Children’s health Archives | Page 3 of 12

23 July 2025

GPs and healthcare providers can help advocate for students and others with disability. As a GP or heathcare provider you are often a trusted first point of contact for families.

If you are supporting a student with disability who is experiencing barriers at school, you can assist them by playing a vital role in connecting families with free advocacy support. Advocacy can help families and students navigate education systems, secure supports and protect their rights.

People with Disability Australia offers free advocacy for students with disability in NSW Government schools regardless of National Disability Insurance Scheme or Disability Support Pension status. Refer families today:
Phone: 1800 422 015
Email: pwd@pwd.org.au

Learn how PWDA supports students with disability in NSW Government schools.

For more information, visit People with Disability Australia (PWDA) National disability rights and advocacy organisation, providing free support across NSW.

Supporting Students with Disability – PWDA
Information on how to refer students and families for free advocacy in NSW Government schools.
Individual Advocacy – PWDA
One-on-one support to help people with disability understand their rights and resolve issues.
Disability Advocacy Futures Program
NSW Government-funded program supporting a range of disability advocacy services, including PWDA.

Other disability advocacy services

Disability Advocacy Finder
Helps people with disability understand their rights, resolve issues and take part fully in the community.
ADACAS
Provides support to people with disability dealing with issues related to government or government-funded services.
Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association
Specialises in advocacy for people with disability from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

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This article appeared in Practice Pulse on Wednesday, 23 July 2025. If you are a GP, practice nurse or practice manager in South Western Sydney and do not get the weekly Practice Pulse email, speak to your Practice Support Officer.

08 July 2025

As a GP, simply asking a parent, “Does your child attend a playgroup or preschool?” can open a valuable conversation about social skills and school readiness.

If the parent’s response is “no”, encourage them to take their young child to playgroup and enrol them in preschool or childcare as they get older.

Interactions with other children will help to strengthen the social skills required to make a positive start to school. These skills include:

Communication: talking and listening and being able to ask for help, express their needs and feelings and understanding what others are saying
Cooperation: being able to work with others, take turns and share
Self-regulation: managing their emotions and behaviour and controlling impulses
Empathy: understanding and responding to the emotions and perspectives of others
Friendship and manners: knowing how to be a good friend, being respectful of others and saying please and thank you

Find out more at:

Fairfield playgroups

Liverpool playgroups

Canterbury/Bankstown playgroups

Preschools and childcare centres

Social skills and starting school Parent Handout English 2025

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This article appeared in Practice Pulse on Wednesday, 9 July 2025. If you are a GP, practice nurse or practice manager in South Western Sydney and do not get the weekly Practice Pulse email, speak to your Practice Support Officer.

04 July 2025

GPs willing to undertake training will be able to resupply ADHD medication to their patients from September.

To support the rollout GPs are being asked to express their interest in undertaking the necessary training by completing an EOI form on the NSW Health website. Once training is completed, GPs will be able to manage resupply prescriptions without needing a formal arrangement with a psychiatrist or paediatrician.

The initial rollout will prioritise children on stable doses of medication to ensure early and consistent access to care. Further training to enable GPs to diagnose and initiate medication will begin by the end of the year.

Find out more

24 June 2025

Being a parent is the most important job a person can have. But it can also be isolating for parents, particularly when extended family might not be nearby.

It’s important for parents to know they can reach out to local services when they need some help or advice.

Evidence-based parenting programs have been shown to support family functioning and the wellbeing of children, particularly when delivered by trained professionals.

Many parenting programs aim to help parents improve their relationship with their child and enhance emotional and behavioural outcomes.

There is substantial evidence of the effectiveness of parenting programs in providing favourable outcomes for parents (improved confidence as a parent, stronger parent-child attachment, more effective and safe strategies for guiding children’s behaviour) and children (improved age-appropriate behaviour and social skills).

In South Western Sydney, some not-for-profit family support services are funded by the NSW or Australian Government to provide parenting programs at no cost.

Parenting program providers in SW Sydney 2025

Read the full report on effective approaches for young children

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10 June 2025

While medical care options for trans children are unnecessary until puberty, families seek advice from GPs for young children. Parents seek a GP who listens, affirms the child rather than dismissing concerns, is respectful, kind and willing to learn.

Some children are clear about being trans from the age of three, while others do not feel like either boys or girls (non-binary), and others are exploring gender.

Children thrive when they can express their preferred gender through clothing, people use their preferred pronouns, and sometimes they choose a different name.

Parents can benefit from the support of other parents to navigate healthcare, legal documentation and education settings. GPs can provide letters of support.

Article provided by Dr Cris Townley

Resources

Research Article Good GP care for transgender children: The parents’ perspectives

Support for parents

Support for Trans, Gender Diverse and Non-Binary Children and their Families

Why is family support important

Supporting trans and gender diverse children in early education environments

Westmead gender clinic

The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Australian Standards of Care and Treatment Guidelines

RACGP special interest group

Working with adult trans and gender diverse people

E-Learning Module: Trans Primary Care – AusPATH

03 June 2025

The South Western Sydney LHD Public Health Unit has asked that the following information be provided about measles and childhood vaccination rates in South Western Sydney.

