What's new at ParentZone Northern?
Parentzone Northern – Service Highlights and Program Delivery
Parentzone Northern continues to provide a broad range of evidence-informed parenting education and professional learning opportunities, supporting parents, caregivers, and practitioners across our region. Our work is underpinned by a strengths-based, culturally responsive, and gender-aware framework, ensuring that services are inclusive, respectful, and tailored to the diverse experiences of families.
Throughout Term One, demand for our services remained high, reflecting the ongoing need for accessible and responsive parenting support. Programs were delivered across the local government areas of Whittlesea, Hume Merribek, Nillumbik, Banyule, Darebin, and Yarra, with strong engagement from both families and service providers Our established partnerships with Anglicare Family Services teams in Epping, Preston, and Broadmeadows have been central to this work, enabling collaborative service delivery and effective referral pathways between programs
In addition to group-based parenting courses, Parentzone Northern has continued to provide individualised, one to one parenting home support in collaboration with both internal and external partners This tailored approach has enabled families experiencing complex or multiple stressors to receive targeted, practical support within their home environment. Families have reported increased confidence in their parenting, improved parent–child relationships, greater understanding of child development, and reduced isolation. The flexibility of one‑to‑one support has also allowed for culturally appropriate engagement and strengthened connections between families and broader community services.
As part of our commitment to innovation and continuous improvement, we remain actively involved in the regional Parentzone network, sharing best practice and co designing programs that respond to identified community needs Current service streams include targeted support for migrant, refugee and asylum seeker parents, parents of children with disabilities, fathers, and families navigating parenting after violence
This term, we are delivering Nuero affirming Parenting alongside our established multi session programs including Parents Building Solutions, Tuning in to Kids, Tuning in to Dads, Tuning in to Teens, Bring Up Great Kids and Circle of Security. By strengthening parents’ skills, confidence, and connection to support, Parentzone Northern contributes not only to positive outcomes for individual families, but also to the long‑term wellbeing and resilience of the wider community. We look forward to continuing this work and welcoming families and practitioners into our programs in the coming term
Bella Odicho Team Leader
ParentZone Northern
Northern Parent Educator Network (NPEN)
NPEN Term 1 Meeting
update
The Term 2 NPEN meeting was held online on 12 March 2025 at 2.00 pm. We were delighted to welcome Barak Ben Or, Lead Practitioner, who presented on Anglicare Victoria’s Functional Family Therapy – Youth Justice Program. Barak shared valuable insights into how the program supports parents and carers to rebuild and strengthen family connections and relationships. It was a pleasure to hear from him, and we sincerely thank Barak for his informative and engaging presentation.
Northern Parent Educator Network (NPEN)
A total of 11 professionals attended, and valuable program updates were shared. We also extend our thanks to Vanja, our group work facilitator, for delivering a thoughtful and restorative self-care activity. Our next NPEN meeting will be held on 4th June 2026 at 2pm via Zoom. A flyer with presenter details and the booking link will be sent out in early May, so please keep an eye on your email.
NPEN continues to be a great opportunity to network, share information, develop partnerships, learn about local services and community resources, and connect with other professionals. If you are interested in presenting or attending a future meeting, please contact Roba.Elkadi@anglicarevic.org.au.
Roba Elkadi ParentZone Northern Coordinator
Podcast on Spotify
The ParentZone Pods, is a podcast series presenting parenting snapshots on key issues for parents needing a little bit more before joining a group, or simply those wanting an idea of what to expect from our distinctive group work style Jump on Spotify to hear it all!
ParentZone Pods can be found on our website, Apple and via Spotify
ParentZone Northern Term 2 Multi-Session Parenting Programs
Dads Tuning in to Kids
Dates: Mondays, 27th April – June 2026 (6 sessions)
Time: 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Where: Online
Cost: This program is free of charge, but registration is essential
Dads Tuning in to Kids is a FREE 6-session program for Dads that will teach them how to help their child understand and manage their feelings and develop emotional intelligence.
