More than 25 free and low-cost events for children aged 0 to 12 are planned across Greater Geelong during Children's Week, from Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November. The Seesaw Foundation will host Family Quest on Sunday 25 October, an interactive challenge activity for children and their parents or carers. Its founder, Liliana Bustos, said the foundation supports families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, as well as those affected by violence, trauma or exclusion. Greater Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said the week celebrates young people's talents and achievements.
Penrith City Council has revitalised the Amaroo Street Reserve in Kingswood and the Greenway Drive Reserve in South Penrith. The new playspaces include slides, climbing equipment, swings, sensory play, shade, seating, water fountains and accessible pathways. Designs were shaped by community feedback. Ladbury Avenue Reserve in Penrith was renewed earlier this year. The projects were funded through the NSW Government's Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program. Council will upgrade six more playspaces over the next year.
A new set of neuro-affirming books has arrived at Colac district libraries, intended to give local families, young people and carers trusted resources. The collection was created and shared to support them.
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Yarra Ranges Council is backing Children's Week, a national celebration of children's talents, skills, achievements and rights, which runs from Saturday, 24 October to Sunday, 1 November 2026. This year's theme is that children have the right to use their own language, celebrate their culture and practise their religion. The council says activities and events for children and families will take place across Yarra Ranges throughout the week. It also provides early years and kindergarten services, family support and community programs during the year.
A volunteer-run Ronald McDonald House Family Room at Wollongong Hospital is giving families a homely break from clinical surroundings. Sixteen-year-old Lily Prior, who has a connective tissue disorder, spends weeks at a time in hospital. Her father Michael says the room offers conversation beyond medical matters. Volunteers provide meals, a play area, laundry and showers. The charity relies on donations, sponsorships and corporate support to keep the service running for Illawarra families.
Drug ARM workers are travelling long distances across Queensland to reach people affected by alcohol and other drugs, and their families. Clinical worker Ben Chan drives hours to see clients in St George, where distance, fuel costs and poor phone signal can stop people getting help. Family Case Worker Melissa Summons covers large areas around Roma, while Sam Kawane Jnr meets clients in Rockhampton wherever they feel comfortable. The workers say their approach is flexible, practical and based on building trust. Support is free, confidential and voluntary, and no referral is needed.
WA's first children's hospice, Sandcastles, will begin welcoming families over the next few weeks. The $38.6 million facility in Swanbourne will provide free respite and end-of-life care for eligible families. Seven-year-old Ryan Nesbitt, who has a rare brain development disorder, is among the first families expected. His mother, Emma Nesbitt, said the hospice will help the family spend more time together outside hospital. The seven-bed hospice has family suites, a hydrotherapy pool and a dedicated area for teenagers.
Perth reporter Caitlin Vinci says covering the lead-up to Telethon has changed how she sees the appeal. She spent time with families at Perth Children's Hospital, including Jana Catania, whose three-year-old daughter Maxi was diagnosed with leukaemia last May. Vinci also described meeting Amy McKay and her daughter Paige, who lives with a rare brain tumour, and Miraluna, whose son Aiden has needed CPR after stopping breathing at night. Vinci says the children's bravery has moved her deeply and she now feels a stronger commitment to the cause.
Eleven Edge Early Learning childcare centres in Queensland, South Australia and the ACT have been ordered to close within 48 hours. The centres could not be sold after the group entered voluntary administration in August. Many families had little notice and are now scrambling to find alternative childcare. Administrators at KordaMentha say families are being contacted in writing and given details of nearby services with spare places. Goodstart Early Learning has acquired 31 other centres in the sale process.
The first residents have begun moving into Newtown's $49.6m social housing development on Marshall Road. The project has raised the number of apartments on the site from 22 to 77, including larger homes for families and places for people in crisis. The development includes 12 three-bedroom and 16 two-bedroom apartments. Landscaped communal areas include a children's play area, barbecue facilities and seating. Unison Community Housing built the development and will manage it, with funding from the Housing Australia Future Fund. It forms part of a $430m federal investment in more than 520 homes across Greater Geelong.
Amy Moody's son Harry was born at 25 weeks and four days, weighing 875 grams, in an emergency caesarean in October 2025. He spent 123 days in neonatal intensive care before going home on oxygen and a feeding tube. Harry has since stopped using oxygen and his brain scans have been clear. His family will join Walk for Prems in Melbourne on October 25, a fundraiser for families of premature babies. Life's Little Treasures aims to raise $600,000 for families' practical and emotional support.
