Plumtree Children's Services

29/12/2025

24/12/2025

We’d like to wish all our families who celebrate Christmas a joyful and meaningful time together. May your holidays be filled with connection, reflection, and moments that matter.

Merry Christmas from all of us at Plumtree!

22/12/2025

The holidays can be joyful, but they can also feel overwhelming for Autistic family members.

Our friends at Reframing Autism share five practical tips for creating celebrations that are inclusive and neuro-affirming.

Read the full article here: https://reframingautism.org.au/our-top-5-tips-for-creating-a-neuroaffirming-family-celebration/

21/12/2025

To all our families and communities,
we wish you a safe and happy festive season and a wonderful break.

We hope you enjoy a joyful and safe holiday season, and a fantastic start to the New Year! We are excited to continue our work together in 2026.

Our centre is now closed and we will return on Monday 5 January 2026.

For urgent matters relating your services with Plumtree during our closing period visit our contact page https://www.plumtree.org.au/contact-us

18/12/2025

As we approach the end of year, we wanted to let you know about Plumtree's closure days. Plumtree will be closed from Monday, 22 December, and reopen on Monday, 5 January 2026.

Plumtree Preschool: The last day of preschool will be Friday, 19 December, and reopening Monday, 2 February.

We hope you have a lovely break and can spend time doing wonderful things with your family.

If you need support right now, please reach out to one of these services:

Parent Line NSW - A phone counselling and referral service for parents of children aged 0 to 18 in NSW.
Hours:
• Mon-Fri: 9am-9pm
• Sat-Sun: 4pm-9pm
(Closed on public holidays)
1300 1300 52
https://www.parentline.org.au/

Carers Gateway
1800 422 737
Free services and support for carers.
Hours:
• Mon-Fri: 8am-5pm
(Phone lines open on public holidays, but services closed)
https://www.carergateway.gov.au/

Emergency Services (available 24/7):
• Family & Community Services Reporting Line: 132 111
• Lifeline: 13 11 14
Provides all Australians access to crisis support and su***de prevention services.
• Police/Ambulance/Fire: 000
• Mental Health Access Line: 1800 011 511
• Health Direct: 1800 022 222
• Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
Free 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people.
• 13YARN (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples): 139 276
Free and confidential telephone support line for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people in crisis.
• 1800Respect: 1800 737 732
Support if you, or someone you know, is experiencing sexual assault or domestic and family violence.

Take care, and remember, help is always available if you need it!

17/12/2025

Many of us are still grieving over the tragic events at Bondi.
Our thoughts are with everyone affected by it.

We are deeply saddened that a member of our Plumtree community has lost a relative as a result of the attack. Our hearts are with their family, friends, and all who are grieving during this difficult time.

Moments like this remind us of the importance of care, compassion, and supporting one another as a community. We hope for healing, and for communities to continue coming together with kindness.

Many families may be wondering how to support their children at times like this. If you or your family would like additional support, the following services and resources may be helpful:

• Emerging Minds – Talking to children about violent events
https://emergingminds.com.au/resources/talking-to-children-about-violent-events/?audience=family
• Royal Children’s Hospital – Discussing distressing news events
https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Discussing_distressing_news_events_with_children/
• Save the Children – How to talk to children about terrorism
https://www.savethechildren.org/us/charity-stories/talking-to-children-about-terrorism
• Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 – free support for children and teens
• Lifeline: 13 11 14 – 24/7 emotional support
• NSW Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511 – for anyone in distress

Sylvana Mahmic
CEO Plumtree

17/12/2025

NATURE PLAY - School holiday group | January 2026

Ever wondered how outdoor play can boost your child’s development?
According to the recent Australian Institute of Family Studies research, nature play—where kids interact with natural elements like trees, rocks, and water—offers incredible developmental benefits. But how do you get started?

Join us at Plumtree's Nature Play and discover:
✅ How to nurture your child’s independence as they interact with the environment and develop essential self-help skills.
✅ Safe and enjoyable ways to foster peer connections through group activities and outdoor adventures, creating opportunities for shared experiences and new friendships.
✅ Learning and exploration through adventure, guided by the weather and the ever-changing natural surroundings.

📅 Date: Thursday 15 January 2026, 10am to 12pm
Parents are required to stay on-site and are warmly encouraged to take part.
📍 Location: Wolli Creek Regional Park – Girrahween Picnic Area – Wolli Creek (Sydney, NSW)
💰 Cost: $193
🔗 Register Now: https://www.plumtree.org.au/event/nature-play-jan26/

We hope to see you there! 🌿

16/12/2025

🎄 Christmas is almost here!

For some Autistic children, the holiday season can feel overwhelming, new faces, unfamiliar foods, surprise gifts, and lots of changes to routine.

Our friends at Autism have created a free downloadable Christmas Planner to help make the holidays more predictable and enjoyable for your child.

It includes fun activities and a letter to Santa so your child can prepare for what’s coming. Download, print, and start a conversation that could make this Christmas calmer and more joyful for everyone.

👉

Reframing Autism | Planner for Autistic kids for Christmas. Get the FREE download!

15/12/2025

School holidays are just around the corner
It’s the perfect time to create special family memories, without spending a fortune.

From DIY crafts and sensory play to local nature outings, we’ll share tips and inspire each other to plan a fun and meaningful holiday break.

Come join us for a cuppa, a chat, and swap creative, budget-friendly ideas to keep your child, and your whole family, entertained this holiday season.

💬 We have a topic planned, but you’re always welcome to bring up any questions or discussions important to you.
👶 Limited childminding available—book early!
💻 Can’t make it in person? Join us online!
📅 Wednesday, 5 November
🕚 11am – 1pm
📍 or online
➡️ Secure your spot now: https://www.plumtree.org.au/event/mytime-peer-support-dec25/