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.
Join us for a special yoga session for carers in one of our brand-new spaces at Pinarc’s Alfredton Office.
Date: Tuesday 29th April, 10am – 11.30am. Places are limited so bookings essential to Rebecca on rpaton@pinarc.org.au or 0493 765 542
Ararat Carers Group this group is currently on hold, but looking for new members.
Contact rpaton@pinarc.org.au
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 10am, Thursday 3rd April at Eclectic Tastes Café. Contact Amy at ballaratautismey@gmail.com
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 19thMay 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 28th April 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 meeting is Monday 14th April from 10:00am at the Yacht Club. Contact Wendy by email park@bigpond.com or Mob 0429109692 for more information.
Daylesford Disability Parent Connection Group.The next meeting will be a morning tea 10.30amWednesday 30th April 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 216 992
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
Ballarat Parent Carer Connect – Support for Carers – Yoga Session
Ballarat Parent Carer Connect is for parents and carers of children with disabilities and additional needs who want to be more active and socially connected. Join us for a special yoga session for carers in one of our brand-new spaces at Pinarc’s Alfredton Office.
Date: Tuesday 29th April
Times: 10am – 11.30am
Venue: Pinarc Alfredtron, 1828 Sturt St.
Cost: free.
Places are limited for registration is essential. To register or for further information contact Rebecca Paton, Parent Support Program Coordinator
Phone: 0493 765 542 Email: rpaton@pinarc.org.au
Ballarat Parent Carer Connect – NDIS Changes Information Session
There have been many changes to the NDIS in recent months and there aree more to come.
This information session will cover:
– Changes to the LAC and Early Childhood roles
– Changes for families
– Changes to Respite
– NDIS what’s in/out
– Reassessment Process
– Q&A session
Date: Tuesday 13th May
Times: 7pm – 8.30pm
Venue: Pinarc Alfredtron, 1828 Sturt St.
Cost: free.
Places are limited for registration is essential. To register or for further information contact Rebecca Paton, Parent Support Program Coordinator
Phone: 0493 765 542 Email: rpaton@pinarc.org.au
Young Carers Holiday Activity
Free for all Young Carers registered with Carer Gateway.
Are you a Young Carer aged between 16-25yrs? We would love you to join us for a bite to eat, then some painting fun…..
What: Grill’d & Picasso Event\
When: Wednesday, 9th April, 5:30 PM -9:00 PM
Where: Meeting at 5:30 PM at Grill’d, 37 Sturt Street, Ballarat
After dinner we will be walking to Pinot & Picasso studios
Finish time will be at 9:00 PM at 204 Sturt Street, Ballarat
Please advise of any dietary requirements upon RSVP
RSVP before 4th April 2025 (spaces are limited) If you have questions about this information, please call us on (03) 5333 7104 or 1800 422 737 or email carers@gh.org.au
activities for children and young people with disabilities
World Autism Day Celebration – Ballarat Autism Network
Join Us for a Fun-Filled Autism Month Event at Funbugs! Come along for an evening of creativity, sensory fun, and connection:
- Bracelet making with Bre’s Bracelets and Beads
- Biscuit decorating with Unbeatable Abilities
- Lego building with Trish from Ballarat Lego Club
- Creative arts & exploration with Megan from Be You Creative Therapy
- Sensory fidgets for sale by Coral & Corey
- Badge making and more!
Thursday, April 3rd
4PM – 6PM
Funbugs Play Centre
Tickets are subsidised $7 per person includes entry and meal 3 nuggets, chips and pop top
Register here: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1371944
April Autism Month – Ballarat Autism Network Calendar of events.
Calendar of Events featuring local businesses supporting the autism community! These amazing places are eager to learn, understand, and support—so let’s show them some love!
Ballarat Library – School Holiday Events
Storytime for Kids: A welcoming and inclusive storytelling session for little book lovers.
Analogue Hour: Unplug from the digital world with puzzles, board games, drawing, and collage. Bring a friend, make a coffee, and enjoy this free session
Genesis Gym – Move Your Way
Sensory-friendly movement sessions twice a week, designed to help everyone feel comfortable and included.
The Art Club Hub – Sensory-Friendly Painting Sessions.
