The Northern Territory Government is listening to families, service providers and communities to inform the Thriving Kids process ahead of the program's rollout commencing on 1 October 2026.
From tomorrow, Tuesday 15 September, information sessions will be held across the Territory in partnership with disability advocacy organisations, giving families and service providers the latest updates for the NT and a direct say in how Thriving Kids will work in the lead up to full implementation in January 2028.
Feedback from these sessions and a Have Your Say survey will directly shape the development of Thriving Kids, helping ensure the program meets the needs of Territory children, families and communities.
The Northern Territory Government is progressing preparations for Thriving Kids, a new national initiative that will support children aged eight and under with developmental delay and/or autism who have low to moderate support needs. Thriving Kids will roll out progressively from 1 October 2026, reaching full implementation by January 2028.
The next phase of engagement begins this week, with a Have Your Say survey opening tomorrow, Tuesday 15 September, alongside information sessions starting in Darwin before rolling out across the Territory.
Delivered in partnership with disability advocacy organisations Darwin Community Legal Service, Integrated Disability Action and Disability Advocacy Service, the sessions will give families, carers, service providers and community organisations the chance to hear the latest information, ask questions and provide feedback to help shape implementation.
The Have Your Say survey will invite families and carers to share their experiences accessing early intervention services, including what's working well, what could improve, and how services should be delivered to better meet the needs of young Territory children and families. Service providers and organisations will also be invited to give feedback on existing services, identify gaps and highlight opportunities to strengthen early supports across the Territory.
Feedback from the sessions and survey will help guide the ongoing rollout, ensuring Thriving Kids is shaped around the real needs of Territory children, families and communities.
Minister for Disability Jinson Charls said giving Territory children and families the best possible future means listening to the people Thriving Kids is designed to support.
"We know families and service providers have questions about what Thriving Kids will mean for children and families in the Territory. These sessions are an opportunity to hear the latest information, ask questions and help shape implementation as we continue preparing for services to commence from 1 October," Minister Charls said.
"We continue to engage with stakeholders across the Territory, and this next round of engagement will help ensure implementation reflects the needs of Territory children, families and communities."
"Children and their families deserve the best start in life and we know that early supports is how we secure the best possible outcomes for their future. By listening closely to stakeholders, we're working to give these children and their families the confidence and support they need."
Darwin Community Legal Services CEO Ms Rachael Bowker said the sessions were designed to give families and providers a chance to get informed and have their say on the rollout.
"Families and service providers have told us they want clear information and opportunities to ask questions. These sessions will help people understand what is currently known about Thriving Kids and how they can have input into the rollout," Ms Bowker said.
Integrated Disability Action CEO Ms Tania McInnes said the sessions recognise the importance of input from the disability community to help shape what comes next.
"It's important that the voices of people with disability, families and carers are heard throughout implementation. These sessions provide an opportunity for communities to share their experiences and help inform future planning," Ms McInnes said.
Disability Advocacy Service CEO Mr Scott Richardson said he wanted to see broad engagement in the rollout to make sure Territory voices are reflected in how it's shaped.
"We encourage families, service providers, advocates and community organisations to participate in these discussions and help ensure local perspectives are considered as Thriving Kids rolls out across the Territory," Mr Richardson said.
Sessions will be held in Darwin, Katherine, Alice Springs, Palmerston, Tennant Creek and Nhulunbuy. Sessions are planned for:
· Darwin service provider information session - Tuesday 15 September, 9.30am, CDU City Campus
· Darwin parents and carers information session - Tuesday 15 September, 5pm, CDU City Campus
· Katherine parents and carers information session - Wednesday 30 September, 5pm, Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts and Culture Centre (GYRACC)
· Alice Springs' parents and carers information session - Wednesday 7 October, 5pm, Mercure Meeting rooms
· Palmerston provider information session - Wednesday 14 October, 9:30am, Palmerston Recreation Centre
· Palmerston parents and carers information session - Wednesday 14 October, 5pm, Venue to be advised
· Tennant Creek parents and carers information session - Wednesday 14 October, 5pm, TC Community Centre
· Nhulunbuy parents and carers information session - Thursday 15 October, 5pm, Walkabout Lodge and Tavern.
A cross-government working group, led by the Department of People, Sport and Culture and including the Department of Education and Training, NT Health and the Department of Children and Families, is supporting development of the Northern Territory's Thriving Kids model and ensuring families and service providers have access to clear, coordinated information. The program aims to strengthen partnerships across health, education, disability and community services so children and families can access support earlier and more easily.
Places are limited, and organisations are encouraged to register in advance. To reserve a place at the Darwin parents and carers information session, book online: Thriving Kids in the NT here. Additional sessions may be booked online by visiting Thriving Kids in the NT sessions here or by checking the Thriving Kids webpage.
Families, carers, service providers and community organisations are invited to help shape the future delivery of Thriving Kids through Have Your Say. here
