NewsThe Parenting Research Centre, with the support of the Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, held the first ever National MyTime Forum recently. The Forum provided those involved in the delivery of MyTime, especially facilitators and play helpers, a wonderful opportunity to share their MyTime experiences and learn from and support one another.
The Hon. Bill Shorten, the Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children Services, launched the Forum. He announced that the Australian Government will continue to fund MyTime for a further three years and that MyTime groups are now open to parents and carers of children from 0 to 16 years.
Mr Shorten also asked participants to invite parents and carers to respond to the Productivity Commission inquiry looking into a national Disability Social Insurance Scheme, “Get those parents thinking about the inquiry into National Disability Insurance Scheme, because it's only with the amplification of numerous participant voices that something can actually change,” he said.
To read Mr Shorten’s speech at the National MyTime Forum click here: http://www.billshorten.com.au/more/index.cfm?Fuseaction=July_15th_My_Ti§ion=more_46555.
To read the Productivity Commission’s report – Disability Care and Support click here: http://www.pc.gov.au/projects/inquiry/disability-support/issues
MyTime provides opportunities for families to catch up and share their experiences with others who understand the rewards and intensity of caring for a child with special needs. Read stories from mothers, fathers and other family carers about their MyTime experiences.
A MyTime Forum is now available online on the Raising Children Network (RCN). Connect with other MyTime families. Share your experiences and information online with others who understand the rewards and intensity of caring for a child with special needs.
Click here to be a part of the discussions on the RCN MyTime Forum.
All are welcome, members and non-members alike.

MyTime groups provide an opportunity for mothers, fathers and other family
carers to catch up and share information with others who understand the rewards and intensity of caring for a child with special needs.
Carers Week 2009 marks the launch of MyTime Celebrates!
This on-going MyTime campaign acknowledges the vital role that you play in caring for your child and celebrates your participation in the MyTime program.
Applying for the Carer Payment (Child) is now simpler and fairer. The Australian Government’s new assessment process is expected to help 19,000 extra parents and carers of children aged under 16. If you apply before the end of September, payments can be backdated to 1 July 2009.
For more details, contact Centrelink on 13 2717 or click here.
Tuesday, 30 June 2009
Naomi has set up two groups for WA MyTime provider Ngala. These groups are hosted by Milligan, a non-profit organisation which services the greater Bunbury region. Bunbury was the first regional MyTime group in Australia and now has two groups held weekly with 25 parents.
Tuesday, 09 June 2009
‘Having a child with special needs is an extremely challenging existence; yet, at the same time, brings us so much joy and celebration.’
Tuesday, 09 June 2009
A MyTime parent shares her personal story on how she is learning from other parents and sharing her skills

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