or-all-abilities-afternoon
You can see a promotional video about the event here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSS8_ISHLbs
Moorabool Council’s event details for International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD), held on Wednesday 3 December in Maddingley.
Join us for a morning of fun sports, including basketball, walking football, boccia and pickleball. Enjoy a free pizza lunch and find out more about the sports you can participate in at MARC stadium.
This year we have introduced bookings for the event so we can ensure we cater appropriately for attendees. Bookings can be made by visiting https://www.trybooking.com/DGTUJ , by responding to this email or by calling 5366 7100.
Accessibility details:
Wheelchair accessible venue
Accessible parking
Accessible toilets
Public Transport access nearby (train and bus)
Quiet Zone
Assistance animals welcome
Christmas Wonderland! (event by Buninyong Community Playgroup)
December 12, 2025 at 10:00 AM!
Location: Scotsburn Primary School 6859 Midland Highway Scotsburn
Join us for a magical day filled with festive cheer and holiday spirit.
Bard in Buninyong performing The Magic Pudding (A Slice of Magic Pudding and Pud-Napped)
Enjoy performances from Singing Mamas and Various Musical Acts.
Face painting, Balloon Animals, Christmas Craft, Market Stalls, Information Stalls for families and early childhood.
Santa will be paying us a visit with gifts for every boy and girl.
Sausage sizzles, cake stalls, fairy floss and waffles to enjoy.
For more information and tickets visit: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/christmas-wonderland-tickets-1971159751880
ACMI Gameworlds
At ACMI, Fed Square until Sun 8 Feb 2026
Explore major titles like Minecraft, Final Fantasy XIV Online, The Elder Scrolls Online, SimCity, and Stardew Valley, joining iconic titles including World of Warcraft, The Sims, Neopets and the highly anticipated Hollow Knight: Silksong.
Spanning over 50 years of play, Game Worlds features more than 30 videogames from the 1970s to today, with 44 playable moments, original builds, rare design materials and hands-on prototypes you won’t find anywhere else.
Discover four new microgames made exclusively for ACMI by Australian developers – from nostalgic dial-ins to playful perspective shifts.
Register here: https://www.acmi.net.au/whats-on/game-worlds/
Auslan tour 18th October: https://www.acmi.net.au/whats-on/game-worlds/game-worlds-auslan-tour/
Access and Sensory Guide https://www.acmi.net.au/access/game-worlds-sensory-access-guide/
SpeakUP: Building skills and confidence for participation at school
Suitable for ages 7-12, 13-17 years
Autism Friendly, Disability (all) provider NDIS Registered
Bring a parent or carer
Contact: 1800 317 030. Location: Online
For more information visit https://www.lifestart.org.au/programs-and-events/speakup/
Ballarat Libraries activities for kids, teens and adults.
Ballarat libraries offer a wide range of regular activities and special events. Legos groups, science sessions, arts and crafts, movies and more….
https://libraries.ballarat.vic.gov.au/whats-on/whats-on-brochure
People Outdoors Upcoming Camps
All Abilities Sports options:
All Abilities Basketball Competition
– a new initiative designed to provide inclusive opportunities and meaningful pathways for individuals of all abilities to participate in and enjoy the game of basketball.
When: Thursday afternoons (Term 4, 2025)
Where: Minerdome – Venue Information
Time: Approximately 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Duration: 8-week season
Who Can Participate: Teams or individuals from specialist schools, disability service providers, and inclusive sports programs
Competition Levels: Junior and Senior divisions
Each with two grades (subject to a minimum of four teams per division)
Modified rules to maximise participation and enjoyment
Ballarat Basketball is currently working with local clubs (Local Clubs Directory) to provide support to teams and foster the growth and sustainability of the competition.
This initiative is proudly supported by the Regional All-Abilities Participation Grant, which aims to increase access and remove barriers for individuals with disabilities to participate in sport across regional Victoria.
Are Able All Abilities Hoops
All Abilities Hoops is an inclusive basketball program designed for children aged 5–18 living with disability. https://www.ballaratbasketball.com/all-abilities-hoops/
All Abilities Auskick 2025.
Ballarat Bulldogs Football Netball Club with the help of the AFL & East Point Dragons are running all abilities Auskick 2025. https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/65218c Boy and girls 7-14 yrs, or All girls 5-12 yrs.
Come ‘n Try archery!
https://www.wendoureearchery.com/come-n-try-archery.html
The Ballarat Bulldogs Football Netball Club
Email ballarat@fida.org.au or simply turn up.
