Network News September

Biannual Actual report overdue.

Please contact, HIPPYAustraliaETOSupport@bsl.org.au , with the subject line: Biannual Actual report at the earliest for ETO Support to enter details.

Require updates here

Location on LMS:
Module: Mention key topics headings as well

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We invite you to send us feedback if you come across broken links to material or resources via HIPPY Australia

Thank you for providing your curriculum requirements for 2026 via the new portal. Your feedback during the process was invaluable and helped us resolve the few issues that arose. We now have a easy process to establish curriculum requirements across the network.

As pour 2026 curriculum preparation we have reviewed your feedback and are preparing updates to the print files for the Activity Packs.

Which Activity Packs are being updated?

• Koala Age 3 Activity Packs 2 & 3
• Turtle Age 3 Activity Pack 4
• Echidna Age 3 Activity Pack 2

With the stock take complete, updating the files with corrections and adjustments begins the Curriculum print production and distribution process for 2026 in partnership with our supplier.

Thank you again for your cooperation and support throughout this process. We will keep you informed of the progress and provide distribution timelines as soon as possible.

Importantly, with our new supplier we are able to provide real-time dispatch and freight information.

The Gatherings handbook and template guide has been updated to clearly describe the Gathering setup time versus Gathering family contact time.

Clarity around holding a Gathering and ensuring that you have allocated time for setup and preparation along with the family contact time is based on Network feedback. We'd like to acknowledge and thank Anglicare Victoria for their feedback.

The updated documents are now available on LMS

Click the link for access.

Create a basic paragraph here to reflect the location as above once updated.

If you have any questions about the updated manuals and guides, please contact us .

We were recently contacted by HIPPY Australia National Office would like to remind you about our media engagement procedure.

If you are contacted or approached by the media, kindly keep us informed from the outset and ensure that any statements provided to media outlets are reviewed, and verified before final publication.

Key Contact: hippyaustralia@bsl.org.au, with the subject line: Urgent attention: NE Team Media engagement opportunity (Site name).
Kindly provide the media contact name, details, and the engagement opportunity.

If urgent, kindly contact your Site Advisor immediately.

Q: Families want to enrol in the HIPPY program for the second or third time. How long should we hold off before offering them a spot?

A: There is no firm cut-off date. The decision rests with the Coordinator and Line Manager.

HIPPY Australia encourages sites to continue promoting the program for as long as possible, to give new families every opportunity to join. When a site feels they have made every reasonable effort to recruit new families, and there is limited time or resources to continue, they may offer the place to a repeat family.

Please keep in mind that each time a repeat family is recruited, it will have a significant impact on the site’s Priority of Access percentage.

We’re excited to launch a new national storytelling project celebrating the unique ways you deliver HIPPY across Australia.

In the coming days you’ll receive an email invitation with details on how your site can get involved. We’ll be asking sites to share short stories, case studies, photos, or reflections that highlight how HIPPY adapts to your community and supports families.

If sharing your story out loud through conversation feels more natural than writing, you can join a recorded storytelling workshop or 1:1 interview.

Your contributions will be brought together in a national report and advocacy pack for DSS, showcasing the flexibility and impact of HIPPY and strengthening the case for long-term funding.

Look out for the email invite in your inbox soon!

Update: Gift Card distribution for DSS Evaluation Survey

We wanted to provide an update on the distribution of gift cards for parents who participated in the Parent Survey and Parent Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) as part of the DSS Evaluation should've been received by everyone - otherwise.... Add how to contact us.

• The online Parent Survey $100 gift card draw was conducted the week of 12 August. Winners were contacted that week, with distribution of cards expected within the following 7-10 days

• Parent participants who attended FGDs were also in the process of receiving their gift cards. Distribution commenced that week and was expected to be completed within two weeks.

At the time of publishing this Newsletter, all FGD participants and survey draw winners should have received their gift cards.

If you hear from any families who have not yet received theirs, please let us know so we can follow up with the DSS Evaluation team promptly.

We sincerely thank all sites for the wholehearted support you provided throughout this process, including the time, effort, and assistance extended to both the DSS Evaluation team and to HIPPY Australia.

