Thriving Kids and the NDIS: What Families in Geelong need to know.

7 Oct

By Jade Schultz | Director, BMe Supports

Information checked: 7 October 2026

If you are raising a child with developmental delay or autism, another announcement about changes to disability support can feel like one more thing you are expected to understand.

What will change? Will your child still receive support? Do you need to do something now?

At BMe Supports, my starting point is the child and family behind those questions. Support needs do not disappear because a program changes its name or funding pathway. Families need clear information, practical options and continuity.

Thriving Kids began its staged rollout on 1 October 2026. However, the start of the program does not mean children automatically lose their NDIS support. Here is what we know, what is still developing and how families and providers can prepare.

WHAT IS THRIVING KIDS?

Thriving Kids is the first phase of Australia's Foundational Supports: services available outside the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

It is designed for children aged eight and under with developmental delay and/or autism and low to moderate support needs, and their families, carers and kin. Governments have committed $4 billion over five years, with the Commonwealth and states and territories each contributing $2 billion. [1]

The program aims to make it easier to recognise developmental concerns, find reliable information and connect with early childhood support. Families do not need a formal diagnosis to access Thriving Kids supports. Available services will grow over time; not every service is available in every location yet. [2]

WHAT SUPPORT WILL BE AVAILABLE?

The national model includes information and advice, help identifying developmental needs, family programs and more targeted assistance.

Depending on local arrangements and a child's needs, supports may include:

• Parenting programs, peer support and facilitated playgroups.

• Speech pathology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychology and social work.

• Low-cost assistive technology, aids and equipment.

• Practical help for families to support participation and everyday skills. [3]

Further national initiatives being rolled out include a Medicare Healthy Kids Check at age three, a tool for GP-led annual health checks for children aged three to twelve with suspected or confirmed neurodevelopmental delay, and a National Digital Child Health Record. These are developing initiatives, rather than a promise that every component is available today. [4]

For me, meaningful early childhood intervention should help a child communicate, feel safe, build relationships and participate in ways that matter to them. It should also make everyday life more manageable for the people supporting them.

WILL MY CHILD LOSE THEIR NDIS PLAN?

The current official position is that NDIS access arrangements do not change until 1 January 2028.

Children aged eight and under who are accessing the NDIS before that date will continue to be reassessed using the eligibility criteria in place before January 2028. Once they turn nine, they will be reassessed under the new functional-capacity eligibility criteria.

From January 2028, the announced access changes mean new applicants aged eight and under with developmental delay and/or autism and low to moderate support needs will be supported through Thriving Kids. Children with permanent and significant disability, including children with substantially reduced functional capacity or high support needs, will remain eligible for the NDIS, subject to eligibility requirements. [5]

An existing NDIS plan continues unless a planned reassessment changes it. Families can still apply for NDIS access now. [6]

This does not guarantee that every child's plan, budget or eligibility will remain unchanged. Other NDIS reforms are separate from the Thriving Kids rollout. If you receive a decision about your child's plan, look at the individual decision and seek advice about what it means.

WHAT DOES THRIVING KIDS MEAN FOR VICTORIAN FAMILIES?

Victoria is introducing supports in stages.

Supports available from October 2026 include the Advocating for Children with Disability (ACD) Support Line, expanded Strengthening Parent Support Program support and additional publicly funded autism assessments through the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre. The additional assessments are intended to support low-income families, First Nations families and families in areas with limited services. [6]

From January 2027, the first six targeted allied health sites are planned for:

• Bendigo

• Hobsons Bay

• Hume

• Loddon

• Maribyrnong

• Melton

Developmental checks will begin in the initial delivery sites as children start kindergarten and school. Targeted allied health support will be time-limited, with frequency and duration depending on the child's needs. [7]

Geelong and Bannockburn are not named in that initial six-site list. Local families should check the Victorian Government's updates for later service locations and referral pathways. Full statewide rollout is planned by January 2028. [6,7]

HOW DOES THE ROLLOUT DIFFER ACROSS AUSTRALIA?

States and territories will deliver many of the services, so local access and commissioning arrangements differ. [8]

• ACT: Services began in October 2026, with staged expansion towards 2028. [9]

• NSW: DSC reports general supports commencing from October 2026 and targeted supports rolling out from January 2027. [10]

• Northern Territory: Services are being built and expanded from October 2026; NT Health allied health teams will manage targeted-support referrals, intake and prioritisation. [11]

• South Australia: Community supports expand during 2027, with targeted family capacity building and allied health supports from 2028. [12]

• Western Australia: Services are being introduced in phases. The listed Family and Children Support Program grant has closed. [13]

• Tasmania: DSC reports a published service model, with no rollout timeline published at the time of its article. [10]

• Queensland: DSC reports that the required bilateral agreement had not yet been signed as at its October update. Families and providers should check for subsequent announcements. [10]

WHAT CAN PARENTS AND CARERS DO NOW?

You do not need to work out the entire reform process today. Start with your child's current needs.

1. Keep asking for help.

Speak with your GP, maternal and child health nurse, early childhood educator or current practitioners about developmental concerns and support options. You do not need to wait for the full rollout.

