I hope you all had a truly fabulous NAIDOC Week! 🖤💛❤️
Looking ahead, another big event coming up is Homelessness Week, happening from August 4-10. This is an important time to shine a light on homelessness in Australia, and I encourage you to check out their website for the Action Kit.
This week's update is jam-packed with service updates and upcoming opportunities.
Wearing my CDNet hat, I'm excited to announce there are still spots left in the Cobeo training. I've also included several important updates, especially relevant to child development and the early childhood sector.
Lastly, I’ve included a great article about Carer’s ACT, who have just released a fantastic new resource hub for foster and kinship carers.
Places are still available for the Co-Creation Cycle for Collaboration training facilitated by Maya Haviland.
For more information and to get tickets, please visit Humanitix.
Child First Forum 2025 Outcome Paper Released
The Child First Forum brought together 48 attendees from 38 organisations across the ACT to establish a shared understanding of childhood vulnerability and poverty, and to identify practical solutions for addressing these critical issues in our community.
Introduction to ACT Child Safe Standards
If you deliver services for children and young people and/or are not sure if you are required to implement the Child Safe Standards you are invited to attend a one hour introductory information session being provided by the ACT Human Rights Commission (ACTHRC).
This session will be recorded and published online after the event.
Register via Microsoft Virtual Events.
Do you want to be part of PlayFEST 2025?
PlayFEST is a fantastic annual event held by ACT Playgroups during National Children's Week, bringing together families, children, and community organisations to celebrate and highlight the vital role of play in early childhood development.
Mark your calendars: Friday, 24 October 2025 | 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM | Casey Community Recreation Park.
Ready to join? Contact Rabi at Rabi@playgroupact.org.au or toll free 1800 171 882 if you’d like to run an activity, stall, or sell coffee and baked goods.
Understanding the 2024 AEDC results: Where to next?
This webinar will explore the 2024 AEDC findings and the emerging trends in child development across Australia. Panellists will explore the implications of the results and the action necessary to optimise children’s development. Register now
The Dynamics of Collaboration - The Co-Creation Cycle
Wednesday, 23 July | 9:45 am - 1:00 pm | The Hub
Free Webinar: Creating Child Safe Early Education and Care Settings
Wednesday, 23 July | 10:30 am - 11:30 am | Online
Introduction to ACT Child Safe Standards
Thursday, 24 July | 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm | Online
Tuesday, 29 July | 9:15 am - 2:30 pm | Uniting Care Kippax
The Power of Data: The Australian Child and Youth Wellbeing Atlas
Tuesday, 29 July | 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm | Online
Understanding the 2024 AEDC results: Where to next?
Tuesday, 5 August | 12:30 - 1:30 pm | Online
Northern Region Network Meeting (NRNM)
Tuesday, 19 August | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm | Corroboree Park Hall
PlayFEST 2025
Friday, 24 October | 10:00 am - 12:30 pm | Casey Community Recreation Park
Northern Region Network Meeting (NRNM)
Tuesday, 11 November | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm | Corroboree Park Hall
ACT Children’s Week 2025 Grant Applications
The ACT Children’s Week Committee offers small seeding Grants (currently around $200) to assist in organising Children’s Week-related events and activities.
Online applications open 1st July and close on 14th September 2025.
Successful grant applications will be notified by 30th September 2025.
Find out more information the ACT Children’s Week website.
Committee supports implementing housing as a human right but recommends delay
10 July 2025 | Region Canberra | Free to access
Confusing ACT education system leaving parents in despair, P&C association says
10 July 2025 | Region Canberra | Free to access
New resource aims to help those caring for loved ones in mental distress
13 July 2025 | Region Canberra | Free to access
Carers ACT releases new resource hub for foster and kinship carers
13 July 2025 | Region Canberra | Free to access
Any items you would like included in next week's update? Please get in touch!
Contact:
Nicole Molyneux, Network Coordinator (Inner North and Gungahlin)
Email: nmolyneux@barnardos.org.au
Have a great week, and thank you for all you do for our community!