Plumtree Children's Services

20/11/2025

HAVE YOUR SAY

Researchers at the University of Sydney are looking to learn more about how mums in Australia spend their time each day. They’re especially interested in the experiences of mums who were born here or overseas, and those raising children with or without disability. Your voice can help build a clearer picture of what daily life really looks like for families across Australia.

To take this 15 minutes survey: https://redcap.sydney.edu.au/surveys/?s=RF4TC9K3XW4WAEMT

18/11/2025

What is a child and family health nurse?

When you’re reaching out to a practitioner for extra support, it’s helpful to know what to expect and how to feel prepared. In this short video, you’ll get an overview of the role of a child and family health nurse and the ways they can support you and your family.

In this series you can also find information on:
- What is a peaditrician
- What is a mental health nurse
- What is a social worker
and many more useful information for you and your family

Join Shelly to find out more about what a child and family health nurse can do to support you and your family in this short video.

17/11/2025

Starting 10 December 2025, new rules will mean young people under 16 won’t be able to hold an account on many social-media platforms (this may include Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X and YouTube). Even if your child is still little, these changes are a good reminder to think ahead about online safety, healthy digital habits and how we can support our children as they grow.

The article below breaks down what the changes involve, why they’re being introduced and how families can navigate this space with confidence.

📄 Read more:

The Australian Government’s social media ban for under-16s starts from 10 December 2025. Our guide explains how the ban might affect your child.

16/11/2025

Last opportunity to register: AN INTRODUCTION TO ADVOCACY

Join us and Belongside Families to unpack the different types of advocacy.

Learn practical strategies and communication skills for effective advocacy in different settings and connect with other parents and discover resources to navigate the journey alongside our community.

This workshop will help you to celebrate every advocacy win, big or small, and leave with renewed confidence in your role as your child’s advocate.

🗓️ Wednesday 19 November | 7.30pm to 9.30pm AEDT/ NSW, ACT, VIC and TAS time
✍️ Register here https://www.plumtree.org.au/event/belongside-introduction-to-advocacy/
📤 Share

14/11/2025

One week ago, we held the Family Conference with Families

When families raising children with disability come together, something truly special unfolds. The day centred on connection.

Families shared their stories.
Learnt from professionals and from each other.
And found support in the kind of understanding that only comes from shared experience.

We’re grateful to everyone who joined us and helped make the day meaningful.
To our guest speakers ASK Counselling and Spot Therapy Hub.
And to all the families who took part.

Days like this remind us that no family should walk this journey alone, especially when so much strength and learning come from gathering together.

14/11/2025

The Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) is offering webinar sessions for anyone who hasn’t been able to attend the face-to-face community and sector consultations.

Parents, carers, kin, and professionals in early childhood education, disability, or early intervention are encouraged to join the session that best fits their context.

DCJ have also prepared questions for you to think about before attending the webinar.

Open session webinar
📅 20 November 2025
🕐 1:00–2:30pm
Register: https://shorturl.at/Qgn72

Remote/Regional Communities webinar
📅 19 November 2025
🕙 10:00–11:30am
Register: https://shorturl.at/JgnvP

12/11/2025

Noticing a little flat spot on your baby’s head can feel worrying, but you’re not alone.

Many families experience this, and the good news is that it’s often easy to manage with gentle, everyday strategies at home. Our latest blog post, Understanding flat head (Plagiocephaly): A parent’s guide to causes and care, explains why this happens, what you can do to help, and when to seek extra support if needed.

With practical tips and reassurance from our physiotherapy team, this guide will help you feel confident and informed as you support your baby’s healthy development.

👉 Read more on our website - https://www.plumtree.org.au/understanding-flat-head/
✍️ Written by Hesham, physiotherapist at Plumtree

Blog | Plagiocephaly, or “flat head,” is common in babies. Discover gentle, effective ways to encourage movement, relieve pressure, and support healthy development.

10/11/2025

What an amazing community!

Together with Belongside Families , we held a wonderful Family Conference on Saturday.

The day was filled with inspiring sessions from guest speakers and heartfelt conversations among parents and carers. It was so special to see new and familiar faces coming together to share experiences and connect.

Key takeaways from the day:
• We make the biggest positive difference for our child, our family, and ourselves
• Families thrive when we focus on our strengths and interests
• Professional partnerships and working together matter
• Looking after our own wellbeing helps the whole family

❤️ Thank you to everyone who joined and contributed to making the conference such a success. It was truly wonderful to be together again!

10/11/2025

Join us for a Families interactive workshop

From the very first moments, our hearts are set on providing the best for our children. Advocating for their needs becomes woven into the fabric of our journey. But where do we begin? How do we advocate effectively?

Here's what we'll explore together:
⭐ Unpack the different types of advocacy and what they mean in everyday life
⭐ Learn practical strategies and communication skills for effective advocacy in different settings.
⭐ Connect with other parents and discover resources to navigate the journey alongside our community.

🎉 You’ll leave feeling more empowered, better equipped, and supported to take your next steps, knowing you don’t have to do it alone.

🗓️ Wednesday 19 November
🕚 7.30pm to 9:30pm AEDT/ NSW, ACT, VIC and TAS time
📍 Online
Secure your spot now ➡️ https://www.plumtree.org.au/event/belongside-introduction-to-advocacy/

09/11/2025

LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER
Ever wondered what balanced play looks like for your child?

Just like a healthy meal needs different food groups, children thrive with a mix of play experiences too! The Balanced Play Pyramid is a helpful guide to support your child’s learning, wellbeing and happiness, through the power of play

Play is how children make sense of their world and every type has a role. Let’s support them to grow, explore and have fun along the way

Come and learn more about the importance of play for your child. This session is for parents, primary carers, and family members of children aged 6 months to 4 years.

✍️ Register here>> https://www.plumtree.org.au/event/play-building-block-child-development/
📆 Tuesday 11 November; 7.30pm to 9pm AEDT/ NSW, ACT, VIC and TAS time
🎤 Facilitated by Marg, Early childhood special educator and Daniel, Early childhood teacher & behavioural consultant.
📤Share

06/11/2025

✨ Sponsored places available for Now & Next Alumni, Plumtree's School & Life participants and families we work with through NDIS.

School meetings can feel tricky to navigate, but they don’t have to be. Now & Next School gives parents practical tools to work with educators to create a strengths-based Individual Education Plan (IEP) that truly reflects your child’s abilities, interests and wellbeing.

Learn how to:
✔️ Coach your child to use their strengths
✔️ Work in partnership with teachers for better outcomes
✔️ Support your child to have a voice in their own learning

You’ll receive easy-to-use resources and a personalised report to bring to your next school meeting so your child’s strengths and goals are always front and centre.

🗓️ Starts Monday 17 November | 4 online sessions

Places are limited. Register today to secure your spot!
👉 https://www.plumtree.org.au/event/now-next-school/