All Abilities Gymnastics – Ballarat Gymsports
https://www.ballaratgymsports.com/classes/inclusion/
Special Olympics Ballarat
https://www.specialolympics.com.au/ballarat
Special Olympics Ballarat currently offer swimming, basketball and gymnastics during school terms. If you have any questions, or to find out more information about one of their programs, contact by phone on 0431 421 241 or by email using ballarat.media@specialolympics.com.au
Ballarat Netball Association All Abilities Netball (16+)
https://ballaratnetball.weebly.com/contact.html
AAA Play Website
Sports Central promote inclusive sport and recreation programs within the Central Highlands region through the AAA Play website https://www.aaaplay.org.au/
Information sessions, courses and webinars
Daylesford Disability Inclusion Workshop
This is a call to action for all local organisations, clubs, services, schools and businesses.
Facilitated by our local Disability Inclusion Coach from Leisure Networks, we’ll explore practical ways to open our doors wider—sharing simple, effective tips to help you confidently include people living with disability in your programs, events and spaces.
You’ll also hear about a fantastic local initiative, Level the Field, offering free training, information and resources to support you on this journey, no matter where your organisation is starting from.
Date: Tuesday 2 December
Time: 1:45 for 2–3pm OR 5:45 for 6–7pm
Venue: Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre
RSVP: contact us at admin@dncentre.org.au or 5348 3569
Your voice, your ideas and your commitment can help shape a more inclusive Daylesford for everyone. We look forward to welcoming you.
Virtual WorkAbility Expo
Virtual Disability Expo
2nd December, 2025 9am – 2pm
This free online event brings together leading employment and employment service providers to help people with disability, including those with high support needs, find meaningful employment.
WorkAbility Expos are designed to connect you with employers and support services, provide webinars to help get you workplace ready, and offer valuable resources to support your journey to employment.
What Makes This Expo Stand Out
- Free entry
- Captions and Auslan interpreters for all webinars
- Engage with a wide range of exhibitors at their virtual booths
- Learn from experts in disability employment
- Hear from open employers
- All day help and information
https://workabilityexpo.com.au/events/virtual-workability-expo-2025/register/
Services and Supports for Carers – Online Workshop
A free online workshop to support carers via Zoom. Link provided on registration.
Date: 24 Nov 2025 Time: 1.30pm – 3.00pm
Join us online to learn about the support services that are available to carers and their families.
Topics include:
Support services for carers such as the Carer Gateway, Information about organisations that provide support to carers across Victoria, The role of Carers Victoria. https://www.carersvictoria.org.au/event/services-and-supports-for-carers-online-workshop-10549/
Your Rights, Your Voice: Disability Discrimination Info Session in Ballarat Central (Free Legal Education Session)
When: Thursday 4 December 2025
Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm
Location: Face to face at Meeting Room 4 – Ballarat Library (178 Doveton St Nth, Ballarat Central)
Facilitated by: Kerry O’Hagan, Solicitor and Community Legal Education Coordinator at the Disability Discrimination Legal Service Inc.
Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/your-rights-your-voice-disability-discrimination-info-session-in-sebastopol
This workshop is for people living with disability, carers, organisations, leaders, advocates, community groups and clubs working with people living with disability. Learn about:
- What areas of life are covered by disability discrimination law?
- What is direct discrimination?
- What is indirect discrimination?
- What are reasonable adjustments?
- How to make complaints about discrimination
Please contact Meg Lawton, Community Inclusion Officer (Access and Inclusion) at meglawton@ballarat.vic.gov.au if you have any questions about this session
Join the Central Highlands Regional Advocacy Group!
Welcoming new members currently!
When: Wednesday 4 December 2025
Time: 1:00pm – 2:30pm (with networking to follow)
Where: Trench Room, Level 1, Ballarat Town Hall
Afternoon tea provided
Led by Grampians disAbility Advocacy, the Central Highlands Regional Advocacy Group (CHRAG) is a long-standing, collaborative network championing disability advocacy across the Central Highlands region.
The CHRAG brings together local service providers, people with lived experience of disability, carers, and community organisations to address key advocacy issues.
This Group welcomes people with lived experience of disability, carers, service providers, leaders and those interested in disability advocacy!
Nourishing You, Nourishing them Carers Q&A with a Dietitian
Date: Thursday 4 December 2025
Time: 1:30pm – 2:45pm
Location: Online (MS Teams) Cost: Free
This month, we are really excited to bring to you a Q&A session with a Dietitian from Grampians Health Grampians Health has a team of dedicated dietitians and food service staff, who assist clients to meet their nutritional needs to optimise their health, nutritional status and quality of life. In this session we will cover topics
- What is a Dietitian
- How can a Dietitian help
- What to expect if you see a Dietitian
- How to access a Dietitian for individual support
RSVP (Essential – Spaces are limited) Email: carers@gh.org.au Phone: 5333 7104
Understanding the NDIS:
Overview of Changes to NDIS for Participants, families and carers
Thu, 4 Dec, 1pm – 2pm AEDT
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is hosting webinars this December to help participants, families, carers, and kin better understand recent and upcoming changes to the NDIS.