Measles warning for South Western Sydney

there has been a recent surge of imported measles infections in Australia in 2025
genotyping of these infections shows the majority of these infections were acquired in the Middle East where several outbreaks are ongoing
a surge in travel to the Middle East is expected for the upcoming Hajj in Saudia Arabia (4 to 9 June)
be vigilant for signs and symptoms of measles in returning travellers and pilgrims
other infectious diseases to consider in those returning from the Middle East include: meningococcal disease, MERS and hepatitis A
contact your local PHU as soon as you suspect a case of measles or have any questions on 1300 066 055

Childhood vaccination rates plummet in South Western Sydney

childhood vaccination rates have been falling in every LGA in South Western Sydney for the last four years, despite the recommended target being 95 per cent
South Western Sydney has some of the lowest childhood vaccination rates in the state
the proportion of children who were fully vaccinated for selected age groups in SWSLHD for March 2025 is: 12 to 15 months 89.1 per cent, 24 to 27 months 86.9 per cent and 60 to 63 months 92.6 per cent
please contact your local PHU on 1300 066 055 if you need assistance in arranging a catch-up schedule or sedation for a child with special needs

precentage of children monthly fully vaccinated in SWS — Childhood vaccination rates declining in South Western Sydney.

27 May 2025

South Western Sydney welcomes more refugees each year than anywhere else in Australia.

Many arrive after fleeing war, persecution or violence, carrying the impacts of trauma – often compounded by the challenges of resettlement.

Adjusting to life in a new country often involves navigating unfamiliar systems, overcoming language and cultural barriers, and managing ongoing stress. Past or recent experiences may also lead to mistrust of institutions, making it harder to seek help.

Health professionals play a crucial role in supporting refugees and asylum seekers through the settlement process. By using culturally appropriate interpreters, understanding the effects of trauma and providing compassionate, culturally sensitive care, they can rebuild trust and foster long-term healing.

Bulk-billing and reduced-cost care is recommended for refugees and asylum seekers due to their low-income status. However, some may not be eligible for Medicare, which can limit their access to healthcare.

Connecting patients with appropriate referral pathways, ethno-specific organisations and community-based support services is essential to ensure their health and social needs are fully met.

The refugee experience can significantly impact children, leading to issues such as lack of immunisation, malnutrition, inadequate growth and development monitoring and various traumas.

GPs play a crucial role in supporting these children by providing trauma-informed care, ensuring they receive the necessary immunisations, monitoring their growth and development, and addressing nutritional needs. GPs can also work with families and other professionals to ensure children receive comprehensive care tailored to their unique needs.

Here are some useful resources and support services which support refugees and asylum seekers:

Support services in the community

Community Hubs

Legal Aid NSW Refugee Service

Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association of NSW (MDAA)

NSW Multicultural Health Communication Service

NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS)

Settlement Services International (SSI)

SWSLHD – NSW Refugee Health Service

Transcultural Mental Health Centre (TMHC)

Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National)

Health Information and GP Resources

NSW Health Refugee Health Plan

NSW Health Care Interpreting Services

Factsheets for refugees in Australia – Refugee Council of Australia

SWSLHD – NSW Refugee Health Service – Information in other languages

Information for GPs – Gaza_Israel arrivals Oct 24

Service directories

Ask Izzy

Services and information – Refugee Council of Australia

LINCS – Local Information Network for Community Services

13 May 2025

General practice helps prevent domestic and family violence by addressing the root causes before it begins.

GPs play a crucial role by promoting healthy relationships, identifying at-risk individuals and referring them to support services.

This can include addressing root causes, promoting healthy relationships, identifying at-risk individuals and referring to specialised services.

Find out more

addressing root causes: change societal norms and behaviours which normalise/excuse violence
promoting healthy relationships: educate patients on healthy dynamics, communication and conflict resolution
identifying at-risk individuals: recognise risk factors like controlling behaviours, isolation and threats
providing safe support: offer a safe space for patients to discuss concerns and provide confidential resources
referring to specialised services: know local DFV support services for legal, housing, financial and child protection assistance
advocacy and awareness: support prevention initiatives and advocate for policies addressing violence
self-care: GPs should prioritise their well-being to prevent burnout when dealing with DFV cases

Useful links:

Primary prevention initiatives

Impact of domestic and family violence on children and young people

Services to support those experiencing violence

Supporting Recovery Brochure 2025– support to heal from domestic and family violence

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22 April 2025

The first three years of life are critical for a child’s brain development.

Early Intervention is linked with positive changes in functional gains for children and can positively impact all aspects of development and functioning including mental health, physical, social and cognitive development.

Early identification of developmental concerns and referral to appropriate services is crucial, particularly before children start Kindergarten. It is also important to refer early to account for potential waitlist times.

How to make an early intervention referral

Families may be eligible for support through the NDIS Early Childhood Approach if a child has a disability or there are concerns about their development.

Children aged under six don’t need a formal diagnosis to be referred. The service also supports children up to age eight, connecting families with local supports, guidance and advice tailored to their needs.

EACH is the NDIS Early Childhood Partner for South Western Sydney and can assist with referrals.

Call EACH on 1300 003 224.

Download the Early Intervention Referral Guide (PDF)

More information for GPs and health professionals – NDIS

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08 April 2025

Playgroups provide opportunities for children to engage in play, which helps them learn the valuable skills required to have a positive start to school.

Benefits of playgroup include:

help develop social skills at the child’s own pace
build emotional confidence
encourage physical activity
support imagination and creativity
learn through role-play
social connection for parents

Many playgroups are run by experienced early childhood trained staff and provide parents with support and guidance on child development as well as offering a soft entry point to other community support networks.

Many families might not be aware of the benefits of playgroup so GPs can play a vital role in referring families who might have a child with developmental concerns or if the family is socially isolated.

Benefits of attending playgroup

Different types of playgroup

In South Western Sydney there are lists of playgroups for the following local government areas:

Fairfield

Liverpool

Canterbury Bankstown

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