What is happening in each state?
State and territory governments manage local services. The services available, where they are offered and how families can access them, will be different in each state and territory. Below is information for New South Wales, ACT, South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania where Aspect provides services.
For information about other states and territories, visit the Australian Government’s family support page.
Find Thriving Kids information where you live
New South Wales
New South Wales started rolling out Thriving Kids in October 2026, with more services becoming available during 2027. Initial supports include:
- supported playgroups
- parenting programs
- peer support
- information and help connecting with services.
Targeted supports are planned to start rolling out from January 2027. These include short-term allied health therapy, individually or in small groups, and low-cost assistive technology in some circumstances. Access will be through a central intake process managed by the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ).
Children do not need a diagnosis. The NSW Government will share more information about local services and how to access them as they become available but has indicated that not every service will be available in every area. Families can join the mailing list on the NSW website.
Australian Capital Territory
Families in the ACT can call the Thriving Kids ACT Information and Navigation line on (02) 6205 5500. The service provides information, advice and help finding support. You do not need a diagnosis or referral to call.
The ACT is starting with government-run services and will add more supports over time.
They will gradually add more development checks, short-term allied health therapy, playgroups and parenting support. Families can also get help from Child and Family Centres and the Child Development Service. All services are planned to be available by 1 January 2028.
South Australia
South Australia is adding Thriving Kids support to existing early childhood services. Families can get free health and development checks before their child starts school. At participating Flying Start preschools, Preschool Boost offers small group programs and allied health guidance for educators and families.
More playgroups, peer support and support for Autistic children are planned during 2027. More support tailored to families, including allied health support, is planned from 2028. Children do not need a diagnosis to get Thriving Kids support. Families can start by talking to their GP, child and family health nurse, Aboriginal Community-Controlled Health Service or early childhood educator.
Victoria
From October 2026, families can use the Advocating for Children with Disability (ACD) Support Line and the Strengthening Parent Support Program. More autism assessments will also be available through the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre. These extra assessments are for low-income families, First Nations families and families who live in areas with limited services.
For information and advice, call ACD on (03) 9880 7000. Regional callers can call 1800 654 013. The phone line is open Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm.
The first six allied health sites are planned to open in January 2027. They will be in Bendigo, Hobsons Bay, Hume, Loddon, Maribyrnong and Melton. Two developmental checks are planned: one as children start kindergarten and one before school, beginning in the initial delivery areas.. Services are planned to be available across Victoria by January 2028.
Tasmania
From October 2026, families can access information, advice and support through the Thriving Kids Tasmania website. Thriving Kids is being introduced in stages, with services expanded from October 2026 to full operation by 1 January 2028.
Support will include information, family navigation, parenting and family capacity-building programs, facilitated playgroups and group activities. Some children may also be able to access key worker, therapeutic and allied health supports when needed.
Children do not need a diagnosis to access information, navigation services and many Thriving Kids supports. The Tasmanian Government is currently recruiting Early Childhood Connectors across the state to help families find the right supports and services in their local community.
For information about other states and territories, visit the Australian Government’s family support page.
