Colac Otway Shire Way To Go Guide

QUICK HELP GUIDE

This PDF has a list of local contact numbers that can support community in a time of need. The Quick Help Guide can be printed out and added to waiting rooms and places like the back of toilet doors in organisations.

Colac Area Health

Colac Area Health meets the needs of more than 30,000 people in the Corangamite, Colac Otway, and Surf Coast Shires. It is a unique, integrated health service encompassing Aged Care, Hospital Care, Community Care and many other services.

Colac Area Health
2-28 Connor Street, Colac VIC 3250
Ph: 5232 5100  
Email: info@cah.vic.gov.au

Colac Neighbourhood House
23 Miller Street, Colac VIC 3250
Telephone: (03) 5232 5210
Email: nhouse@cah.vic.gov.au

Miller House
2 Miller Street, Colac VIC 3250
Telephone: (03) 5232 5351
Email: millerhouse@cah.vic.gov.au

Birregurra Community Health Centre
Strachan Street, Birregurra VIC 3242
Telephone: (03) 5236 2000
Email: birregurrareception@cah.vic.gov.au

Child Protection

West Division Intake - Rural and regional only - 1800 075 599
West Division has one child protection intake located at DHHS Geelong covering the following rural and regional areas and LGAs:
Ararat, Ballarat, Colac-Otway, Corangamite, Glenelg, Golden Plains, Greater Geelong, Hepburn, Hindmarsh, Horsham, Moorabool, Moyne, Northern Grampians, Pyrenees, Queenscliffe, Southern Grampians, Surf Coast, Warrnambool West Wimmera, Yarriambiack.

After hours Child Protection Emergency Service - 13 12 78
(5.00pm - 9.00am Monday - Friday, 24 hours on weekends and public holidays)

Kids Help Line

Avilable Anytime. Any Reason.
Kids Helpline is Australia’s only free (even from a mobile), confidential 24/7 online and phone counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.
Qualified counsellors at Kids Helpline are available via WebChat, phone or email anytime and for any reason.

Lifeline

Crisis Support Services: Phone 13 11 14 available 24 hours / 7 days - Australia's largest crisis support line. Anyone in Australia can speak to a trained Crisis Supporter over the phone, any time of the day or night.

Lifeline Text 0477 13 11 14 available nightly - Australia's first SMS-based Crisis Support service, any person in Australia can receive support from a Crisis Supporter by text message every night.

Online chat available nightly - The online chat service is available for people who prefer to type than talk. Any person in Australia can chat with a Crisis Supporter through the Lifeline Australia website each night.

Anyone across Australia who is experiencing a personal crisis, contemplating suicide or caring for someone in crisis can contact Lifeline. Regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation, our trained Crisis Supporters are ready to listen without passing judgement and to provide support and referrals.

Sexual Assault Crisis Line

Sexual Assault Crisis Line (24 Hours): 1800 806 292

Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre: Our service provides 24 hour immediate crisis care and support for anyone who has experienced a recent sexual assault (in the past 14 days) and needs urgent support.

For a recent sexual assault or family violence crisis response:
Emergency Police 000
Sexual Assault Crisis Line (24/7) 1800 806 292
Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre (24/7) 1800 015 188
The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre Geelong 03 5222 4318 (business hours)

Safe Steps (Family Violence)

Sexual Assault Crisis Line (24 Hours): 1800 806 292

Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre:
Our service provides 24 hour immediate crisis care and support for anyone who has experienced a recent sexual assault (in the past 14 days) and needs urgent support.

For a recent sexual assault or family violence crisis response:
Emergency
Police 000
Sexual Assault Crisis Line (24/7)
1800 806 292
Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre (24/7)
1800 015 188
The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre
Geelong 03 5222 4318 (business hours)

Nurse-on-Call

NURSE-ON-CALL is a phone service that provides immediate, expert health advice from a registered nurse, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Call 1300 60 60 24 from anywhere in Victoria for free health advice, 24 hours a day.

If you think your situation is an emergency, you should always call 000 or go to an emergency department at a hospital.

