pinarc babies (0-2) 
plan management 
therapy – teens 
therapy – adults 
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 social coffee 30 am Wednesday 5th February at Common Ground Café, 306 Howitt Street, Ballarat North . All welcome.
- Ararat Carers Group is 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.
- 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 17th February at 10.30am.
- 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 24th February. Contact rpaton@pinarc.org.au to register.
- Ballarat Down Syndrome Parent Connection group meets regularly for social connection and information sharing. Contact Wendy by email park@bigpond.com or Mob 0429109692 for more information.
- Daylesford Disability Parent Connection Group. The next meeting will be morning tea at 10.00am Wednesday 26th February at Daylesford Bowling Club, 8 Camp Street, Daylesford.
RSVP essential to rpaton@pinarc.org.au to register your interest. - 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
2024 Free ONLINE Family Varity Show!
The Lions Club of Ballarat Inc. proudly presents International Entertainment Australia’s Family Varity Show.
FREE unlimited and on-demand streaming is available now and during the School Holidays.
Auslan Video Interpreting Available.
Includes: HULA HOOP ARTIST: HEIDI HILLIER ACROBATS: DUO AAURA MAGICIAN: JONAS JOST VENTRILOQUIST: DEAN ATKINSON
Link: https://vimeo.com/showcase/Ballarat24
Please show your appreciation to the businesses that sponsored this event by sending a thank you email to thankyou@iepty.com
Australian Open All Abilities Day.
After the success of 2024, Amaze is thrilled to offer our community the chance to attend the 2025
Details of the event:
- Date: Tuesday 21st January, 2025
- Who it’s for: Kids aged 5 to 12 years and their families
- What to expect: A special pre-gates sensory session, offering a quieter, more inclusive experience of the AO
- Perks: Free access to the AO precinct for the day (excluding Rod Laver & Margaret Court Arenas)
Spots are limited –Complete the Expression Of Interest here: https://www.amaze.org.au/all-abilities-day-ao25/ for your chance to attend this special event.
Registrations are extremely limited, and we will be in touch with shortlisted applicants with further information on the event via email once applications close.
Friends and Me Activities (Suitable for aged 14+)
Wed 15th Jan Strawberry picking and Chocolaterie
Sat 18th Jan Bendigo Pro Rodeo
Sun 19th Jan KFC Big Bash
Tue 21st Jan Beach Day/surfing/BBQ Sat 25th Jan Surprise Day
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)
Autism Camp Australia – whole family camps
These camps run full programs for children with autism, siblings and parents.
Vic Camps, Queenscliff
19th – 24th January 2025
5th – 10th April 2025
12th – 17th April 2025
6th – 11th July 2025
13th – 18th July 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/
People Outdoors Upcoming Camps
Adults (18yrs+) Anglesea Discovery Camp 14-01-2025 – 17-01-2025
Kids & Teens (6-17yrs) Silverband Lodge, Halls Gap 21-01-2025 – 24-01-2025
More camps: https://www.peopleoutdoors.org.au/application/files/6917/2784/1913/People_Outdoors_Calendar_Oct_24_-_Mar_25_compressed.pdf
AUSLAN Day at Sovereign Hill
https://www.sovereignhill.com.au/events/auslan-day/
22 Feb, 2025, 10:00am-5:00pm AEDT, AURA – 8:45pm
Immerse yourself in iconic Sovereign Hill experiences, interpreted in Auslan throughout the day.
Uncover the secrets of our famous Raspberry Drops, try your hand at candle-dipping, see the dramatic gold pour, and watch expert blacksmiths and coachbuilders craft their creations.
As night falls, the AURA sound and light spectacular transforms Sovereign Hill into a moving theatre, with hundreds of hi-tech projections telling the thrilling story of the gold rush.
