Communities for Children

YWCA Australia and the Communities for Children program wish to acknowledge the Traditional Owners across Bundjalung land on which the Communities for Children program operates on and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We recognise the traditional owners as the custodians of the lands, seas and skies, with more than 60,000 years of wisdom, connection and relationship in caring for Country. 

Improving the health and wellbeing of children and families in the Lismore and Murwillumbah regions through early childhood development, child and family support programs, community engagement and sector training and development

Communities for Children (CFC) in Lismore and Murwillumbah develops and facilitates a whole of community approach to support and strengthen local service networks that contribute to child and family wellbeing.

CFC collaborate and partner with local service providers to improve access for children and their families to the support they need to thrive. Our partners provide prevention and early intervention programs that support positive family functioning, safety and child development. We identify and support initiatives that celebrate and value children and families and support them to lead in their community.

CFC is funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.

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Through our partner programs, we are working towards three key outcomes:

Children and young people are supported in safe, secure homes

Services are integrated, culturally informed and accountable to deliver better outcomes with children and families

Children and families are celebrated, valued and lead in communities

Our Community Partners operate a wide variety of programs. These include:

  • Parenting support programs
  • Early childhood development programs
  • Positive family relationship programs
  • School engagement and attendance programs
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural and Community programs
  • Emotional and social well-being programs
  • Support programs for children with disabilities and their families

Referrals are made directly through our Community Partner organisations. Contact us to find out more about referring yourself or someone else to one of our Community Partner programs.

“The support that staff from the Lismore Transition Program have given us is above and beyond. We are thankful for the program and the educators who love and support us as a family”.

– Parent/Carer

Communities for Children Lismore Partner Organisations

Evidence-based, early childhood learning program that provides a holistic, flexible, play-based program for children aged 4-5 with developmental delays or behavioural challenges. Integrating a family focused approach, Lismore Transition Program assists children to have a positive and strong start to their compulsory schooling.

Evidence-based program providing a suite of targeted parenting courses for families with children aged 0-12 experiencing vulnerabilities. Parent Education focuses on building understanding of children’s needs, developing secure parent-child attachments and building enduring social/support networks.

Evidenced-based, therapeutic early childhood development and parent support program to improve the health, development and wellbeing of children. Ready, Set, Go works in partnership with parents and Early Childhood Services encompassing therapeutic child and parent play, parent support and education, speech pathology, occupational therapy, service coordination, subsides fees and transport for families.

A Homework Hub for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from Kindergarten to Year 6 providing support to develop literacy and numeracy skills in a fun, interactive and culturally appropriate way.

Evidence based social and emotional learning program for students in years 3-6 at Goonellabah and Lismore South Public Schools. Integrating a family/community focused approach the program engages students to develop confidence, resilience, self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, interpersonal skills and life skills through individual support and group activities.

Communities for Children Murwillumbah Partner Organisations

Community-based cultural activities for school and preschool-aged Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families. The program aims to build confidence, resilience, cultural connection, participation in the community and pathways to supportive services.

Early intervention occupational therapy, speech pathology, behaviour management and psychological services for children experiencing vulnerabilities and developmental delays. This is a free service for eligible children living in the Murwillumbah postcode.

Delivering a suite of evidence-based parenting programs and community development initiatives to support family functioning, strengthen support for families with complex needs, coordinate information and service access and enable families to engage and initiate community development projects.


How do I find out more about Communities for Children?

If you want to know more about Communities for Children, please contact

Program in Lismore: Paula La Belle at paula.labelle@ywca.org.au

Program in Murwillumbah: Rosealie Vallance at rosealie.vallance@ywca.org.au

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YWCA Australia wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we work, live and play and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We recognise First Nations people as the custodians of the lands, seas and skies, with more than 60,000 years of wisdom, connection and relationship in caring for Country.

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