If you need an interpreter to speak with the nurse, let the nurse know once your call begins

Poisons Information Centre - Victoria

Call if someone has been poisoned or has overdosed, made a mistake with medicines or been bitten or stung (24 hours a day, seven days a week).

Colac Community Health Nurse (for ages 12-25 & women of ALL ages)

Our Community Health Nurse helps young people to lead healthier lives.

What we do Education, counselling and support in: - Sexual reproductive health - Women’s health - Puberty education for senior primary students - Sexual and Reproductive Health education in secondary schools - Antenatal care

How to access this service: The Community Health Nurse is available Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 9 am to 5 pm by appointment or drop into the Youth Health Hub (15 – 17 Hart St, Colac, Vic, 3250).

Our visiting GP, Dr Robyn Walker, is available for appointments on Wednesdays from 9.30 am and will bulk bill the service.

Bookings can be made via the Youth Health Hub reception by calling 5232 5520

Community Mental Health Team

Barwon Health's Adult Mental Health Services provide community and in-patient services for people aged between 16 and 65 years, affected by serious complex mental illness.

The emergency and referral phone contact number is 1300 094 187 (24 hours).

Colac Adult Continuing Care Services
13 Dennis Street, Colac
Hours: 9.00am-5.30pm Monday-Friday
Phone: 1300 094 187

Jigsaw - Youth Mental Health, Drugs & Alcohol Service

The Barwon Health Jigsaw Youth Mental Health, Drugs and Alcohol service provides specialist mental health services and treatment services for drug and alcohol problems to young people aged 16 to 25.

Referrals are accepted directly from consumers themselves, their families, or a GP.

The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre

Supporting the Victorian community throughout Barwon, Wimmera, and the South West regions, we offer a specialist range of support services to all people impacted by sexual and family violence, encompassing 24 hour crisis response, case management, therapeutic counselling and group programs, early intervention programs, refuge and housing support, legal services, professional training and primary prevention initiatives.

Available via Colac Area Health (details below) and
Colac Youth Hub (5232 5520 - yhh@cah.vic.gov.au)

Headspace

Are you supporting a young person>
Raising sensitive issues and working to resolve problems that arise along the way can be challenging. It can also be hard as a parent to know the difference between normal behaviour, such as moodiness, irritability and withdrawal, and an emerging mental health problem. This website is designed to help you.

headspace Colac

headspace Colac provides health and wellbeing support services and information to young people aged 12-25 and to their family and friends; including:
- physical and sexual health; - mental health; - alcohol and other drug support; and - work and study support.

Birregurra Community Health Centre

The Birregurra Community Health Centre plays an integral role in meeting community wellbeing needs. As a site of Colac Area Health its focus is the health and well-being of our community through organised groups and activities and to build social connectedness.

Birregurra Community Health Centre Hours:  Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 5.00 pm

Great Ocean Road Health

Otway Health and Lorne Community Hospital joined forces to operate under one entity, Great Ocean Road Health, Lorne Campus and Apollo Bay Campus. 

LORNE CAMPUS
GENERAL ENQUIRIES (03) 5289 4300 ALBERT STREET
LORNE URGENT CARE 24 hrs per day, 7days a week

APOLLO BAY CAMPUS
GENERAL ENQUIRIES (03) 5237 8500
75 MCLACHLAN ST APOLLO BAY
URGENT CARE 24 hrs per day, 7days a week

The Orange Door

Who is The Orange Door for?

Sometimes things at home or in a relationship are not OK and you need some help and support. 
At The Orange Door, we are here to listen to you and help you to get the support you need quickly and easily.

We can work with you on your own, or together with your family members depending on your situation.
We welcome everyone at The Orange Door and you don't need a referral. You can seek help or support if you are a migrant or a refugee or do not have permanent residency.

Let's Talk Colac

Mental illnesses are many and variable, but they are all treatable. It’s time to close the gap between those who are seeking help and those who aren’t.

LETS TALK was created to raise awareness around the need to break the stigma.

Meli Early Years Services

Meli’s Early Supports are designed to build capacity in you and your child to promote everyday learning – at home and in other environments. Early Supports are available for children and their families who present with developmental concern and are younger than six years of age.