You will hear the latest updates on:
- Support needs assessments
- Changes to planning
- Funding periods
- Impairment information
- Key reforms to NDIS legislation
After the presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions and engage directly with our speaker.
For any enquiries regarding this session, please contact events@ndis.gov.au and include the session name in the subject line.
ACD FREE 90-minute online workshop – NDIS Good Evidence.
Mon 8 Dec 7.30pm
Wed 10 Dec 10.00am
Having strong evidence helps make sure your child’s NDIS plan truly matches their needs. It gives the NDIS a clear picture of your child, which can help provide the right support at the right time.
If your child is an NDIS participant and you’d like to learn more about good evidence and how it can support NDIS planning, then register today.
This workshop looks at:
- The important role of evidence in NDIS planning
- Tips to gather strong evidence
- How good evidence can highlight your child’s needs
Questions? Email: educate@acd.org.au Call: 03 9880 7000 or 1800 654 013 (regional callers)
Register here: https://collections.humanitix.com/ndis-good-evidence-3c7111
new services for families
Free wellbeing apps designed especially for carers.
Each app offers gentle, private tools to help carers strengthen wellbeing, one small step at a time:
Now available on iPhone:
- Beacan – daily wellbeing check-in; reflect, and get personalised suggestions for self-care, rest, and connection.
- Anchare – a simple app to prioritise daily task, and regain balance when things feel too much.
- CareLogger – track what’s happening with the person you care for — behaviours, patterns, moods — and understand what’s really going on over time.
- Unlonely – breaking down social isolation – plan small social moments and rebuild meaningful connections, one step at a time.
All apps are free to download and were developed through the Carer Wellbeing Academy, drawing on years of carer training and lived experience.
If you’d like to explore or share them with your network, you can find more information here:
www.carerwellbeing.com/
City of Ballarat Accessibility Map Now Live!
The City of Ballarat Accessibility Map is an interactive tool integrated with Google Maps designed to assist people with disability, carers, and support workers in easily locating accessible facilities and inclusive venues across the municipality.
Explore the Accessibility Map via Google Maps here: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?hl=en&mid=1afksIPkB-ZLbMinr5RbmT985KDKy-HU
Add a location to the map
To request the addition of a location, change a location or remove a location, complete this form: https://forms.office.com/r/k5NPD9KtmX
For more information, visit the City of Ballarat webpage: https://www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/community/disability-access-and-inclusion/city-ballarat-accessibility-map
Support for families experiencing School Can’t.
Ballarat Homeschooling Events and Chat | Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/481421986004259
NDIS updates for families
Change to how NDIS talk about short term accommodation
NDIS changed the name of short term accommodation to short term respite.
They spoke with participants, families and carers about this change. Most told us short term respite better reflects the value of informal supports and the importance of sustaining these relationships.
NDIS know some people have concerns about the word ‘respite’, but many carers and families use and understand it well. After considering all feedback, we chose this name because it’s clear and widely recognised.
Learn more about short term respite here https://ndis.gov.au/media/8099/download?attachment
NDIS Changes – Summary by ACD
https://acd.org.au/ndis-changes/#h-new-support-needs-assessment
Updated 30/09/2025 this page provides the latest information to support your child and family.
Including:
research and feedback opportunities
Ballarat Disability Housing Survey
This survey helps us understand what kind of homes people with specialist support needs want now and in the future. The information you share will be passed on to housing developers. It will help them design and build homes that better meet the needs of people in our community.
https://lifely.limesurvey.net/664421?lang=en
Supporting Neurodivergent Families – research study seeking families for interview
A PhD researcher from Monash University is researching how public libraries can better support neurodivergent children, especially those with autism and sensory needs, and their families.
As part of the study, they are conducting interviews with parents and caregivers to learn more about their experiences with libraries, the emotional and sensory barriers they may face, and how library programs could be made even more welcoming and inclusive.
The study is Victorian based and aims to complement and build on existing sector initiatives, including PLV’s current project with Aspect.
AMAZE research
A quick survey to help Amaze with its advocacy on the NDIS and health systems
We’re looking for about 10 minutes of your time to help inform us about your current experiences as NDIS participants or parents of participants. We know there have been lots of changes introduced since last October and want to capture our community’s experiences.
The survey is totally anonymous and its findings will be used in our policy and advocacy work, for example on the topic of the new support lists that are being introduced.
