Plumtree Children's Services

29/05/2026

Puzzles are more than just finding the right piece.

Let's look at how puzzle play builds persistence, focus and problem-solving skills. Children learn to keep trying, think in new ways and celebrate small successes.

These everyday experiences help children grow as confident learners.

Watch the video and see what stands out to you.

Puzzle play offers children opportunities to think critically and develop awareness and hypothesis skills. They include learning to group objects by size, sh...

28/05/2026

Children learn and grow through everyday moments

In this recorded conversation from our Connect. Thrive. Belong. family conference, Bree Pennie, Jennifer Williamson, Melo Kalemkeridis and Cathy Webb explore a simple but powerful idea. It’s often the small, everyday experiences that make the biggest difference.

Therapy can play an important role, but children learn best during daily life. When they are doing what they enjoy, with the people who know them best, in places where they feel safe and confident, learning happens naturally.

This conversation is a gentle reminder that you are already making a real difference. The time you spend together, your connection, and the routines you build all support your child to grow and thrive.

We hope this recording feels encouraging and offers ideas you can use in your own family life.

Listen when it suits you, or save it for later:
https://www.plumtree.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Audio_You-make-the-difference.mp3

27/05/2026

Our Libraries as Community Connectors team recently attended the ALIA 2026 Conference, where library and information professionals came together to learn, share and connect.

Since 2020, this project has been supporting library staff with free training and resources to help make children’s programs more inclusive and welcoming for all families.

Congratulations to Sam from the University of Goroka Library in Papua New Guinea, who won our sensory pack giveaway. Thank you to everyone who visited our booth, and to Blue Mountains Library for joining us in a session to share how the project has shaped their practice.

It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with others who care about creating inclusive spaces for children and families.

26/05/2026

The NSW Government’s Early Child Development website is a helpful place for families, with practical ideas and guidance from pregnancy through to 5 years.

You can find tips on supporting your child’s learning through everyday play, helping with communication and language, and preparing for preschool or school.

It’s a great resource to explore simple ways you can support your child in the moments you already share together.

Visit the resources here:
https://www.nsw.gov.au/family-and-relationships/early-child-development

25/05/2026

National Sorry Day is a day to acknowledge the strength of Stolen Generations Survivors and reflect on how we can all play a part in the healing process for our people and nation. While this day holds deep significance for Stolen Generations Survivors and their families, people across Australia also take time to listen, learn and remember.

Plumtree acknowledges the Gadigal and Wangal peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land where we work and connect with children and families, and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

We acknowledge the deep sorrow experienced by the Stolen Generations and the ongoing impacts of colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

As part of our work alongside children and families, we are committed to listening, learning and building respectful relationships that support connection, belonging and wellbeing.

We recognise and honour the strength, resilience and pride of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities, and the important role families and community play in children growing and thriving.

25/05/2026

MyTime Marrickville will meet this week – we hope to see you here (or online)

Big feelings are part of family life. They can show up quickly and feel overwhelming for children and for us as parents. There can be moments of joy and excitement, and other times of frustration, worry or big upsets. These moments are a normal part of learning and growing.

At MyTime, we create a gentle space to pause together and make sense of these experiences. We will share simple emotion‑coaching ideas, calming strategies and sensory tools that can support your child, while also caring for your own wellbeing.

Over a warm cuppa and a biscuit or two, we’ll reflect on what big feelings look like in our own families, and how we can respond in ways that build connection, resilience and confidence over time.

Join us as we slow things down, connect with others who understand, and remember that you are not alone on this journey.

👶 Limited childminding available—book early!
💻 Can’t make it in person? Join us online!
📅 Wednesday, 27 May
🕚 11am – 1pm
📍 or online
➡️ https://www.plumtree.org.au/event/mytime-peer-support/

24/05/2026

Unfortunately, due to very wet ground and more rain forecasted, today’s Explorers Play in the Park has been cancelled.

We’re sorry for any inconvenience and look forward to seeing you next week.

24/05/2026

Sylvana (Plumtree CEO) has been part of the Australian Museum’s Access and Inclusion Advisory Panel for many years. Together, we’re working to make the museum more inclusive and welcoming for everyone.

If you or your family have access needs, your insights can help shape better spaces, programs and experiences for all visitors.

This short survey explores:
• Any barriers to visiting or accessing the Museum
• Experiences of those who have visited
• Reasons why some people may not have visited
Your input will directly inform how we improve access and inclusion.

Please feel free to share this with anyone who might like to have their say.

Take the survey: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=aFjnbtb1jEy0zaPdzjDP1g157BreoWtAhjxYE0oRN-BUMktDOTVOS1RSUE1GVFNMUlRLNDBaTDU4UiQlQCN0PWcu&route=shorturl

21/05/2026

Raising Children Network has put together this informative guide about the Thriving Kids Program.

It answers common questions and helps you understand what support might look like for your child and your family.

Take a look and see what feels right for you

https://raisingchildren.net.au/disability/services-support/support/thriving-kids-program-your-questions-answered

20/05/2026

When is it time to step back from therapy… or try something different?

As your child grows and your confidence builds, your therapy needs may change too. Sometimes, pausing or changing direction can be a positive step forward.
In our latest blog, we explore how to recognise when therapy is no longer the right fit, and how to make decisions that work for your family.

Read more:
https://www.plumtree.org.au/when-to-break-up-with-your-therapist-early-childhood/

19/05/2026

Some families may be hearing about the proposed NDIS changes and wondering what this might mean for their child and family.

At this stage, there are no immediate changes to supports, and many of the details are still being worked through.

We will continue to follow the updates closely and share information as things become clearer. In the meantime, Plumtree will keep doing what we have always done, supporting children and families in practical, family-centred ways.

If you would like more detail, the NDIS has shared an update here:
https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/11545-federal-budget-and-ndis-laws-update