The program will help you to learn how to:
Recognise and understand your child’s emotions
Response to your child’s emotions with support and positive guidance
Address and resolve conflicts in ways that foster emotional growth
Teach your child effective ways to express their emotions
Create a positive and empathetic family environment
Bookings and Enquiries:
ParentZone Northern: (03) 9301 5200 or email parentzone northern@anglicarevic org au
Tuning in to Kids
ParentZone Northern Multi-Session Parenting Programs
Circle of Security
Dates: Tuesdays, 28th April – 16th June 2026 (8 sessions)
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Venue: Online via Zoom
Cost: This program is free of charge, but registration is essential
Circle of Security is a relationship-based program that is designed to help parents and carers to understand their child’s behaviour and to build and strengthen a secure relationship with their child
Parentzone and DPV Epping are working together to bring you this FREE 6-week parenting group Join us at these FREE 8 session program that will help you to:
Understand your child’s emotion world by learning to read their emotions
Support your child to be able to manage their emotions
Enhance your child’s self -esteem
Honour your inner wisdom and desire for your child to be secure
Bookings and Enquiries:
ParentZone Northern: (03) 9301 5200 or email parentzone northern@anglicarevic org au
Circle of Security
Dates: Wednesdays, 29th April – 15th June 2026 (8 sessions)
Time: 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Venue: Broadmeadows Valley Primary School Dimboola Rd, Broadmeadows
Cost: This program is free of charge, but registration is essential
Circle of Security is a relationship-based program that is designed to help parents and carers to understand their child’s behaviour and to build and strengthen a secure relationship with their child
Parentzone and MacKillop are working together to bring you this FREE 6-week parenting group to parents at Broadmeadows Valley Primary School Join us for at these FREE 8 session program that will help you to:
Understand your child’s emotion world by learning to read their emotions
Support your child to be able to manage their emotions
Enhance your child’s self -esteem
Honour your inner wisdom and desire for your child to be secure
Bookings and Enquiries:
ParentZone Northern: (03) 9301 5200 or email parentzone northern@anglicarevic org au
ParentZone Northern
Dates: Thursdays, 30th April – 4th June 2026 (6 sessions)
Time: 1pm - 3pm
Where: Headspace Plenty Valley, Youth Services, Shop MM1, Westfield Plenty Valley inside EDGE, 415 McDonalds Rd, Mill Park VIC 3082
Cost: This program is free of charge, but registration is essential
This program is a FREE six-session program for parents and carers of 11-18-year-old children It provides a number of skills and strategies to help with everyday parenting challenges, based on emotionally tuned parenting The program will help you to learn how to:
Understand your teen’s emotions?
Be aware and manage your emotions?
Build attachment and teaching through emotional experiences?
Help your teen understand and manage their emotions?
Develop skills to assist your teen in problem solving?
Bookings:
Click here to register
Enquiries: ParentZone Northern: (03) 9301 5200 or email parentzone northern@anglicarevic org au
ParentZone Northern Multi-Session Parenting Programs
Neuroaffirming Parenting
Dates: Thursdays 7th May – 11th June 2026 (6 sessions)
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Where: Craigieburn Youth Centre, 59 Craigieburn Rd, Craigieburn
Cost: This program is free of charge, but registration is essential
Parenting a neurodivergent child requires unique skills, and every family’s journey is different. Whether you're seeking more knowledge, support, or just a safe space to share your experiences, this will provide you with a toolkit to navigate your child's needs with confidence
Parentzone and Hume City Council are working together to bring you this FREE 6-week parenting group Join us to:
Learn how to use compassionate communication with your child that builds their trust and reducing stress
Discover how to reinforce positive behaviours and manage challenging behaviours in a supportive way
Understand the importance of self-care
Connect with other parents/carers to share stories and experiences
Bookings and Enquiries:
ParentZone Northern: (03) 9301 5200 or email parentzone northern@anglicarevic org au
Bringing Up Great Kids
Dates: Fridays, 8th May – 12th June 2026 (6 sessions)
Time: 10:30am - 12:30pm
Where: Online
Cost: This program is free of charge, but registration is essential
This FREE 6-session program is a reflective parenting program that was developed by the Australian Childhood Foundation It aims to support parents/carers to build a positive and nurturing relationship between them and their children
The program will help you to:
Learn about brain development in children and how it influences children’s thoughts, feelings and behaviour
Understand the meaning behind children’s behaviour
Develop communication skills to encourage children’s positive self-identity
Discover how to overcome obstacles getting in the way of you being the kind of parent you want to be
Bookings and Enquiries:
ParentZone Northern: (03) 9301 5200 or email parentzone northern@anglicarevic org au
ParentZone Northern Multi-Session Parenting Programs
Parenting in the Teen Years
3 Session Program for Parents & Carers of young people aged 12-18 years
Dates: Tuesday 19th May 2026 - Session 1
Understanding the Teen Years
Tuesday 25th May 2026- Session 2
Communication and Connection
Tuesday 2 June 2026 - Session 3 nd
Supporting Your Teen’s Wellbeing and Resilience (3 sessions)
Time: 6pm- 7:30pm
Where: Online
Cost: This program is free of charge, but registration is essential
Parenting teenagers can be complex and emotional This 3 session program supports parents and carers to better understand adolescence, strengthen relationships, and develop practical strategies for the teenage years These sessions are interactive, strengths based and provide a safe space to learn, reflect and connect with other parents Come along to one or three sessions, it’s your choice.