Here is the link to the survey: amaze.tfaforms.net/5125262
City of Ballarat Consultations
Your chance to have a say in City of Ballarat projects. Stay up to date and have your say on these and other projects at https://mysay.ballarat.vic.gov.au/
new resources for families of children with disabilities
Victorian Carer Strategy 2025-2035
https://www.dffh.vic.gov.au/publications/victorian-carer-strategy-2025-2035
How to help guide autistic teens about sex
The A list has collected a number of articles that cover this topic and offer strategies for managing sex education in autistic teens https://alisthub.com.au/resource/how-to-help-guide-autistic-teens-about-sex/
ACD Recorded Webinars – A Good Life
https://www.acd.org.au/a-good-life/
Supported Decision Making – This webinar explains why it’s important and how to support your young person to make their own decisions as they grow into adults.
Wills and Estate Planning – This webinar will will guide you through the process of setting up a Will, trusts and Powers of Attorney.
Microboards – A Microboard is a small group of people, usually family, friends, and others who care about your young person.
Post-school – parents talk about what’s next
Raising Children Network website new ADHD Resources Tab
The Raising Children Network offers a wealth of information and support for parents and caregivers of children with ADHD. They provide resources on various aspects of ADHD, including understanding the condition, managing symptoms, and accessing support services. Their website offers practical strategies for parents, including tips on routines, communication, and creating supportive environments at home and school. https://raisingchildren.net.au/adhd
supports for families of children with disabilities
Carer Gateway
Caring for a friend or relative can be complicated. Carer Gateway can provide a range of supports to unpaid carers (including siblings as young carers). Call to register: 1800 422 737 8am to 6pm weekdays www.carergateway.gov.au/
Victorian Government Carer Card
The card provides discounts and benefits to carers in acknowledgement of this contribution. It’s easy and free to apply for the Carer Card. Applications can be made online. Alternatively, forms can be downloaded from this site, or you can request that one be posted to you by telephoning the Carer Card team on 1800 901 958 (toll free). Applications may take four to six weeks to process. www.carercard.vic.gov.au/
EACH Statewide Carer Support Services
EACH can fund counselling for carers and other family members (not just the primary carer, including siblings and grandparents) They can also fund ongoing counselling sessions if Carer Gateway funding runs out. www.each.com.au
Association for Children with a Disability
Resources: www.acd.org.au/information-and-resources/
Free telephone information and support:
Call 03 9880 7000 or 1800 654 013 (regional)
Or email acdsupport@acd.org.au
Or text 0475 577 997
Carer Allowance vs Carer Payment: which one is for you?
https://www.acd.org.au/carer-allowance-vs-carer-payment-which-one-is-for-you/
Disability Liaison Officer program
General information about the program:
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/servicesandsupport/disability-liaison-officer-program
Grampians Health DLO Program:
https://www.bhs.org.au/services-and-clinics/disability-liaison-office/
Monash Centre For Developmental Disability Health
supports mainstream health services to build their capacity to address the health needs of adults with intellectual and associated developmental disabilities.
https://cddh.monashhealth.org/
PTV Access Travel Pass
Public Transport Victoria offers an “Access Travel Pass” for individuals with a permanent physical disability, cognitive condition or mental illness. This pass allows free travel on:
- Metropolitan trains, trams, and buses
- V/Line trains and coaches
- Regional town buses
- Regional services with a contract or service agreement with Public Transport Victoria
OT’s and physios can complete the necessary form.
For more details and to access the application form, please check out the link below:
https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/myki/concessions-and-free-travel/access-travel-pass/
young carers supports
Little Dreamers – Sibling supports
Young Carer organisation, working with young people who provide unpaid care for a family member with a disability, illness or addiction across a range of direct support programs, these programs can be found here: www.littledreamers.org.au/programs/ A link for the application for support can be found at www.dreamershub.com.au
Carer Gateway Young Carer Supports
Carer Gateway can provide a range of supports to unpaid carers (including siblings as young carers). Call to register: 1800 422 737 8am to 6pm weekdays www.carergateway.gov.au
Young Carer Network
https://youngcarersnetwork.com.au/
Young Carer Network
https://youngcarersnetwork.com.au/
The Young Carers Network (YCN) is a nationally coordinated resource to raise young carer awareness, provide information, and direct young carers to appropriate pathways for support.
They also offer the Young Carer Bursary each year: https://youngcarersnetwork.com.au/bursary/young-carer-bursary/
Siblings Australia – Advocacy for school-aged siblings
So that we can better advocate for young siblings, Siblings Australia would like to hear from school-aged children about their experience of being a sibling of a person with disability, chronic illness, or mental health condition. If you’ve got kids in school, it would be great if you could encourage them to answer some questions for us. We are not collecting any identifiable data about children through this process.
We think it’s really important to be able to tell teachers and educators about how this experience might impact on schooling. So we’ve created a survey to find out more from families who are engaged in our services, you can access the survey HERE: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6KG3L8S .
Completing the survey should only take a few minutes, and will really help us to understand what is needed when developing our supports.
