Pinarc Disability Support 1800-746-272

05/02/2026

The City of Ballarat is seeking feedback to help create their next Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (2026-2030).

They are inviting people to register for interactive engagement sessions that will focus on:
💡 Ideas for improvements in Ballarat
❗ Barriers for people living with disability in Ballarat
✅ What is working well

Sessions for People living with Disability & Carers:
Option 1:
o When: Tuesday 24 February 2026 at 12:00pm – 2:00pm
o Where: Selkirk Stadium, 989 Norman St, Wendouree VIC 3355
o Register: https://events.humanitix.com/community-consultation-sessions-or-city-of-ballarat-s-next-disability-access-and-inclusion-plan-2026-30

Option 2:
o When: Thursday 19 March 2026 at 10:00am - 12:00pm
o Where: Trench Room, Ballarat Town Hall, 225 Sturt Street Ballarat 3350
o Register: https://events.humanitix.com/community-feedback-session-2-or-city-of-ballarat-s-next-disability-access-and-inclusion-plan-2026-30

Option 3:
o When: Thursday 12 March 2026 at 6:00pm – 7:30pm
o Where: Online via Microsoft Teams
o Register: https://events.humanitix.com/online-only-engagement-session-for-people-living-with-disability-and-carers-option-2-or-city-of-ballarat-s-next-disability-access-and-inclusion-plan-2026-30

For further information contact Meg Lawton, City of Ballarat, Community Inclusion Officer (Access and Inclusion) at meglawton@ballarat.vic.gov.au

04/02/2026

Ballarat Carer Connect is a group for parents and carers of children and young adults with disabilities and additional needs who want to be more active, socially connected, and informed.

We aim to try a range of activities that will get us out and about. Activities may include walks, frisbee golf, bowling, visiting galleries, coffee catch ups etc.

Our next session is on Wednesday, 11 February at 10am. We will meet at Oz Tenpin for a couple of friendly games of pool and darts - a great way to relax and meet some new friends!

All parents of children (and adults) with disabilities are welcome. You do not have to be using any other Pinarc services. Let’s support each other to be more socially connected and physically active. You can come to single session or every session.

To register please email or call Rebecca on rpaton@pinarc.org.au or 0493 765 542.

Image description: A graphic tile with a teal background and a photo of two parent-carers playing a game of pool.

03/02/2026

Join us for an inclusive, free and fun playgroup experience in Melton, run by Pinarc's experienced therapists. Playgroup will run each term for six sessions on select Thursdays between 10am - 11.30am. More information can be found on our website.

To register please use this link:
https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fforms.office.com%2Fr%2F66uW0JnLn1&data=05%7C02%7Cstatham%40pinarc.org.au%7C9b70fe66df9148c721d708de589e1eeb%7Ca273896ad8614c828930069ed9b654c0%7C0%7C0%7C639045633320939484%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=4eZ6Pu0Nr7zHS%2BQ6zpJ3iXNPJKh7S4lRQQZ%2By94jgbA%3D&reserved=0

This initiative is supported by the Victoria Government's Support for Carers program.

Image description: A pale teal graphic tile with the heading PLAYGROUP followed by information on the Melton Pinarc Playgroup.

02/02/2026

Have your say about the new NDIS framework planning rules!

New framework plans are designed to make NDIS planning clearer and more transparent. New framework plans will start from mid-2026 for some participants who are over the age of 16. It will be a phased introduction so many participants will not experience any change for some time. Participants will be told before anything changes for them, and support will be provided by the NDIA.

The NDIS are still developing the rules explaining how new framework planning will work in practice. They want to hear from NDIS participants and the disability community to get the rules right.
https://consultations.health.gov.au/ndis/nfp-public-consultation/

We’re making National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) planning fairer, more transparent, sustainable and person-centred.

Right now, we’re working to develop rules for how new framework planning will work. This will set out the process for creating NDIS plans.

We want to hear from NDIS participants and the disability community to make sure we get the rules right.

🗓️ Consultation closes 11:59 pm AEDT, 6 March 2026.

For more information, see the comments below. 👇

02/02/2026

We're Hiring! Ready to make a real impact in people’s lives? Join a passionate, supportive, and enthusiastic team that’s committed to making a difference every day.
Whether you’re currently studying, experienced, newly qualified or bringing valuable lived experience this could be the perfect opportunity for you.
Apply now: https://www.pinarc.org.au/current-vacancies/

02/02/2026

Today we welcomed 58 of our Kindergarten Additional Assistants (KAA) to an orientation and professional development day. They joined us from across the region, from as afar as Ararat, Bannockburn and Bacchus Marsh, and everywhere in between. Our CEO, Peter Newsome, was on hand to greet everyone and to extend a warm welcome to both new and returning team members.

In the opening session Kindergarten Inclusion Support Coordinators, Charis and Carina, gave a comprehensive orientation to their roles and how Pinarc supports each of them.

The day also incorporated professional development sessions with Pinarc Occupational Therapist Laura, Pinarc Speech Pathologist Kiah and Psychologist Mel Stewart from Moving Mountains, who covered an array of topics and skills that will help them in their KAA role. There was also a lot of fun, laughter and appreciation for the delicious lunch served by !

Our KAA's provide an integral service in kindergartens across the region, helping to ensure that kindergarten is a welcoming and supported experience for all young people.




Image descriptions: A series of photos of Pinarc staff attending the KAA orientation and professional development day.

28/01/2026

Join us for an inclusive, free and fun playgroup experience in Melton, run by Pinarc's experienced therapists. Playgroup will run each term for six sessions on select Thursdays between 10am - 11.30am. More information can be found on our website.

To register please use this link https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fforms.office.com%2Fr%2F66uW0JnLn1&data=05%7C02%7Cstatham%40pinarc.org.au%7C9b70fe66df9148c721d708de589e1eeb%7Ca273896ad8614c828930069ed9b654c0%7C0%7C0%7C639045633320939484%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=4eZ6Pu0Nr7zHS%2BQ6zpJ3iXNPJKh7S4lRQQZ%2By94jgbA%3D&reserved=0

This initiative is supported by the Victoria Government's Support for Carers program.

13/01/2026

Exciting career opportunity! Become part of a passionate therapy team committed to changing lives. Work alongside a vibrant, supportive group of professionals who deliver exceptional care and empower people to thrive. If you’re driven, compassionate, and ready to grow, we’d love to hear from you.

07/01/2026

31/12/2025

We hope that everyone enjoys a relaxing, safe and happy New Year. Remember to be kind to one another and cherish time spent with loved ones.

Our Ballarat and Lucas offices will reopen on Monday 5 January 2026. Group Programs will recommence on Monday 19 January 2026.



Image description: A pale teal graphic tile with the heading Happy New Year.

23/12/2025

Wishing all our customers, their families and carers a happy, peaceful and relaxed Christmas break.

Our Lucas and Melton offices will be closing Wednesday 24 December, and will re-open on Monday 5 January 2026. Last day of Group Programs at Pennyweight and Golden Point is Wednesday, 24 December and they will recommence on Monday, 19 January 2026.