Create your own canvas painting in a welcoming and supportive space.
Funbugs – Neurodivergent Hour
Enjoy the play equipment in a quieter, relaxed setting.
Ballarat Autistic Meetup – Saturdays at the Library
A judgment-free space to connect with like-minded people.
Fun at Funbugs – Under 14s Event
A special afternoon of play, creativity, and inclusion for kids under 14!
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1052207900272883&set=pb.100064510487414.-2207520000
Creative Play & Art Centre (CPAC) Sensory Sessions
CPAC have allocated Tuesday afternoons exclusively to the special needs community. Of course, everyone is welcome during our standard CPAC opening hours; however, we have received requests to designate specific hours for the special needs community.
This dedicated time ensures a calm, welcoming space tailored to the needs of individuals with sensory sensitivities, developmental differences, and other special needs. Our two-level facility features problem-solving stations, interactive building activities, and sensory play opportunities designed to foster creativity, confidence, and social engagement.
Session Details:
Times: 1:30 PM Tuesdays
Duration: 90 minutes
Cost: $25 per participant (carers and support workers attend free)
Support Ratio: 1 carer/supervisor per 7 participants or according to participants management plan
Capacity: Up to 70 participants per session (exclusive hire available for groups of 40+)
Book Here: Cpac Special Needs Casual Session
Website: https://creativeplayartcentre.com.au
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/cpacballarat
Melton Specialty Playgroup – Expressions of interest welcome
The Pinarc Parent Support Program, supported by the Victorian Government, is running a free playgroup for children aged birth to 4 years. This playgroup is on offer for children who have a physical disability or have physical development challenges that impact on their ability to engage with regular playgroup activities and will be supported by Georgia, one of our Speech Pathologists, and Louisa, one of our Occupational Therapists. Register your interest here: https://form.jotform.com/242621451743048
My Plan My Home Ballarat Workshops
Workshops for 6-8 participants with disabilities to learn about ways they can be more independent at home and home and living options.
Dates: Friday April 4th, Thursday May 15th, Wednesday June 11th
Time: 10am – 12pm
Location: Ballarat Library, 178 Doveton St North, Ballarat.
Source Disability Expo is heading back to Melbourne in April!
Get ready to join us again at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre on 11-12 April 2025!
Discover an incredible lineup of exhibitors, including many new faces, offering 150+ products and services for you to explore and connect with.
What to expect at the expo:
- 150+ product and service providers to connect with and find information
- A fantastic lineup of performers and activities
- Fun-filled zones to keep all ages entertained (including active, arcade, build, style-me and movie zones)
- A full day of family fun with something for everyone!
Entry is FREE, but registration is required. Don’t miss out—secure your spot in just a minute!
Register here: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1362285
The Victorian Enabling Women Leadership Program Autumn, 2025
Applications are now open for our upcoming Enabling Women Leadership Program for women and gender diverse people with disabilities. Starting April 2, 2025.
Participants will build confidence explore who they are, reflect on their strengths (the things they’re good at) learn more about their human rights, practice speaking up, work with a mentor to achieve a leadership goal become a better leader in their community. Participants can participate in person at WDV’s Melbourne office, or online via Zoom.
Program sessions and the Graduation will be on Wednesdays, Program sessions will run from April 2 – May 28. The Graduation will be held in June. Please note: There will be no Programs session on April 23. The program is FREE, and includes all session materials, handouts, craft supplies, and snacks. View and download flyer: Enabling Women Program flyer – PDF version
Gather Online
This is an interactive and inclusive online program designed for young people aged 16-35 years old with mild to moderate support needs. The plan is to bring young adults with disabilities together in a fun, engaging, and supportive environment. Gather Online offers live, virtual sessions that help guests build confidence, develop life skills, make meaningful connections and explore new interests, all from the safety, convenience and comfort of your own home.
Those accessing Gather Online would need to have the capacity to operate a computer and access Zoom-based sessions from their own home. They can of course have a support person with them, which many of our guests who have accessed online supports in the past do also utilise to ensure they can get the most out of the workshop/session and enjoy it to the fullest! Email: gatheronline@stellarexperiences.com.au
Website: https://stellarexperiences.com.au/gather/
Ballarat Marathon Inclusion Partnership
eQuality Support is the Official Disability & Inclusive Event Partner for the Ballarat Marathon on Saturday, 26 April and Sunday, 27 April 2025.
