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 meeting is 9. 30 am Wednesday 6th August for a coffee catch up at the BSS FARM Café 800 Norman Street, Invermay Park. 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 August 7th at 10am at Eclectic Tastes. 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 18th August 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. The next get together is a 6.30pm on Monday 25th August for an at Darley Neighbourhood House. 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 morning tea will be on Thursday 7th August from 9:30am at The Ballarat Yacht Club, Members Room. Debby Fraumano, DSV Adult Support Manager will be joining us to give an update on the changes to the NDIS and how this will affect ALL families regardless of the age of the person for whom you care. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the changes and ask questions relevant to your personal circumstances. Event will be subsidised so please let me know if you will be attending by Friday 1st August, 2025. contact Wendy by email park@bigpond.com or Mob 0429109692 to RSVP or for more information.
- Daylesford Disability Parent Connection Group. The next meeting will be a morning tea 30am Wednesday 27th August at Daylesford Bowling Club, 8 Camp Street, Daylesford.
RSVP essential to rpaton@pinarc.org.au to register your interest. 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 992Would 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 Retreat 2026 – Anglesea Discovery Camp.
Save the date! March 21-22, 2026.
A kid-free weekend with other parent carers. Lots of laughs, beach time, games night, time to relax. All meals provided.
Registrations will open in October.
activities for children and young people with disabilities
The STEM Maker Project
The Brainary is collaborating with City of Ballarat to offer FREE 3-session programs for 12-18 year olds across Victoria’s Ballarat Region in 2025. A chance to development of STEM skills by providing a hands-on learning opportunity with the latest technology.
The project has a strong focus on inclusivity and diversity within the field of STEM, aiming to create an environment where everyone feels welcome and inspired to pursue STEM in their future studies and careers.
There are 7 courses running at various locations in Ballarat over the coming months so you are bound to find one to suit you!
https://thebrainary.com/stem-maker-project-2025/
Club21 Ballarat (for people with Down Syndrome)
Here are the Term 3 Activities
- Mini Golf at Gold Rush Saturday 9 August 12:00 – 3:00pm
- Musical Bingo Thursday 14 August 6:00 – 9:00pm
- Bowling Oz Tenpin Friday 6:00 – 9:00pm
- Musical Bingo Thursday 15 May 6:00 – 9:00pm
- Footy Picnic at Avalon Nursery Saturday 20 September 12:00 – 3:00pm
Complete the response form here: https://downsyndromevictoria.snapforms.com.au/form/club21-regional-q3-response-form
Try Before You Ride – Ballarat Station Upgrade Session
This is event is for people living with disability, chronic health conditions or accessibility needs!
Come along and try out coaches and taxis in a safe and comfortable environment, learn how to ride your local service, explore ticketing and understand what occurs during a disruption on the V/Line network.
- Come and try out coaches and taxis in a safe and comfortable environment.
- Learn how to ride your local service and explore ticketing.
- Understand what occurs during a disruption on the V/Line network.
- Learn about navigating public transport with your mobility devices and aids
When: Thursday 14th August 2025
Where: Ballarat Railway Station
Time: 10:30am – 11:30am
Registration link: https://events.humanitix.com/try-before-you-ride-ballarat-h2rgnf3g
Transition to Highschool group – Pinarc OTs
Do you have a child aged 11-13 years who will be starting high school in 2026 who might require additional support and time to become familiar with the new routines and tasks they need for high school?
Facilitated by our experienced Occupational Therapists, Amy and Mark, this program will help build resilience, communication skills and problem-solving abilities for your child to increase their confidence moving into high school.
Commencing on Thursday 21 August, our group will run weekly during term 3 and 4, with a two week break for the school holidays. It will be held at Pinarc, 1828 Sturt Street, Alfredton, between 4pm-5pm.
Each week we will be providing parent information and connection at the same time as the children’s program, so a parent/guardian/carer needs to be present for this. This group is open to anyone in the Ballarat region who would benefit from additional support with this important transition, you do not need to be accessing other Pinarc services.
Please fill in this form to sign up for the group. https://forms.office.com/r/B6nJu6ajnf
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
Minds At Play – Dungeons and Dragons Social Program online
Available for ages 9 and up, our Dungeons & Dragons program is a social gaming adventure for children, youth, and adults on the Autism Spectrum. The program runs online for 2 or 2.5 hours (depending on the age group) a week during a school term.
Our bespoke adventures are carefully crafted to provide engaging social encounters and promote teamwork. Through thrilling quests and imaginative storytelling, players will embark on a journey that encourages communication, boosts confidence, and fosters social growth. Our dedicated team ensures a safe, inclusive, and supportive space where everyone can shine. https://mindsatplay.com.au/dnd-registration/
The Lab – new group for 18+
The Lab is a tech and games based social group for autistic people who enjoy working and playing with computers. This is an over 18 group only.
