MFC CfC Community Needs Analysis – May 2025

Mallee Family Care, the Facilitating Partner of the Communities for Children initiative across the Swan Hill LGA , in partnership with the Mallee Family Care Research team, conducted a community needs assessment over many months, with the needs analysis report finalised in May, 2025.

Supporting children’s wellbeing when working with separating parents

Each year many Australian children experience the separation or divorce of their parents or primary caregivers. Although difficult and marked by significant changes, children’s experience of parental separation doesn’t have to be distressing or traumatic. Parents can influence their children’s experience of both the separation process and post-separation life.

How to recognise complex trauma in infants and children and promote wellbeing

Complex trauma in early childhood is distinct from other kinds of trauma. It can manifest in ways which affect body and brain development, and lead to poor long-term outcomes if not addressed. Early identification and support, including through trauma-informed practice, is critical to supporting infants and children who have experienced complex trauma.

It Shouldn’t Be This Hard

By listening and learning from ten families in their lived environments, this ethnographic research brings to the surface the stark challenges of accessing safe and suitable transport for children with disability in Australia.

PlayTogether Family Support

PlayTogether provides free direct one on-one support for all children, families and carers living with a disability, developmental delay or medical concern to join, participate and feel welcomed in a community playgroup.