local parent/carer groups & activities

For more information about the Pinarc Parent Support Program, Peer Support Groups, Individual Support for families or to register for a group, contact Rebecca Paton rpaton@pinarc.org.au  or phone 0493 765 542

  • 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.  The next activity is a wander through the Botanic Gardens and then coffee catch up at Pipers by the Lake. Meet at the cannons next to Pipers at 30 am Wednesday 11th December (coffee around 10.15am).
    All welcome.
  • 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. Contact Rebecca on rpaton@pinarc.org.au or 0493 765 542
  • Ballarat Autism Parent Connection meets for coffee at the Robin Hood Hotel (Urban Bar) for social connection and information sharing. The next meeting for the Ballarat Autism Parent Connection Group Monday 9th December at the later time of 11.30am so we can have a celebratory lunch together.
  • Bacchus Marsh Disability Parent Connection meet for social dinners and information sessions monthly on Monday evenings during school terms. The next get together is planned for Monday 16th December.  Contact rpaton@pinarc.org.au  to register.
  • Ararat Carers Group is looking for new members. Contact rpaton@pinarc.org.au
  • Daylesford Disability Parent Connection Group. The next meeting will be for a celebration lunch 11.30am Wednesday 4th December at Daylesford Bowling Club, 8 Camp Street, Daylesford.  RSVP essential to rpaton@pinarc.org.au
  • 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 events

Pinarc Support for Carers 2024 Carers Retreat Anglesea
Currently booked but waitlist available. 

Parent Carers of children and adults with disabilities are invited to join us for a weekend of fun and social connection at The Discovery Camp in Anglesea.
Activities include archery, beach walk, games night and more. Accommodation is twin/triple share bunk style rooms (can have up to 4 people in a room if requested).  All meals, activities and accommodation are provided free of cost but there is a $20 booking deposit per person.
Places are limited so register early
When:  11am Saturday 1st March  – 1pm Sunday 2nd March
Where: The Discovery Camp, 1535 Great Ocean Rd, Anglesea
Cost:  $20 deposit – refundable on attendance, otherwise free
Register here: https://www.trybooking.com/CWRKQ
For more information contact:  Rebecca Paton: Phone: 0493 765 542  Email: rpaton@pinarc.org.au

Carers Victoria Mingle in Ballarat

Tuesday 18 Mar 2025, 10.30am – 1.30pm
Mercure Ballarat, Golden Point VIC 3350
Join Carers Victoria for lunch, participate in a mindfulness session led by Tracey Robinson and a live musical performance from Steve Clark.
Mingles are a great opportunity to learn about services in your local area, connect with other carers, and focus on your wellbeing.
Open to all carers in Ballarat and surrounding areas.
Attendance is free, but registrations are essential. Please note due to limited availability, only one place per Mingle is allocated to an individual carer.
Register here: https://www.carersvictoria.org.au/calendar/carers-victoria-mingle-in-ballarat-10335

Villa Maria Support for Carers Events

Tue 10 December, 7:00pm – 10:00pm Christmas BBQ Night Sky Observatory Tour and Telescope Viewing: Ballarat
Monthly: Ararat Carers Support Group Afternoon Tea
Last Monday of the Month 1pm-4pm
To register call intake on 1300 698 624 or email:  hello@vmch.com.au
For more information about these and other VMCH events,
visit: https://vmch.com.au/support-for-carers/events/

 

activities for children and young people with disabilities

For International Day of People with Disability Morning Tea An Award Ceremony

Tuesday December 3rd 9:30am – 12 pm
Trench Room Ballarat Town Hall
Ballarat Working Together Group invites you to come along to celebrate the day and to see the following awards presented:
• Matt Mattson and Shane Everard Access Award
• The Sports Person Award
Tell us you are coming and your requirements:   Email: markbwtg@gmail.com

 ‘Come and try Events’ will be hosted at Mars Stadium.

Tuesday December 3rd Mars Stadium from. 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

The Ballarat Working Together Group are hosting a free sports event on December 3rd in celebration of International Day of People with Disability.
Come along and try out some AFL or Basketball, and explore what sports and activities are on offer in and around Ballarat. All abilities are welcome and we encourage families from all backgrounds to attend.
The event will run from 4.00PM – 6.30PM at Mars Stadium, 725 Creswick Rd, Wendouree VIC 3355 and there will be a BBQ on site.
Email: markbwtg@gmail.com  to let them know you are coming.