ACTIVITIES * Minecraft * Roblox * Steam Games * Nintendo Switch * Playstation * Xbox * 3D Printing * Laser Cutting * Drawing * Colouring * Bracelet Making * Lego
SESSION TIMES: weekly on Wednesday’s 7pm-9pm
Ballarat Tech School 136 Albert St Ballarat Central 3350
Email laurel@thelab.org.au
Website www.thelab.org.au
People Outdoors Upcoming Camps
Ballarat sensory chill/play space (PLAY SHED)
for young people/Adolescents with autism OR sensory issues
Do you struggle with mainstream play centres because of behavioural issues or just find them too over stimulating? Is a sensory space something you could use? Do you have ideas or suggestions? We will not be asking parents to do any fundraising. Please contact Helen on (m) 0425 732 878 or
All abilities Sports options:
Are Able All Abilities Hoops
All Abilities Hoops is an inclusive basketball program designed for children aged 5–18 living with disability, providing a fun and supportive environment to learn the fundamentals of basketball. This program not only teaches essential skills like shooting, passing, and dribbling, but also fosters a love for sports, teamwork, and staying active, empowering participants to enjoy the game at their own pace!
The Term 2 program will begin on Thursday May 14th and will run for 7 weeks from 5pm – 5.45pm at Selkirk Stadium – 989 Norman St, Wendouree VIC 3355
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
2 groups: Boy and girls 7-14 yrs, or All girls 5-12 yrs.
Location: White Flat Oval
When: Wednesday’s 4:30-5:30pm Starting: May 7th 2025 for 8 weeks
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
Aquatics, basketball, equestrian, golf, gymnastics, and tenpin bowling. https://www.specialolympics.com.au/ballarat
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
Getting Support at School – ACD online workshop
Join ACD for this popular online workshop, Getting Support at School, for parents of school-aged children with disability. It will help build your confidence to get the support your child needs at school and provide detailed information about how school processes work and how school plans can help your child.
This workshop looks at: Individual Education Plans, Behaviour Support Plans, Reasonable adjustments, Understanding school processes and plans.
Wed, 30 Jul, 10am – 12pm AEST
Mon, 4 Aug, 7pm – 9pm AEST
Register here: https://collections.humanitix.com/getting-support-at-school
Working Out Dads by ACD
A free online support program for fathers of children with developmental delay or disability led by two male facilitators, one of whom is a father of a child with disability.
Being a dad to a child with developmental delay or disability can be challenging and finding the right support isn’t always easy. ACD has partnered with Tweddle to tailor the program specifically for fathers of children with developmental delay or disability aged 0 to 9 years.
This six-week program runs on Tuesday evenings. It’s free and it offers dads a supportive space to connect, share experiences and build practical strategies.
Running Tuesdays at 7.30pm starting 29 July, 7:30pm
More Information and bookings: https://events.humanitix.com/working-out-dads-tue-29-jul-7-30pm :
A Good Life by ACD
Webinar event series in August 2025 to help plan for your child’s future.
Topics will be:
- Supported Decision-Making Aug 5th.
- Wills and estate planning – Aug 13th
- Microboards: building a team around your young person – Aug 19th,
- Post school: Parents talk about what’s next? – Aug 27th
Further information and registrations available here: https://collections.humanitix.com/a-good-life
Kids and Worry workshop in Ballarat
Wednesday, 6 Aug, 4.00pm – 6.00pm
Ballarat Library, 178 Doveton St Nth, Ballarat
The Kids and Worry workshop provides practical tools to help parents and carers assist their children to manage their worries and anxieties.
This free two-hour workshop explores reasons why children worry and ways parents and carers can support them. It will include ideas and practical tools to help parents and carers assist children to manage their worries. https://www.catholiccarevic.org.au/workshops/kids-and-worry/
Unpacking Recent NDIS Changes for participants and families
Join Pathways to Care and Assist U for a free information session exclusively aimed at NDIS participants and their families.
Wednesday, August 6
Arrive 5.30pm. Session begins 6:00pm sharp and concludes at 7pm.
North Ballarat Sports Club, 725 Creswick Road Wendouree, VIC 3350
Session Topics:
-Understanding your NDIS plan
-Sourcing your providers/supports
-Questions to ask your providers
The session is designed to be interactive; we cover some key topics that are critical when deciding what NDIS funding can be spent on, but after this, we welcome questions and group discussion.
The session is about better understanding how the changes have shaped the scheme and the importance of understanding exactly how the wording in your plan determines how you can go about using your NDIS.
Get your free tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/unpacking-recent-ndis-changes-for-participants-and-families-tickets-1502167325909
Carer Gateway online Q&A – Carer Coaching
What is Coaching? Coaching is moving forward through conversation. In coaching, you take the time out to have a conversation about how you are going at the moment, how you would like things to be and what steps are required to make that happen.