Visit the website for details about how the marathon (mainly the 5km) is being made more inclusive and for link to a social story.
https://equalitysupport.com.au/services/disability-support-service-ballarat-marathon/
People Outdoors Upcoming Camps
Ballarat sensory chill/play space for young people/Adolescents with autism OR sensory issues
We need your support and ideas! Ballarat needs a specially dedicated playroom for adolescents and young adults with autism or similar who struggle to fit into mainstream play centres. 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. A simple letter of support could help get this project off the ground. Please contact Helen on (m) 0425 732 878 or hhimwise@iinet.net.au if you would like further information.
All abilities Sports options:
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
ACD webinar – Advocating at School
Are you look for more support for your child with disability at school? Feeling unsure how to start the conversation or what you can reasonably ask for?
Join our friends at ACD for this popular FREE online workshop called Advocating at School.
You will get practical information to build your skills and confidence to better advocate for your child and learn how to build a positive relationship with your child’s school.
This workshop looks at:
- Children’s rights in education
- Reasonable adjustments: what they are and what you can request
- School processes
- Student support plans
Workshop dates:
- Monday 28 April: 7:00 pm
- Tuesday 29 April: 10:00 am
- Wednesday 30 April: 10:00 am
- Monday 5 May: 10:00 am
- Tuesday 6 May: 7:00 pm
Registrations are filling quickly – register now.
Cafs Early Help Programs
Dad’s Programs
Dads Tool Kit Intensive – A Parenting Program for Dads and Male Carers
Dad’s Tool Kit is a two-day intensive Parenting Program for fathers.
Saturday 5th Sunday 6th April 2025, 9.30am to 4.30pm, 515 Chisholm Street, Black Hill
Dad’s Tool Kit Dad’s Tool Kit is an eight-week Parenting Program for fathers and male carers who are seeking to gain a better understanding of their children’s needs in relation to relationship safety and stability. In person: Wednesdays starting April 30th, 2025, 10 – 12pm, 515 Chisholm Street, Black Hill
Online Tuesdays starting April 29th, 2025, 4 – 5pm
Dads Baby Bag Dads Baby Bag is a 6-week Parenting Program for fathers who are seeking to gain a better understanding of their baby’s pre/postnatal journey and exploration of an infant’s developmental milestones in the first 12 months. Hands on activities and demonstrations including education in:
Thursdays starting May 8th 2025, 10am – 12.30pm, , 515 Chisholm Street, Black Hill
Parenting Programs
Tuning into Teens Online 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. Wednesdays starting April 30th 2025, 7 – 8.30pm
Tuning Into Kids Online is a FREE 6-week program that aims to help parents or carers to understand their children’s emotional needs. Thursdays starting May 8th 2025 , 10am – 11.30am
Understanding your Baby A Solihull Parenting Program for Parents and Carers in partnership with Ballarat Community Health This Free Parenting Program is for parents/carers of children birth to 12 months. The group explores parenting and how babies develop and aims to support the parent/baby relationship. Babys welcome. Mondays starting April 28th, 2025, 10.30 -12.30pm, 515 Chisholm Street, Black Hill.
For consultation or Referral contact the Early Help Team:
family.support@cafs.or.au or 1800 692 237
BALLARAT – able meet
20 May 2025, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
North Ballarat Mars Stadium, 725 Creswick Rd, Wendouree VIC 3355, Australia
This is a great chance to connect with other NDIS providers, support coordinators, and industry professionals, build relationships, and strengthen the local NDIS community
https://www.ableplus.net.au/events/ballarat-able-meet-2
Ballarat Community Disability Expo
The Ballarat Community Disability Expo is your chance to meet local providers, discover new resources, and connect with others—all in one place!
Thursday, 19 June 2025, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
North Ballarat Sports Club, 725 Creswick Rd Wendouree
Free entry!