 Ballarat Autism Network Fun Bugs Event

Join BAN for Festive Fun @funbugsballarat on
Tuesday the 10th December from 4pm to 7pm.
Subsidised Entry $7 includes 3 Nuggets, Hot chips and pop top.
There will  also be craft activities, face painting and more!
Under 14s only, siblings welcome.
Registration essential as Fun Bugs will be close to the general public for this event.
Register here: https://www.trybooking.com/CWMCY

Sensory Santa Bookings

Myer

Myer has 20 min Sensory Santa bookings available between 8am and 9am on Mondays and Tuesdays in early December.  Book here: https://www.myer.com.au/mychristmas/santaland.html

Stockland Wendouree

Sensitive Santa sessions are limited and are available for families of children with special needs.
Each booking allows for a 10-minute session. Only 1 family permitted per booking. A small booking fee applies. Delays may be experienced if you arrive outside of your appointment time.
Sessions are available on the 3rd and 14th of December.  Book here:
https://www.stockland.com.au/shopping-centres/centres/stockland-wendouree/experience/events/santa-photos

All Abilities Disco Ballan

Hosted by T and K Support Services, fundraising for Keeley’s Cause.
Last Friday of every month.    1 pm to 2:30 pm
Ballan Neighbourhood House 143 Inglis Street, Ballan
Cost $10 Light refreshments available.
For more information call  (03) 4309 1100 or email admin@tandksupportservices.com.au   www.tandksupportservices.com.au

Autism Camp Australia – whole family camps

These camps run full programs for children with autism, siblings and parents.
Vic Camps, Queenscliff

  • 15th December 2024 – 20th December 2024
  • 5th January 2025 – 10th January 2025
  • 19th January 2025 – 24th January 2025

Families of up to six people (max 2 adults)
Style of accommodation: Some single room with bunks, some adjoining twin with bunks depending on size of family, with ensuite. Fully catered. Beachside location.
For more information and bookings visit: https://www.autismcampaustralia.org/

Build Connect Belong – Lego group for Adult NDIS Participants

Every Tuesday 12pm -2pm?
Transport available. Blocks are supplied but you can also choose to bring your own.  Mind@Home Services, 613 Mair St Ballarat
For more information contact: 0417 201 803 or email: lorinda@mindathome.com.au

Ladies Group – Social group for women with NDIS plans

Every Friday 1-3pm – Craft, movies, games, local outings, cooking and more
Mind@Home Services, 613 Mair St Ballarat
For more information contact: 0417 201 803 or email: lorinda@mindathome.com.au
Transport available.

Friends and Me Activities

Suitable for aged 14+
Sat 7th December                         Melbourne Cable/Splash Park
Sun 8th December                        DFO Christmas Shopping Day
Sat 14th December                       Bounce Glen Iris
Sun 15th December                      Beach Swim/Kayak Fun
Wed 18th December                    Friends and Me Christmas Party…
All Friends and Me participants are invited to our 2024 Christmas Party to be held at La Porchetta in Sturt st Drop in between 5:00pm – 7:00pm for some pizza and help celebrate an exciting 12mnths of Friends and Me
Sat 21st  December                       Pre Christmas Pamper
Sun 22nd December                     Gumbya Park/Christmas activity breakup
Fri 27th Dec – Mon 30th Dec       P&O Comedy Cruise   …   OPEN FOR BOOKINGS
MAXIMUM 8 PARTICIPANTS PER OUTING
FOR ANY QUESTIONS OR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST IN AN ACTIVITY PLEASE CONTACT :
RACHEL  0428 586 241  (30+ years of experience in the education and disability fields)

People Outdoors Upcoming Camps

VIC: Adults Great Ocean Road Weekend Camp
 Anglesea Discovery Camp  Adults (18yrs+)  6 – 8 December
More: People Outdoors Calendar 2024

All-Abilities Choir!

