Opposition and crossbench MLAs have questioned the ACT Government's Thriving Kids program, launched on 1 October for children up to eight with developmental delays. They want figures on how many children are receiving support, waiting times and staffing levels. Canberra Liberals MLA Peter Cain said the government had offered broad statements without detail. Disability Minister Suzanne Orr said the program is being introduced in stages, with full implementation due on 1 January 2028, and that further reporting will follow.
Blue Light Victoria chief executive Elissa Scott says youth crime has many causes, including disengagement from school, mental health challenges, social isolation and a lack of positive adult role models. The youth charity, which supports people aged 10 to 21, runs programs that connect young people with police and emergency services to build trust. Ms Scott said intervening before offending occurs is key, and that staying connected with education is a strong protective factor. The story forms part of the Star Weekly's We Deserve Better campaign on crime in Melbourne's west and north.
Far North communities have been urged to apply for funding for new early intervention programs to prevent youth offending. The State Government has opened the third round of $50 million Kickstarter grants. Grants of up to $300,000 are available for at-risk youth aged eight to 17. Queensland Police say 790 people have been charged with 2241 offences since Operation Yankee Forge began on 27 February. Youth Justice and Victim Support Minister Laura Gerber says early intervention is crucial to stop young people entering a life of crime.
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Two-year-old Blake Thomas has made significant progress through Ability WA's In-Home Baby Intervention Service, a Telethon-funded program that provides therapy in children's homes. His mother, Jenna Moriarty, said that meeting Blake in his own safe space was the key. Over the past year, Blake has learnt to crawl, take steps holding his mother's hand, and communicate using sign language. He has also been diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1 and has an NDIS plan in place. The family is now transitioning to the NDIS as Blake turns two.
Geelong man Bob Belle, 79, is alive after his heart stopped while swimming at Kardinia Aquatic Centre on two occasions, once in 2023 and again in June this year. He reunited with the lifeguard and paramedics involved to highlight early intervention during Ambulance Victoria's Shocktober campaign. Lifeguard Deb Seller started CPR and used a defibrillator before paramedics arrived. Paramedic Greg Seiz said each minute without CPR cuts survival chances by 10 per cent. Ambulance Victoria says 21 people suffer cardiac arrest across the state daily, with only one in 10 surviving.
The Brimbank Melton Children's Health and Wellbeing Local has won the Excellence in Mental Health and Wellbeing category at the Victorian Public Healthcare Awards. The service links children and families with coordinated support closer to home. Since opening, it has supported 989 children and families across Brimbank and Melton. IPC Health chief executive Jayne Nelson said the award recognised partnerships and support built around families' needs. The service supports children aged 0-11, particularly those from refugee, Aboriginal and culturally diverse communities.
The Smith Family has been given real-time access to education data on students it supports in Tasmania. The Education Dashboard shows attendance and academic performance, allowing the charity to step in early when a student begins to struggle. Students can then access learning clubs or individual coaching. More than 4,600 Tasmanian families on low incomes receive support from the organisation, and most have agreed to share their child's dashboard data. Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland have also given the charity similar access.
Sydney father Trent Gallucci says he felt empty and sad after his son was born in June 2021. Psychologist Danya McStein says perinatal depression and anxiety are relatively common in fathers, though less so than in mothers. Deakin University's Jacqui Macdonald says large studies find about one in 10 fathers affected, and that men often express distress as anger or risk-taking. Both experts encourage fathers to speak with a doctor, complete online screening and connect with support groups. Gallucci says he eventually called a mental health service and found counselling helpful.
Health professionals and policymakers gathered in Parramatta to explore strategies for enhancing preventive healthcare in NSW. With the state's elderly population set to grow significantly, the summit addressed expanding chronic disease prevention, mental health support, and equitable healthcare access. The NSW Government released a comprehensive health report to guide discussions on practical approaches to improving population health. Recent initiatives, including a new health hub in Campbelltown and an early intervention pilot program, aim to reduce hospital pressures and support community healthcare. Health Minister Ryan Park emphasised the importance of early intervention to prevent serious illness and hospitalisation.
