Topic: Stronger Seeds, Taller Trees

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.

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• 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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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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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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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.

 

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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.

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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

 

Gross motor skills are foundational skills required for the development of play, self-care, fine motor and academic skills.

Providing education for families in relation to the importance of foundational gross motor skills is important.

When to refer:

Make a referral to a paediatric physiotherapist when a child is not achieving age-appropriate motor milestones or has difficulty with physical activities.

An occupational therapy referral could also be considered for the child’s functional engagement in everyday activities requiring physical motor skills.

Early referral and access to the right service is important for both the child and parent/carer.

Where and how to refer

Children who present with (but not limited to) the following difficulties should be referred for further assessment:

• not meeting motor development milestones eg sitting, crawling, walking
• difficulty performing everyday motor tasks and activities requiring balance and coordination eg walking up/downstairs, helping with dressing, running into things or tripping over
• poor posture eg difficulty holding posture to sit unsupported in a chair to eat, w-sitting, leaning on objects and people for stability
• increased fatigue when having to engage in gross motor tasks and activities
• avoidance of movement and gross motor tasks and activities

 Encourage parents to:

• prioritise floor tummy time for infants
• avoid seated baby equipment eg baby walker and exercise jumpers
• promote outdoor play and people games for children of all ages
• access parks and playgroups to practise gross motor skills

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Resources by age:

• Babies (3-12 months)
• Toddlers (1-3 years)
• Preschoolers (3-5 years)
• School age (5-8 years)

Screen time effects and guidelines