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.
    The next get-together is a Carers Week activity:  Laserforce Tuesday 13th October 30am. RSVP to Pinarc reception on 1800 746 272.
  • Ararat Parent Carer Connect Ararat region Parent/Guardian Carers of children and young adults (0-21yrs) are invited to share their expression of interest in attending a group. Contact rpaton@pinarc.org.au  to register your interest.
    There is an event planned for Carers Week in October:
    Carers Canvas and Cake (Open to all Ararat parent carers )
    1pm Friday 16th October,  Ararat Senior Citizens Community Centre.
    To register, call Pinarc Reception on 1800 746 272.
  • 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.
    Carer Week event: Art Club Hub Casual Canvas free session.  00am Thursday 15th October, Art Club Hub, Bridge Mall Register by calling Pinarc reception on 1800 746 272
  • Ballarat Autism Parent Connection meets for coffee at the Robin Hood Hotel for social connection and information sharing. Due to school holidays, the next meeting is Monday 19th October at 11/30am for a FREE Carers Week celebration lunch. Register by calling Pinarc reception on 1800 746 272
  • Bacchus Marsh Disability Parent Connection meet for social dinners and information sessions monthly on Monday evenings during school terms. Due to school holidays, the next session is
    Monday 12th October for a Carers Week event: Tai Chi, Herbal tea and sweet treats,
    7pm at Darley Neighbourhood house.  Register by calling Pinarc reception on 1800 746 272
  • Ballarat Down Syndrome Parent Connection group meets regularly for social connection and information sharing. The next get together will be Carers Week Lunch at the Lake View Hotel on Monday 12th Register by calling Pinarc reception on 1800 746 272
  • Daylesford Disability Parent Connection Group. This group is currently taking a break. Expressions of interest for carer events in Daylesford as invited.
  • 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

Carer Activities

Carer Gateway Pathways for Carers

Offering Carers of people with a disability, medical condition, mental illness or those who are frail due to age a chance to attend a relaxed social walking event followed by a free morning tea together.
Walks are held on the 3rd Thursday of the month.
Meet at 9:45am for a 10:00am Start Pipers by the Lake, 403 Wendouree Parade Lake Wendouree VIC 3355 CONTACT US Phone: (03) 5333 7104 Email: Carers@gh.org.au
To attend, you will need to be registered with Carer Gateway & RSVP via phone or email.
If you need assistance to attend, or have any special requirements, please let staff know when you RSVP.

Ballarat Golden Gal’s Social Group

Our ‘Ballarat Golden Gals’ Social Group is open to women 50 and over. Many of the attendees are carers who enjoy being with other women with experience caring for a partner, loved one or other family member.
When: every Monday from 10am-12pm
Location: Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre, Tuppen Drive Sebastopol
Who can attend: women aged 50 and over
Cost: FREE. Members generally give a gold coin donation which is used towards an end of year celebration. Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided.
Please check with Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre office to confirm locations away from the Centre if you plan to attend

Carers Week Events
(Also see individual support group Carers Week activities above)

Pinarc Support for Carers Family Movie

“Shaun the Sheep – The Beast of Mossy Bottom”

Carers and their families are invited to join us for a special screening.
In this movie the clumsy Farmer trashes the flock’s beloved pumpkin patch. When Shaun turns mad scientist to fix the problem, things rapidly and hilariously spiral out of control.
Sunday 11th of October
Arrive 1.15pm, Movie commences at 1.30 pm
Showbiz Cinemas Ballarat, Cinema 6,  Delacombe Town Centre 315 Glenelg Hwy, Smythes Creek VIC
To register: Call 1800 746 272  Places are limited, registrations close 12pm Friday 9th October or earlier if booked out and waitlist full.

Carers Victoria Beaufort Carer’s Week High Tea

14 Oct 2026 1.00pm – 3.00pm
Beaufort Community Resource Centre, 72 Neill St
It’s time to pause, relax and celebrate the incredible care and support you provide everyday over a delightful High Tea, lovely company and great conversations with other carers in our wonderful library. Indulge in a scrumptious high tea made especially for our local carers.
Attendance is free, but registration is essential. Registrations will be closed when all places are filled.  This event is funded by the Additional Respite Program and is only for carers residing in the Beaufort and surrounding area.
https://www.carersvictoria.org.au/event/beaufort-carers-week-high-tea/

Celebrating Seniors Month at the Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre with Sing Australia Ballarat Choir!
(Although this is advertised as for Seniors, it is open to everyone)

