Strengthening Parent Support Program Resources

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.

Wellways provide a range of supports for families and carers, including counselling, peer support and practical assistance. Visit wellways.org.

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

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.

A free online workshop to build your skills and confidence to advocate for carers ahead of the 2026 Victorian election. You'll learn how to raise carers' issues with your local MP using Carers Victoria's five-point plan, submit an advocacy letter or request a meeting, and share the campaign with others. Free, but registration is required. Click here to register.

School transition pathways & NDIS changes — planning for community access, participation and work after school.

In this practical session, you will gain clear, real-world insights into:

• What life after school can look like

• What current NDIS changes may mean for planning

• Supports that build confidence and independence

• Pathways to community activities, participation and employment

• How to choose the right supports and plan ahead

The session will also include a live Q&A, giving you the opportunity to ask questions in real time.

Register HERE

Two free programs for parents — Partners in Parenting (for parents of teenagers, via headspace) and Partners in Parenting Kids (for parents of primary school-aged children). Both are self-paced and online. Partners in Parenting via headspace  ·  Partners in Parenting Kids.

Build your knowledge and confidence to better advocate for your child at school.

They'll provide information about how school processes work and how school plans may help your child.

This workshop is designed for parents and carers of children with disability who want to learn more about getting support at school for their child.

It’s a two-hour online workshop led by experienced facilitators who are parents of children with disability.

Book now

ACD supports parents and carers raising children with disability across Victoria. They offer free information, workshops, and a Support Line to help families build the knowledge, skills and confidence to advocate for their children.

Build your knowledge and confidence to better advocate for your child at school.

They'll provide information about how school processes work and how school plans may help your child.

This workshop is designed for parents and carers of children with disability who want to learn more about getting support at school for their child.

It’s a two-hour online workshop led by experienced facilitators who are parents of children with disability.

Book now

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

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.

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.

A termly calendar of parenting programs across the Geelong and Barwon South Western region, including the Positive Parenting Program, Tuning into Kids and Teens, Circle of Security and parenting after separation — contributed by agencies including the Regional Parenting Service, Meli, Drummond Street Services, Catholic Care Victoria and the Family Relationship Centre. Some programs are free, others have a small cost. Register your interest online. Browse the Term 3 calendar.

Free Mental Health First Aid for carers, offered by Ewa from Lara Community Centre. Bookings are essential. Details in attached flyer. Book now

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 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.

Open until 31 July — a great opportunity for young carers. Find out more.

A clear overview from the Association for Children with a Disability. Read it here.

The NDIA updates its Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits each year, effective 1 July. If you're an NDIS participant, your plan budget is adjusted automatically in July (funding is indexed from 13 July) to reflect the new prices — you don't need to request a plan review just for this. It's worth reviewing any service agreements with your providers, as they should discuss and agree any changes with you first. Read about the pricing updates.

From March 2026, children and young people under 25 have expanded access to speech pathology through Medicare, including for speech sound disorders and stuttering. Worth discussing with your treating team. Read more.

Carers Victoria's guide to the Carer (we care) Card, Companion Card, Carer Gateway card and more — what each offers and how to apply. Read the guide.

In the lead-up to the 2026 Victorian State Election, Carers Victoria is calling for action to recognise and support the state's 750,000+ unpaid carers, built around a five-point plan: reduce the cost of caring, more funded assistance and respite, intervene earlier, expand local supports and connections, and recognise and include carers. You can add your voice by contacting your local MP, and Carers Victoria has tools and shareable resources to help you do it. Learn more and get involved HERE.

Share your experiences to help shape future disability policy in Victoria. Your voice matters. Participate HERE.

Early Childhood Pathways Study — La Trobe University (OTARC)

Families with babies aged 6–18 months  ·  Victoria & Tasmania

The Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre at La Trobe University is looking for families with a baby aged 6 to 18 months who communicates or interacts differently to other children.

Participation involves completing surveys and short videos three times over one year, plus a monthly log of services received. Families receive a $50 gift voucher at each of the three time points.

At the end of the study, eligible families can access an autism assessment for their child through the Victorian Early Assessment Clinic, valued at approximately $3,000 privately.

Register your interest HERE or feel free to email me if you'd like more information first.

Two annual carer payments go out from Services Australia in July, both automatic, with no need to claim. If you received Carer Payment or Carer Allowance for a period that includes 1 July, you'll get the Carer Supplement ($600), paid between 3 July and 1 August. And if you receive Carer Allowance for a child with disability, you'll also get the Child Disability Assistance Payment (up to $1,000 per child). Both land straight in your bank account, keep an eye on your myGov - Centrelink account. Click HERE to find out more on Carer payments.

A reminder for everyone: the Victorian Government's 20% vehicle registration rebate closes Friday 31 July. If you paid rego on a personal light vehicle between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026, you can claim 20% back on up to two vehicles. Takes a few minutes through Service Victoria. Claim your rebate.

Every second Monday, 10.45am–12.45pm, from 13 July  ·  Torquay Community House

A new group from VALiD working to make the Surf Coast better for people with intellectual and cognitive disability — a safe place to share experiences and be part of the change. Free, everyone welcome, light refreshments provided. Contact David on davidh@valid.org.au or 03 9114 9419.

Every second Wednesday, 9am–12pm, from 15 July  ·  Torquay Community House

The Geelong Centre — free support for families, carers and supporters of someone facing mental health, substance use or neurodivergence challenges — is opening a satellite service at Torquay Community House. If you're along the Surf Coast and find it hard to get to the Geelong office, pop in and see them. Find out more.

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.