Invitation to share feedback:

We would like to invite the Network to share feedback with us on the recent DSS Evaluation process. This is an internal learning activity for HIPPY Australia and is not connected to the external evaluator team.

We are keen to hear how sites experienced the evaluation, including:

• The process around site visits for Parent Focus Group Discussions (FGDs)

• The Parent and Staff surveys

• Any suggestions on what could have been done differently or better supported

Your feedback will help us strengthen how we support you in any future evaluation processes. Please write to us with your reflections.

Annie and Melinda to provide - Clare has reached out to them on Friday.

add any additional information here

We've received feedback from sites that the previous version of the Adaptation request form was difficult to complete, particularly the signature requirement meant some Sites couldn’t finalise the form without printing.

We heard the feedback. To assist the process, have redeveloped the form to an editable format. The new version is easier to complete and includes simple instructions on how to use Microsoft Word’s built-in drawing tools to add a digital signature.

The form is available as below:

• For Sites: Available now on the LMS → Online Library → Site Management → Adaptations
• For Site Advisors: On SharePoint (June 2025)

When sites request an adaptation (or indicate they would like one), please provide them with this new form. Completed forms should be stored in the usual site folder location.

For further information, please get in touch with your Site Advisor.

Building on what was shared in the Compliance Bulletin (- recap info shared here and link)

• For those sites that have not submitted the Biannual Actuals Jan-Jun 2025. This is a reminder; this report was due on 14 August 2025. Sites that have not submitted -- get in touch with (Hippy Australia inbox link here)
• HIPPY Surplus process will be communicated to sites in early September. Stay tuned
• Please note that the Annual Financial Report for FY24/25 is due on October 14, 2025, if the financial audit has already been conducted at your organisation. You can upload the report earlier. Earlier reporting is highly appreciated. Please remember that this report needs to be certified by your CFO or equivalent and your CEO
  

UPDATE as per the compliance update and summarise + Link

HIPPY Bowenfels has discovered that sometimes, smaller really is better.

This year, Coordinator Natasha decided to try a new model for group gatherings, swapping the big church hall for cosy “mini playgroup” style sessions at the “HIPPY house.”

The change has made a world of difference, both for the staff and the families alike and the results show!

Instead of packing cars with toys, morning tea, and resources, tutors now welcome families into a warm, homely space where children can choose whether to play inside or explore the garden outside.

The time saved from logistics planning translates into the team now offering two sessions each Gathering week, on Tuesday and Wednesday: giving families more flexibility to attend.

The results have been heartwarming. Not only has attendance grown, with 45 families joining each session, but dads (who work shift work in the mines) are attending the session. Families are loving the relaxed, intimate feel of the mini gatherings, and children are thriving with more choice and freedom in play.

Recent sessions featured activities linked to Turtle 4, including two sensory play tables: one ocean-themed with moon sand, cellophane “water,” and artificial turf, and another filled with rice and bird seed for scooping and measuring.

Easels offered chalk drawing, the mud kitchen became a sorting station for natural materials, and the basketball hoop had everyone joining in the “ball activity.”

This new way of running gatherings gives back time for planning and creativity; using available resources at the HIPPY house & the focus stays on families

Natasha shared that families particularly enjoyed the sensory play. “The children just loved exploring the ocean tray and the different textures,” she said. “It gave them so many ways to play and learn.”

By creating a space that feels welcoming, flexible, and resource-smart, Bowenfels has shown that group gatherings don’t need to be large-scale to be successful. Sometimes the best connections and the best learnings happen in smaller, more intimate settings.

HIPPY Braybrook recently turned a simple activity from the HIPPY packs into something extraordinary! A creative group game that had children buzzing with excitement and learning at every level.

During a recent Gathering, Coordinator Susan introduced The Beehive Poem, transforming it into an interactive activity that engaged both parents and children. What started as a literacy exercise quickly became a whole-body experience, with children moving, chanting, and acting out the roles of busy bees.

“I was so happy to see the Parents joined in too, supporting their children to listen, follow instructions, and build confidence in expressing themselves.” Susan shares proudly.

The activity combined rhythm, rhyme, movement, and imagination. Most importantly, it sparked laughter and joy while also building essential early learning skills such as concentration, language development, and memory. “It created a space where families could play and learn together, reinforcing HIPPY’s message that learning happens everywhere and can be fun, simple, and meaningful.”

