Plumtree Children's Services

25/09/2025

FAMILY CONFERENCE 2025 - CONNECT. THRIVE. BELONG

When parents and carers feel supported, confident, and connected, children flourish. That’s why Belongside Families and Plumtree Children's Services are delighted to host the 7th Annual Family Conference: Connect. Thrive. Belong.

📅 Saturday 8 November, 1:00–4:00pm
📍 Plumtree Children’s Services, Marrickville
🎟️ Free for parents and carers raising children with disability, developmental delay, autism, rare or genetic conditions, and medical needs.

This in-person event brings together family wisdom and professional insights through panels and group discussions exploring:

🔸 How everyday moments at home shape your child’s growth
🔸 Building a sense of belonging for your child and family in the community
🔸 Why caring for yourself is key to caring for your family

You’ll walk away with practical tools, fresh perspectives, and renewed confidence, alongside a community of families who understand your journey.

Limited childcare is available on request. Please only apply if you have no alternative childminding options.

Spaces are limited – secure your spot today: https://www.plumtree.org.au/event/family-conference-2025/

24/09/2025

Respected Australian academics and scientists state that there is currently not enough reliable evidence to link the use of Panadol (paracetamol) during pregnancy with autism.

Research also shows there is not sufficient evidence to support the use of leucovorin with Autistic children.

For more information, read:

- https://theconversation.com/its-ok-to-use-paracetamol-in-pregnancy-heres-what-the-science-says-about-the-link-with-autism-265768

- https://theconversation.com/what-is-leucovorin-the-drug-the-trump-administration-says-can-treat-autism-265849

22/09/2025

Last session for the term!

Building and keeping friendships can take extra time, creativity, and support. Many families tell us it’s easy to feel unsure or even alone when trying to help their child, or themselves, connect with others.

In this session, we’ll explore gentle, practical ways to nurture connection, such as:
- Supporting your child to share their interests
- Creating small moments for play
- Noticing everyday moments of joy and togetherness

Friendships don’t need to look a certain way to be meaningful, every connection counts.

We warmly invite you to register and join us for this MyTime session.
🗓️ Register now https://www.plumtree.org.au/event/mytime-supporting-friendships/

20/09/2025

18/09/2025

What’s happening for families of children under 9?

Join our Q&A with Plumtree CEO Sylvana Mahmic to learn about Foundational Supports and ask your questions.

Mark Butler, Minister for Health and Aged Care, recently announced that foundational supports will focus on families of children under 9 with mild to moderate developmental delay or autism. A new program, Thriving Kids, is planned to start in July 2026.

Come along to hear the latest updates, prepare for what’s ahead, and have your say.

This session is for families of children under 9. Information for children aged 9 and older remains unchanged at this time.

📝 Register now https://www.plumtree.org.au/event/qa-thriving-kids-and-foundational-supports/

16/09/2025

Find gentle, playful ways to make tummy time with your baby enjoyable, help your baby build strength, and share special moments together.

Try parent-tested tips, easy positions, and simple strategies to turn fussy moments into fun and connection

📖 Read more: https://www.plumtree.org.au/making-tummy-time-a-happy-time/

Written by Hesham, physiotherapist at Plumtree

15/09/2025

This two-part workshop is designed for families of children with disability or developmental delay

Through PhotoVoice, a fun and creative approach, children can use photography to show what they enjoy — or find challenging — in their community.

Parents and carers will learn how to support their child to take and talk about their photos, and then share these experiences with others in the second session.

🎁 Special offer
Register and attend both sessions to receive a free small digital camera so your child can keep capturing their world after the workshop!
(Available to families based in Australia only)

📸 Find out more and register here:
https://www.plumtree.org.au/event/photovoice-t4/

12/09/2025

Last Monday was a beautiful spring day at our Explorers Play in the Park playgroup!

We had a lovely chat with parents for an upcoming video—thank you for sharing your thoughts on the value of supported playgroups.

Here’s what parents told us they enjoy most:
✨ Meeting other families
✨ Watching their children play and learn together
✨ Getting outdoors and enjoying Jarvie Park

🌱 We run three free playgroups each week—Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday mornings—led by our team of therapists and early childhood specialists.

Take a look at the free playgroups we offer, and we hope to see you there soon!

10/09/2025

NATIONAL CHILD PROTECTION WEEK

This year’s message is simple but powerful: Every child in every community needs a fair go.

Children thrive when the people around them work together to keep them safe, well and connected. As parents, there are many small but meaningful ways to make a difference – at home, in our neighbourhoods, and in our communities.

Here are some ideas to try:
• Accept offers of help – whether it’s a meal, a hand with the kids, or just someone to listen.
• Connect with services and groups like Playgroups, Parentline, or the Raising Children Network.
• Share your experiences with other parents – you’re not alone.
• Care for yourself too – take a walk, pause for a break, notice the good moments.
• Play, read, or explore with your children – parks, libraries, and neighbourhood walks all count.
• Encourage feelings check-ins at dinner: What was good today? What was tricky? What was funny?
• Talk about safety in everyday life – at home, school, online and in the community.
• Celebrate your children’s achievements, big and small, and join community activities that help your family connect.

Every little step helps build stronger, safer and happier families. 💛

10/09/2025

NOW & NEXT TURNS 10!

What a wonderful turnout! It was so special to see everyone connected with Now & Next coming together, catching up and celebrating achievements.

Parents shared inspiring stories about the impact of Now & Next on their families. One mum spoke about following her son’s love of music—he will soon perform at the Opera House! Another reflected on how the program was co-designed from the very beginning, with parent insights shaping new content that was ready for the next group just days later. Fathers described how Now & Next gave families a sense of empowerment and agency, while also strengthening partnerships with professionals.

Now & Next has also built strong communities, including a vibrant network of Vietnamese families from Marrickville, our local area. It was wonderful day of reconnecting and sharing a light meal together.

We’re proud of the ripple effect of Now & Next. Many graduates have gone on to create family-led organisations or develop skills that led to new and exciting career opportunities. Thank you to everyone for your passion and commitment to this program.

⭐ October Now & Next groups are free for all families across Australia ⭐ Valued at $1,232, we’re proud to sponsor this program once again to ensure families can join with or without NDIS funding.

At Plumtree, we believe that building the capability of parents and carers creates stronger families and stronger families mean better outcomes for children. We want to make sure these supports are free and accessible, especially at the start of a family’s journey.

👉 Visit the link in our bio and tap “Now & Next” to learn more and register https://www.plumtree.org.au/for-families-by-families/now-next/