Every family, everywhere: Cafs celebrates families across the Central Highlands region

Child and Family Services Ballarat (Cafs) is celebrating National Families Week 2026 (11–17 May) by shining a light on the many different ways families live, grow and care for one another across the Central Highlands region.

This year’s national theme, “Every family, everywhere”, recognises the rich diversity of families in Australia and the importance of ensuring all families feel supported, valued and included. As Cafs marks 160 years of service to the community this year, the theme strongly reflects its long‑standing commitment to walking alongside families in all their forms, at every stage of life.

This commitment is further strengthened through initiatives funded by Respect Victoria as part of the Respect Ballarat initiative, a community-wide approach focused on early intervention and the prevention of gendered violence. Through this funding, Cafs will deliver Primary Connections: Respectful and Safe Relationships in Middle Childhood, and For Baby’s Sake, supporting children, parents and caregivers at critical points in their lives.

Primary Connections will work with children aged 8–12 and their caregivers to build respectful, safe and healthy relationships, while For Baby’s Sake, delivered for the first time outside the UK, will implement a specialist, evidence-based, trauma-informed two-generation model, providing intensive therapeutic support to both parents from pregnancy through the first two years to address trauma, reduce the risk of family violence, and strengthen safe, nurturing parent–infant relationships.”

“For us, Families Week is about recognising that there is no single definition of family,” said Cafs CEO Wendy Sturgess.

“Families can look very different, by culture, structure, experience or circumstance, but every family deserves access to care, connection and practical support when they need it.”

Across the Central Highlands region, Cafs delivers a wide range of family and parenting support programs designed to strengthen relationships, build confidence and help families navigate life’s challenges. This includes parenting programs, family case management, early help services and specialist supports that focus on safe, nurturing relationships between children and the adults who care for them.

During Families Week, Cafs is inviting the community to reflect on the everyday moments that help families feel safe, supported and connected. From asking for help when things feel overwhelming, to reaching out and supporting someone else.

“Families don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from support,” Ms Sturgess said.

“Sometimes having a conversation, learning a new skill or knowing you’re not alone can make all the difference. Families Week is a reminder that support can and should be available everywhere families are.”

National Families Week is held each May and coincides with the United Nations International Day of Families on 15 May, celebrating the vital role families play in raising children and strengthening communities across Australia.

Families who would like to learn more about Cafs’ family and parenting support can visit our website here or contact Cafs on (03) 5337 3333.