As one team member shared, “It was a wonderful way of transforming a HIPPY activity into a group context, and the children loved it! The parents were fully engaged too!”

HIPPY Braybrook’s Beehive Poem Gathering shows the power of creativity in bringing the HIPPY curriculum to life. With just a little imagination, an everyday activity became a memorable experience that families will carry with them long after the session ended.

The impact of the HIPPY program often extends beyond the child enrolled, creating a positive ripple effect that touches the entire family. In Burnie, Tasmania, a powerful example of this was shared by Coordinator Jen.

At a school assembly, Marlee, the older sibling of a HIPPY participant and daughter of a HIPPY tutor, was celebrated for her schoolwork. Her class was tasked with drawing and writing about important places in their community. Marlee chose to write about HIPPY.

In her work, she explained that HIPPY is important because it's a place where "children can go with parents for extra learning."

This simple act of recognition shows that even without directly participating in the program herself, Marlee has a deep understanding of its value. Through her sister's experience and her mother's role as a tutor, she sees firsthand how HIPPY supports families and fosters a love of learning.

This story highlights that the benefits of HIPPY are felt by the whole family, strengthening community ties one household at a time.

HIPPY Eastlakes recently enjoyed an incredible opportunity to visit two neighbouring programs: HIPPY Cabramatta and HIPPY Riverwood, to boost new ways of family participation at their own group gatherings.

“From the moment we arrived in Cabramatta, we were invited into homes for pack deliveries, where families, coordinators, and tutors shared in the joy of activities together. There was plenty of laughter as salt dough was kneaded, “goop” was mixed, and ideas were swapped about how to adapt activities to suit different families and cultural traditions,” shares Courtney, (East Lakes Coordinator).

The Eastlakes team also joined story time at Cabramatta Library, where children explored books in various languages, technology spaces, and creative corners. The day ended with a shared meal back at the Cabramatta office, where staff reflected on their HIPPY journeys as parents, tutors, and coordinators, and how the program had changed their families’ lives.

“Day two saw us at Riverwood, where we rolled up our sleeves to help set up the morning group gathering. We were welcomed into a vibrant space alive with play, craft, dance, and story time, connecting with families from diverse cultural backgrounds. The highlight was an interactive enrichment session on STEM and storytelling, giving both parents and staff new tools to spark children’s curiosity about the world around them.”

As the visit came to a close, both Eastlakes and their host sites reflected on the power of collaboration. Tutors and coordinators shared stories, swapped strategies, and celebrated the impact HIPPY is having in their communities. Eastlakes left inspired, ready to bring new ideas back to their families and continue strengthening their own gatherings.

Earlier this year, Shallu became the Coordinator for the HIPPY program at Ngunga Group Women's Aboriginal Corporation, embarking on a new chapter for the community. Having a personal connection to the program, as her own son is a participant, Shallu brought a deep understanding and passion to the role.

In early 2025, Shallu travelled to Melbourne for her pre-service training, where her enthusiasm was immediately apparent. She embraced the core HIPPY model but also recognised the importance of adapting it to suit her local community. Working closely with Site Advisor Rachel Birrell, the program's delivery became a co-design process, blending HIPPY's proven approach with local knowledge and cultural practices.

Shallu's team includes Bernice, an early childhood expert, and Janet, a respected local elder and grandmother with considerable HIPPY experience. Together, they run the Ngungas Play Group, a vital space for families to connect and learn.

A key strength of the program is its partnership with Connected Beginnings Playgroups. The teams now plan and run gatherings together, providing families with opportunities to connect and build positive learning environments. Each week, they adapt HIPPY's activity packs into experiences that reflect the lives of local children. This includes weaving in felt stories created with families, which feature animals and symbols from the community, such as barramundi and lizards.

This approach sparks children's imaginations and strengthens their connection to Country and culture. For Shallu, HIPPY is more than just a job; it’s a way to empower families and connect them to one another.

"We’ve found ways to make the program work for our community while still keeping the heart of the HIPPY model," Shallu says. This flexibility has allowed the program to thrive, ensuring children develop a love of learning early and that families feel supported.

