Transition Guides and resources
For Parents and Caregivers
For Organisations
Printable copy of Transition Timeline Poster 2025
Transition Resources
School Zones
Details
Every Victorian student has a legislated right to enrol at their designated neighbourhood government school and may be enrolled at another school subject to sufficient space. Parents should be encouraged to initially contact their designated neighbourhood school and then any other school they are considering. Schools will indicate if they have spare places for students who do not live within the school zone.
LOOKOUT
Details
This resource supports carers, education providers and statutory authorities to provide best-practice, wrap around school transition supports for children living in out-of-home care. It provides an overview of the roles and responsibilities for all parties as well as a timeline for completing these.
Kindergarten Inclusion Support
Children of a Parent with Mental Illness
Details
COPMI developed information for children, young people, parents, and their family and friends about parents and parenting with a mental illness to support the wellbeing of children and young people. This information complemented online training courses for professionals to support families either individually or through community services and programs. COPMI resources were developed under the guidance of people who share the experience of living in families where parental mental illness is a part of family life, and of leading researchers and service providers in the mental health field.
Transition to School Resource kit
Details
The Transition: A Positive Start to School Resource Kit (the Kit) is designed to provide contemporary, evidence-based, practical guidance for early childhood professionals working with children and families during the transition to school process.
State Schools Relief
Details
State School Relief is a charity that provides free of low cost school uniform items to families in need. While the uniform packs that are provided to families at the beginning of prep and year 7 are relatively well-known, they also provide additional uniforms for families who are in need, regardless of the year level of the child.
Disability Inclusion Support
Details
Disability Inclusion: a new approach for students with disability Disability Inclusion is part of the Government’s approach to inclusive education. It provides extra support for students with disability in Victorian Government schools.
Child Information Sharing
Details
he Child Information Sharing Scheme (CISS) allows authorised organisations to share information to support child wellbeing or safety. Many organisations already work together to do this. The Scheme has expanded legal permissions for professionals to share and request information from other professionals. Child Link is a digital tool that displays information about a child to authorised key professionals who have responsibility for child wellbeing and safety. Together, Child Link and the Child Information Sharing Scheme will help give professionals the clarity and tools they need to share vital information to help improve outcomes for children and young people in Victoria.
Supporting Transitions for Aboriginal Children
Details
SNAICC is the national peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Their website provides a range of resources, including ‘Journey to Big School’ a workshop series which supports services to improve school readiness and transitions into primary school.
Local programs and supports
Early Help Program
Early Help will provide inclusive support to families with children aged 0-18. Early Help is designed to connect families and support the wellbeing and development of children and will provide a range of interventions depending on a family’s need.
Families participating in universal services including early childhood education and care services, primary and secondary schools, and maternal and child health (MCH) services can be referred to the program.
Helping early can be a great way to prevent bigger problems through:
- Individual help for families and caregivers
- Support, information and referrals to help with parenting, child/adolescent behaviour, housing, family problems, mental health and disability.
For more information please contact:
Judy Gersch Early Help Family Worker on 0458 813 961 or judy.gersch@anglicarevic.org.au
Orange Door
The Orange Door provides an intake service for people experiencing family violence, or who need assistance with the care and wellbeing of children and young people. Referrals can be made by practitioners or people can self-refer. The Orange Door can be accessed by visiting their office located in Florance Lane Maryborough (Access via Nightingale St), calling 1800 512 359 or emailing loddon@oragedoor.vic.gov.au to access to support.