Red Tree Community Arts is running a choir specifically designed for people who are neurodivergent or have mental health conditions. There will be a kids’ choir and an adults’ choir at different times. Everyone is welcome to join, and those who have an NDIS plan can use this to pay their fees if they wish.
Singing is a wonderful activity for the mind, body and soul, and singing together is a great way to make friends and connect with others walking a similar path.
For more information, check out: Facebook.com/CrescendoChoirBallarat
or fill out an expression of interest form here
More questions? Call 0435753800 or email info@redtreecommunityarts.com

All Abilities Cricket –  Mount clear

Mount Clear Cricket Club are once again offering their Cricket Blast All Abilities program for children and young people aged 5+.   Whether you’re a first-time batter or backyard cricket superstar, get ready to embark on an exciting journey filled with laughter, growth, and unforgettable memories.
Registrations are now open with the program running from November 10th to December 15th this Summer. https://www.mtclearcc.com.au/junior-cricket/

Come ‘n Try archery!

An inclusive and accessible sport for all abilities.
Our Come n Try Archery days cater for complete newcomers to archery. Families, children and adults are all welcome.  Weather permitting, these are run throughout the year at our outdoor range at Prince of Wales Park, Wendouree.   No Bookings required:  Just walk in off the street!
Every Saturday morning from 10.00am and lasts for 2 hours.
Children 5-18 $10, Adults $15   – Accredited Come n Try instructors & all equipment included.  For more information, you can call Dustin on 0435 383 070
For safety reasons, wearing closed toe footwear is required and long hair must be tied back.

 The Ballarat Bulldogs Football Netball Club

provides an inclusive environment for people with an intellectual disability.
If interested in playing or volunteering at the club, email at ballarat@fida.org.au or simply turn up.

All Abilities Gymnastics – Ballarat Gymsports

Ballarat Gymsports has expanded it’s offerings and introduced a pathway for all participants through their inclusive programs.  More Information https://www.ballaratgymsports.com/classes/inclusion/

Special Olympics Ballarat

Special Olympics Ballarat has aquatics, basketball, equestrian, golf, gymnastics, and tenpin bowling programs that run throughout each school term.  Find Out More https://www.specialolympics.com.au/ballarat

Ballarat Netball Association   All Abilities Netball (16+)

All-abilities netball is an inclusive program for people aged 16+ with an intellectual disability. More Information 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/
If you need support regarding inclusive sport and recreation or you wish to share information through this platform please contact Sports Central on info@sportscentral.org.au or 5331 6966.

Sports Central – Opportunities for the whole family to get active

Social Badminton: Ladies Social Tuesdays 6.30pm, Social Doubles Wednesdays 7.30pm Wendy on 0458372906, or visit https://www.ballaratbadminton.com/index.php/about/social-nights  for more information.
Social Pickleball is a paddleball sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Social pickleball takes place at the following times:

  • Mondays 7.15pm: Doubles Social Team Competition
  • Wednesdays 10.30am: Come and Try/Social Session
  • Wednesdays 7.15pm: Double Social Team Competition
  • Thursdays 10.30am: Come and Tyr/Social Session
  • Thursdays 7pm: Come and Try/Social Session

For more information, https://www.ballaratbadminton.com/index.php/pickleball or call 0353394601.

Bushwalking  https://www.bboc.com.au/

Social Cycling  https://www.cyclingballarat.com.au/group-rides.html

BMX:  https://www.cyclingballarat.com.au/bmx.html   Alternatively you can check out their facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/ballaratsebastopolbmxclub

Tennis: https://play.tennis.com.au/mtprospecttennis Or contact James on 0422 607 224

Disc Golf: https://www.ballarataquaticcentre.com/visit/disc-golf/

Walking Groups: https://walking.heartfoundation.org.au/

  • BCH Lucas Explorers Walking Group – 10am Thursdays.
  • Indoor Walking Group & Cuppa – 10am Tuesdays.
  • Stockland’s Indoor Walking Group – 8am Tuesday & Thursdays.
  • Lake Esmond Walking Group – 10.45am Wednesdays.
  • Lake Walk & Cuppa Walking Group – 10am Fridays.
  • Victoria Park Walking Group – 9:30am Saturdays.