Date: Thursday 7th August 2025
Time: 1:30pm – 3:00pm
Location: Online (via MS Teams)
RSVP is Essential (spaces are limited)
Email: carers@gh.org.au or Phone: (03) 5333 7104
New Workshop: Practical Skills for Driving Community Change!
This workshop is for new, emerging or existing leaders, change makers, and advocates in the City of Ballarat! We welcome people living with disability, chronic health conditions, and accessibility needs to attend this workshop! Cost: Free
When: Monday 11 August 2025, Time: 10:30am – 12:30pm
Location: Ballarat Town Hall
Link to register: https://events.humanitix.com/practical-skills-for-driving-community-change
- Community leadership from a community development perspective
- Leading self and leading others
- Advocating for change – systemic and societal
- Emotions, stress and pressures: from acknowledging them to managing them effectively
Please contact Meg Lawton, Community Inclusion Officer (Access and Inclusion) at meglawton@ballarat.vic.gov.au if you have any queries or questions about this workshop.
Infant Child First Aid – CAFS Early Help Programs
Presented in partnership with PAEDS
This FREE Program is for parents/carers of babies and children. Babies under 12 months are welcome! The group explores First Aid techniques delivered by professionals. PAEDS vision is to empower all individuals with the knowledge to confidently manage illness and accidents! Issues we will explore include burns, head injury, rash, choking, breaks, CPR and more.
Date: Tuesday August 12th 2025
Time: 10.30am- 1.30 pm
Location: 515 Chisholm Street Black Hill.
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/child-infant-first-aid-free-presented-by-paeds-education-cafs-tickets-1397314638699
Building a safe, respectful and inclusive Ballarat for women, trans and gender diverse people with disabilities
Women’s Health Grampians invites women, trans and gender diverse people with disabilities who live in or around Ballarat to attend a focus group. The focus group is about having your say on the work and aims of the Ballarat Community Saturation Model (you can read more about the Ballarat Community Saturation Model here https://www.respectvictoria.vic.gov.au/ballarat-community-saturation-model).
We want to hear from you. Your lived experience is important. You can help us create a city where you feel safe, respected, and valued. We will ask things like, are there barriers that stop you from feeling safe, respected and valued? Or are there things already in place that support you to feel safe, respected and valued? Your answers will be anonymous, and we will protect your privacy.
Tue, 12 Aug, 10:30am – 1pm AEST
Ballarat Library. Registrations at 10.30am for a 11am start.
If you have any questions about the focus group, or if you feel unsure about participating in the focus group, but still want to have your say, we can arrange one-on-one interviews at a time and location that is comfortable for you. Please contact Carly Myers either by email carly@whg.org.au or by phone on 5322-4100
Reimbursement: There will be a payment for your time attending this focus group. We will do this via a Statement By Supplier form.
Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/building-a-safe-respectful-and-inclusive-ballarat-for-women-trans-gender-diverse-people-with-disabilities
Caring for Yourself – Online Workshop Carers Victoria
Carers across Victoria tell us that maintaining their own self-care is in their top three challenges.
This workshop explores why your health and wellbeing are important and gives you practical strategies to help you better care for yourself.
Wednesday 20 Aug 2025, 10:30am – 12:00pm
Online via Zoom. Link will be provided on registration.
Topics include:
- Why caring for the carer is essential
- What stops carers from caring for themselves
- Practical tips and strategies to help care for yourself as a carer
This session is open to all carers and caring families.
https://www.carersvictoria.org.au/calendar/caring-for-yourself-online-workshop-10564
Cafs Early Help Group Programs
Tuning Into Kids (online)
Tuning into Kids is a FREE 6-week program that aims to help parents or carers to understand their children’s emotional needs. TIK supports parents and carers to build trusting relationship with their children.
Mondays starting August 4th 2025, 1pm – 2.30pm, Online
Tuning Into Teens (online)
Tuning into Teens is a FREE 6-week program that aims to help parents or carers to understand their Teens emotional needs. TINT supports parents and carers to build trusting relationship with their Teens.
Thursdays starting July 31st 2025, 10.30am – 12pm, online
For consultation or Referral contact the Early Help Team: family.support@cafs.org.au or 1800 692 237
Tech Strategies for Families
Reflect on technology use in your family; considering both the challenges and opportunities.
Parenting in a world driven by technology presents a set of challenges for parents, guardians, grandparents and carers. Tech is a part of our reality, but setting boundaries around its use is not always easy.
