At the national kinship, permanent and foster care conference in Melbourne in August KCV had many requests about supports available in other states.  Many of the current KCV resources do reference national programs already. However, it was decided to create a reference point specifically related to national resources so that interstate carers can more easily find them. One of the most important resources is that which outlines the Centrelink payments for which all carers across the country are able to apply.  Even informal carers can be eligible for many of these payments.

We wish all interstate carers the very best.

Cheers,

Anne McLeish

Director

On 17 July 24 the Board of GPV/KCV met with Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn and Minister for Transport Infrastructure Danny Pearson.

The discussion covered a broad range of topics related to the joys and pressures of raising children up until age 11. This age range fits with the Minister’s priority to do as much as she can towards early years support for families. Specific issues discussed included: respite for kinship carers, inclusion of grandparents as support to parents to prevent children being removed, an increased subsidy to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for children on a health care card (this is a federal issue which he Minister has raised at a national level), and access to early childhood kindergarten.

Board members thanked the Ministers for the generous amount of time they spent talking through some very critical issues.

Dear Carers,

Did you know about the Victorian Carer Card, which enables many discounts on goods and services and transport?

Check the KCV flyer (click button below) for information on how to apply.

After many requests for more seminars on nutrition to be offered, KCV has secured the services of one of our most popular speakers – Nikki Valentini. This year Nikki is going to talk about Nutrition for wellbeing in times of rising costs. 

Join us at one of five gatherings:

• Wed 16 Oct 2024 – DANDENONG – The Dandenong Club
• Wed 13 Nov 2024- MELTON – Melton Country Club
• Wed 12 Mar 2025 – GEELONG – Buckley’s Entertainment Centre
• Wed 30 Apr 2025 – WARRAGUL – Warragul Function Centre
• Wed 15 May 2025 – EPPING – Casa D’Abruzzo Club

Provides definitions of the following types of care:

• Kinship care
• Aboriginal kinship care
• Statutory kinship placements
• Private, informal or non-statutory kinship care
• Foster care
• Permanent care

KCV’s latest resource booklet is produced from a transcript of the podcast on cybersafety for children and young people

End physical punishment of children – protect Australian children

1,221 people have signed this petition to end physical punishment of Australian children.

Please sign and ask others to sign the petition, which will be sent to Federal and State Attorneys General urging them to change legislation.