Supported Play Groups

Small Talk play groups help enhance parents’/carers’ knowledge of children’s learning and provide strategies to assist learning and development. These groups are suitable for all pre-school children.

HIPPY Program

The Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY) is a free, two-year, home-based early childhood learning and parenting program that empowers parents and carers to be their child’s first teacher.

- HIPPY is FREE, fun, play-based learning! - HIPPY supports you for two years, starting around the time your child turns three (i.e., the two years before starting school) - You receive HIP HIPPY activity packs, resources and books - You will be supported by a HIPPY Mentor who will practice the activities with you at home visits. You then play the activities with your child during the week - You receive support and opportunities to learn and connect with others at monthly group gatherings

In Home Support and Sunshine Circles

The Sunshine Circles program is for parents/carers of children aged 0-6 years and focuses on parent/child interactions through role modelling and structured activities.

Sunshine Circles can help with: - Supporting children’s development through play - Connecting families on their parenting journey - Providing families the opportunity to link into support services

Meli - Family Violence Support

Meli support individuals and families who are affected by family violence with specialised services.

Local Playgroups

Playgroup is for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers and their parents or carers. Playgroups are low cost and run by the parents or carers in them. Each parent or carer is responsible for the children they bring to playgroup.

Playgroups are located in:
Apollo Bay
Birregurra
Beeac
Deans Marsh
Kawarren
Colac
Forrest
Coragulac

Out of Home Care - Kinship Care (Meli)

Kinship care is the care provided to children and young people by extended family or members of their connected social network.

Meli facilitates monthly Kinship Carer Support Groups in Geelong and Colac (held at the Christian Family Church), which are open to all kinship carers. Group meetings are free to attend and held monthly. Groups are a great way to meet other kinship carers in the local area in an informal, relaxed and supportive environment.

Family Support Program - Colac Area Health

The Family Support Program is open to any families with children and young people aged 0-17 years in the Colac Otway and Corangamite Shires.

The team provides case management, support, counselling and help with linking families to other services. Family Support Hours:  Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 5.00 pm

Food Directory

A directory of all food relief options in the Colac Otway region.

Fill It Up Mate Emergency Food Program

Bags are available from the Colac Neighbourhood House containing non-perishable food, toiletries, sanitary items and pet food.

The Salvation Army

Colac Eats
Colac Salvos Market Day aims to provide the much needed Practical Assistance to help relieve the financial strain put on many in our Region. 

All who use Market Day have access to Fresh Produce, Frozen Meals or Meats, Pantry goods and other kinds of Practical Assistance, there are no costs and no questions, just a helping hand. 

If you are interested in getting access to Market Day, please make an appointment either through direct messaging on Facebook, texting or calling 0484 935 165.

Breakfast
Every Wednesday from 9am through till 11am, we welcome anyone and everyone that is wanting a Warm Breaky and some great conversations.

Community Pantry
The Colac Salvos Community Pantry exists to support anyone needing a helping hand, it could be just a few items or up to two bags of whatever you a needing.

Our Pantry is stocked with a multitude of different items, Pantry goods, Frozen Meals, Pet food, Toiletries, Laundry Products and much more.

Our Community Pantry is available for periodic use whenever our Community Centre is open, 9am-2pm Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Vinnies Welfare

Assistance with financial support, food access and referral to appropriate agencies, material aid.

Main service is Food Relief, but can assist with: - small bill payments - chemist prescriptions. Anybody requiring support can access services. Phone 0400 181 779 between 10.30am to 12.30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays for appointments

Youth Homelessness (Meli)

Meli operates the state-wide youth homelessness access points for Colac and Geelong, servicing the Greater Geelong and Colac catchments.

The team provides an immediate response to young people aged between 16 – 24 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and may be sleeping rough, couch surfing or living with family.

Young people can make contact with the team by dropping in to the nearest office or phoning 1800 825 955.

Colac Common Equity Housing Limited (CEHL)

Common Equity Housing Limited CEHL, is a registered Housing Association, a provider and developer of affordable housing.

The CEHL Housing Program is an alternative to private rental and home-ownership. It provides long-term tenancies along with co-operative management of housing.

