Children, young people and families living with disability could see their NDIS support change, following broad reforms to how the scheme assesses eligibility and allocates funding which were announced last week by Health Minister Mark Butler — with significant implications for the child and family services sector.
Children, young people and families living with disability could see their NDIS support change, following broad reforms to how the scheme assesses eligibility and allocates funding which were announced last week by Health Minister Mark Butler.
These changes come as part of a restructure of the NDIS which aims to reduce cost, slow its current growth rate, and strengthen NDIS service provider accountability. Read more here
Tailored specifically to the child, youth, and family services sectors, the Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB50420) develops and elevates management and leadership competencies, nurturing the skills needed to innovate and drive impact.
Through expert-led training, participants will develop the skills to:
- Lead with confidence – develop proactive leadership and decision-making skills
- Master communication and self-management – build strong teams and collaboration
- Navigate complex challenges – strengthen skills in planning, organising, and making sound judgments
- Implement solutions – learn to identify and analyse information from diverse sources and implement practical solutions
- Advance your career – gain practical tools to navigate the unique challenges of the sector
Available online, the Diploma is ideal for new, emerging, and aspiring leaders and managers seeking to advance their careers within the sector. Expressions of interest are now open for the August 2026 intake. Participants are required to attend an online information session before enrolling in the course. Find out more here
New National Centre-commissioned research published in The Conversation highlights gaps in how community sport volunteers are supported to respond to child abuse.
The Victoria University study led by Dr Aurélie Pankowiak surveyed volunteers across 50 sports and found that many lack confidence in responding to disclosures of abuse. Through our funding, the research team established a committee of people who had experienced abuse in sport to help shape reflections and recommendations based on the survey’s findings. Read the article to learn about these recommendations.
The Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare are pleased to announce the appointment of Jamie Crosby as its new CEO, commencing Monday 29 June 2026. Mr Crosby brings extensive leadership experience across the community services sector and the Australian Government, most recently serving as CEO of Families Australia, a national peak body, since 2021.
The City of Greater Dandenong (CGD) is developing its first Integrated Children, Youth and Family Strategy to guide future planning, delivery, and coordination of Council’s services for children, young people and their families.
The City of Greater Dandenong is a key provider of services for children and young people (aged 0 –25 years), as well as their families across the municipality. Council plays a key role in the planning and coordination of services in the community sector. This includes facilitating capacity building and information sharing between services; identifying service gaps; advocacy to state and federal governments; and mobilising key stakeholders to respond to emerging issues for children, young people, and their families. As a key contributor to the work and services provided to children, young people, and their families, as well as community, we would like to invite you to share this survey via QR Code with your families, parents and carers.
Each year, the Report on Government Services provides a national snapshot of how governments are supporting children, young people and families. Read together, the 2024–25 data reveals consistent patterns across child protection, disability and youth justice, patterns that have remained remarkably stable over time.
These are not abstract trends or technical performance issues; they describe how children and young people experience support, intervention and risk across multiple systems, often over many years.
The Victorian government will invest $750,000 to deliver accredited training for an initial 150 GPs by September this year to diagnose and treat ADHD in adults and children. The state government says the move will cut lengthy wait times and thousands of dollars for those seeking a diagnosis or care.
you can read more here
Public transport is now free for children under 18. Children under 5 are already free and now Transport Victoria has introduced a Youth Myki card.
It costs just $5 to obtain the card and then no need to pay anything after this.
You can get your card at staffed train stations or by registering online Manage Myki
Greater Dandenong Kindness Community Weekly meal service every Tuesday through school holidays. Christmas day lunch 12pm-2pm BBQ Shelter John Hemming Park.
Cardinia Shire Bless Collective Christmas dinner Thursday 18th December from 6:00pm at the Pakenham library. Also partnered with Salvation Army, ADRA, Cardinia Foundation and the Cardinia Shire Council to provide food, toys and financial assistance between December 11th and December 22nd register here Christmas – Follow Bless Collective or call 1300 787 624
AfriAus Multicultural Communities & Families Dinner, Saturday 20th December 4:30pm-7:30pm at Pakenham Library Community Hall
We All Eat Collections from Pakenham available on Wednesday 17th December, register via website. Contact the team for emergency parcels during holiday period.
Moy-Yan Neighborhood House Christmas Day lunch 12pm-2pm. To book a seat please call Meg 0466 496 107 or Jen 0428 372 686
Gather Church Free Christmas dinner for families and individuals in need December 21st at 4:30pm 18 Golden Street Pakenham, email [email protected] to register.
City of Casey Transit Offering Christmas lunch Register here TryBooking Australia
Casey North CISS Christmas program runs two weeks leading into Christmas, you can collect a food hamper form the office during this time. Families with primary school or pre-school children can be assess for eligibility for free toys. (must live Narre Warren, Doveton, Harkaway, Berwick, Eumemmerring, Hallam and parts of Beaconsfield)
Community Information Support Cranbourne As above covering Casey south suburbs of Cranbourne, Hampton Park, Clyde, :Lynbrook and Tooradin.
Please see below details of upcoming Christmas events for children and families.
