Useful links

Community Organisations and Other Resources

(These links are to external websites)

Australian Government

International

Members' links

Other Links

National Playgroup Week

Playgroup Australia, in partnership with State and Territory Playgroup Associations, will celebrate National Playgroup Week from 21 to 27 March 2010. Families with children 0 -5 years of age, whether they participate in playgroup or not, are invited to take part in fun events to be held in every state and territory. It's a perfect time for parents with babies and children under five to find out about playgroups near them, and to discover what playgroup is about.

We are delighted to announce that Hi-5 are involved in National Playgroup Week 2010. This year's theme 'Celebrating Playgroup - A World of Connections' sums up what's great about playgroups - helping families connect with each other and with their local community.

Playgroup is an informal session where mums, dads, grandparents, caregivers, children and babies meet up in a relaxed environment. The adults stay to interact with other adults and to play with their children. Currently over 105,000 families regularly participate in playgroup at halls, neighbourhood centres, churches, private homes and parks and that figure is growing. There's really no typical playgroup these days. You'll see families from all walks of life at playgroup.

To find out what's on during National Playgroup Week external link call 1800 171 882 (toll free).

 

Challenging Silence Conference: March 2010

A Child Protection & Domestic Violence Advanced Training Conference

This Advanced Practice Training Conference is for NGO Managers and Practitioners, Government Child Protection, Domestic Violence, Health and Human services Policy Makers,  Front line Staff, Health Professionals, Police, Lawyers, Teachers and all Professionals interested in working through the complex maze of Child Protection, Family Support and Intervention and Domestic Violence issues in our society. More information external link

National Disability Insurance Scheme

People with a disability and their families need a secure future. The struggle for essential services and support is never ending – from early intervention to equipment, respite, accommodation, employment and family support. It is time to change the way services for people with a disability are funded in Australia. A planned, fully-funded, National Disability Insurance Scheme will underwrite sustained, significant, long-term improvements in meeting the needs of people with a disability and their families. More external website

 

Join In Anti-Poverty Week 17-23 October 2010

Anti-Poverty Week focuses on poverty around the world, including Australia. It includes the UN’s International Anti-Poverty Day, 17 October. The Week’s main aims are to:

  • strengthen public understanding of the causes and consequences of poverty and hardship;
  • encourage research, discussion and action to address these problems. 

Participation has grown rapidly in recent years, with activities such as public lectures, workshops, conferences, debates, concerts, displays, sports days and media briefings being organised. Last year, more than 300 organisations were involved in activities, with a total participation of more than 10,000 people around the country. Everyone is very welcome to organise an activity during the Week or join in something being organised by other people.  The activities can be large or small, and activities at local levels are especially welcome.

The website www.antipovertyweek.org.au includes basic fact sheets, promotional material, a calendar of activities and links to other sources of information and ideas. It also includes contact details for the National Office and the Co-Chairs in each State.

 

Family separation: a guide for teens is a new booklet and website which has been created just for teenagers to help them cope with family separation.  They aim to give teens some tips to help understand and deal with the changes going on around them. It contains practical advice on a range of issues, including how to cope with emotions, dealing with change, adjusting to step-families, what the future might hold, managing health and wellbeing, and maintaining studies and finances. This free booklet is available by ordering online at www.youth.csa.gov.au or by phoning 1800 040 972.

 

Is there a parent in your family that has a mental illness?

If you have a parent with a mental illness and are looking for information or local supports, or maybe you are a parent with a mental illness and would like advice or support to assist yourself or the family, then check out the Children Of Parents with a Mental Illness (COPMI) website www.copmi.net.au. COPMI is an initiative funded by the Australian Government to provide information about programs and services for family members where a parent has a mental illness. Information is also available for people who work with these families. The website has many components including tips provided by a wide range of people that share similar experiences. There’s even a space to put any tips you may wish to contribute.  You’ll also find a comprehensive list of resources, web links and contact details for programs and services across Australia. New information is being added to the COPMI website regularly.  Check it out!