Bookings and Enquiries:
ParentZone Northern: (03) 9301 5200 or email parentzone northern@anglicarevic org au
Parenting
in the Early
Years 3 Session Program for Parents & Carers of children aged 0-5 years
Dates: Tuesday 12th May 2026 - Session 1
Understanding your child’s Development Tuesday 19th May 2026- Session 2
Navigating & Managing Challenging Behaviours
Tuesday 26th May 2026 - Session 3
Communication and Connection (3 sessions)
Time: 6pm- 7:30pm
Where: Online
Cost: This program is free of charge, but registration is essential
The early years are a time of rapid growth, big emotions and constant learning for children and parents This 3 session program supports parents and carers to understand young children’s development, build positive relationships and develop practical strategies for everyday parenting challenges Sessions are supportive, interactive and strengths based, providing a welcoming space to reflect, learn and connect with other parents Come along to one or three sessions, it’s your choice
Suitable for parents and carers of children aged 0–5 years
Bookings and Enquiries:
ParentZone Northern: (03) 9301 5200 or email parentzone.northern@anglicarevic.org.au
Mother Goose Supported Playgroups
Parent-Child Mother Goose
Program Playgroups
Mother Goose Supported Playgroups Term 2, 2026
Broadmeadows Valley Primary School Hub
DATE: Mondays, 27th April – 15th June 2026, (9 sessions)
TIME: 1:00pm - 2:30pm
WHERE: Broadmeadows Valley Primary School Hub: Dimboola Road, Broadmeadows
St Dominic’s Primary School
DATE: Wednesdays, 28th April – 16th June 2026, (9 sessions)
TIME: 1pm-2:30pm
WHERE: St Dominic’s Primary School: 408 Camp Rd, Broadmeadows
Campbellfield Heights Primary School
Meadows Primary School Hub
DATE: Fridays, 31 April – 19th June 2026, (9 sessions) st
TIME: 9:30am - 11:30am
WHERE: Campbellfield Heights Primary School: 1 Laurel Cres, Campbellfield VIC 3061
DATE: Thurdays, 30th April – 18th June 2026, (9 sessions)
TIME: 1:00pm - 2:30pm
WHERE: Meadows Primary School, 41 Gerbert St, Broadmeadows
Circle Of Security Parenting (8 week program)
Circle ofSecurity isarelationshipbased early intervention program that explores how parents can enhance their attachment with their children.
The program is designed to help parents to understand their child’s behaviour and to build and strengthen a secure relationship with their child.
Recommended for young parents/carers of children aged 0-7 yrs.
DATES:
TIME: VENUE: 30th April to 18th June 10am – 11.30am Thursday
Epping Community Services Hub 713 High St, Epping VIC 3076
COST:
Free of charge, registration essential
BOOKINGS AND ENQUIRIES
To register please contact Sarah Hagen: Sarah.Hagen@anglicarevic.org.au P: 8470 9999
No childcare provided, babies in arms allowed.
Growing Connections
A FREE 9 week group aimed at nurturing and healing the relationship between mothers and children in primary school who are survivors of family violence.
Recognised as a 'Promising Program' by the Australian InstituteofFamily Studies, Growing Connectionsaims to strengthen the bond between mothers and children who have experienced family violence The group involves art, craft, play and movement activities
This is a safe, supportive and fun group for mothers and children to attend together The group will help to:
strengthen your connection with your child increase your confidence and skills to continue to nurture and build your relationship after the group connect with other families who have had similar experience in a safe space
Funded by the Australian Government
DATES: (running for9 weeks) th
TIME:
WHERE:
Mondays from 27April2026 11am - 1:30pm (Lunch to be provided)
Broadmeadows area
Bookings Essential
Please contact Shilpa on ph: 9301 5200 or via Email: ShilpaNagesh@anglicarevicorgau
Positive Parenting Program
Strengtheningpositiverelationshipsandpromoting a safe and supportive home where your family can thrive.