FREE coffee for the first 200 people
Meet local disability service providers
Get expert advice and explore support options
Information stalls and expert guidance
Quiet hour from 12pm – 1pm for those wanting to avoid the crowds
This is an event you won’t want to miss—register for your free tickets today!
https://events.humanitix.com/ballarat-community-disability-expo/tickets
2025 Yellow Ladybugs Conference:
supporting autistic girls and gender diverse students at school and beyond, is nearly here!
When: 3-5 June 2025
Where: Online & In-Person (option to attend Day 3 in Melbourne)
Explore over 50 diverse lived and professional perspectives in a neuro-affirming, trauma-informed, and inclusive environment.
Key Themes:
- Building inclusive classrooms
- Hidden needs like masking and monotropism
- Relational safety and sensory joy
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1946623952444941
new services for families
Australian Electoral Commission Recent legislative changes
Modernisation of some election processes
These amendments provide improvements for voters with a disability, strengthen the appropriate regulation of conduct at polling places, and modernise the availability of public inspection documents related to elections and referendums.
Some examples include:
- a change to the terminology of ‘unsound mind’, which many have found an offensive term, to more contemporary language
- expressly expanding the grounds for pre-poll and postal voting to people with a disability and their carers
- Prohibition of filming inside a polling place without permission.
NDIS Provider Library is ready to launch in Ballarat!
The Library provides a central publicly accessible space for families seeking information on NDIS providers in our area and sorted into the below categories:
- In Home/Community Based Care (1:1 care)
- Group Programs
- SIL/SDA
- STA
- Supported Employment
- School Holiday Programs
- General (NDIS administration incl. Support Coordination, Plan Management etc)
The library is situated at Dawson House, 15 Dawson Street South, Ballarat VIC 3350. It is located just past the main building reception and staff on site can assist families or provides to find it should it be needed.
The National Assistance Card
The National Assistance Card is a personalised card to assist people with disability and health conditions in the community.
The National Assistance Card can be used in everyday or emergency situations where a cardholder needs assistance or support.
The Card is currently available to autistic people and people with brain injury in Australia.
The National Assistance Card Service hope that, in the future, the National Assistance Card will be available to all people in Australia with disability and health conditions.
For more information visit: https://www.nationalassistancecard.com.au/about-the-card
Wonderkidz Respite and activities programs for kids
Based in Flemington near the Royal Children’s Hospital.
“ We are introducing our new sleepover service designed specifically for neurodiverse kids! Here, every child can unwind, feel safe, and enjoy a cozy environment while being cared for by our trained staff. We believe in creating a nurturing space where kids can rest, play, and connect with others at their own pace.
Sweet dreams and happy memories await! “
New Dentistry Under General Anaesthesia Now Available
Locations: Ballarat, Keilor Park, and Officer
Sleep Dentistry Services offers expert care with qualified Melbourne anaesthetists, specialising in general anaesthesia for both children and adults, including those with disabilities.
Fees: Comparable to day hospitals, with a Medicare rebate of 20–80%.
Waiting Times: Appointments available within one month.
Personalised Care: Your treatment is managed by a dedicated team—a specialist dentist, anaesthetist, and friendly practice manager.
Convenience: No hospital admission or overnight stay required.
Let us provide a comfortable and stress-free dental experience for you or your loved ones. For more information contact Gillian on 0480 641 626 or gillian@sleepdentistryservices.com.au
www.sleepdentistryservices.com.au
NDIS updates for families
New rules for plan management and plan changes
From 4 March 2025, new rules have started to make NDIS plan decisions clearer and fairer. These changes help ensure your plan works for you and your needs.
Changes to plan management
There are now clearer rules for us to decide if there is an unreasonable risk with how your funding is being managed.
A risk is only considered unreasonable if there are no supports or safeguards to help manage it.
If we believe there is an unreasonable risk, we may need to change how your funding is managed.
We will first look at ways to support you before making any changes.
This could include looking at extra supports, guidance, or safeguards to help you stay in control of your funding. If a change is needed, we will talk to you first and explain why. If you don’t agree, you can ask for a review.
Updates to plan changes
We now have clearer processes for making changes to a plan. The new rules clarify when and how we can vary or reassess a participant’s plan.
Plans can still be changed by:
- plan variations, where small changes can be made without replacing your whole plan
- plan reassessments, which are full reviews that create a new plan with a new end date.
