Outreach Focus Area

Outreach can easily become a collection of programs.

Different services doing good work, often in parallel, sometimes even overlapping. Families left to navigate it on their own.

In the Outreach Working Group (WG), the conversation is shifting. Less focus on what each organisation can deliver and more on how to reach families together.

Organisations bring different priorities, funding constraints, and ways of working. Aligning these takes patience, and at times, a willingness to sit with uncertainty. What is emerging, though, is a shared approach, designing initiatives together and responding to gaps that no single service can address alone.

One area of focus is the role of schools. Not just as places of education, but as familiar environments where families already feel comfortable. This creates an opportunity to build support around existing relationships, rather than expecting families to seek support elsewhere.

From this, a school-based program is being explored. It brings together English language learning, digital skills, and pathways to employment, support that is often needed but rarely offered in one place.

For families who are new to Australia, or still finding their footing, this could make a real difference. It is not only about learning, but also confidence, connection, and a sense of possibility.

There are practical challenges. The program requires a minimum number of participants, more than one school alone can provide. This means schools need to collaborate. While the interest is strong, turning that into something workable takes coordination, time, and ongoing effort to reach the families who would benefit most.

This is not simply about delivering another program. It is about reducing barriers, creating pathways and making it easier for families, especially those from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, to take the next step, whatever that may be.

If you, or someone you know, might benefit from this opportunity, we would love to hear from you.

For more information, please visit https://belconnenvillage.org.au/outreach/

Play Focus Area

Play often looks simple. A child stacking blocks, a parent watching, unsure if it is doing anything. But there is more happening in these moments than it first appears.

The Play Working Group (WG) has been exploring how to help families see play as part of everyday learning, and how it can bring people together in ways that feel natural and inclusive.

One example is the intergenerational playgroup in Whitlam, run by ACT Playgroups in partnership with Mingle. Families come together across age and backgrounds. Some are lived in the area for years, others are new, finding connection through play.

The Play WG is looking at how to support and build on initiatives like this, including sharing and strengthening simple ideas such as informal “play in the park” opportunities that celebrate on existing community connections.

Many parents already understand that play matters. What is less clear is how to support it in everyday life.

Play-based Learning and Intentionality

In early 2025, The ACT Education Directorate released Play-based Learning and Intentionality, a professional learning program for educators across early childhood settings.

The Play WG is now working to make this knowledge more accessible for families through a series of short, easy to use resources that offer everyday ideas for use at home.

This work is still developing. There are ongoing questions about how to align efforts across organisations and avoid duplication.

Supporting play is not about programs. It is about connection, and helping families feel confident in the small, everyday moments that matter.

For more information, please visit https://belconnenvillage.org.au/play/

In the Spotlight

In this edition, we are featuring Imagine More, one of our partner organisations supporting families of children with disability.

Stories to get you thinking about what life could be like for children with disability

Imagine More is a family-led, Canberra-based, not-for-profit organisation committed to enhancing the lives of people with disability by supporting their families to envision rich, fulfilling, and inclusive lives in their local communities.

Through their work, they share stories of what is possible for children with disability, alongside helpful and practical resources for parents.

Their website showcases real experiences from families who are helping their children thrive at home, in school, and beyond.

Imagine More also run peer groups and topic-based events and offers free mentoring for families who want support in achieving their vision for their children with disability.

If you would like to learn more, you can explore their resources or connect with their team directly at 0491 645 816.

They also co-locate at UnitingCare Kippax for monthly drop-in sessions.

For more information, please visit https://imaginemore.org.au/