Whittlesea Disability Network (WDN) Meeting

The WDN will be holding its first Quarterly Community Meeting on Tuesday 12 September 2023. 

This is a great opportunity for people with disability, carers, family members and other informal supporters to connect back with the Network, hear about Council’s work through the Whittlesea Disability Action Plan and talk about emerging local issues and priorities for residents with disability.

The meeting will also host a panel of speakers from the Brotherhood of St Laurence and the City of Whittlesea who will talk about eligibility and the supports you can receive from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), My Aged Care and the Home and Community Care Program for Younger People (HACC PYP).

The meeting is free to attend and morning tea will be provided.

When: Tuesday 12 September, 10.30am – 1.00pm
Where: Fountain View Room, Civic Centre, 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang

To register your attendance, please email access@whittlesea.vic.gov.au and let us know if you would prefer to attend in person or online.

New braille bin stickers now available

The City of Whittlesea are excited to be able to offer residents with vision impairment or low vision braille sticker labels for their bins.

Stickers are available for all four Council issued kerbside bins – rubbish, recycling, food and garden waste, and glass and will help residents to easily identify which bin is which.

If you, or someone you know, would like to order these free labels, please contact Council’s customer service team on 9217 2170.

Feelin' Groovy

Come along and join in at Feelin' Groovy.  Joyful music and dancing for people with a disability and their carers. 

Hosted by the delightful Sharon Cristallini, this Greenbrook Community House Program is held during the school term.

Where:  Epping Community Centre, 378 Findon Road, Epping
When:  Thursdays from 12:30pm-1:30pm, starting Thursday 13 July. 
Cost:   $6 per session.

NDIS Changes to Early Intervention

From 1 July 2023, the NDIS will extend the age of children who can receive support from the Early Intervention Program from birth to 8 years.  This change has been designed to provide additional continuity of support to children with disability in their early years.

If your child currently receives support through the NDIS and they turn 7 before 1 July 2023, they will not be affected by the change.  If they turn 7 after 1 July 2023 they will continue to receive support from the Early Childhood Program until they turn 9.

NDIS Plan Reassessment Workshop

Is your child's NDIS Plan Reassessment coming up?   The Association for Children with Disability (ACD) are holding a free online workshop to help you get the most from your assessment meeting.

The workshop will look at:

• Preparing for a reassessment meeting
• Gathering support evidence
• Advocating for your child's needs

When:  Wednesday 19 July
Time:  7:00pm - 8:30pm

Brotherhood of St. Laurence News 

Are you caring for a child with additional needs?

Free to be Me may be for you.  This inclusive support group, free from judgement for parents, carers and their children aged 18 months - 6 years that require additional support.

Free to be Me provides opportunities for families to be connected to local supports and services, gain skills and knowledge through play and workshops to further support their child and socialise with families on a similar journey.

Held during the school term every Tuesday from 12:00pm - 1:00pm at Goodstart Early Learning Centre, 156 Centenary Drive, Mill Park.  Registration is required. 

To find out more or make a booking email JindiEarlyYears@bsl.org.au. 

Being you

Belong is a free network run by and for people with disabilities. Members meet online in groups and one-to-one to build connections and share experiences.  

When members first join, they are invited to two online induction workshops where we discuss how we meet and how to ensure Belong is accessible and safe for everyone. Belong can also offer technical support and professional development if necessary. 

Membership is diverse in culture, gender identity, geography, age, and disability – everyone with a disability in Victoria is welcome.  

If you would like to book a call to discuss Belong in more detail, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners

We recognise the rich Aboriginal heritage of this country and acknowledge the Wurundjeri Willum Clan and Taungurung People as the Traditional Owners of lands within the City of Whittlesea.