PAEDS

08/09/2025

Excited to announce another of our speakers for Beyond the Bedside ~Mel Spencer from Different Journeys 🌈

Champion, changemaker, and unstoppable advocate — Mel Spencer is redefining what it means to create community for autistic people and their families. As co-founder of Different Journeys, Mel has built safe spaces where lived experience meets empowerment, connection, and hope.

At Beyond the Bedside, Mel will share her powerful story and her vision for a world where difference is celebrated, not sidelined. Her energy, honesty, and passion will leave you inspired to think bigger and do better for every young person in our care.

Come and meet Mel!
Last tickets still available!

Big thanks to our sponsors- bronze sponsor and morning tea/ lunch sponsors and

Without their incredible support we could not make this conference happen!

03/09/2025

We are so excited to introduce you to Jemma Mathers, another of our incredible speakers at Beyond the Bedside.

Jemma is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, EMDRAA Consultant, and Founder of .well.being , a regional private practice on Dja Dja Wurrung Country. She leads a dedicated allied health team providing trauma-informed, neuro-affirming therapy for people of all ages.
Since starting her career in 2016 in the disability sector, Jemma has also worked in family violence and sexual abuse services before establishing Bloom in 2021. Known for her compassionate, relationship-focused approach, she values clients as the experts of their own experiences. Jemma is also a passionate advocate, drawing on her lived experience growing up with a rare genetic condition, hemihypertrophy, and her time as a patient at the Royal Children’s Hospital.

We are so thankful to all our sponsors for their support of this important conference. are both coming on board to support the day and we are so thankful!

02/09/2025

29/08/2025

Jessie Anderson is the Director and Senior Speech Pathologist , a multidisciplinary allied health practice based in Albury-Wodonga. With extensive expertise in paediatric feeding, swallowing, and complex care, Jessie works alongside families of children with medical complexity and co-morbidities, including tube feeding and developmental needs.

She has completed post-graduate training in orofacial myology and holds extensive advanced training in feeding, making her a recognised leader in this field.

Jessie is passionate about bridging the gap between healthcare and home through practical, family-centred support. Beyond her clinical work, she mentors allied health professionals in complex feeding and dysphagia, and lectures in paediatric feeding at Charles Sturt University.

Jessie is committed to improving access to allied health services for regional and rural families, reducing the need to travel to metropolitan centres for specialist care. Her work reflects a belief in wrap-around, collaborative care where children and families feel empowered, supported, and able to thrive.

Come and meet Jessie! Tickets still available! *Ticket Includes full day conference, showbag, networking and trade exhibits, full catering

Thankyou to our major sponsors

29/08/2025

👧🧒 I see this in my own children time and time again — kids can learn first aid, and they love it! When it’s taught in an age-appropriate, matter-of-fact way (just like literacy and numeracy), it doesn’t scare them. Instead, it gives them the skills and confidence to care for and support others. And when you throw a big “why” into the mix — showing them that helping others truly matters — you’re not just teaching first aid… you’re helping raise empathetic little humans who want to make a difference. 💙🙌

If you’ve been following for a while, you’ll know we’ve got a big passion for teaching kids. If you’re new here — get used to us banging on about the importance of it… and stay tuned for a very special something coming just for them! 🌟

Quick burns first aid recap:
REMOVE the child from danger or remove clothes or jewellery that may continue to burn them
COOL the burn, 20 minutes, cool running water
COVER with cling film, non adhesive dressing or sheet whilst on the way to or waiting for emergency services
SEEK help for any red flags- (check out our burns red flags post )

28/08/2025

❤️ Today on Red Nose Day, we pause to remember every little life lost and to stand beside the families who carry that loss every day.

Our dear friend of the PAEDS family, Maddison Hutchison, co-founder of has shared some simple but powerful ways you can truly support grieving parents:

✨ Acknowledge their baby by name. Say their child’s name, remember milestones, and include them in conversation. For a grieving parent, the sweetest sound is hearing their baby’s name spoken and their life honoured.

✨ Show up in practical, consistent ways. Grief is exhausting. Drop off a meal, mow the lawn, or send a text saying, “I’m thinking of you and your baby today.” Small gestures over time mean far more than one big moment of support that fades away.

