Topic: Stronger Seeds, Taller Trees

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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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

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

As the cost of living continues to increase, it can be difficult to make the family budget stretch. This includes healthy meals for growing children.

Across South Western Sydney, some organisations provide cost of living help, such as low cost or free meals to those in need. Other organisations also offer support with paying bills and household basics such as blankets.

Families and individuals on low incomes can also access No Interest Loans (NILs) which enables low-income earners and Health Care Card holders to borrow up to $2,000 for expenses such as car repairs or registration, education expenses such as school fees and laptops, medical and dental expenses or essential purchases such as white goods and household items

NILs do not require a credit check; however, clients must demonstrate their capacity to repay the loan by having a source of income. Those experiencing domestic and family violence can borrow up to $3,000.

Cost of living support resources:

For more information about NILs, visit goodshep.org.au/nils

Find a local provider

Low cost and free meals directories

Other useful websites:

NSW Government Cost of Living Hub

Services Australia Advance Payment

Emergency relief providers

Services NSW – concessions and rebates

Read more about Stronger Seeds, Taller Trees

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.

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More imperative than ever, early mental health assessments and support for children and young people should be provided to prevent unnecessary long-term impacts. Many families visit their GP frequently, and these consultations present the ideal opportunity for early intervention.

GPs are often pressed for time, however their skills and knowledge are crucial in supporting children’s mental health, especially infants and toddlers.

Australia’s Emerging Minds provides an evidence-informed guide created specifically for GPs. This article includes links to brief videoclips, podcasts and e-learning courses on conducting child mental health assessments.

Early intervention and referral by GPs can prevent progression of mental health conditions, critically contributing to children’s future wellbeing. A Mental Health Care Plan will be required for supports to be provided to children.

Southwest Sydney Paediatric Clinics

SWSLHD Community Paediatrics

SWSLHD Infant, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services

Infant Child Adolescent Mental Health Service (ICAMHS)

• Liverpool/Fairfield:
  • • Phone: 9827 8011/8717 1700
    • Referral form
• Bankstown:
  • • Phone: 9780 2777
    • Referral form
• Macarthur/Campbelltown
  • • Phone: 4621 5000
    • Referral form

SWSPHN STAR4Kids Providers (3 to 12years)

• Camden, Wollondilly and Wingecarribee: Community Links Wellbeing. Phone: 0455 104 104
• Liverpool: Mission Australia. Phone: 97326500
• Bankstown/Fairfield: ProActive Psychology. Phone: 9796 3925/9727 7752
• Campbelltown: Sparrow Centre for Children. Phone: 0417 469 800
• Referral: SWSPHN Mental Health Referral Form

Family Mental Health Support Services

• Liverpool: Mission Australia – Happy Healthy Minds. Phone: 9732 6500
• Fairfield: Woodville Alliance. Phone: 9724 3807
• Bankstown: Break Thru People Solutions. Phone: 8700 140
• Campbelltown: The Benevolent Society. Phone: 4633 3777
• STARTTS: www.startts.org.au

Read more about Stronger Seeds, Taller Trees

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.

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Starting school is a big step for a young child and requires more than academic skills – it requires social, emotional, communication, and motor skills. Healthy young bodies and brains are fuelled by healthy eating at home and at school. All cultures have healthy food options which can be included in school lunch boxes.

GPs can support families by addressing nutritional concerns and advocating for healthy food environments; prioritising healthy eating; encouraging parents to role model healthy eating practices; and ensuring parents are aware supplements don’t substitute a balanced diet.

It’s important for families to remember not all healthy foods are welcome at schools as some children may have allergies. Some foods may need to be accompanied by ice packs as the weather gets warmer, so it doesn’t spoil.

The following resources can be provided to families and displayed at clinics:

Fuss Free Mealtimes

Fuss Free Mealtime Arabic

Fuss Free Mealtime Chinese

Fuss Free Mealtime Korean

Fuss Free Mealtime Vietnamese

Healthy Swaps

Balancing the Lunchbox

7-days-of-veggie-snacks.pdf (vegkit.com.au)

How to pack a healthy lunchbox

Lunch box fact sheet

Read more about Stronger Seeds, Taller Trees

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.

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