Enjoy a sing along with the Choir showcasing a selection of ‘Celtic Tunes’.
Followed by afternoon tea.
Friday 16th October 2026 from 1.30 pm – 2.30 pm
Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre 11 Tuppen Drive Sebastopol VIC 3356
Please R.S.V.P for catering purposes: Phone 5329 3273 or Email: reception@ballaratnc.org.au

activities for children and young people with disabilities

The Collective Mental Health Expo & Circle of Solidarity

Thursday, October 1st, 10am – 2pm
Free community event for Mental Health Awareness Month 2026
Meet new people, family fun activities, food vans, coffee, free sausage sizzle, Circle of Solidarity.
Enter Lake Esmond from Clayton St, Larter St, and Lal Lal St.
Car Parking available at Canadian Lead Primary School and along Larter St.  No registration needed!
For accessibility requirements contact bmhccommunityevent@gmail.com

Get Active Kids Vouchers are now open

Eligible Victorian families may be able to access a Get Active Kids Voucher worth up to $200. The voucher can help pay for activity fees, uniforms and equipment for things like swimming lessons, sport, dance classes, scouts and more.
If your child is named on a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card, you may be eligible. This includes children with a Health Care Card because a parent receives Carer Allowance.
It’s a fantastic way to help kids get involved, try something new, and have fun. Don’t wait. Applications close at 10 am on 13 October 2026, or sooner if funding runs out.
https://www.getactive.vic.gov.au/vouchers/apply-for-vouchers/

Aspect Run for Autism

Run 70km in October for the 70% of Autistic people facing mental health challenges, paving the way for a more inclusive world.
Discover a different kind of brilliant this October
Sign up for Run for Autism and you will not only enjoy the benefits of better physical health and emotional wellbeing, you will also help deliver services that support Autistic people to live their best life, and help create autism-friendly environments where they feel welcomed and understood so that more Autistic people can realise their different brilliant®.
Sign up or find out more here: https://www.runforautism.org.au/home

Date-Ability Popup program in Bendigo, Ballarat, and Geelong.

Date-Ability™ is Australia’s evidence-informed relationship program for adults with disability.  You can find out more about the program here: https://date-ability.com.au/the-framework/
4 week Popup program coming to

  • Ballarat – Fridays 2nd October
  • Geelong – Fridays 6th November

The next step is to complete a short registration form so we can secure your place in the program.
Please click the link below to get started: Referral form – FS Academy
Once we receive your form, our team will be in touch to confirm your place and send you more information about the program. If you have any questions, please feel free to email: admin@fsacademy.com.au

Children’s Week in Ballarat – 24th to 31st October

A huge range of free and low cost activities for preschool and primary school aged children and families.
View the whole program here:
https://www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2026-09/Children%27s%20Week%202026%20PROGRAM_0.pdf

Art Club Hub – Crochet Club

This class is ideally suited to children aged 10 – 16.
Learn the basics of crochet while creating your very own Little Monster Companion!
Perfect for beginners, Crochet Club is a relaxed and creative way to learn a new skill, build confidence and make something completely unique to take home and treasure.
Throughout the term, students will learn essential crochet skills and gradually bring their monster to life — complete with stuffing and their own creative additions to give their little friend plenty of personality.
By the end of the term, students will be familiar with basic crochet stitches, following and reading a simple crochet pattern, and constructing a finished crochet creation.
Book your class at 4pm or 5.15pm (If this class fills quickly, we’ll open a second one from 5:15–6:15pm.)
https://www.theartclubhub.com/product-page/friday-crochet-club-4-5pm-ages-10-16
Other Art Club Hub Term 4 sessions
Many sessions are already booked out. These sessions may still be available:
MONDAY   Term 4        Adult                        7 – 8:30pm    TUESDAY    Term 4        Young Adult            1 – 2:30 pm       (Neurodiverse Friendly, can be NDIS funded)
TUESDAY    Term 4        Primary – Junior     4 – 5pm
TUESDAY    Term 4        Teen                          5:15 – 6:15 pm
WEDNESDAY Term 4    Adult                        1 – 2:30pm

Trash Book Sessions

Mondays from 5pm  – 7pm
7 Lydiard Street South, Ballarat Central VIC 3350
Run by Ballarat North Neighbourhood House Inc.
A low-pressure creative space for people to create art for its own sake.
Organised by and for local queer, trans and neurodiverse creatives, Trash Book is a safe and welcoming space for people to create for the sake of creating.  Designed to be a low-pressure, unstructured experience where rules, deadlines and “perfection” aren’t hanging over your head, Trash Book is about creating whatever you feel like with whatever materials are lying around. It’s a great way for creatives to de-stress and experiment, and for people curious about making art to do so in a supportive, non-judgemental space. More information and Registration here: https://www.socialplanet.com.au/activity/view?id=49764

