Network News September

Annual Audited Financial Report, due on October 14, is open for earlier submissions. This report must be certified by your CFO (or equivalent) and your CEO.

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.

Thank you to all HIPPY sites that completed the 2024 Network Feedback Survey. Your insights show just how committed our network is to making HIPPY the best it can be for families and communities across Australia.

Survey feedback results

The key highlights that came through were:

• Inclusive curriculum: Most Sites find our storybooks and activities celebrate diversity and spark meaningful conversations
• Strong relationships: Many highlighted the value of your relationships with Site Advisors and the support you receive from the national team
• Clear communication: The Network Newsletter and Compliance Bulletin were described as "consistent and helpful"
• Promotional materials: Stickers and banners were called out as "a great way to make HIPPY visible"

Your feedback also provided us clear direction for our work ahead. We'll be focusing on:

• Expanding cultural representation in materials
• Reviewing promotional material
• Improving communication response times
• Making our LMS easier to navigate

Thank you again for helping us shape the future of HIPPY with your valuable input.

Thank you for providing your curriculum requirements for 2026. Your feedback was invaluable in helping us resolve the few issues that arose with our new ordering portal. With the stocktake complete, we are beginning the next stage of our 2026 curriculum preparation.

We are working to incorporate your feedback and are beginning print production for the following updated Activity Packs in partnership with our new supplier:

• Echidna Age 3: Activity Pack 2
• Kangaroo Age 4: Activity Pack 5
• Koala Age 3: Activity Packs 2 & 3
• Lizard Age 4: Activity Pack 4
• Platypus Age 4: Activity Pack 1
• Turtle Age 3: Activity Packs 2, 4 & 5
• Wombat Age 4: Activity Packs 2, 3 & 4

This is an exciting step! Our new partnership with Ebis Global means you'll be able to receive real-time dispatch and freight information as soon as your materials are shipped.

We will keep you informed of our progress and will provide a distribution timeline as soon as possible. Your continued support and cooperation are greatly appreciated.

The Gatherings Handbook and Planning Template have been updated to provide clearer guidance on setup and family contact time.

Based on your feedback, we've clarified how to allocate time for preparation and family contact. In particular, we'd like to thank Anglicare Victoria for valuable feedback.

The updated documents are now available on the LMS:

• Gatherings Handbook
• Gatherings Planning Tool

We've released the updated versions of the ETO Manual and Operations Guide on the LMS:

• ETO Manual
• Operations Guide

Please refer to these for the latest program guidance.

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

The Child Safeguarding (CS) module is going through the final sign off stage of the update process, we look forward to communicating details of this module shortly.

We were recently contacted by one of our sites who successfully pitched the HIPPY Program to their media agency for some promotional work. Everyone was keen to get started but the media agency had a few questions.

The site got in touch with the HIPPY Network Engagement Team who were able to respond to the agency's questions quickly. With the response sorted, the site was able to quickly start work with their media partners.

HIPPY's Network Engagement Team is keen to support sites with their promotional requirements. Just as importantly, by engaging with us early, in your process we can help amplify your efforts and increase community program awareness.

We can even support your Graduation preparations to increase community awareness.

Contacting us is easy:

Email: hippyaustralia@bsl.org.au
Subject line: Attention NE Team Engagement Opportunity (Add your site's name)

We look forward to hearing from you!

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!

We are pleased to share an important update on the ongoing work at our First Nations-focused sites, where we are supporting the transition to Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs).

Our external consultants, SNAICC and Cross Cultural Consultants, along with the HIPPY Australia team, are continuing to actively engage with communities as part of the transition process. This engagement ensures a culturally respectful, community-led, and informed process.

We are excited to announce that Letters of Offer have begun to be issued to successful applicants from earlier consultation rounds, and we look forward to welcoming these new ACCOs into the HIPPY Network. This milestone is a key step in identifying local organisations that will carry forward the delivery of the HIPPY program in alignment with community priorities and cultural governance.

We extend our sincere thanks to our current Providers for their continued support, professionalism, and dedication during this time of change. Their collaboration has been invaluable in ensuring a smooth transition for families and communities, while upholding the continuity and integrity of the program.

We remain committed to a transition process guided by strong partnerships, cultural integrity, and the voices of the communities in which HIPPY operates.

HIPPY Australia has undertaken a comprehensive review and refresh of our Communities of Practice (CoP) Framework to better support collaboration, learning, and innovation across the network. This initiative was focused on enhancing structures, resources, and engagement strategies to ensure our CoPs remain a vibrant and effective part of our work.

The refreshed framework includes:

• A Resource and Framework Audit to update foundational documents like the Terms of Reference and CoP Guidelines
• Structural Enhancements such as new processes for onboarding and reactivating CoPs, and a refined Expression of Interest (EOI) process for facilitators
• Clear Communication Channels to promote CoP contributions through public platforms like this newsletter
• Refined Framework Design to clearly articulate the value of CoPs and the roles of key contributors
• Facilitator Training to enhance leadership and guide peer learning
• Standardized Templates for agendas, minutes, and feedback to ensure consistency.

This refreshed framework lays the foundation for a more connected, empowered, and sustainable CoP network that continues to foster best practice and shared learning.

HIPPY Australia encourages sites to continue program promotion to recruitment 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, they may offer a place to a repeat family. There is no firm recruitment cut-off date. The decision rests with the Coordinator and Line Manager.

Please keep in mind that when a repeat family is recruited this data is reflected in your site’s Priority of Access percentage.

The HIPPY Change Makers program was run as a pilot within a strict planning timetable so that we could test its suitability and identify what needs to be adapted to make the program both accessible and achievable in the future.

