Challenge Community Services

29/09/2025

Meet Lily 👋

As a caseworker with our Albury team, Lily supports young people in out-of-home care, as well as their carers and families, to ensure they find safety, stability, and belonging. It can be challenging work, but Lily finds the opportunity to make meaningful changes in the lives of children and young people incredibly rewarding. 🩷

Outside of work, Lily's biggest joys are her family, friends, soon-to-be husband Harrison, and their chocolate Labrador, Vinnie. 🐶

Read more about Lily and the incredible work she does on the blog 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/3ee4vx7z

24/09/2025

We know how much time and effort goes into creating a masterpiece for our annual art competition, so here are our tips for taking a photo that shows off your work in the best way possible! 📸

— Take the photo front-on so your artwork is correctly proportioned.
— Make sure the whole artwork is clearly visable.
— Ensure the lighting is bright enough to show off the detail.

Now that you've taken the perfect photo, you can submit your entry and get the chance to win a share in the $3000 prize pool! 🙌

Visit the link to submit your entry before Sunday 12 October 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/5ewnaruu

23/09/2025

Over the next 12 months, Challenge Community Services will work closely with the NDIA as part of the Quality Supports Program Supported Independent Living (SIL) Pilot.

As a SIL Pilot provider, we will work with the NDIA to identify features of quality service provision and good practice, as well as the costs of delivering these services.

The NDIA is focused on making sure participants can access the high-quality supports they need, and we are proud to be part of the journey to ensure every NDIS participant can access quality and value-for-money services.

For more information about the pilot program, visit the NDIS website via the link 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/34nd4t39

22/09/2025

Are you interested in foster care but not sure if you could manage the full-time commitment?

Sometimes kids need some time out from their families or long-term carers, which is where a respite carer will step in to provide some much-needed relief and support. By becoming a respite carer, you can still provide a loving and supportive environment for young people who need it in a way that works with your lifestyle.

Find out more about the different types of foster care that you can provide via the link 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/52mfetvs

19/09/2025

Scott and Gary are going to be TV stars! ✨

Scott and Gary have been volunteering at the Hunter Wetlands Centre for over 10 years, and recently they were joined by an ABC Australia camera crew to film a segment for Gardening Australia We can't wait to catch these guys making their television debut! 📺

Want to know more about how we support you to live the life you love? Visit our website via the link 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/bdep9x5x

16/09/2025

🏡 Home Highlight 🏡

Ideally located just 20 minutes from the heart of Newcastle, this welcoming and spacious Supported Independent Living (SIL) home offers plenty of room to relax and unwind.

You’ll be joining a friendly and lively household with two wonderful women in their early thirties who love movie nights, trying out exciting new recipes in the kitchen, and spending time together.

This home offers more than just a place to stay—it’s a community where you can build friendships, explore new interests, and enjoy a supportive environment that truly feels like home. 🧡

Find out more about this home now via the link 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/ymwrpzvv

14/09/2025

Every child deserves to feel special at Christmas. ✨

Christmas can be an emotional time for children and young people in foster care. Carers do an exceptional job making the season special, yet we know the emotional and financial pressures are real.

We're aiming to raise $50,000 to provide personalised gifts for the 450 children and young people we support. With your help, we can make sure every child feels remembered, valued, and included this Christmas. 🎁

Visit the link to donate now and make every child count 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/rfjftaar

12/09/2025

We’re so grateful for our ongoing partnership with Wonnarua Elder, Uncle Warren. 💛

Our Hunter team first connected with Uncle Warren back in 2023 when he led a cultural immersion day on Wonnarua Country. Since then, Uncle Warren has been part of our National Reconciliation Week celebrations, welcomed guests at our Leadership Development Program, and shared his sacred knowledge with our young people in care and their carers.

Last week, we exchanged gifts to thank him for his generosity — Uncle Warren provided us the last copy of his book Spirit of Place, and the Foster Care team gifted him a book made up of photos, memories, and handwritten messages of gratitude.

We look forward to sharing many more meaningful experiences alongside Uncle Warren in the future. 🌱

11/09/2025

Today we’re supporting R U OK? Day to remind everyone to stay connected and make asking, ‘are you OK?’ a part of our everyday.

You don’t have to be an expert to have a meaningful R U OK? conversation. Listening and giving someone your time might be just what they need to help them through. If someone who cares about you asks R U OK? we encourage you to answer openly and honestly.

If you need some extra support, our team of experience Allied Health professionals can help. Get in touch with our caring team on 1800 795 441.

If you need immediate support, Lifeline are available 24/7 on 13 11 14. For more services and national helplines, visit 🔗 ruok.org.au/findhelp

09/09/2025

Dubbo client Joel has been making a splash! 🏊

Supported by support worker Krishna, Joel took a big step toward achieving his NDIS goal of accessing the community and his personal goal of participating in swimming when he attended his very first swimming lesson.

It was a day full of smiles, confidence, and new experiences. Well done, Joel—this is just the beginning of many more great days to come! 👏

Find your local Community Support Hub via the link 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/bdep9x5x

07/09/2025

A massive congratulations to the team from our Connexions Community Support Hub for their Tamworth Business Awards win on Friday night! 🎉

This well-deserved award is a reflection of the incredible work the team has done to create a welcoming and supportive hub that truly makes a difference in the lives of our clients. We couldn't be prouder. 💙

🏆 Congratulations to Connexions Cafe - Challenge Community Services who have won the Excellence in Customer Service in Disability & Community Support Services category, sponsored by AON 🏆

04/09/2025

You'll never be alone as a carer with Challenge Community Services. 🫶

The role of a foster carer is unique and can come with it's own uniques challenges. Our experienced team are available 24/7 to ensure you are always supported, so that you and the children or young people in your care can thrive. 🌟

Learn more about what support is available to foster carers by visiting our website via the link 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/mtc3hmuh