The Waratah Centre

10/09/2026

Looking for support whilst on placement??
Check these grants out.
💜

09/09/2026

Tomorrow is World Su***de Prevention Day 💜

To honour those we've lost to su***de and to support Australians doing it tough, our own Jess is walking 9km tomorrow and we'd love your support.

Every dollar raised goes directly to Lifeline, helping fund their 24/7 crisis support services and keep that lifeline open for anyone who needs it.

If you're able to, you can sponsor Jess's walk here: https://oosw.cc/c/JessJoh

Thank you for helping us look out for our community. 🤍

03/09/2026

This is good news!

29/08/2026

Update From Autumn:
Autumn has been busy supporting the local footy & netball teams, doing some beach walks with Jess and today having a professional haircut.
Living their best dog life!

28/08/2026

New NDIS changes start today. Here’s what you need to know.

From 27 August 2026, the first changes under the new NDIS legislation come into effect.

These include:
🔹 Plan reassessments
Only participants, plan nominees or child representatives can ask for an unscheduled plan reassessment. Requests must relate to a significant and ongoing change in functional capacity, support needs or key life circumstances. The NDIA will have 90 days to decide whether to reassess a plan.
🔹 New record-keeping requirements
Participants must keep relevant records for 3 years, nominees for 5 years and providers for 7 years. The NDIS says further rules will explain exactly what records need to be kept.
🔹 Stronger NDIA compliance and information-gathering powers
Participants and providers may be required to provide information to the NDIA, with stronger enforcement powers now available.
🔹 Changes to NDIS pricing powers
The Minister for Disability and the NDIS can now make pricing determinations. The NDIA says there are no immediate changes to current NDIS pricing.
🔹 More automated administrative action
Computer systems can now be used for some administrative actions, including claims and payment processing. The NDIA says safeguards and oversight will apply, and details of where automated systems are used must be published.

These are significant changes, and how they are implemented matters.

Every Australian Counts will be watching closely, listening to people with disability and families, and holding the Government and NDIA accountable for what happens in practice.
The legislation has passed. Our work to protect our NDIS continues.

More information: https://www.ndis.gov.au/ndis-laws/securing-ndis-future-generations
If these changes have already impacted you, we want to hear your story: https://forms.gle/SFPLCv2cCg5C46Zp9

If an NDIS decision is affecting you, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Contact the Disability Gateway on 1800 643 787 for help finding an independent disability advocate. If you need immediate emotional support, Lifeline is available 24/7 on 13 11 14.

[Image description: Red Every Australian Counts graphic reading: “NDIS Changes: Now in effect. New NDIS changes start today. Here’s what you need to know.” Includes an August 27 calendar icon.]

26/08/2026

🌻 Did you know? Many disabilities aren’t immediately apparent.

Autism, ADHD, anxiety, hearing loss, chronic pain, diabetes, Crohn’s and hundreds more can be non-visible.

Globally, 1 in 6 people live with a disability, and up to 80% of disabilities are non-visible.

The Sunflower gives people a simple way to discreetly signal that they may need a little more time, help or understanding.

Wearing the Sunflower can help make everyday experiences feel a little easier, more accessible and inclusive. 💛

Learn more about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
👉 https://shorturl.at/BuVLC

26/08/2026

Sharing!!

Gippy Girls Can Month is a Gippsland-wide initiative encouraging women and girls of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to get active in ways that feel welcoming, inclusive and fun.

It’s a whole month of beginner-friendly activities and events running right across September.

Whether you’ve been thinking about trying something new, want to connect with others in your community, or are looking for an activity that fits around your life - this is for you.

Check out the upcoming events in South Gippsland: https://gippygirlscan.com.au/opportunities/

24/08/2026

🌈🧠 Helping children understand their brains, emotions and unique ways of being 📚✨

Children are always learning about themselves and the world around them, but sometimes they need the right words and tools to understand what is happening inside their minds and bodies.

📖 The Brain Forest and Rainbow Brain books are beautiful resources that help open conversations around neurodiversity, emotions, sensory experiences and self-awareness in a way that feels engaging and child-friendly.

🌱 so.... How can you use these books with kids?

✨ Explore their unique brain
Every child’s brain works differently. These books can help children recognise their strengths, preferences and the things that help them thrive.

Try asking:
💬 “What helps your brain feel happy and supported?”
💬 “What makes your brain work best?”

✨ Build emotional awareness
Children often experience big feelings before they have the words to explain them. Reading together can help them explore emotions, body signals and regulation strategies.

Ask:
💬 “What do you think your brain needs right now?”
💬 “What helps your brain feel safe?”

✨ Support neurodivergent children
For autistic and ADHD children, or those with sensory differences or unique learning styles, understanding their brain can be empowering.

These books support the message:

💛 “Your brain is different and your differences bring strengths.”

✨ Create connection
The magic of these books is the conversations they create. Reading together gives children the opportunity to feel seen, heard and understood.

At The Waratah Centre, we love resources that encourage curiosity, self-awareness and confidence, because when children understand their brains, they can learn how to support them 🌱🧠

📚 A wonderful resource for homes, classrooms, therapy spaces and health settings.

23/08/2026

Meet Carlene — The Waratah Centre's first Nurse Practitioner (Mental Health) 🌺

Carlene has worked in our rural community for many years, both as a nurse and as a credentialed Nurse Practitioner (Mental Health).

At TWC, she'll predominantly work with our adult population, offering thoughtful, therapeutic support tailored to you.

Her scope includes psychotherapy, structured problem-solving, medication discussions, diagnostic clarification, and holistic wellness guidance — with a neurodiversity-affirming approach woven through all of it.

You don't need a referral to see Carlene. Out-of-pocket costs apply, with discounted fees for DSP and Health Care Card holders.

The first step is completing our online Expression of Interest form, contact admin.

✉️ [email protected]

22/08/2026

🌿 Our Vision at The Waratah Centre 🌿

At The Waratah Centre, we believe healthcare should see the whole person.

Our vision is to create a safe, inclusive and empowering space where every individual feels heard, understood and supported on their unique health journey.

We are passionate about providing neurodivergent-affirming, trauma-informed care that celebrates individuality and helps people build resilience, improve wellbeing and thrive.

Because true health isn’t about becoming someone else — it’s about being supported to become the healthiest version of yourself. 🌱

✨ Welcome to The Waratah Centre — where care is personalised and centred around you.