About the program
Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) is an online evidence-based program that supports parents to raise happy babies and confident kids by giving them tools and tips to use with confidence.
Kids First invite you to attend any or all of our Triple P sessions. We will share ideas, tools and tips to guide your child’s behaviour.
Triple P is a FREE online program run by Kids First for parents who live in Yarra, Darebin, Whittlesea, Banyule and Nillumbik areas.
Session dates and times
Session 1: The Power of Positive Parenting Wednesday June 3rd
Session 2: Raising Confident, Competent Children Wednesday June 10th
Session 3: Raising Resilient Children Wednesday June 17th
Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Location: ONLINE via Microsoft Teams
For all enquiries
Donna El-Cheikh
03 9450 0900 | 0409 006 126
delcheikh@kidsfirstaustralia.org.au
Positive Parenting Program
Strengtheningpositiverelationshipsandpromoting a safe and supportive home where your family can thrive.
About the program
Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) is an online evidence-based program that supports parents to raise happy babies and confident kids by giving them tools and tips to use with confidence.
Kids First invite you to attend any or all of our Triple P sessions. We will share ideas, tools and tips to guide your child’s behaviour.
Triple P is a FREE online program run by Kids First for parents who live in Yarra, Darebin, Whittlesea, Banyule and Nillumbik areas.
Session dates and times
Session 1: The Power of Positive Parenting Wednesday June 3rd
Session 2: Raising Confident, Competent Children Wednesday June 10th
Session 3: Raising Resilient Children Wednesday June 17th
Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Location: ONLINE via Microsoft Teams
For all enquiries
Donna El-Cheikh
03 9450 0900 | 0409 006 126
delcheikh@kidsfirstaustralia.org.au
Centrelink Useful Contacts for Families
Help Lines
Police (24-hour stations) 000
Lifeline Crisis Support Suicide Prevention 13 11 14
Maternal and Child Health Line - call 13 22 29 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Headspace – 1800 650 890 (support for young people aged 12 to 25 years)
Family Violence Help: 1800 015 188
Kids Help Line Phone Counselling Service: 1800 551 800
Homeless Crisis Line 1800 825 955
Drug and Alcohol Services 1800 888 236
Mensline Counselling Service 1300 78 99 78
Q Line Counselling & Referral for LGBTI people 1800 184 527
Merri-Bek City Council
90 Bell Street, Coburg, VIC 3058 (03) 9240 1111
https://www merri-bek vic gov au
City of Whittlesea
25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang, VIC, 3752 Australia (03) 9217 2170
https://www whittlesea vic gov au
City of Darebin
274 Gower Street, Preston, VIC 3072 (03) 9470 8888
https://www darebin vic gov au
Banyule City Council
1 Flintoff Street, Greensborough VIC 3088 (03) 9490 4222
https://www banyule vic gov au
Nillumbik Shire Council
32 Civic Drive, Greensborough (03) 9433 3111
https://www nillumbik vic gov au
Yarra City Council
140 Hoddle Street, Abbotsford/333 Bridge Road, Richmond (03) 9205 5555
https://www whitehorse vic gov au/
Hume City Council
1079 Pascoe Vale Road, Broadmeadows (03) 9205 2200
https://www hume vic gov au
Carers 132 717
Families 136 150
Financial Information Service (FIS) 136 357 (FIS seminar booking)
Help in an Emergency 132 850
Indigenous Australians Call Centre 1800 136 388
Languages (Multilingual) 131 202
Low Income Healthcare Card 132 490
Online Support Hotline 132 307
myGov Help Desk 132 307
People With a Disability 132 717
Medicare
General enquiries 132 011
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Line 1800 556 955
Australian Immunisation
Register Enquiries 1800 653 809
Compensation RecoveryMedicare 132 127
Disaster Health Care Assistance 1800 660 026
myGov help desk 132 307
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme 132 290
Telephone claims 1300 360 460
Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) 131 450