Respect Connect Activities

RC supports people of all ages, and we can tailor groups to suit younger people, mature clients, or female/male-only groups where appropriate.  Groups generally run from 9:30am–3:30pm, however, we can be flexible and work around our clients and what suits them best.  Support ratios: 1:1 support or 1:2/1:3 support, depending on individual support needs.
Some of the current groups and activities include:

  • Monday: Music Group, 3:00pm–5:00pm   HQ Dinners, 5:00pm–8:00pm
  • RC Shed: Woodwork group run by a qualified carpenter
  • Tuesday: Craft, Cooking & Social Group
  • Wednesday: Home Skills & Cooking Group,   RC PT Group
  • Thursday: Discovery & Adventure Group
  • Friday: Social Crew, afternoon teas, walking, LEGO and craft options, Monthly Movie Night & Dinner
  • Saturday & Sunday: Weekly groups and activities

They have also just added bike riding on Mondays and Fridays – Bikes and helmets can be provided.
For more information email: taylah@respectconnect.com  Mobile: 0490 551 711 or visit www.respectconnect.com.au

Emergency Services Expo Daylesford with Bluey!

Come along to the Emergency Services Expo and meet local heroes from community organisations such as the CFA, Victoria Police, VICSES, Ambulance Victoria, Forest Fire Management and more!  You’ll get to see Bluey and her little sister Bingo at their Live Interactive Experience on the day
Saturday 7 November, 10 am to 2 pm Victoria Park, Daylesford  www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/expo26

Friends and Me Activities  (Suitable for aged 14+)

Full day activities on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays some examples of what they have coming up this month:   Myuna Farm,  CASTLEMAINE STREAM TRAIN,  Sea Life Aquarium, Pamper Day, Leather Key Chain Workshop,  Ararat Show and more.
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
Calendar of camps July to November 2026

https://www.peopleoutdoors.org.au/download_file/view/755/429

2026 Winter Accessible Sport Calendar – Sport Central

https://sportscentral.org.au/2026-winter-accessible-sport-calendar/ 

Programs listed:
Special Olympics Ballarat – Swimming Program
Walking Basketball
Sports Central – All Abilities Soccer for Adults
Ballarat Badminton – All Abilities Badminton
Wheelchair Basketball
Special Olympics Ballarat – Swimming Program
Ballarat Bulldogs – All Abilities Football Training
RDA Ballarat – Equestrian Riding
Basketball Ballarat & Sports Central – All Abilities Basketball Competition
Ballarat Badminton – All Abilities Floor Curling
Ballarat Bulldogs – All Abilities Auskick Program
Sports Central & Webbcona Bowls Club – All Abilities Indoor Bowls
Special Olympics Ballarat – Basketball Program
Ballarat Bulldogs – All Abilities Football Matches

 

Information sessions, courses and webinars

Teens and Beyond  – ACD Webinars

Do you have a child aged 13+ with disability? If the answer’s yes, then you’re probably thinking about how best to support them with school and post-school options, puberty, and growing independence.
Teens and Beyond, our three-part workshop series, has the resources and information you’ll need to support your child now and into the future.
3 x Monday evenings starting:      Mon, 12 Oct,    7pm – 9:30pm
3 x Tuesday evenings starting:       Tue, 13 Oct       7pm – 9:30pm
3 x Wednesday mornings starting Wed, 14 Oct    10am – 12:30pm
Online Event
You’ll learn about:

  • Financial support
  • Future planning
  • School and post-school options
  • Wellbeing: friendships, communication, behaviour support and good mental health

“The future doesn’t have to be scary. There are real options and possibilities.” : Parent
 https://collections.humanitix.com/teens-and-beyond

Free Workshops in Ballarat for Parents and Carers

Workshops for parents and carers of people living with a disability, of course and broader in partnership with Carers Victoria. This is open to anyone in the City of Ballarat and Central Highlands.

Disruptive Ideas in Disability Housing: Challenging the Status Quo

6 October  –  Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The event brings together people with disability, families, supporters, providers and sector leaders for a day of bold ideas, practical insights and conversations about the future of disability housing.

