Topic: Stronger Seeds, Taller Trees

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

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

 

Did you find this article helpful? Yes/No

 

For more Stronger Seeds, Taller Trees articles click here: Stronger Seeds, Taller Trees

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

 

Did you find this article helpful? Yes/No

 

For more Stronger Seeds, Taller Trees articles click here: Stronger Seeds, Taller Trees

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

 

Did you find this article helpful? Yes/No

 

For more Stronger Seeds, Taller Trees articles click here: Stronger Seeds, Taller Trees

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

Real life example

Mrs Nawabi, 34, visits her GP because she’s feeling anxious since she lost her job the previous 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 to manage Mrs Nawabi’s anxiety by reducing her stressors.

Where to get help

Low cost meals providers

Find providers offering affordable food options in your area.

Emergency relief provider

DSS portal – service provider– After selecting the state and local government area, choose Financial crisis and material aid – Emergency relief in the programm field.

Ask Izzy directory – A mobile-friendly tool to find nearby support services.

Centrelink assistance

Centrelink support

Advance payment information

NSW Government support

Rebates and vouchers

NSW Cost of Living Hub

No interest loans

Good Shepherd No Interest Loans

Find a local No Interest Loan provider

 

Visit the Stronger Seed, Taller Tree page to learn what the initiative is about.

 

Did you find this article helpful? Yes/No

 

The body processes sensory information from the external environment and from internal body signals.

The sensory systems include sight, smell, sound, taste, touch, proprioception (body position), vestibular (balance) and interoception (internal body signals).

Some children may process sensory information differently and it can impact their participation in everyday life.

Signs of sensory processing differences:

• seeking sensations more than other children (touching, smelling or licking textures, closely watching moving objects, difficulty sitting still)
• actively avoiding sensations in a way which does not fit the environment (distress at ordinary sensory experiences, blocking out sensations)
• passively avoiding (upset in busy/noisy environments/when touched, easily distracted, selective with food)
• being a ‘bystander’ with sensations (high pain threshold, appearing to ‘tune out’)

Read more:

Sensory Seeking vs Sensory Sensitive

Sensory processing difficulties

When to refer:

Refer to an occupational therapist when a child’s sensory processing differences interfere with everyday routines or engagement in learning. Early referral is key in improving functional, social and academic outcomes.

Download:

Where and how to refer

These articles are written by members of the ‘Stronger Seeds, Taller Trees’ project which includes professionals from a number of government and non-government organisations in South Western Sydney. The group aims to support GPs working with families to navigate and access timely services when they have a concern about a child’s development.

Did you find this article helpful? Yes/No

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children experience some of the highest rates of Otitis Media and associated hearing loss in the world, with inequity fundamentally implicated.

Left untreated, these conditions are directly linked to serious and long-term complications. These include poor medical health, delayed communication and social skill development, challenging behaviour and learning difficulties.

Regular ear checks, hearing assessments and onward referrals to ENTs are crucial in supporting positive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children with Otitis Media.

Empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families to connect with health, cultural, and community services is another important part of supporting their children’s health and wellbeing.

Find more information for families about Otitis Media.

Aboriginal Health Services

It is essential to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families to connect with health, cultural and community services early to support their children’s health and wellbeing.

South Western Sydney Local Health District Aboriginal Health Service Directory

Macarthur Family and Youth Services

Tharawal Aboriginal Corporation – Airds

Gandangara Aboriginal Health Services – Liverpool

KARI Aboriginal Community Programs – Liverpool

 

These articles are written by members of the ‘Stronger Seeds, Taller Trees’ project which includes professionals from a number of government and non-government organisations in South Western Sydney. The group aims to support GPs working with families to navigate and access timely services when they have a concern about a child’s development.

 

Did you find this article helpful? Yes/No