These updates ensure plan changes happen in a fair and consistent way, making sure your supports match your needs.
You can still ask for updates to your plan at any time.
What this means for you
- If your needs change, you can ask for changes to your plan.
- We will work with you on any changes and explain our decisions.
- We have updated our policies and guidelines to align with these new rules.
Visit the NDIS website for more information about the rules and what they mean for you.
research and feedback opportunities
Carer Wellbeing Survey – Carers Australia
https://www.carersaustralia.com.au/carer-wellbeing-survey/
Your voice matters! Share your lived-experiences with us so we can better advocate for the support services that will improve the lives of carers. This year, in addition to asking about your well-being, we have questions about accessing respite care, being a young carer or a carer in a defence family, and life after a caring role ends. The survey has been developed by the University of Canberra’s WellRes Unit, Health Research Institute, Department of Social Services, and Carers Australia.
The survey will close on 18 April 2025 at 11:59 p.m. It is voluntary, confidential, and anonymous.
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
new resources for families of children with disabilities
New Rules for Carer Payment
Some of the rules for Carer Payment are changing so it’s easier for you to work and keep your payment.
From today, 20 March 2025, carers:
- Can work 100 hours spread across a 4 week period, rather than 25 hours within a week
- Don’t need to report training, study, volunteering or travel time to and from work
- Can use single respite days to keep your payment if you sometimes work more than 100 hours in a 4 week period.
See more: servicesaustralia.gov.au/carerpaymentwork
Financial Literacy Australia
FLA was created to empower NDIS participants by providing them with the financial knowledge and skills needed to achieve independence and self-confidence.
Support workers guide participants through the program using our easy facilitator guides.
- Start Together – Log in on a phone, tablet, or computer.
2. Follow the Guides – Step-by-step instructions, discussion questions & activity ideas.
3. Make It Engaging – Go at the participant’s pace, we provide tips & content!
4. Support & Encourage – Help with questions & track progress.
5. Flexible Learning – Adapt lessons to suit the participant’s needs.
We provide facilitator guides, activity ideas & support.
If you’re a Support Worker, you invoice the participant for your time!
You only pay for two hours per week, billed after you complete them.
There’s no extra cost if you finish a module faster.
Each module has a billing limit based on lesson length, ensuring you get the best value
You have to have an active NDIS plan to access the program. We are in the process of creating a program for Non-NDIS Participants
Our program provides interactive, self-paced learning on various financial topics, including budgeting, avoiding scams, insurance, and more, for all skill levels. No prior experience with money is required.
All services are provided online through our dedicated portal for self-paced learning, and Zoom for One-on-one mentoring.
More information: https://www.flaus.com.au/
Best Backyard Australia
10% Discount on Outdoor Furniture, Outdoor Living & Outdoor Kids Play Products.
We are pleased to offer a 10% discount on all outdoor living and outdoor childrens play products purchased via our website https://www.thebestbackyard.com.au or on the phone with one of our outdoor living team members. This discount applies to all products in our range, except products already on sale or custom made items. Use the live chat button on our website or let our team member know you are a Victorian Seniors Card or Carer Card holder and we’ll apply the special 10% discount for you.
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
The 2025 Young Carer Scholarship Program – Apply Now!
Young Carer Scholarships are open to secondary school students who live or go to school in Victoria and provide care and support to a family member with an illness or disability.
Scholarships of up to $500 are awarded to successful applicants.
Please read the Young Carer Scholarship Program Guidelines to check you are eligible.
Please note the number of scholarships awarded is dependent on the amount of funding available. Those who receive a 2025 Carers Australia Young Carer Bursary will not be eligible.
How to apply
To apply please complete and submit the application form here. Please note, application is online and through Carers Victoria’s grants administration system – SmartyGrants.
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.
We work to enable young carers to engage with each other through a range of opportunities to share and connect.
What can I do on the Young Carers Network?
- Find a support service
- Learn some helpful tips and share your own
- Read young carer stories and share your own
- Find young carer events
- Learn about financial support
- Learn about young carers
- Join the Young Carers Network
- Apply for the Young Carers Bursary Program
- Read testimonials from young carers and share your own
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.
