Community News
Bendigo Multi Cultural Calendar
School Can't Australia Event
One Night Outside
Camp for a Cause August 30th 2025
Community Programs
Raising Children Network: Introducing an app to support student wellbeing
The Raising Healthy Minds app is a free, personalised, pocket resource to help parents and carers raise confident, resilient children. Co-designed with parents and experts and funded by the Australian Government, Raising Healthy Minds aims to support children’s social and emotional wellbeing with evidence-based information.
You’ll find information on topics like dealing with worries and making friends, as well as ideas for day-to-day life, like creating family routines, looking after yourself as a parent, and building strong relationships.
The app offers a mix of quick-read articles, videos and animations aimed at parents and carers of children aged 0-12 years. You can tailor information to the age of your child and opt-in to receive helpful tips.
Raising Healthy Minds provides simple-to-use information at your fingertips with clear actions you can start today.
Download from Google Play or the App Store or go to raisingchildren.net.au/rhm to learn more and raise a healthy mind 🧠 😊
RIAC’S TIPS FOR CARERS/PARENTS OF NEURODIVERSE CHILDREN
Helping neurodiverse children at the hairdresser
Try these tips during a visit to the hairdresser -
· If your child is sensitive to noise ask the hairdresser to only use scissors and/or use ear buds to block out some of the noise. Ask for any music playing to be turned down.
· Use a timer so your child knows how long the haircut will last.
· Distract them with a fidget toy or a video of something they enjoy
· Oral input can be calming during a haircut, such as chewing gum, chewable necklace
· If your child is sensitive to certain textures or materials bring along your own towel/cape.
· Use a weighted blanket for comfort during the haircut.
Come along to our Carer Support groups to learn more tips and enjoy a cuppa and a chat with other parents who have faced similar struggles.
Bendigo Walking Group | Bendigo Carer Self-Care Hub |
When: 9.30am – 11am Every Thursday during school term
Where: Meet at Peppergreen Farm carpark 40 Thunder Street North Bendigo
| When: 10am – 12 noon 1st Thursday each month
Where: Peppergreen Farm 40 Thunder Street North Bendigo |
For more information – EMAIL: carers@riac.org.au
PHONE: Carolyn – 0488 605 363
CatholicCare Term 3 - Parenting Programs and Workshops
Single-Session Workshops
Building Resilience in Kids
For parents with kids aged up to 12
When: Monday, 8 September
Time: 10.00am - 11:30am
Cost: FREE
Where: Kangaroo Flat Library
Special Event
Creating Cooperation and Connection with Lael Stone
A unique opportunity to hear from a well known Australian parenting expert
When: Tuesday 28th October
Time: 7:00pm - 8.30pm
Cost: $10
Where: The Capital Theatre, Bendigo
Free Parent Consultations
Single-session parent consultations are available on weekdays, Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm. Consultations are offered via phone, online via Zoom, or face-to-face.
To book a single-session parent consultation, call our Bendigo office reception on (03) 5438 1300.
Everyday Independence
Everyday Independence specialises in providing early childhood intervention supports to children and their families supported by the NDIS.
With support from a child and family team, a Key Worker and their therapists meet children and their families where life happens, at home, childcare, kinder, school and in the community.
By delivering therapy in children’s everyday environments, we help them learn and practise skills in the places they feel most comfortable and confident. This practical, personalised approach supports meaningful outcomes and helps children participate more in life.
Key Workers Leading the Way
Our key worker plan and oversee each child’s services. As the main therapist and day-to-day contact, they:
- Deliver most of a child’s therapy
- Coordinate services from speech pathologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, behaviour support practitioners and habit coaches
- Link parents/carers/families with community services to support a child’s development.
To see how we deliver supports, please click on this link below:
Early Childhood Intervention Services | Everyday Independence
Our Bendigo team have current availability. Check out our website 1300 179 131 | 0490 841 506 | everydayind.com.au
School Holiday Programs
SASS are excited to announce our upcoming Spring School Holiday Program!
Due to the overwhelming success of our previous Holiday Programs this year, we have planned an even more exciting two weeks from Monday the 22nd of September until Friday the 3rd of October.
Our activities will centre mostly at Ironstone Farm. The entire program is designed to foster a fun and inclusive environment for children with NDIS funding aged 5 - 16yrs. Children of all abilities can participate in a range of activities, including arts and crafts, local excursions and so much more!
Our experienced staff will ensure that all children have a safe and enjoyable time. Our staff are all qualified in education and disability support, with extensive knowledge and experience in managing complex behaviours and facilitating events.
Please see our referral form attached, and feel free to pass on to any of your friends/colleagues or other participants who may be interested. Ensure you book in as soon as possible, as spaces are limited and fill up fast due to the incredible experiences on offer.
Formal activity program yet to be finalised and will be emailed once completed 🙂
For further information regarding the referral process please contact Care Coordinator, Trin Miller, via email at trin.miller@sasscare.com.au or ph: 0481 142 432.
Lightning Reef Primary Outside School Hours Care
