A Passion for Empowerment

08/01/2026

Are you home-schooling your child because mainstream school isn’t the right fit?

Because of disability, mental health, trauma, burnout, or unmet support needs?

You’re not alone — and you may be entitled to Centrelink support.

Many families don’t realise that when a child cannot attend school due to disability or mental health needs, Centrelink may provide financial assistance to help cover the loss of income, extra care, or increased demands at home.

This can include payments where a parent’s capacity to work is reduced because their child needs ongoing care, supervision, or support.

💡 Home-schooling in these circumstances isn’t a “lifestyle choice” — it’s often a necessary adjustment when systems don’t meet a child’s needs.

What matters is:
📍your child’s functional needs
📍the impact on your ability to work
📍medical or allied health evidence
📍recognition that mainstream schooling is not currently accessible or safe

If this is your reality, it’s worth:
✔️ speaking to your GP or specialist
✔️ gathering reports that explain why schooling isn’t possible right now
✔️ asking Centrelink about eligibility based on care needs, not education type

You deserve support — not silence, judgement, or financial hardship for doing what your child needs.

✨ This is not advice — but it is permission to ask questions and advocate.

(Save, share, or tag a parent who needs to know they’re not failing — they’re adapting.)

What Assistance for Isolated Children payment you can get and how much - Assistance for Isolated Children Scheme - Services Australia https://share.google/hS77cv3xKhNFnFr6U

💰 AIC Payment Dates 2026 💰

The Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) payment supports families who are home educating because their child cannot reasonably access their local school, including due to distance, disability, mental health, anxiety, or when the school environment itself is not a safe or suitable option for that child. The payment is made over four terms for the year.

Assistance for Isolated Children Payment Dates are always about a week before school starts each term. In previous years, they have been based on which state you are in, but AIC have told us that it is more complex than that.

The approximate dates for payments this year are:

• 20-25th January
• 15-20th April
• 9-15th July
• 1-10th October

The AIC team can tell you the exact dates your individual payments are scheduled to be paid. Please call them on the AIC line 132 318.

You can find out more information including how to complete the AIC forms on our website https://home-ed.vic.edu.au/assistance-for-isolated-children/

28/12/2025

📌 We’re Hiring – Administration & Finance Officer (NDIS)

We’re a lived-experience-led, neuroaffirming and trauma-informed organisation looking for a part-time Administration & Finance Officer to support our growing Support Coordination and coaching team.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys structured admin and finance work, follows systems well, and values calm, predictable workflows.

About the role:
• 7–9 hours per week
• Worked across two set days (one day must be Wednesday)
• Flexible start and finish times
• Focus on finance admin, payroll, invoicing and operational support

We’re looking for someone who:
• Has admin and finance experience
• Is confident using Xero
• Is detail-oriented and reliable
• Is comfortable working independently once trained
• Values neuroaffirming, trauma-informed workplaces

Mandatory requirements include:
• Blue Card & Yellow Card
• Driver’s licence
• Registered vehicle with comprehensive insurance

✨ Lived experience of disability, mental health or neurodivergence is welcomed and respected.

📩 To request a copy of the full position description and application details, please email:
admin@passionforempowerment.com.au

Applications will be reviewed as they’re received.

15/12/2025

Alive Pantry - this week!

From 10am tomorrow till COB Thursday. We look forward to seeing you all this week, in the lead up to Christmas! 🎄♥️

03/12/2025

Amazing work Makayla!

Disability Action Week at Kepnock SHS

We are proud to celebrate the launch of our new Disability Advocate role on Student Council, thanks to the powerful advocacy of Makayla Gallehawk. Makayla presented a confident speech to staff, highlighting the importance of inclusion, representation and student voice for students with disability.
We thank Makaylah for her leadership and for helping create a more inclusive Kepnock for all! 💙♿

03/12/2025

🌿 “Every Day, I’m Seen” 🌿
A poem for International Day of People with a Disability

Today the world pauses to recognise us —
but my story lives every day.
In the way I communicate,
the way I navigate a world
that is slowly learning to meet me where I am.

My disability is not something to fix.
It’s a now part of my identity,
my rhythm,
my way of understanding myself
and the world around me.

Awareness shouldn’t belong to one date,
and I’m grateful for the people and services
who already know this —
the ones who listen first,
who honour my choices,
who understand that lived experience
is expertise too.

I celebrate the supports
that treat me as a partner,
not a project.
The workers who see beyond labels,
who recognise my strengths,
who walk beside me rather than in front.

I celebrate the progress we’ve made,
and the community that continues
to push gently for more —
more access,
more understanding,
more everyday inclusion.

Today isn’t about pity.
It isn’t about being “inspiring.”
It’s about recognition —
of our voices,
our rights,
our wisdom,
and the value we bring
just by being who we are.

So today, I am seen.
And tomorrow,
and every day after,
I hope the world keeps seeing
with the same openness and respect.

27/11/2025

If this year felt heavy, slow, or simply about making it through — we see you.
Your quiet progress matters just as much as the loud achievements.
Be proud of the strength it took to keep going, and know that your pace is valid. 💛

19/11/2025

Great to see Simone supported to reach her goals!

Goal achieved 🌟
Simone’s growing independence shines bright. Facing a few setbacks, Simone set herself a goal. To get back on the recliner and be part of the family traditions that mean so much to her. With courage and determination, she made it happen. We couldn’t be prouder. 💙

🌟Discover the difference in support today
🌟Contact TRSS on 0417 393 348
🌟Email TRSS on admin@trsupports.com

15/11/2025

✨ Support Coordination that keeps you at the centre ✨

Navigating services and supports can feel complicated — but you don’t have to do it alone.

Our Support Coordination service helps you bring everything together, so your supports work in sync with your goals, not against them. 🤝

We’ll work alongside you to:
✅ Understand your funding and service options
✅ Communicate effectively with providers
✅ Build a support network that fits your needs

It’s not just about managing services — it’s about empowering you to make confident, informed choices every step of the way. 💡

13/11/2025

Confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build, practice, and grow over time. 🌱✨

With our goal-focused support and coaching, we help you:
✅ Recognize your strengths and achievements
✅ Build self-assurance step by step
✅ Tackle challenges with a “I can do this” mindset

Small wins lead to big confidence. Every step forward is proof that you’re capable, capable, capable. 🚀

12/11/2025

🌟 Taking a moment to celebrate the second year of our very talented artists, Claire and Jana, having a portfolio of their works in an exhibition at The Book Boutique this month. 🎨Guided by Jacqui from the Creative Ability Hub they have created some beautiful pieces ready to admire and be purchased during the exhibition. 🖼

12/11/2025

Feeling unsure about speaking up or advocating for yourself? 💬

Confidence and advocacy are skills you can practice and strengthen, just like any other skill. With goal-focused support and coaching, we help you:
✅ Build self-confidence step by step
✅ Practice advocating for your needs and ideas
✅ Navigate challenging conversations with clarity and calm

Whether it’s at work, in education, or in daily life, learning to speak up for yourself opens doors and creates opportunities for growth. 🚀

Small steps, consistent practice, big impact. 💡

10/11/2025

Big goals don’t have to feel overwhelming. 🌟

Think of your day like a row of dominoes—with the right routines and systems in place, one small action sets everything else in motion. 🁢✨

Our goal-focused support and coaching helps you:
✅ Build routines that become second nature
✅ Set up systems that keep you on track
✅ Make consistent progress toward your goals

With structure and support, even the most ambitious goals can fall into place, step by step. 🧩