The Salvation Army - housing

The Salvation Army is one of the largest providers of homelessness services in Australia. Housing by referral. Face-to-face interviews in Colac on Monday’s, enquiries through the Geelong office.

Housing Vic

This website is the source of information for current public housing renters, potential social housing renters and anyone wanting to know about housing in Victoria.

Youth and Family Counselling - Colac Area Health

The Children, Youth and Families Counselling Program provides a diverse range of counselling and support services for children aged four to seventeen years of age.

Counsellors offer support and counselling for children and young people who are experiencing or who have experienced: - School/Peer difficulties - Healing from trauma - Abuse and/or family violence - Family changes - Low self esteem - Coping with anger, worry, sadness, fear - Liaison with other services such as schools

There is no cost to the family. Hours: Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm

Barwon Community Legal Service - Colac

We are an independent Community Legal Service that is funded by the State and Federal Governments to provide free legal information, advice, and casework to members of our local community.

Financial Counselling - Colac Area Health

Colac Area Health provide financial counselling for Any person experiencing financial difficulty, particularly those who are considered low income, are prioritized.

It is a free confidential service.

How can they help me?
-Provide options that may assist and take action to remedy the financial problem.
-Help work out payment plans.
-Work out if eligible for government assistance.
-Assist with bankruptcies.

No Interest Loans Scheme

The No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) provides individuals and families on low income access to safe, fair and affordable credit.

NO FEES NO INTEREST NO CHARGES

Loans can be used for essential goods and services. Contact the Community Hub Inc

Youth Alcohol and Other Drugs (Meli)

Meli offers programs for people who need support in relation to alcohol or other drug use.

These include: - Youth Alcohol and Drug Services for people aged 15-25 - Family Re-unification Order worker (FRO), working alongside Odyssey House Victoria Barwon - Mental Health/Alcohol and other Drug clinician, working alongside Head to Health.

Colac Area Health - Alcohol & Other Drug Programs

Colac Area Health offers many programs that can support you, or someone you love that is affected by alcohol and drug (AOD) use and wanting to make a change.

The service is for individuals and families from 18+ and there is no cost.

Access the service by calling 03 5232 5100 and making an appointment with a Drug and Alcohol Clinician.
You can also contact 1300 763 254 for Intake and be referred.

Odyssey House

Alcohol and drug counselling services.

Flexible Learning - GOALS Campus

The GOALS campus of Lavers Hill K-12 College aims to re-engage young people who are currently disengaged from any form of education, by providing students with a flexible and tailored education program.

GOALS is a proud Victorian Government School that seeks to provide the highest standard of Senior Secondary public education for young people aged 15 – 20 years (Year 10+) who have been disengaged or excluded from mainstream education.

Saints College - Colac

Saints College is an inclusive, supportive school for 12-25 year olds looking for an alternative to mainstream education

Your learning program is designed just for you. Learn at your pace, get job-ready skills and access all the support you need to tackle life’s challenges.

Victorian Early Leaver Connection Initiative Career Advice Service

The Victorian Early Leaver Connection Initiative (VELCI) supports young people who have left school before completing Year 12.  It provides free career advice and pathway support to help early leavers stay engaged in education, training, and employment.  

Delivered by The Gordon Skills and Jobs Centre

Navigator Program

The Navigator Program supports young people aged 12-17 years who are not connected to schools at all or are at risk of disengaging.

It provides intensive case management and outreach support to disengaged learners. The program works with these young people and their support networks to return them to education. In Geelong & Colac, Meli deliver the program

Homework Clubs - Refugee Community

This is a free service that supports students in years 7-12 who have recently arrived in Australia and are of refugee background.

Student bring their assigned homework to Homework Club, and volunteer tutors provide one-on-one support, as needed, to help the complete their work.

Delivered by Cultura at the Colac Neighbourhood House.
Monday evenings from 4pm to 6pm – Secondary School students.
Tuesday evenings from 4pm to 5pm – Primary School aged students.

