Young Families Connect

Congratulations to our very own Program Manager, Corinne Harper, on becoming a finalist in the Ipswich and West Moreton Region Child Protection Week Awards for 2026! Winners will be announced on the 11th September.

https://my.gov.au/en/services/raising-kids/having-a-baby/when-your-baby-is-born/when-your-baby-arrives-checklist

When your baby arrives checklist Tasks to do like registering the birth, claiming a Centrelink payment, enrolling in Medicare and getting health checks.

A national test of the national AusAlert System test will happen on Monday 27 July 2026.
During the test, all compatible mobile devices in Australia will receive an alert at the same time. AusAlert may increase risk for people experiencing violence who have a safety device. If it is not safe for you to receive AusAlerts on your devices, keep the device turned off or in aeroplane mode until you need it.
Important: your phone will still receive AusAlerts EVEN IF your phone is on ‘silent’ or ‘do not disturb’.
When you receive an AusAlert, your mobile device will vibrate, play a loud siren-like sound for about 10 seconds, and turn on the screen to show the message.
The national test will be a Critical Alert. You CANNOT turn these alerts off!
The alert may stay active for up to an hour.
If you are concerned about receiving a Critical Alert, follow these steps:
- one hour before the test: turn off your mobile device or put it in aeroplane mode
- during and after the test: keep your device off or in aeroplane mode FOR 24 HOURS.
Remember: you WILL still receive the AusAlert national test if your device is on ‘silent’ or ‘do not disturb’.
National test schedule times for July 27 are: ACT: 2:00 pm (AEST – UTC+10:00), NSW: 2:00 pm (AEST – UTC+10:00), QLD: 2:00 pm (AEST – UTC+10:00), TAS: 2:00 pm (AEST – UTC+10:00), VIC: 2:00 pm (AEST – UTC+10:00), NT: 1:30 pm (ACST – UTC+9:30), SA (incl. Broken Hill): 1:30 pm (ACST – UTC+9:30), WA: 12:00 pm (AWST – UTC+8:00).
For more info go to https://www.ausalert.gov.au/community-resources/staying-safe-ausalert -safe-during-the-national-test

Young Parents Playgroup is starting back up again!
Wednesdays 12-2 at Goodna Community Centre, Layard Street, Goodna. Open to all!

It was great meeting with "The Helen's" 🤣 to chat about some great ways we can work together to support our young parents.

Great connections for stronger support. Our Ipswich Parent Pathways Mentors visited Ipswich High School to meet with the team behind Young Families Connect (YFC), a program supporting pregnant and parenting young people (under 24) to stay engaged in, or re-engage with, education through onsite and outreach support.

Mentors Helen D and Helen T caught up with Corinne, Fiona and Erin to share how Parent Pathways can complement YFC, strengthening our partnership to better support parents in the community.

For information about the Parent Pathways program, visit https://ap1.hubs.ly/y0QZrP0

Great to attend the Ipswich & West Moreton Youth Interagency meeting this morning. I got to catch up with some terrific local people (like Corinne Harper, photographed) who have a wealth of knowledge and experience supporting young people in Ipswich.

Today we heard from speakers from Headspace, Be You, VitalHub and the Eating Disorder Specialty Service about the important work they’re doing to support youth mental health here in Ipswich.

It’s encouraging to see the range of services available and the strong collaboration across organisations, all focused on helping our young people thrive.

Thank you to Amanda Margerison from ICYS for her leadership and for bringing everyone together for these important conversations.

ICYS Ipswich Community Youth Service
headspace Ipswich Vital Projex

Are you looking for somewhere to complete your education where you can bring your child with you? There is till time to apply for 2026 enrolment! Study onsite or from the comfort of your home. Scan the QR code or contact us at [email protected]

Are you looking for somewhere to complete your education where you can bring your child with you? We are currently taking applications for 2026! Study onsite or from the comfort of your home. Scan the QR code or contact us at [email protected]