Join other parents and carers in this workshop which:
- presents current research
- helps you reflect on tech use in your family; considering both the challenges and opportunities
- explores strategies that focus on creating a safe and healthy tech environment for your family
Wednesday 9 Sept
10:00am – 12:00pm
Ballarat Library, 178 Doveton St Nth, Ballarat
Book here: https://www.catholiccarevic.org.au/workshops/tech-strategies-for-families/
new services for families
Belonging Matters Free Resources
https://www.belongingmatters.org/books
For example:
A Guide for Support Workers – Digital Edition
A Guide to Making the Most of Community & Workbook –
Youngcare’s National At Home Care Grants
Youngcare is now accepting applications for funding to support individuals aged 16-65 who have high care needs due to a permanent physical disability. If you or someone you know could benefit from equipment, home modifications, or support services, this is your chance!
We have up to $10,000 available to assist eligible applicants. Please make sure you have explored the NDIS and other options before applying.
If you have any outstanding grants or acquittals, or if you have received a grant within the last 12 months, unfortunately you won’t be eligible for this round.
Applications close on Wednesday 14th August, at 4pm. Don’t miss out!
https://youngcare.smartygrants.com.au/AHGCJuly25
NDIS updates for families
Recent Changes – Introduction of Funding Periods
From 19 May 2025, different funding periods will be introduced to new and reassessed plans.
This change will be rolled out gradually. Participants will not be impacted until they receive a new or reassessed plan following discussion with them to understand their circumstances.
Funding periods will usually be set at three-months on the basis this gives flexibility to participants but also help participants manage budgets
This approach makes sure funds are available at regular intervals and supports consistent use of funding over the length of the plan.
Funding periods don’t change the total amount of funding in a participant’s plan, only when the funding becomes available.
Funding periods in NDIS plans are not new. Changes to the NDIS Act introduced funding periods in October 2024. All new and reassessed plans since then have included 12-month funding periods.
The NDIA sets the length and amount of funding periods in line with NDIS laws, taking into account a participant’s individual needs and circumstances.
This includes things like:
- preferences
- any risks with overspending
- any risks of harm, fraud, or financial exploitation.
A funding period is the time during which part of a participant’s funding is available.
This can apply to the total funding amount (whole plan) or specific funding components.
https://ndis.gov.au/changes-ndis-legislation/frequently-asked-questions-about-legislation#funding
research and feedback opportunities
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
Calling all parents and carers – Raising Children Network needs your voice.
Help us support Australian families
Raising Children Network is looking for parents and carers to be part of our new Parent and Carer Panel. We want to gather a diverse group of people to help us create parenting information and resources that are useful and relevant to all types of Australian families, and always tuned in to contemporary parenting experiences.
If you join our Parent and Carer Panel, you’ll have the opportunity to shape our parenting information, resources and activities by sharing your views, feedback and experiences in surveys, focus groups and other consultations. We’ll also keep you up to date on new content and resources developed by the Raising Children Network team.
In most cases, you’ll be compensated for your involvement in consultation opportunities, often in the form of a gift voucher. The compensation will be made clear as part of each consultation opportunity.
Interested? To become a Parent and Carer Panel member, you must live in Australia and be a primary carer of at least one child. To express your interest in joining the Raising Children Network Parent and Carer Panel, fill out this form. We’ll notify successful applicants via email.
Parenting Today National Survey
Parenting Research Centre want to hear directly from families about their experiences, to help build better services for families.
The national survey will build a stronger evidence base to guide:
- Family support services
- Mental health and wellbeing strategies
- Education and early learning policy
- Parenting programs and funding decisions
- Community-level planning and advocacy
The survey is anonymous and confidential, and it is important that families raising children with disability are heard. https://www.parentingrc.org.au/tools/parenting-today/
Monash University Research:
Dad matters: The roles, impact of caregiving and support needs of fathers of children with additional needs
Who can participate: You have can participate in this study if you are a father caring for a child between 2-14 years of age, living in Australia, and your child has a NDIS-eligible developmental delay/disorder. Your child is also currently accessing or has accessed at least two medical or allied health services for this condition within the last 12 months.
To participate or find out more, visit: https://monash.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2slO44qOBSzB2ke
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/
RMIT research into autistic parent of autistic children.
The researchers at RMIT are wanting to examine the lived experiences of autistic parents (either formally diagnosed or self-identifying) of autistic children. The study is seeking to understand how different formal and informal social support systems – such as schools, paediatricians, extended family, community parent groups, and friends – are related to parenting stress and well-being among autistic parents of autistic children.
The study involves an online, anonymous survey that is expected to take 20-30 minutes to complete. As a thank-you for their time and contribution, participants can join the random prize draw for one of ten $20 gift cards at the end of the survey.
The findings of the study are expected to contribute to increased knowledge about whether and how social support is related to mental health among autistic parents.
You can either click the below link to the online survey or scan the QR code that is displayed in the flyer. https://rmit.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6wXzl5ZHat41I90
new resources for families of children with disabilities
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/
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.
