Thriving Kids In Port Macquarie
October has rolled around, but there is still no local supports!
There has been a lot of discussion about Thriving Kids, and we know many families are wondering what it will mean for their child, their current supports and the therapists they know and trust.
At All Together Therapy, we want to help our families and local community navigate these changes. There is still a lot we don’t know, so our commitment is simple: we will share what we know, be clear about what we don’t know, and keep you updated as more information becomes available.
What do we know about Thriving Kids?
Thriving Kids is a new national approach to supporting children aged 8 and under with developmental delay and/or autism with low to moderate support needs. It will progressively roll out from last week (1 October 2026), with services building over time. General supports, including information, advice and parenting supports, are expected to begin first, while targeted supports such as allied health will gradually roll out from 2027.
Importantly, the Australian Government's current advice is that there are no changes to NDIS access or pathways until 1 January 2028. Children aged 8 and under can continue to apply for the NDIS in the same way during this transition period.
What is happening in NSW?
In NSW, the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) is responsible for commissioning Thriving Kids services.
Earlier this year, All Together Therapy completed the Expression of Interest process. As a long-standing local early intervention provider, we are very keen to continue supporting children and families through Thriving Kids.
At this stage, however, for-profit allied health providers such as ATT have not had the opportunity to participate in the current tender process. The current commissioning process has involved eligible not-for-profit organisations, and outcomes are still being finalised.
We know this may raise questions for families about choice, continuity of care, local availability and whether children will be able to continue working with therapists and organisations they already know and trust. We share many of these questions and will continue to advocate for a system that values local knowledge, existing relationships and genuine family choice.
What is current available under Thriving Kids?
Local Thriving Kids services are still being developed and commissioned and are not yet active.
There are some national supports that families can access now.
Thriving Kids Information and Resources Hub – evidence-based information and practical resources about child development, developmental delay and neurodevelopmental difference for families and professionals.
Visit the Thriving Kids Information and Resources Hub - https://raisingchildren.net.au/thrivingkidsNational Child Development Phoneline – 1800 882 436 – families can speak with a maternal and child health nurse for information and advice about child development and behaviour for children aged 8 and under. Phone and video-call support is available 7am–midnight, 7 days a week.
Thriving Kids Autism Helpline – 1300 654 789 – autism-specific information and advice for families of children aged 0–8 who may be exploring whether their child is Autistic or who already have a diagnosis. It is available 8am–7pm, Monday to Friday.
Thriving Kids website – the Australian Government's central source of information about Thriving Kids, including what it is, what supports are available and updates as the program rolls out. Visit the Thriving Kids website
Existing Early Childhood Partners and the NDIS remain available. Early Childhood Partners will continue to support children younger than 9 with developmental delay or disability, including connecting families with mainstream and community supports and the NDIS. Northcott is our local Early Childhood Partner.
We know uncertainty is hard
Although formal changes to NDIS access are not scheduled until 2028, we are aware that some families are already experiencing changes in access, funding and decision-making.
For families who have spent years navigating complex systems, another period of transition and uncertainty can feel overwhelming. We don't want to add to that uncertainty by speculating about what might happen.
Instead, we will continue to provide updates as reliable information becomes available and help families understand what changes may mean for them.
Help make sure family experiences are heard
If your child or family is already being affected by changes to early intervention or the NDIS, you can share your experience through the Early Intervention Impact Tracker.
The tracker has been created to capture the real-world experiences of children, families and providers during these reforms. De-identified information can then be used in advocacy and feedback to government, helping decision-makers understand what is happening on the ground and where the system needs to do better.
Your experience matters. These reforms should be shaped not only by policy, but by the children, families and communities they are designed to support.