Koorie Engagement Support Officer (KESO) Program
Department of Education KESOs help build the capacity of staff in Victorian early childhood education and care services (ECEC) to provide culturally inclusive and safe environments. The three priority areas for the KESO team working in the Early Years are Inclusion, family engagement and transitions. For more information contact: koorie.education.loddon.campaspe@education.vic.gov.au
The Nest
The Nest is a community-led drop-in space in central Maryborough for local families to access support on parenting topics and links to resources such as programs, workshops, and community events. A full-time facilitator is available for soft referrals and support. • A drop-in space for families that is safe, sensitive, and collaborative. • Promotes empowerment and self-determination for local families. • Provides a space to meet and network with other families in our community. • Connects families with local services and agencies. Termly programs for The Nest can be found: https://linktr.ee/theparentingnest Drop in times: 9am to 12pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri (Parenting programs offered on Thursdays) Phone the Nest team on: 54 610 685
Being a Parent program
‘Being A Parent’ is an 8 week evidence based peer to peer parenting program delivered each term at The Nest. Aimed at parents with children between 2-11 years old. The course is facilitated by local parents. The course enables parents to meet with other parents, and work to build skills and resilience in an affirming and supportive environment. Information on the course is available at: https://linktr.ee/theparentingnest or from The Nest team on 54 610 685
Access to Early Learning program
Access to early learning (AEL) is a targeted program for three-year-old children from families with complex needs. It aims to make sure that vulnerable three year-old children get the full benefits of attending kindergarten. The program: • Helps children to access kindergarten programs and supports families to enable regular attendance • Supports families through home visits helping parents and carers with activities to build on what their child is learning at kindergarten • Provides mentoring and professional learning for educators who support children in the local service system. For more information please contact: Karen Harris AEL Facilitator on 0436 485 740 or Karen.harris1@anglicarevic.org.au http://www.vic.gov.au/access-early-learning
Central Kindergarten Registration
All Central Goldfields kinder providers are participants in the central kinder registration scheme. The scheme support families to identify and register for 3 and 4 year old kinder at one of the seven local kindergartens located in the Central Goldfields Shire. The Central Registration process aims to improve access to all families and allocate spaces in a transparent and fair manner. For more information call Laura Johnston, Central Kindergarten Registration Officer on: 0460 816 540 or The Nest on 5461 0685
Maternal and Child Health Services
The Maternal and Child Health Service is a free service funded jointly by the Victorian Government and Central Goldfields Shire Council and is offered to all families with children from birth to school age. The Maternal and Child Health service works with families to promote optimal physical and emotional health, wellbeing, and development. Central Goldfields Shire Maternal and Child Health Service provides: • Information, support, and advice to parents of newborns to 5 years old, • Referrals to a range of child and family focused services (including allied health practitioners, Early Childhood Early Intervention, Mental Health) • Key Ages & Stages consultations providing family wellbeing, child health and child developmental reviews. Enhanced MCH services are available for families requiring additional supports, including antenatal appointments. For appointments and further information call Hannah Castles, Maternal and Child Health Coordinator on 5461 6553
Supported Playgroups
Supported Playgroups are led by a qualified facilitator delivering an evidence-based program (Smalltalk). Supported Playgroups also provide opportunities for parents to learn about local services and to meet other parents for support and friendship. Playgroups are held in locations across the shire to maximise access. Groups run every day of the school term, and eligible families can access one-on-one support via home visits. To find out more contact the Supported Playgroup facilitators on 0427 702 567 or supportedplaygroup@cgoldshire.vic.gov.au
Immunisation Services
The Central Goldfields Shire Council Immunisation Service provides the routine childhood immunisations recommended for all children in Australia, free of charge through the National Immunisation Program. Immunisation services can also assist with obtaining immunisation history and providing catch up vaccinations to enable children to participate in kinder, day care and school. For appointments and further information contact the Immunisation team at immunisation@cgoldshire.vic.gov.au or 0428 894 724
Best Start
Best Start is a selective statewide Early Years initiative designed to support families and caregivers to provide the best possible environment, experiences, and care for children from birth to school entry. Here in Central Goldfields, Best Start works with Go Goldfields Every Child Every Chance initiative to use local data and community knowledge to identify those who are experiencing vulnerability and support service providers collaborate to address issues locally. For further information contact: Rowan Sweeney Best Start Facilitator on 5461 0469 or RSweeney@mdhs.vic.gov.au
Loddon Children’s Health and Wellbeing Local
The Loddon Children’s Health and Wellbeing Local provides a range of health and wellbeing services to children up to 11 years old to support healthy development and emotional wellbeing. For more information, including referral pathways, call 1800 433 977 or email icfhwlocals@bchs.com.au
MDHS Community Services
Speech Pathology
Children from aged from birth to school age can access MDHS Speech Pathology Services. Support can be provided in the areas of speech sounds, language, fluency, stuttering, voice, social skills, fussy eating and swallowing. Children can access services while waiting for Early Childhood Intervention Services through the NDIS.Referrals can be made by phoning 5461 0333.
Counselling and social work support
Counselling, casework, referral, and advocacy is available at MDHS to support people with life’s challenges, including loss and grief, relationship breakdowns, family issues, stress, anxiety, and depression.Referrals can be made by phoning 5461 0333.
Housing Support
MDHS Housing support is for families and individuals who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, being evicted, struggling to pay rent, or otherwise feeling stressed or unsure about their housing situation.MDHS housing support staff may be able to offer emergency or transitional housing, information on housing options, assistance with social housing applications and bond loan application assistance.
Referrals can be made in person or by phoning 5461 0333.
For crisis support outside of office hours, call 1800 825 955.