 

information sessions, courses and webinars

Ask an Expert: Financial Supports for Carers Online Session

Tuesday 03 Dec 2024 10.00am – 11.00am

Online via Zoom. Link will be provided on registration.
This session is open to all carers and their family members who would like to know more about the assistance available to them.
When money doesn’t stretch far enough, many carers don’t know where to turn for support.
Join this session with Financial Counselling Victoria (FCVic) to learn about financial resources and assistance available to help you stay on track with your money.
This session will focus on:

  • financial resources and assistance for carers
  • grants available to support you in managing your utility and phone bills
  • how to connect with free, confidential and independent support from financial counsellors.

You will have the option to submit a question to FCVic at the time of registration. The guest speaker will also respond to as many live questions as possible during the session.
Register here: https://www.carersvictoria.org.au/calendar/ask-an-expert-financial-supports-for-carers-online-session-10355

School Can’t (School anxiety and refusal) Seminar ONLINE

A topic that is a common struggle for many families and supporting staff.
Join Rebecca Challoner as she offers information and strategies on School Can’t. Rebecca is a neurodivergent adult who has experienced School can’t and many associated challenges both herself and with her children. She has also been working in this space for the last two decades. For more information on Rebecca please visit our website.
Tuesday 10 December 2024 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM (UTC+11)
Online event access details will be provided by the event organiser

https://www.facebook.com/events/1051780169964399/?ti=ls

https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1316862

 Fear-Less Triple P Online – Help your child manage anxiety

https://www.triplep-parenting.net.au/au/free-parenting-courses/fear-less-triple-p-online/
Help your child manage anxiety and become more emotionally resilient.

  • Get a better understanding of anxiety and fear and what can be done about it
  • Know what to do when your child is anxious or upset
  • A whole range of tools and strategies based on proven principles
  • Australian program, university-developed by child psychologists
  • You choose what works for you – adapt to suit your family, your values
  • Videos and fun interactive learning on your phone, tablet or computer
  • 24/7 online, at your place, at your pace

Villa Maria Carer Online Sessions

To register call (03) 8595 2405 or email:  carersevents@vmch.com.au
Weekly Evening Relaxation Tuesdays, 7:10pm – 8:00pm
Make time for you once a week to wind down and relax with meditation facilitator Barbara.
Book Club Online Wednesdays, 1:00pm – 2:30pm
Each month we will read a book, then get together for a casual chat on Zoom.

new services for families

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/

The ‘Committed to Carers’ project

This aims to raise awareness about the Carer’s Card in Ballarat and to differentiate it from the Companion Card. We want to inform potential cardholders on eligibility and application processes, encourage Ballarat businesses to register for offering Carer’s Card discounts, and motivate people to patronise those venues.
The Carer Card Program is a collaboration between the government, businesses and the community. The purpose of the Carer Card Program is to recognise the incredible unpaid work that carers do in our community. The Carer Card provides carers with a wide range of discounts and benefits on offer from businesses, local government and community organisations.
*Committed to Carers is not affiliated with the Carer Card program. We are a group who are passionate about seeing carer’s acknowledged for the work they do.  To add your support and keep up to date with their progress, follow them on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564821837369

 

NDIS updates for families

Impairment notices

From 1 January 2025, all new participants will receive an impairment notice when they access the NDIS.
This change recognises people with disability who have the same ‘diagnoses’ may have different impairments and support needs.
An impairment notice is a document that says you have a permanent disability or significant impairment.
More information:
https://www.ndis.gov.au/changes-ndis-legislation/frequently-asked-questions-about-legislation#impairment-notices

Providing evidence of impairments:
https://www.ndis.gov.au/applying-access-ndis/how-apply/information-support-your-request/types-disability-evidence

Introducing the new Administrative Review Tribunal

On 14 October 2024, the Australian Government replaced the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) with the new Administrative Review Tribunal. The Administrative Review Tribunal can review and change decisions made by government agencies, including the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
If you had an active case with the AAT, you don’t need to take any action. Your case has automatically been transferred to the new Tribunal.
The new Tribunal aims to be:

  • fair, accessible, and transparent
  • timely in resolving applications
  • responsive to applicants’ needs

For more information, visit the Attorney-General’s Department website or call 1800 228 333. Interpreter services are available by calling TIS on 131 450.