  • Presentations, panel discussions and more that put lived experience at the centre
  • Opportunities to connect with peers, exhibitors and sector leaders
  • Catered morning tea, lunch and networking with live music by disability led performers Gerry’s Well Oiled Machine

Free expert advice on the day including:
✓ NDIS Housing Advice with Housing Hub
✓ NDIS Legal Advice with Villamanta
Full event details and ticket options are available at: housinghub.org.au/national-event-2026 

Be Understood Expo 2026 – Melton

On World Mental Health Day – a powerful day of connection, inclusion, education and empowerment
Saturday, 10 October 2026 11:00am – 3:00pm Melton Specialist School Coburns Road, Melton
What you can expect:

  • Meet trusted disability mental health service providers and organisations
  • Discover valuable supports, programs and resources to support your mental health
  • Learn from professionals and community experts who directly support children and individuals living
    with autism and intellectual disabilities
  • Connect with families who share similar experiences
  • Explore products, services and innovative supports
  • Be inspired by a community that celebrates inclusion and understanding

Entry to the Public by gold coin donation.

Lifely Support for Carers Seminars:

Young Families to New Carers: Juggling a diagnosis, early support & family life

Free event in Ballarat for parents and carers of children with disability, developmental delay or neurodivergence.
Maryborough:  Tuesday 13 October 2026             Time: 5:00–7:00pm                Mill House, Maryborough
Ballarat:             Wednesday 28 October 2026      Time: 5:00–7:00pm                 The Goods Shed, Ballarat
Join Lifely and local professionals in Ballarat for a practical, welcoming session about finding your way through those early stages. Come along to explore your options, ask questions and connect with other parents and carers, whether you’re seeking a diagnosis or planning your next steps.
What we’ll cover

  • Navigating a diagnosis and understanding the next steps
  • Exploring early support and services for your child
  • Balancing appointments, caring responsibilities and family life
  • Looking after your wellbeing and building your support network

What’s included

  • Short, practical talks from local professionals
  • Panel Q&A with time for your questions
  • Opportunities to meet local services
  • A chance to connect with other parents and carers
  • Light refreshments

Lifely staff can spend time with your family member while you attend. This is short-term, on-site general supervision and engagement.  You remain responsible for your family member and will be asked to step in if they need additional support. Please register your family member at least 10 business days before the event. After this cut-off, we may not have enough staff available to provide supervision.

Register here: https://lifely.org.au/lifely_events/

Ballarat Community Disability Expo

This is our third Ballarat Community Disability Expo and we have made sure to get a mix of new and different providers to ensure variety for attendees!
North Ballarat Sports Club
Wednesday 14th October 2026 10:00am – 1:00pm
FREE coffee/tea for the first 200 people thanks to VMCH!
Meet with over 30 different local disability providers
Ask questions face-to-face
Explore your options
Connect with services in your community
Local providers. Quality information. All in one place!

Relationships Australia Free Parent/Carer Programs Term 4

Emotional intelligence can help children, young people and adults to: • build resilience (the ability to manage life’s ups and downs) • improve their mental health • strengthen healthy family relationships
Tuning in to Kids® For parents and carers of children aged 3-10 years.
Tuesdays, at Vickers Street Community Hub. 254 Vickers St, Sebastopol 10am–12 noon
Tuning in to Teens® For parents and carers of tweens and teens aged 10-16 years.
Thursdays, Online. 7–8:30pm.
Circle of Security ParentingTM For parents and carers of children aged 6 years and younger.
Tuesday group Online, 10–11:30am. Thursday group Online, 7–8:30pm
For more information, people are welcome to check out our website or reach out to the Early Matters team.
Website: https://www.relationshipsvictoria.org.au/child-family-services/early-matters/
Email: earlymatters@rav.org.au Phone: 5337 9222

UNDERSTANDING AND MANAGING YOUR CHILD’S BEHAVIOUR:

Parents and carers of children aged 0–6 years
Wednesday 28 October 4-6pm Lumora Early Learning Centre  and Kindergarten. 2 Stirling Drive, Lake Gardens Why do they do it? For parents.
This is a parent workshop for families under the age of 6. It’s a hands-on parent training workshop presented by a psychologist and behaviour therapist. While parents are busy doing parent training, children are also invited, as there will be lots of kids’ activities set up. Accessible parking and pram access are available. Bookings required via tinyurl.com/488urb3w  Contact 03 5340 0726