The Mowanjum Derby HIPPY story is a powerful reminder that when a program listens to its community and adapts with respect, everyone benefits.

At HIPPY Salisbury North, The Parks, and Davoren Park, families are enjoying a new kind of Gathering, one that comes with the aroma of freshly made coffee and the warmth of connection.

Through a partnership with Novita, a provider of disability services for children and adults, the sites have welcomed Novita’s social enterprise coffee van program name here to their Gatherings. The van is staffed by young adults with disability, who are trained in catering and barista work as part of a program that builds skills, confidence, and pathways into employment. [Insert program name from Briony here].

The impact has been immediate. Parents who arrive on time or early to Gatherings are treated to a free coffee, while children enjoy a hot chocolate. This simple incentive has made a big difference to attendance and engagement. As one team member shared, [insert Briony’s quote here about impact on families/attendance].

At Salisbury North, Gatherings are already well attended, and the addition of the coffee van has strengthened the sense of community. Parents linger longer to chat, tutors connect with families in a relaxed atmosphere, and children love being able to “order” their own drink. With a coffee in hand and children by their side, families are not just attending Gatherings; they’re building connections that last.

The partnership is also a celebration of innovation, two Novita programs working together to support families in different ways. HIPPY builds skills and confidence in parents as their children’s first teacher, and the coffee van creates opportunities for young adults with disability to shine in meaningful employment. [Insert benefits Briony confirms here].

This initiative is a reminder that when services collaborate creatively, the benefits ripple outwards into the wider community.

HIPPY Rockingham families and staff recently came together for a very special excursion in honour of National Science Week, a day filled with discovery, curiosity, and plenty of memorable HIPPY moments.

Coordinator Echo Lang shared the joy and excitement of the visit to Scitech, where families explored hands-on science exhibits, experimented with interactive displays, and learned side by side with their children. The excursion brought the HIPPY curriculum to life, showing parents how everyday learning can be fun, engaging, and full of wonder.

“Both families and staff shared some truly memorable moments together, it was such a joy to see parents and children exploring science as a team,” Echo said.

The day highlighted what HIPPY is all about: children developing a love of learning, families building confidence to engage in their child’s education, and communities coming together to celebrate learning in action.

The Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS), a Melbourne-based Australian Government statutory agency, have developed three short, strengths-based information sheets for practitioners and other adults who support neurodivergent children and young people.

These resources offer practical guidance on using inclusive language, understanding sensory processing, and supporting neurocognitive functioning.

By acknowledging the importance of affirming language and lived experience, they aim to improve neurodivergence literacy, promote inclusive practice, and support informed, respectful conversations.

Click to access the resources.

Source: https://aifs.gov.au/

Former HIPPY Clarence coordinator, Emma Dillon, is now a Program Coordinator at the Australian Academy of Mental Health and Wellbeing. She invites you to explore paid traineeship opportunities in Mental Health, Youth Work, and Leadership and Management via certification on the website

The academy offers a Certificate IV in these fields, with flexible training that combines online and face-to-face sessions. Courses include local information and insights from people with lived experience. A "wrap-around" support service is also provided to assist students individually or in small groups.

This is paid training. For more information about the training, visit the website or contact Emma Dillon.
Program Coordinator, Community Services, Mental Health Trainer | The Australian Academy of Media | 0488118139

Indigenous Literacy Day

Celebrated annually on the first Wednesday of September, Indigenous Literacy Day is led by the Indigenous Literacy Foundation in collaboration with the Sydney Opera House. It honours the stories, cultures, and languages of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year’s highlight is a film featuring three remote communities, sharing how storytelling keeps Country and culture strong.

Observed on the first Sunday in September, Father’s Day is a cherished opportunity in Australia for families to honour dads and celebrate fatherhood through their own traditions, though it is not a public holiday.

Celebrate Dads in the HIPPY program & share photos of Fathers in Gatherings.

Established by UNESCO in 1967, International Literacy Day raises awareness of literacy’s vital role in justice, equality, and lifelong learning. It serves as a global reminder that literacy is more than reading, it’s a fundamental human right.

R U OK? Day, founded in 2009 in Australia, is a national day dedicated to mental health and connection.

It encourages meaningful conversations that can change lives, reinforced by the slogan, “a conversation can change a life.”