✨ Hold space, don’t fix. There are no perfect words. Families need someone willing to sit with them in their heartbreak—listening, validating, and simply being there without rushing or trying to make it better.

🕯️ On this Red Nose Day, let’s not only raise awareness of SIDS and SUDI, but also commit to walking beside grieving families in real and lasting ways. By donating to , you are funding life-saving research to prevent little lives being lost, and providing vital support services for families navigating the unimaginable.

Together, we can honour every child and bring hope to families. ❤️

27/08/2025

He is our poster boy for Beyond the Bedside, and we are beyond thrilled to call him part of the PAEDS family.

Griffin radiates joy and happiness every single day. Despite enduring more in his young life than many could imagine in a lifetime, he faces the world with resilience, strength, and a twinkle in his eye.

His mum, Miriam, knows how vital it is for educators to understand his needs—not only for his safety but for theirs as well. She also recognises the power of having children like Griffin in mainstream schools, where their presence helps other kids learn the true meaning of inclusivity in the most natural way.

We couldn’t agree more. So if you’re a teacher, what are you waiting for? Join us at Beyond the Bedside and be part of making life easier, safer, and more inclusive for kids like Griffin.

26/08/2025

Remembering Alby: A Red Nose Day Special

In this deeply moving episode of PAEDS Small Talk, host Grace Larson speaks with Kim, mother to Alby, in honor of Red Nose Day.

Kim shares the story of her vibrant young son, Alby, who passed away suddenly at daycare. The conversation touches on the rawness of her grief, the support she received, and how she and her husband Greg honor Alby’s memory.

This episode also delves into the broader issues of grief support, highlighting the Work of Red Nose Australia. For those affected by the sudden loss of a child, support is available via Red Nose Australia’s 24/7 grief and loss support line.

www.rednoseday.org.au

For immediate Grief and Loss support call the Red Nose 24/7 Bereavement Support Line on 1300 308 307. The Bereavement Support Service provides specialised support for anyone affected by miscarriage, stillbirth, baby or child death.

26/08/2025

💙 Sometimes it feels like healthcare and emergency services are constantly under the microscope. The truth is, the system isn’t perfect and neither are the humans — but every day, dedicated teams are doing their best to support families and communities, advocate, and find the safest path forward.

Days like today are heavy. Our emergency services exist to protect, and when a life is taken from them, it’s not okay.

We stand with those affected and with the teams who give so much of themselves to care for others.

24/08/2025

🌟 Susie O’Neill – Kids Foundation 🌟
We are thrilled to welcome Susie O’Neill, the powerhouse founder and CEO of the to the stage at Beyond the Bedside.

With an unwavering passion for keeping children safe and supporting those who have experienced trauma, Susie has spent decades building one of Australia’s most impactful child safety and injury recovery organisations. Her vision has transformed lives, empowering children and families with resilience, education, and hope.

At the conference, Susie will share her inspiring journey of advocacy and innovation, shining a light on the real stories behind her work and why creating safer futures for kids matters now more than ever.

Expect to be moved, challenged, and energised as Susie reminds us that every child deserves to grow up free from harm, surrounded by a community that cares.

Book last remaining tickets NOW!

22/08/2025

Consider a switch up this weekend if you are feeling the overwhelm of everything this week- winter illness, crazy life, school stuff (term 3 is bonkers), book week tantrums… whatever it is , today is Friday. Use the weekend to reset.

We’re trying to switch off on the weekends-swapping screens and biz life for impromptu park plays, gardening and some birthday parties.

You don’t get weekends back. Make the most of it with a digital break 😌

See you Monday ###

Sarah

19/08/2025

Noisy breathing is only one part of your child’s overall presentation, but it’s a question we get asked about a lot – especially with babies who can be very noisy breathers.

👉 Watch for red flags:
• Fast or laboured breathing (chest or neck sucking in)
• Stridor (harsh, high-pitched sound) even at rest
• Blue lips, pale or drowsy appearance
• Trouble feeding, swallowing, or settling

✨ A good rule of thumb: if you can’t resolve it with sit (change position), suction, or soothe, then it’s a 🚩 to get help.

If these signs appear – don’t wait.
Call 000 or see a doctor right away.
Always trust your gut ❤️