L to P Program - help with getting your drivers licence

A program designed to provide young learner drivers with equal access to driving experience and instruction to help them obtain their Probationary Licence

Eligibility: - young people aged 16-21 years, - have their learner's permit - no access to a car and/or - no access to a supervising driver Program

Cultura Reconnect Program - mentoring to help you find the right course to gain employment

Reconnect provides participants with mentoring to help them find the right course that suits their strengths, interests and career aspirations. Our ongoing support is designed to help participants enrol and complete their studies to gain employment, while addressing any other unmet needs.

Who's Eligible? Reconnect is available for 17 - 19 year old's AND 20-64 year old's. Ran out of the Colac Community Hub

Building a relationship with your child’s school

When you have a strong and respectful relationship with your child’s school and teachers, you’re in a good position to give them the information they need to help your child get the most out of his education. You and your child’s teachers can work together to support your child’s learning and wellbeing.

Learn Local - Community Hub Inc

Learn Local courses are flexible and can be tailored specifically to suit your needs. You can learn in a classroom, online or a bit of both, at the pace that you choose. Class sizes are often small, with training delivered by highly experienced professionals in a relaxed environment.

Community Hub Inc is Colac's Learn Local.

Workforce Australia

Workforce Australia is a place Australians can search and apply for jobs or find more information on their pathway to employment.

Sureway Employment and Training
52b Rae Street, Colac
P: 1300 787 392

are-able Colac
178 Murray Street, Colac
P: 5231 3411 or 1800 566 066

Employment Agencies

Other Colac employment options:

Westvic Staffing Solutions
87 Bromfield St, Colac
P: 5234 3200

Victorian Group Training
111 - 113 Bromfield St, Colac
P: 1300 158 100

CQ Recruitment
111 - 113 Bromfield St, Colac
P: 1300 563 977

Community Hub Inc

Community Hub inc currently offer Learn Local Classes, NILS, HUBGaming, TAC L2P Learner Driver Mentor Program, a community meeting space, deliver special projects that meet community needs and support community members to develop their own project or program ideas.

We also support people to volunteer by providing information about volunteer opportunities across Colac Otway, direct referrals to volunteer organisations and support to address barriers to volunteering.

Reception operating hours: • Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 10.00am to 3.00pm

Colac Neighbourhood House

Colac Neighbourhood House provides a welcoming, friendly environment for community members to join in organized groups and activities. We provide space for meetings, training and playgroups. We encourage members to develop new skills and to seek out new experiences.

Hours are M-F (9am - 4.30pm)

Colac Otway Shire

Colac Otway Community Directory

South West LLEN

SWLLEN aims to empower young people that are disengaged from schools, employment or the region they live in. We do this through connecting them with educational programs or industry-specific training. We particularly assist those at risk of making poor transitions from compulsory schooling to careers.

Caracaramigen House - The Colac Aboriginal Gathering Place

Caracaramigen House is a place Community can come to enquire about services they may require, or help navigating a service system, a range of community, arts and education based events or simply to pop in for a cuppa and a yarn.

We also have gathering and meeting spaces that are available for booking for meetings or events.

As of July 2026 - new address - 35 Barry Street, Birregurra

Colac Area Health: Aboriginal Health

Colac Area Health has a strong partnership with Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative. A General Practice clinic and Aboriginal Health Nurse operates from Colac Area Health’s Youth Health Hub on Mondays. Ring to make an appointment.

If you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander you will receive priority access to Colac Area Health’s’ community based services including dental, allied health, counselling support, family and children progams, community nursing, and continence services. The access to these services are provided free of any charge. You will find a list of our services on our website.

KESOs - Koorie Education Support Officers

KESOs are area based professionals who are members of the local Aboriginal community with an understanding of Aboriginal culture and the history of their community.

KESOs provide advice to schools about culturally inclusive learning environments, co-ordination of services to support engagement and improved outcomes for Koorie children and young people.

Wathaurong Health Services

We offer consultations, testing, procedures and social emotional wellbeing support. From time to time, we also provide specialist appointments at our clinic.

There is also an outreach service in Colac once a week.

All health appointments at Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative are bulk billed. We can also assist with transport to get to and from your appointments. For all your health needs, call us to make an appointment.

Victorian Police Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer (ACLO)

ACLOs liaise between the Aboriginal community and Victoria Police. They are community representatives within the organisation.

