Strengthening Parent Support Program Resources

Fri 4 December, 10am–12pm  ·  Lake View Cafe, 1 Fyans St, Colac

A Christmas brunch for carers in Colac and surrounds. Christmas outfits encouraged. Registration required. Book your place.

The national hub for carer support, offering practical services, coaching, counselling, emergency respite, peer support and young carer programs. carergateway.gov.au.

Barwon Health also runs a bi-monthly online group for parents and carers of children and young people up to 25 — a space to connect and share experiences, for Barwon and South West carers registered with Carer Gateway. To register, email cs.events@barwonhealth.org.au or call 03 4215 7600. For local events and updates, join the Barwon Health Carer Support Facebook group.

Free wellbeing activities, workshops and information sessions for carers across Victoria. Proud sponsors of several of our Parent Support sessions. See what's on.

Whether you're already part of our community or just discovering what we offer, the Caring for YOU Initiative, including our Cosy Tents Getaways, is designed to support carers to rest, recharge and reconnect.

If you're currently registered with the Strengthening Parent Support Program (SPSP), you're automatically included, no further action needed.

If you’re not part of the program but feel you could benefit, or know someone who might, we’d love to hear from you.

Find out more at Gateways.com.au

Respite, community participation and wellbeing programs for carers. genu.org.au.

Weekly groups for parents and carers of children with disability or additional needs, with local groups in Armstrong Creek East and Corio. Contact Sharna Anderson at sharnaa@mytimevic.com.au or visit mytime.net.au.

An Australian not-for-profit supporting and connecting families living with Type 1 Diabetes, from diagnosis onwards — care packs, online support sessions, carer dinners, camps and family events. They have a hub here in Geelong. type1foundation.com.au.

VMCH offer a range of programs and events for carers. To find out what's available and get yourself registered, start by booking a call with their team. Book a call via vmch.com.au.

Wathaurong provides culturally safe respite options including in-home help and group activities across Geelong, Colac and Ballarat. Find out more at wathaurong.org.au.

Monday 16 – Thursday 19 November  ·  Online

Sessions exploring sensory processing, regulation and supporting sensory needs at home. Free to attend live; a paid pass is offered if you'd like to keep the recordings. Register here.

Tuesday 17 Nov, 7pm – 8:30pm  ·  Online (Microsoft Teams)

A session on car travel for children and teens with disability or medical needs — common challenges, how special purpose car seats and vehicle harnesses can help, and what's required to use them legally in Australia. For parents, carers and therapists. Book your place.

Wednesday 25 Nov, 10:30am–12pm  ·  Online (Microsoft Teams)

A workshop on why your own health and wellbeing matter as a carer, what gets in the way of self-care, and practical ways to look after yourself while caring. Not recorded. Book your place.

Tuesday 1 December, 7–8pm  ·  Online

What guardianship and administration orders are, how supported decision-making differs from substituted decision-making, and how the VCAT process works — applications, hearings, orders and ongoing duties. For parents, carers and siblings of people with Down syndrome. Register here.

Tuesdays 1, 8 & 15 December, 10–11am  ·  Online (Zoom)

For Victorian parents and carers using a family-led refeeding approach (FBT/Maudsley) with their child. Each week covers one theme — meal support, managing distress and eating disorder behaviours, setting boundaries, and the impact on the family — followed by group sharing with facilitators who've cared for someone with an eating disorder themselves. Come to as many sessions as you can. Register here.

Friday 4 December, 1–2:30pm (Vic time)  ·  Online (Zoom)

An online peer support session for parents and carers on neurodivergent girls in adolescence — social withdrawal, young people who won't engage with supports, and responding to self-harm. Please note it includes discussion of self-harm. Not recorded. Register here.

Wednesday 9 December, 12pm  ·  Online (Zoom)

A webinar on getting through the summer break — building a holiday routine your child can predict, visual schedules, preparing for Christmas and family gatherings, managing sensory overload and meltdowns, and looking after yourself. Includes a live Q&A. Register anyway for the recording if you can't make it. Register here.

Browse all ACD sessions across early years, school age and teens. See what's on or view the ACD Calendar.

A not-for-profit run by parents and carers themselves, offering online workshops, webinars and virtual peer support groups for families of children with disability, autism, developmental delay, genetic or rare conditions and medical needs. Lots to explore. Browse upcoming events.