We recognise that the short notice made planning difficult for those sites who participated in the pilot and will take this on board when shaping the next phase, including looking at timelines and delivery frequency to better support participation.

We will provide additional details about HIPPY Change Makers once we have finalised our planning. Thanks again, to all those who took part in the pilot.

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.

This is a final call to share your feedback 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.

You can still write to us with your reflections after today's due date (Friday, September 12).

At the time of publishing this Newsletter, all gift cards for parents who participated in the Parent Survey and Parent Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) as part of the DSS Evaluation should have been delivered.

If you hear from any families who have not yet received theirs, please let us know or speak to your Site Advisors, and we can follow up with the DSS Evaluation team promptly.

HIPPY Australia has a booth at this year's SNAICC National Conference in October. We’d love to connect with others attending the conference.

If you're up for a casual, after-hours get-together, let us know. We welcome you to send through your favourite local spots (think Time Out Brisbane vibes).

Once we know who's keen, we’ll confirm the catch-up details and send out an invitation for anyone who would like to come in for a chat.
We look forward to catching up with some of you in person!

Email: hippyaustralia@bsl.org.au
Subject line: TimeOut Brisbane

Theme: “Poverty exists. Poverty hurts us all. Wecan all do something about it.”

Do you know a HIPPY Tutor, parent/carer, or coordinator who might be open to sharing their story?

As part of Anti-Poverty Week, The Brotherhood of St. Laurence (BSL) is looking for stories that highlight the strength and resilience of families, and how programs like HIPPY help break the cycle of poverty.

We're looking for stories that show how:

• Becoming a HIPPY Tutor has opened up new pathways and opportunities
• HIPPY supports families to build confidence and connection
• Programs like HIPPY make a difference, help break cycles, and build futures

Stories will be shared across BSL’s social media and communications channels to raise awareness and advocate for change.

Want to get involved?

If you, or someone you know, might be interested, make sure to contact us byFriday, 19 September

Email: hippyaustralia@bsl.org.au
Subject line: Attention NE Team Poverty Week: social media (Add your site's name)

Important Financial Reporting Dates:

• Biannual Financial Actuals Report: This report was due on August 14 and is now overdue. Please contact HIPPY Australia immediately if your site is experiencing issues with reporting.
• Annual Audited Financial Report: This report is due on October 14. We appreciate earlier submissions. This report must be certified by your CFO (or equivalent) and your CEO.

Important Note:

The information from these reports is now submitted directly to DSS, so due dates are strict. Sites that do not submit on time will be issued with warnings or breach notices.

All financial reports are expected to be completed by a financial officer or accountant.

For more details on how to use your HIPPY funds and financial reporting requirements, please refer to the August Compliance Bulletin

We heard your feedback that the previous version of the Adaptation Request Form was difficult to complete. The signature requirement, in particular, was a challenge for many sites.

To assist the process, we have redeveloped the form into an editable format that is much easier to use. The new version also includes simple instructions on how to add a digital signature using Microsoft Word's built-in drawing tools.

• For Sites: The new form is now available on the LMS: Online Library → Site Management → Adaptations

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

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. 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 her Site Advisor, 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.

Thanks to a partnership with Novita, the social enterprise coffee van from the Grounds for Growth program now visits these sites, bringing more than just coffee, it creates opportunities for young adults with disability. These participants train in barista and catering work, building skills, confidence, and pathways to employment.

The response has been uplifting. Parents arriving early are greeted with a free coffee, while children enjoy hot chocolate, making gatherings both inviting and highly attended. “It’s a little extra incentive for our families to come along,” as one team member laughs.

The atmosphere has noticeably shifted. Parents linger to chat, tutors connect with families in a relaxed setting, and children are delighted to ‘order’ their drinks. The coffee van has not only strengthened attendance, it’s deepening community bonds.

This innovative partnership is a celebration of connection and inclusion. HIPPY builds parent skills as children’s first teachers, and Novita’s van lets young people with disability gain meaningful employment experience. As Briony shares, “The partnership between the two Novita services has enormous benefits. Our families chat over a fresh coffee, and the young people get to learn valuable skills for future employment and gain a sense of accomplishment.”

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

Australians mark Anti-Poverty Week every year around 17 October, the UN Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

In 2025, it will run from Sunday 12 to Saturday 18 October. Anti-Poverty Week brings together communities to understand poverty and take action, focusing on evidence-based solutions and working in partnership with leading campaigns to end poverty in Australia. With more than three million Australians living below the poverty line, including over 700,000 children, this week highlights the urgent need for collective action.

Closely linked to BSL’s vision for an Australia free of poverty, Anti-Poverty Week encourages everyone to raise their voices, share their experiences, and support solutions that build a more equitable future.

National Carers Week celebrates and raises awareness for Australia’s 3 million unpaid carers from 12–18 October. Carers make up nearly 11% of our population and come from all backgrounds, balancing caring with work, study, and their own wellbeing.

More than 391,300 young carers provide essential support, sometimes for parents, siblings, or friends, making a vital difference at home and in their communities. Adequate support for young carers can boost their health, education, and wellbeing.

Children’s Week is held nationwide from 18–26 October, with the 2025 theme: “Everyone should know about Children’s Rights!” This theme is based on Article 42 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. It’s a time to celebrate children’s right to relax, play, and participate in activities they enjoy.

Research shows that play and relaxation are essential for healthy development and well-being. Led by the Children’s Week Council of Australia, this week encourages families, schools, and communities to support and celebrate children’s voices and rights in every community.