Topic: Stronger Seeds, Taller Trees

Refugee Week is an annual national celebration promoting greater awareness of refugees, the issues they face and the contributions they make to the Australian community. This year it takes place from 14 to 20 June.

Refugee Week events and activities aim to foster connection, understanding and celebration. It also highlights various important aspects of healthcare for patients from refugee backgrounds in South Western Sydney, which receives the highest number of refugees in NSW.

Issues include:

• trauma-informed culturally safe care and the complex physical and mental health needs of this population, which often stem from trauma, interrupted care or resettlement challenges
• common barriers to healthcare, including language difficulties, lack of cultural awareness, financial constraints and complex navigation of health systems
• social determinants of health including housing, employment, education, visa status and concerns about family and friends in their home countries
• holistic and social support using community services to provide ‘wraparound’ care to support patients’ broader wellbeing

Find out more:

Refugee Week key activities and events

Refugee Health Guide NSW

NSW Refugee Health Service

Organisations in South Western Sydney supporting refugees:

NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors

Settlement Services International

Fair Foundations

Core Community Services

Early Intervention: where and how to refer

Finding the right support for neurodivergent children can feel overwhelming for many families. This page helps guide parents and carers through common challenges, the role of GPs, and where to access support and resources.

Barriers that hinder a parent in accessing support can include:

• differing opinions within the immediate or extended family
• stigma around mental health and behavioural issues
• difficulty accessing specialist support due to cost, travel, or long waiting lists
• Limited access to an interpreter or culturally appropriate support

GPs are often the first point of contact for families seeking support for neurodivergent children. They play a key role in listening to concerns, assessing early signs, and guiding families to appropriate services.

The child’s neurodiverse behaviours can sometimes be subtle, so it is vital that GPs be attentive to parent’s concerns about their child and explore details of all facets of the child and family life.

Where to refer

Accessing the right services early can improve outcomes for children and families. GPs and families can explore a range of referral pathways and supports.

Early Intervention – Where and How to Refer 2026

Navigating autism

Supporting children with neurodiversity

Early childhood approach

Guide for families

About PANDA

Take the next step

If you are concerned about your child’s development, speak with your GP. Early support can make a meaningful difference for your child and your family.

Emergency relief support can assist families in cost-of-living crisis and other adverse conditions such as income loss. It can include food, money, housing, healthcare, and other support services.

Here’s an example:

Mrs Nawabi, 34, comes to her GP feeling anxious because she lost her job last week. She’s a single mother with three young children.

In cases like this, the children’s health and wellbeing may be supported through emergency relief. This support will also help manage Mrs Nawabi’s anxiety by reducing her stressors.

Where to get support:

Providers of low-cost meals

Emergency relief providers – after selecting the state and local government area, choose Financial crisis and material aid – Emergency relief in the Program field

Centrelink social workers

Income support advance payment

NSW government rebates

NSW Government cost of living hub

Ask Izzy

No Interest Loans (NILS)

Low cost and free meals directory

Support for temporary visa holders

Settlement Services International Emergency Relief

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More Stronger Seeds, Taller Trees articles

Stronger Seeds, Taller Trees is an initiative which provides doctors and parents with information about early childhood developmental milestones and the importance of early intervention.   

Initially developed by The Facilitation Project, Stronger Seeds, Taller Trees brings together workers from a range of government and non-government organisations who collaborate with paediatric specialists to write articles for Practice Pulse.  

In recent times, other topics which have been the subject of their articles include supporting children to make a good start to school and services which can support families and individuals with the cost of living. 

For more information contact Debbie Winardi at winardid@missionaustralia.com.au or phone 0436 111 179.

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Gambling rates in South Western Sydney are very high, particularly in Fairfield and Canterbury-Bankstown.

Problem gambling can cause financial hardship and can negatively impact relationships, work, physical and mental health. Gambling can also be a problem for young people through online gaming.

Problem gambling negatively impacts the individual and their family, and support is available for both.

GPs can support people experiencing gambling harm through screening and referring to appropriate support services.

SWSPHN has an online Gambling Harm Screening Tool: SWSPHN’s Gambling Harm Screening Tool

GambleAware has a plethora of online resources which can help GPs identify signs of gambling harm and support people who might be experiencing gambling harm.

This article appeared in Practice Pulse on Wednesday, 26 November 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.

GPs play a crucial role in supporting parents’ postnatal mental health as they are often the first point of contact for new parents experiencing emotional or psychological difficulties.

GPs can identify early signs of postnatal depression, anxiety or other mental health issues through regular check-ups and sensitive conversations. They can offer initial support, refer patients to mental health specialists, counselling services or local support groups, and prescribe appropriate treatment if needed.

By normalising discussions around mental health and offering compassionate care, GPs help reduce stigma and ensure parents receive the help they need during this vulnerable time.

What GPs can do to support patients in the postnatal period:

• complete an EPDS or K10 questionnaire with a parent in the postnatal period
• ask about their birth experience
• discuss their relationship with their baby
• discuss current supports
• review any other current stressors or challenges

Find out more:

ForWhen helpline

PANDA

NSW Mental Health Line – 1800 011 511

Karitane

Centre of Perinatal Excellence

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This article appeared in Practice Pulse on Wednesday, 15 October 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.