ACD Post-school webinar videos: watch advice from home

Planning for life after school can bring lots of questions. That’s why we’ve brought together a collection of A Good Life webinar recordings you can watch whenever it suits you.
Learn about post-school options, supporting friendships, NDIS pathways, and wills and estate planning from experienced presenters and guest speakers. The wills and estate planning webinar is only available until 19 October, so don’t miss it. The A Good Life hub also includes articles, videos and practical resources to help your young person with disability build the future they want after school.
https://acd.org.au/a-good-life/

Support to return to the workforce – Step into Employment

Do you need extra support to gain employment? Then this short course will help you develop your resume, prepare for a job and identify what further training you need to find a job.
Tue, 10 Nov 2026, 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre  18 Nandiriog Drive Delacombe VIC 3356
This day session will focus on the different skills required to secure your employment.
This course is endorsed by Workforce Australia and the Commonwealth Department of Education, Skills and Employment. Our pre-accredited courses count towards mutual obligations and points targets. To find out more click here

 

new services for families

Walking With Ava — The Sharing Shed

Donate equipment you are not using.
This is a new foundation that has been created that recycles all different types of Assistive Technology and equipment for people who need it. Families can donate equipment through the charity and or therapists can assist people to access equipment that may meet their needs. It was created to reduce the wait times that some people are experiencing through NDIS. https://sharingshedfoundation.org/items

How the Child Care Subsidy can help you and your family

3-Day Guarantee: reducing the cost of child care, before and after-school care and school holiday programs
Did you know the Child Care Subsidy helps with more than child care?
Families can use it to reduce the cost of before and after-school care and school holiday programs. Thanks to the new 3 Day Guarantee, most families can access up to 72 hours of subsidised care each fortnight per child, even if you aren’t working or studying.
For children with disability, there may also be extra support available through the Inclusion Support Program, and in some situations, support with the cost of In-Home Care.
Read the blog to learn how the Child Care Subsidy can help you and your family.  https://acd.org.au/how-the-child-care-subsidy-can-help-you-and-your-family/

 The Family Link – Relationships Australia Victoria – Sebastopol

https://www.facebook.com/familylinkrav
For parents of children 0-6 years
The Family Link, Relationships Australia Victoria’s initiative based in Sebastopol. This initiative and page is about making it simpler for families to connect with each other, take part in community life, and find the right support when it matters most.
If you’re looking for support, information or aren’t sure where to start, we invite you to send us a private message. Our team is here to help connect you with the right services, information or local supports. Please note that this page is not monitored outside of business hours and is not a crisis service. We aim to respond to enquiries within 3 business days.

NDIS updates for families

ACD updates on NDIS Changes

Updated 15/09/2026
Here is the latest information to support your child and family:

 Time line for NDIS changes

https://www.ndis.gov.au/ndis-laws/securing-ndis-future-generations

 

research and feedback opportunities

Moorabool Council Disability Action Plan input opportunity.

Moorabool Council are seeking feedback on the development of the Disability Action Plan 2026-2029.
Hard copy surveys are available or people can call to submit their feedback. We also have a number of drop in sessions across the shire that people can attend for in person support. Moorabool Shire Council | Disability Action Plan 2026 – 2029

New Framework Planning and NDIS Supports Consultation

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (the department) wants your feedback on new framework planning and NDIS supports.
Opened 19 Aug,     Closes 14 Oct 2026
This public consultation focuses on four new NDIS rules for new framework planning. These rules are about:

  • how a participant’s disability support needs will be assessed
  • how reasonable and necessary budgets will be developed
  • how a participant can use their plan
  • how a new framework plan can be changed

https://consultations.health.gov.au/disability-and-carers-group/nfp-ndis-supports/

Sebastopol Community Connection Survey

Did you know that strengthening relationships and connecting communities can improve health and wellbeing?
Relationships Australia Victoria’s newest initiative ‘The Family Link’ has been engaging with families from Sebastopol and beyond since February 2026. Our aim is to bring local families together for informal peer support and connection. Learn more  at www.rav.org.au/community/stronger-relationships/
Follow ‘The Family Link’ on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/familylinkrav/
Complete the survey here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/5yLL4t7NZt

Improving Social Connections – Register Your Interest

Improving Social Connections is a new national program being delivered by Aspect in partnership with Reframing Autism.   The program aims to help Autistic people, families and carers build meaningful connections, find a sense of belonging and access peer support in their communities.
Between June 2026 and early 2027, there will be opportunities for individuals, community groups and organisations to contribute to consultation, co-design and governance activities that will help shape the Framework, Information Hub, resources and future Community Partner model.  Complete the form below to register your interest and hear about future opportunities to participate that may be of interest to you.
https://aspectics.snapforms.com.au/form/improving-social-connections—register-your-interest

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

Digitalk Online Safety Resources for Parents

https://www.alannahandmadeline.org.au/learning-resources/digitalk

The Alannah & Madeline Foundation has a range of resources to support Australian families to build essential digital skills to develop a generation of safe and strong digital citizens who are capable and compassionate. These resources are developed to help children and young people, and the people who care for them to reduce their risk of exposure to online harm and empower them to successfully and safely navigate the digital world.