National Disability Insurance Scheme - for all things disability related

Keep up to date with the latest advice from NDIS. Get help in finding providers and support workers, how the supermarket home delivery service works and other important information.

If you are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment, you can also call the National Relay Service on 133 677

Early Childhood Approach (NDIS) - Meli

The Early Childhood Approach supports children younger than 6 with developmental delay or concern or children younger than 9 with disability and their families to access the right support at the right time. It is about giving children and their families the right supports to enable them to have the best possible start in life.

To find out more please contact the Meli Early Childhood Approach team.

genU

genU’s work supports a diverse range of individuals, including people with disabilities, the ageing, job seekers, students and business partners within the community.

services and support include: - Accommodation - Allied Health - Employment Pathways & Supported Employment - Home Care Packages - Individual Support Services - NDIS Support Coordination - Outreach - Participate Lifestyle & Recreation - residential aged care - retirement living - support for carers

genU Support Coordination

genU Support Coordinators can help you find the disability and mainstream supports in your community that are right for you.

We’ll support you to understand your NDIS plan and how you can make the best use of your funds to achieve your goals and build capacity.

Kui Community Nursery

genU Community Nurseries grow and supply high-quality native plants while creating meaningful employment opportunities.

The Otway Kitchen

At The Otway Kitchen, we make a wide range of jams, sauces and condiments. Our team lovingly hand-makes our products in small batches, so you can be sure all produce is truly artisan and local.

We help to begin the careers of people with a disability by teaching them new skills inside and outside of the kitchen.

Open Monday to Friday: 9.00am–3:00pm

Colac Otway Disability Accommodation (CODA)

CODA provides:
· Accommodation
· Short Term Accommodation
· Individualised Support
· Group Based Activities

We work with all age groups. We are registered to provide support with NDIS, TAC and Department of Human Services

Scope - Supported Independent Living

Supported Independent Living is a type of support funded through the NDIS to help you live as independently as possible while building your skills.

Supported Independent Living is for people with a variety of support needs, who need some level of help at home all the time. SIL is available in share housing specially designed for people with a disability, or on your own.

Who are our Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) providers?

APM Employment Services 166 Murray St, Colac P: 5231 3378 or 1300 366 047
Axis Employment (outreach site) 35 Bromfield St, Colac P: 1800 951 811
GForce 54a Bromfield St, Colac P: 1800 436 723
OCTEC Employment Service 53 Hesse St, Colac P: 5297 1020
WDEA Works 178 Murray St, Colac P: 5231 3411 or 1800 566 066

Queerspace

We provide counselling (including individual, relationship and family counselling), case management, individual advocacy and other support services to help you with a range of issues.

queerspace also provide family education, group support programs, and can help you access LGBTIQ+ friendly healthcare options and services. 

queerspace organizes and supports regular community events and can refer you to LGBTIQ+ advocacy and community groups.

QLife

QLife provides anonymous and free LGBTI peer support and referral for people in Australia wanting to talk about a range of issues including sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.

These services are free with support being delivered by trained LGBTI community members across the country. Web chat is open from 3pm - midnight daily. Phone 1800 184 527 between 6 - 10pm.

GASP

The Gender and Sexuality Project (GASP) offers a range of LGBTIQA+ groups, activities, and programs for young people aged 12 – 25 that live, work and/or study in the Geelong region.

Cultura

Cultura provide a support network and a unified voice for multicultural communities in Greater Geelong, with some service direct to Colac. They offer services in settlement services, youth and community programs, arts programs and cultural events, community services and aged care.

Colac Neighbourhood House
23 Miller Street, Colac, VIC

Colac Reconnect Program
34 Connor Street, Colac, 3250

Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS)

Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS) is a flexible program that focuses on providing information and referral services to newly arrived community members living in Geelong and Colac, on as as-needed basis. Delivered from the Community Hub Inc.