2. Keep useful information together.

Maintain a folder with current reports, goals, support plans and examples of everyday difficulties. Include what helps your child, their strengths and the support needed at home, kindergarten, school and in the community.

3. Describe the whole picture.

A child who manages briefly in an appointment may need substantial support across the rest of their day. Record the context, assistance and recovery time involved, alongside their achievements.

4. Ask specific questions.

Is this service available locally? Who can access it? How do referrals work? Is there a waiting list? What happens when time-limited support finishes?

5. Discuss assessment needs with your team.

Updated functional information may be useful where existing evidence no longer reflects your child's needs. Discuss the purpose and usefulness of any assessment before committing to it.

6. Plan for continuity.

If a support pathway changes, ask who will coordinate the handover, how information will be shared with consent and what will happen if there is a gap.

These are practical BMe suggestions for preparing; they are not new eligibility rules.

WHAT SHOULD NDIS AND EARLY CHILDHOOD PROVIDERS CONSIDER?

Providers need to understand local commissioning arrangements and the potential effect on service demand. NDIS registration alone should not be treated as confirmation of a Thriving Kids contract.

My recommendation is to review the ages and needs of the children you support, model several possible funding scenarios and identify the skills your team may need. Consider partnerships, tender or grant opportunities, private services and other funding pathways where appropriate.

Planning should include family communication, consent, referral arrangements, workforce development and continuity of care. Avoid predicting that an individual child will leave the NDIS based on age or diagnosis alone.

DSC also identifies service redesign, workforce planning, alternative revenue streams and partnerships as considerations for providers preparing for the reform. [10]

A BME SUPPORTS PERSPECTIVE: KEEP THE WHOLE CHILD IN VIEW

At BMe Supports, we see the whole person: their strengths, their goals and what matters most to them.

Terms such as “low to moderate support needs” describe a policy group. They should never become shorthand for assuming that a family's daily challenges are small.

Our approach is collaborative, compassionate, evidence-informed and neuro-affirming. I want support to respect a child's communication, sensory needs, relationships, dignity and choices. Family capacity building should give parents useful tools and support, with realistic expectations about what they can carry.

Whatever the funding pathway, the question I want us to keep asking is: does this support help this child and family live well?

WHERE CAN FAMILIES FIND INFORMATION AND HELP?

• National Thriving Kids website: https://www.health.gov.au/thrivingkids

• Thriving Kids Information and Resources Hub: https://raisingchildren.net.au

• Thriving Kids Autism Helpline: 1300 654 789.

• National maternal and child health nurse advice line: 1800 882 436. [4]

• Victorian ACD Support Line: 03 9880 7000 or 1800 654 013 for regional callers.

• Victorian Maternal and Child Health Line: 13 22 29. [6]

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Does my child need an autism diagnosis to access Thriving Kids?

No. A formal diagnosis is not required to access Thriving Kids supports. Local services may have their own intake arrangements. [2]

Is Thriving Kids replacing the NDIS for every child?

No. The NDIS will continue for eligible children with permanent and significant disability or high support needs. The announced changes particularly concern new applicants aged eight and under with developmental delay and/or autism and low to moderate support needs from January 2028. [5]

Is targeted Thriving Kids allied health support already available in Geelong?

Geelong is not included in Victoria's initial six targeted allied health sites planned for January 2027. Check the Victorian Government's updates for local availability. [7]

Will I be able to keep my current practitioner?

Do not assume your current provider will be commissioned to deliver Thriving Kids services. Ask about local service arrangements and continuity options as details become available.

HOW BME SUPPORTS CAN HELP

If you are looking for early childhood intervention, positive behaviour support or counselling for your child or family in Geelong, Bannockburn or the surrounding region, you are welcome to contact BMe Supports to discuss your needs and available services.

We can help you think through your child's goals and support needs, and work collaboratively with the people involved in their care. Ask us about suitable telehealth options if you live elsewhere in Australia.

Contact BMe Supports: https://www.bmesupports.com

Be Bold. Be Brave. Be Me.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jade Schultz is a Behaviour Support Practitioner, Developmental Educator, Counsellor, Clinical Supervisor and Director of BMe Supports. She holds a Master of Autism from the University of Wollongong and works with children, adults, families and support teams.

SOURCES AND FURTHER READING

This original BMe Supports article was prompted by Rob Woolley's DSC discussion and checked against government information. Information reflects published guidance checked on 7 October 2026.

[1] About Thriving Kids:

https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/thriving-kids/about-thriving-kids

[2] National family information:

https://www.health.gov.au/thrivingkids

[3] NDIS: First phase of Thriving Kids supports:

https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/11706-first-phase-thriving-kids-supports-start-today

[4] Supports being rolled out:

https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/thriving-kids/supports-being-rolled-out

[5] About the changes to the NDIS:

https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/ndis-legislation-changes/amendments/ndis-amendment-securing-the-ndis-for-future-generations-bill-2026/about-the-changes-to-the-ndis

[6] Victorian information for families:

https://www.vic.gov.au/thriving-kids