Free events for carers happening across Victoria, lunches, workshops, wellbeing sessions and more. Worth a browse to see what's on near you. View the events calendar.

A free space from MOIRA (a disability and family services charity) where parents, family members and carers can connect with others and access expert-led events, support groups, courses and resources. Explore MOIRA Connect resources.

The NDIS runs free webinars and events on topics like understanding your plan, recent changes and getting the most from your funding. Browse what's coming up. See upcoming NDIS events.

Family Planning NSW's recorded 2026 webinars for parents and carers of children with intellectual disability and autism — emotional changes, hygiene, periods, erections and wet dreams, and masturbation. Watch on YouTube any time. Watch the webinars.

Workshops for parents and carers of autistic school-aged children. Upcoming workshops.

Monthly webinars and lived-experience resources on school attendance challenges. Upcoming webinars.

A free, not-for-profit health education and empowerment program for mothers of children with disability — covering stress, healthy eating, active living, mental wellbeing, building support and finding balance. Self-paced online modules you can do in your own time. Visit healthymothers-healthyfamilies.com.

Learn to recognise and respond early to disordered eating in children and teens, through a short online masterclass and fortnightly online drop-in sessions with a dietitian and lived-experience carers. Find out more.

A free peer support program for parents — set goals, take practical steps and connect with other families. Find out more at plumtree.org.au.

Two self-paced online programs: one for parents of teenagers (via headspace) and one for parents of primary school-aged children. Teenagers · Primary school.

A regional calendar of parenting programs across Geelong and Barwon South West, including Bringing Up Great Kids, Tuning in to Kids and Teens, Circle of Security, The Dad Workshop, and parenting after separation. Browse the latest calendar and register your interest. Term 4 calendar.

A 30-minute online course from Aspiration Child Psychology that helps parents and carers build on their child's strengths, respond to challenging behaviour and navigate difficult days with confidence. Start the program.

A free, self-directed online course for parents and carers of children under 12. Covers managing screen time, healthy digital habits, online safety and handling conflict around devices — do it at your own pace, any time. Access the free course.

Your local early childhood partner for children with developmental delay, developmental concerns or disability — no diagnosis needed to get started. MELI also delivers Early Years Supports and the HIPPY home-learning program. Call 1300 012 293 to get started. meli.org.au.

Your local MCH service supports families with child development, feeding, sleep, behaviour and wellbeing. Free consultations, with Enhanced MCH support available for families needing extra help. Free MCH Line 24/7 on 13 22 29. Learn more.

Group sessions from the council's Maternal & Child Health team on newborn behaviour, starting solids, fussy eating, toilet training, toddler sleep and toddler emotions, plus Dadfit for dads. Run online and at local family centres, at no cost. Questions: 5272 4741. See upcoming sessions.

Online programs for parents and carers of young children with developmental concerns or disability, designed to build confidence, knowledge and practical skills. Program finder.

Gateways is partnering with Envisage to bring a 3-week in-person program to the Barwon region, from the week of 19 October.

Inclusive playgroups for children with disability or developmental concerns and their families. No diagnosis is required. Find a playgroup.

A Geelong-developed website with practical strategies, local services and tailored support for children's behaviour and emotions. FindWays.

A practical online guide for autistic people, families and carers, offering personalised information and step-by-step guidance across topics including diagnosis, therapies, daily life, school, the NDIS and transitions. autismwhatnext.com.au.

Trusted, evidence-based parenting information from pregnancy onwards, including disability resources, developmental information and practical parenting strategies. raisingchildren.net.au.

A voluntary service for parents and carers of a child under 6 who aren't working. A mentor helps you set personal, study or work goals, and you get $1,250 a year towards them. For people on Parenting Payment, Carer Payment or Special Benefit, and some parents not on a payment. Available where there's a local provider. Check eligibility and find a provider.

A free online hub for parents and carers of autistic children under 5 — plain-language information on early signs, diagnosis, therapies and early intervention, the NDIS, starting childcare or kinder, and looking after yourself along the way. A good place to start if you're early in the journey. Explore the hub.

Supporting young people aged 4–25 who provide care for a family member with disability, illness, mental illness or addiction. Little Dreamers offer a range of programs, events and support — including a free quiz to help young people identify if they're a young carer. Visit littledreamers.org.au.