Free access to highly respected resources for parents.

Grampians Health are the first service in Australia to provide a pathway of learning to enhance emotional health to anyone in the Grampians region through Togetherness. This will allow parents, children, staff, access to free online learnings. Here is the link which includes the access code: https://togetherness.co.uk/mul/grampians-health/

Practical help for navigating school – New guide

Belongside Families’ free Navigating School guide brings clear information, practical guidance and tips from other families together in one place. The digital toolkit contains 11 practical tools, including email templates, conversation scripts and AI prompts to help you prepare for meetings and communicate with school.
You can also join free online workshops on school advocacy and working in partnership with school, plus webinars on supporting children with PDA at school and looking after yourself during School Can’t.

The Take Charge Project

A new collection of free resources https://cyda.org.au/takecharge/ These resources were co-designed with children and young people with intellectual disability, psychosocial disability and autism. They include practical information, real-life stories and tools that can be used by children, young people, families and service providers.
The resources cover a range of topics relating to life transitions, including:

  • School transitions
  • Becoming independent
  • Self-advocacy and disability pride
  • Parenting support

Some examples:

 

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 https://www.carergateway.gov.au/

Victorian Government Carer Card

https://www.carercard.vic.gov.au/
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.

Villa Maria Support for Carers

Villa Maria run several events for carers but you must be registered with them to be eligible.
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/

EACH Statewide Carer Support Services

 https://www.each.com.au/service/family-relationship-support-for-carers/
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.

Association for Children with a Disability
Resources:

https://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/

Orange Door

The Orange Door is available in Ballarat to support families experiencing family violence and families who need support with the care and wellbeing of children and young people.
The Orange Door is a free and you do not need a referral to access the services available.
The Orange Door is accessible in person between the hours of 9am to 5pm Monday through to Friday.
21 Armstrong Street North, Ballarat Central
Phone: 1800 219 819

National Assistance Card

The card is currently available to people with a brain injury and those with autism.
The card can be used in everyday or emergency situations where a cardholder needs assistance or support.
The National Assistance Card can:

  • help cardholders communicate their unique areas of difficulty and the assistance they may need
  • give cardholders greater independence
  • assist cardholders to feel more confident in everyday social situations
  • provide peace of mind for families and carers
  • enhance community understanding of disability and health conditions
  • support positive community interaction with cardholders.

More info: Visit www.nationalassistancecard.com.au or call 1300 680 045

Carer Card Discounts

Victorian Carer Card holders can access a range of discounts on gift cards including:

  • 5% discount on Everyday WISH gift cards, valid at Big W, Woolworths and EG Ampol fuel outlets.
  • 5% discount on Metcash Shop Local gift cards, valid at IGA, Mitre 10, Home Hardware, Total Tools and Thrifty Link.
  • Up to 5% off e-gift cards for stores including JB Hi-Fi, Myer, Priceline and more.
  • New riders get 50% off (up to $15 per ride) on their first 5 rides with Uber and existing riders get 5% off (up to $5) all Uber trips ongoing! Plus, new Uber Eats users get $20 off their first order that’s over $30. Fees, terms and conditions apply.  Learn more about the Uber and Uber Eats discounts

It’s worth noting that the information on these discounts was correct as of November 2025, and things may change.   Learn more about the discounts and benefits available for Victorian Carer Card holders.

 

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.

 

Disability Support For Teen Siblings of People with Disability | Siblings Australia

https://siblingsaustralia.org.au/siblings/teen/

“If you are 13-17 and have a brother or sister with a disability, you’ve come to the right place. You are not alone. Other siblings share many of the feelings and experiences that you do. Some siblings have very close relationships with their brother or sister with disability or illness. They share fun times and are able to be just like any other siblings.”

 

Life Changes – successfully navigate transitional life events | Siblings Australia

https://siblingsaustralia.org.au/services/life-changes/

Building the skills, knowledge and confidence of people living with disability and their siblings to successfully navigate transitional life events.

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