Auslan-interpreted Quartz Mine tours also available. Prebook when you purchase your tickets
My Care Space Article – Fun things to do with a support worker
https://mycarespace.com.au/resources/things-to-do-in-the-school-holidays-with-a-support-worker
Aspergers Victoria Book Club
If you enjoy reading fiction and would like to have an incentive to read more, expand your reading list, and to meet with others to share your thoughts and insights and to hear others’ perspectives, consider joining the AV Book Club for your next literary adventure.
With support from our Book Club Facilitator, our AV Book Club meets every second month throughout the year to discuss, analyse, and exchange perspectives on a range of novels.
https://aspergersvic.org.au/Interest_Groups
Having a Say Conference 2025
(for adults with a disability)
Dates and times:
Tuesday 28th January 10.30am to 4.00pm
Wednesday 29th January 9.30am to 4.00pm
Thursday 30th January 9.30am to 1.00pm
Venue: Costa Hall, Deakin University, Waterfront Campus, Gheringhap Street, Geelong.
For more info visit valid.org.au/having-a-say/
For bookings visit https://events.humanitix.com/having-a-say-conference-2025
Central Highlands Independent Living (CHIL) group activity days
CHIL are offering programs on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays throughout January (excluding public holidays) CHIL House Address: 908 Gregory Street, Wendouree 3355
Programs are subject to availability as there is limited capacity for some activities. Please contact Tanya Parker on 0419 371 958 or email chilballarat@gmail.com to secure a position.
Ballarat Specialist School TheirCare School Holiday Program
Location 25 Gillies Street N, LAKE GARDENS VIC 3350
Call 0417 007 714
More information or bookings:
https://theircare.com.au/holiday-programs/ballarat-specialist-school/
Ballarat Support Services School Holiday Program
An NDIS provider dedicated to offering inclusive and engaging activities for participants aged 5-18 during school holidays. Our program is designed to cater to the unique needs of individuals with disabilities, ensuring a supportive and enjoyable experience for all. https://www.ballaratsupportservices.com.au/about-5-3
Unbeatable Abilities Holiday Program
Every school holidays we are running two separate programs. Ages 5 -13 & 14 -18 we do this to ensure that we are offering exciting activities for everyone and not having mixed ages doing the same activities. We are very flexible with our programs and are happy to assist in any way we can. For all enquires please call our office on 03 43271322 and we will be happy to assist you.
https://www.unbeatableabilities.com.au/
All-Abilities Choirs
Red Tree Community Arts is running a choir specifically designed for people who are neurodivergent or have mental health conditions. More information and updates can be found on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoChoirBallarat
More questions? Call 0435753800 or email info@redtreecommunityarts.com
Come ‘n Try archery!
An inclusive and accessible sport for all abilities. 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
NDIS Information Night
Join Allen Care Services on Wednesday, January 29th, 2025, at 6.30 PM at Quest Caroline Springs.
This informative and friendly event is tailored to help families, better understand the NDIS and how to use your plans effectively. Whether you’re new to the NDIS or looking to learn more, our team of experts will provide clear guidance, answer your questions, and offer practical advice. Its also a wonderful opportunity to connect with other families, share experiences and gain valuable insights on how the NDIS can positively impact your loved ones’ lives. We look forward to seeing you there and supporting you on your NDIS journey!
Guest Speakers
Rana M – Behavioural Practitioner (Early Intervention)
Nevena G – Speech Therapist (School Readiness)
Natalie P – Coco Support Services & Accommodation
Book here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/ndis-family-information-night-tickets-1125926700069
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
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
School Saving Bonus
With the School Saving Bonus, the Victorian Government is providing a one-off $400 to help families cover the costs of their kids’ school uniforms, textbooks, excursions and activities.
https://www.vic.gov.au/receiving-school-saving-bonus
New respite accommodation in Dean
We can cater for kids, teens and adults; however, our accommodation is not currently tailored for participants living with high physical care needs i.e. Wheelchair or hoist transfers. There is good fencing around the property and staff on-site at all times, we can also provide active and non-active overnight staff to minimise absconding concerns. Our accommodation is also setup to enable carers and parents to stay at no extra charge in separate fully equipped cottage during their child’s stay.
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/
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
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
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.