A national organisation for the brothers and sisters of people with disability, chronic illness or mental health challenges — with peer programs for children and teens, resources for adult siblings, and tools for planning ahead alongside a sibling. siblingsaustralia.org.au.

A national online hub for young carers up to 25 — information, resources and ways to connect with other young carers. It's also home to the Young Carer Bursary Program, which offers $4,000 bursaries to help with education costs alongside a caring role. Visit youngcarersnetwork.com.au.

Free phone counselling for unpaid carers, available weekdays 8am–6pm. Call 1800 422 737 (Option 2). Appointments are often available quickly. carergateway.gov.au.

Free or low-cost short-term counselling for families caring for someone with disability, supporting relationships, planning ahead and family wellbeing. Call 1300 003 224 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm) or enquire online. Find out more.

A free drop-in service for families and carers supporting someone experiencing mental health challenges, substance use challenges and/or neurodivergence. Supports include counselling, peer support and practical assistance. Find out more.

Bulk-billed online psychology through Medicare for eligible clients. Telehealth appointments are available with a Mental Health Treatment Plan. someone.health.

Every second Monday, 10.45am–12.45pm  ·  Torquay Community House

A new group for people with intellectual and cognitive disability to connect, share experiences and help shape a more inclusive community. Free, everyone welcome, light refreshments provided. Contact David on davidh@valid.org.au or 03 9114 9419.

Every second Wednesday, 9am–12pm  ·  Torquay Community House

Wellways' free drop-in support for families and carers is now available on the Surf Coast. Find out more.

Starting 17 November  ·  Geelong  ·  5 Tuesdays  ·  7pm-9pm

A five-week program for dads: two hours each week with a local team of around 15 dads, including a workout at your own pace, a chat about the real stuff of being a dad, and one small thing to try at home. All fitness levels welcome, at no cost. Register now to hold a spot. Find out more.

Ten free wellbeing hubs for families, schools and services across Barwon, with hundreds of resources and no login required. Find your hub.

Carers Victoria's guide explains the different carer cards available, what they offer and how to apply. Read the guide.

Plain-language legal information for young people and supporters, covering topics including housing, money, safety, school and work. Explore Legal Link Up.

Children and young people under 25 now have expanded access to speech pathology through Medicare, including support for speech sound disorders and stuttering. Read more.

Three plain-language guides to the new NDIS laws, depending on how much detail you want:

• ACD fact sheet — a short overview of what's changed.
• CYDA timeline — date by date through to 2028, including Thriving Kids, updated as details are confirmed.
• Australian Government overview — the full detail on access and eligibility (including children 8 and under), plan budgets, reassessments, plan management and support coordination, with downloadable summaries at the bottom of the page.

NDIS prices are also updated each year from 1 July. Plan budgets adjust automatically, but check any provider changes before agreements are updated. Pricing updates.

Two Centrelink payments that are easy to mix up. Carer Payment is income support for people whose caring role limits their ability to work; Carer Allowance is a smaller fortnightly supplement for those providing daily care. Many carers are eligible for both. ACD's plain-language guide walks through who each is for and how to claim. Which one is for you?

A comprehensive, plain-language guide to financial supports available to families of children with disability — covering Carer Allowance, Carer Payment, Child Care Subsidy, help with school and health costs, one-off payments, concession cards and more. Explore the guide.

Answer a few quick questions and the Victorian Government's Savings Finder shows you what discounts, rebates and benefits you may be eligible for across energy, transport, health, education, family and more. Try the Savings Finder.

A phone service that reviews your energy bill, checks your plan and concessions, and can help with payment plans or sorting things out with your retailer. Call 1800 161 215, Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. Find out more.

A national autism helpline providing independent information and advice for autistic people, families and carers by phone, email and webchat. Call 1300 308 699, 8am–7pm weekdays. amaze.org.au.

Free disability advocacy, information and referrals across the Colac Otway and Surf Coast regions. Call 03 5232 1009. coras.com.au.

Disability advocacy and support for people with disability, families and carers across the Barwon region, including assistance with NDIS appeals and rights-based support. riac.org.au

The Victorian Advocacy League for Individuals with Disability — advocacy, self-advocacy and family training focused on people with intellectual disability. Free call 1800 655 570. valid.org.au.