Victoria Police Multicultural Liaison Officer

Community Hub - Community Services Directory Colac Otway

Comprehensive booklet of all services in Colac Otway region. Provided by Community Hub Inc

BATForce Community Support Guide - Geelong

Comprehensive booklet of key services in Geelong. Compiled by BATForce

Inclusive Pathways

To ensure young people have an informed and positive transition from school to occupation, the Inclusive Pathways Trello Board is designed specifically to help young people plan and prepare for careers, transitions, and pathways. Topics include: -explanation of key terms -getting ready for post school when you are in Year 11 and 12 -options for when you are ready for further study -options when yo

Adulting 101

Getting ready for the next step into adulthood? A handy hints and tips page to help any young person ready to launch! Topics cover: -work stuff (tax, superannuation, TFN etc) -relationship stuff -health hints -moving out tips -'Mum' advice -money tips -car stuff -random, just so you know tips!

CALD Youth Programs & Supports

Information and Supports available to CALD young people in the Geelong region. Topics cover: -counselling and somewhere to talk -help to stay in school -learning English -getting skills and supports to get a job -visa types and entitlements Also includes the 'Ýou Can Ask That' video series (available in Arabic, Dari, Karen and Swahili).

Work Care Factor

Understand the importance of mental wellbeing in the workplace, start conversations, find practical solutions. Use this tool to understand mental health in the workplace, start conversations, and find practical resources. Hear from real managers and workers from small/medium businesses in the G21 region (including Geelong, Colac Otway, Surf Coast, and Golden Plains).

Family Disability Supports - Barwon region

Comprehensive list of supports available for families of young people with disability

Pathways from the School Gate

Education and Employment options and pathways for young people aged 15-18+ years who aren't currently in school in the Geelong region.

Launch Pad Primary - Parent/Carer Resources

Resources for families of primary aged kids

Launch Pad Secondary - Parent/Carer Resouces

Resources for families of secondary school kids

What is Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA)?

Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) is the Australian Government's specialist disability employment program. It replaced Disability Employment Services (DES) on 1 November 2025.

Through IEA, eligible people with disability, injury or a health condition can receive help to prepare for, find and keep a job.

Help can include career advice, employment preparation, resume development, job searching and ongoing support at work, including funding for workplace modifications and wage subsidies to employers.

Key improvements over the old DES program:

- No time limits — stay with your provider for as long as you need
- Broader eligibility — including people who can only work a few hours per week
- More provider choice — choose your provider and change at any time
- No Centrelink payment required — access support even without income support

To access IEA, register directly with a provider or be referred through Services Australia.

Schools Wellbeing Hub

Resources for school wellbeing teams

Feedback survey

we value your feedback. To help us keep this support board relevant we ask that you take 2 minutes to fill out the survey. thank you in advance https://forms.gle/yXtNqKfNhip7HTxT8

headspace Colac

headspace Colac provides health and wellbeing support services and information to young people aged 12-25 and to their family and friends; including:
physical and sexual health;
mental health;
alcohol and other drug support; and
work and study support.

What is Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA)?

Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) is the Australian Government's specialist disability employment program. It replaced Disability Employment Services (DES) on 1 November 2025.

Through IEA, eligible people with disability, injury or a health condition can receive help to prepare for, find and keep a job.

Help can include career advice, employment preparation, resume development, job searching and ongoing support at work, including funding for workplace modifications and wage subsidies to employers.

Key improvements over the old DES program:

- No time limits — stay with your provider for as long as you need
- Broader eligibility — including people who can only work a few hours per week
- More provider choice — choose your provider and change at any time
- No Centrelink payment required — access support even without income support

To access IEA, register directly with a provider or be referred through Services Australia.

What is Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA)?

Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) is the Australian Government's specialist disability employment program. It replaced Disability Employment Services (DES) on 1 November 2025.

Through IEA, eligible people with disability, injury or a health condition can receive help to prepare for, find and keep a job.

Help can include career advice, employment preparation, resume development, job searching and ongoing support at work, including funding for workplace modifications and wage subsidies to employers.

Key improvements over the old DES program:

- No time limits — stay with your provider for as long as you need
- Broader eligibility — including people who can only work a few hours per week
- More provider choice — choose your provider and change at any time
- No Centrelink payment required — access support even without income support

To access IEA, register directly with a provider or be referred through Services Australia.

Legal Link Up

Designed by Barwon Community Legal, this resource is for young people and the workers that support them.

Got a problem and not sure it's legal? Check out this great resource!