Changes to NDIS Legislation

On 22 August 2024, the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1) Bill 2024 was passed by the Parliament.
There will be changes in the coming weeks once the laws come into effect.
You can read a full list of the upcoming changes here: https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10305-changes-ndis-legislation

ACD has created a summary of the changes:
https://www.acd.org.au/ndis-changes/

research and feedback opportunities

ACU Research – Seeking caregivers’ perspectives on healthcare support for sexual health and wellbeing of individuals with neurodevelopmental disability.

Eligibility:  Family or caregiver of any individual who experiences challenges with learning, communication, social and/or motor skills.
What’s involved: an approximately 1 hour online interview. Questions will relate to the sexual health education and supports that people with neurodevelopmental disability require.
To participate or for more information visit:
https://acu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_emLUplyNUhb7ttk?Q_CHL=qr
or contact Dr Claire Lynch, Senior Lecturer in Occupational Therapy,
Telephone 03 9230 8238 Email Claire.lynch@acu.edu.au

The Australian government wants to develop Foundational Supports to fill the gaps between mainstream services and NDIS Supports.

These supports will impact all people with disability, their families, and caregivers – but how they’ll work, and what they’ll include, isn’t yet fully clear.
Your voice is vital. Have your say in our survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7PTZJ7L

We want to know:
What you need from Foundational Supports
What you think they should cover
Your level of understanding of Foundational Supports
How you want the government to consult with you

Seeking participant to improve NDIS plans for people with Down syndrome or intellectual disability

The University of Melbourne is looking for NDIS participants aged between 15 to 24 years old with Down Syndrome or intellectual disability to take part in a research project.
The NDIA has asked the University of Melbourne to learn how people are using their NDIS plans to get the help they need, make more choices in their life, and be more involved in their community.
If you’d like to take part, you can provide feedback online or in person and bring a family member or allied health worker.   The feedback session will take approximately 1 hour and you will receive a $50 gift card to thank you for your time. If you are interested in this research project, please email ndia-effectiveness@unimelb.edu.au or call (03) 8344 5366.

PiP Kids-Autism

PiP Kids-Autism aims to support autistic children’s mental health, by empowering parents to reduce or prevent their autistic child’s depression and anxiety.  This study is funded by the Australian Rotary Health and has been approved by the Monash University Human Ethics Research Committee (#40824).
What is involved?
Parents will take part in a free personalised online parenting program with 1:1 parenting coach support sessions via teleconference, with a provisional psychologist.
How do parents get involved?
Parents of an autistic child aged 8 to 11 may be eligible to take part. Parents can use the following link to check their eligibility or find out more:  https://redcap.helix.monash.edu/surveys/?s=PLPKMTX4PHTPHERN

 

new resources for families of children with disabilities

New AMAZE Resources

School can’t resources for parents/carers and teachers
https://www.amaze.org.au/support/resources/school-cant-resources-for-parents-carers-and-teachers/

Inclusive education: supporting school communities to thrive
Inclusive education: supporting school communities to thrive – Amaze

Free tool to help you plan for an emergency

Emergencies like bushfires, floods, cyclones, and severe storms can be stressful and overwhelming. As we come into the summer season when natural disasters can be more likely, it’s important to be prepared. The right tools will help you plan exactly what to do in an emergency.
The University of Sydney have created a Person-Centred Emergency Preparedness tool, to help people with disability create an emergency plan to suit their specific needs. In any emergency, always follow the local advice for your State or Territory. Stay safe and be prepared.

 The National Guideline for the assessment and diagnosis of autism in Australia

This sets out 66 Recommendations for how assessments that consider a diagnosis of autism should occur. The Guideline focuses on the practitioners conducting the assessments, such as doctors and allied health practitioners.

However, parents and caregivers can also use the Guideline to understand the assessment process, including who is involved, and how, where, and when different parts of the assessment are conducted.

https://www.autismcrc.com.au/best-practice/assessment-and-diagnosis/for-parent-caregiver

 

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/

 

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

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