Australian Parents Council

02/06/2026

📣 Parents, let’s be honest: 2026 is a massive balancing act. Between the cost-of-living squeeze on kids' sports, managing life after the under-16 social media ban, and just surviving the school morning rush—we see you, and we get it. Did you know that a recent national survey found that 47% of Aussie parents feel this year is more stressful than last, with 83% actively trying to fight screen fatigue at home? You are definitely not alone in feeling the pinch or the burnout.

At the Australian Parents Council, we are continually advocating for affordable schooling, safer digital spaces, and better mental health support for our kids.

👇 Let’s lean on each other in the comments: What is your biggest parenting hurdle right now? Are you cutting back on after-school activities, or have you found a clever way to unplug the screens? Let us know below!

22/04/2026

💙 Finding a bulk billing GP just got easier

The Australian Government has made changes to strengthen Medicare and support more GPs to offer bulk billing - helping families reduce out‑of‑pocket healthcare costs.

There’s a new Bulk Billing Information Kit with:

Clear information on what bulk billing means
Practical resources you can share with your family or community
A simple way to find bulk billing clinics near you

👉 Learn more and access the resources here:
https://www.health.gov.au/bulk-billing

Affordable access to healthcare matters for families, and these tools can help you understand your options.

2 likes. "Bulk Billing for all Australians – How to access bulk billing – Animated video"

25/03/2026

The AHRC is running the On Your Terms survey – an online survey that asks for young people’s views on consent, respectful relationships and s*x education.

https://survey.wallis.social/wix/p238440320387.aspx

09/03/2026

NAPLAN 2026: It’s Just a Snapshot! 📸
​As the testing window opens this Wednesday, March 11, the
Australian Parents Council reminds our community that while NAPLAN is a useful check-in, it doesn’t measure everything that makes your child unique.
​Our Top 3 Tips for a Stress-Free Week:

​Keep it Low-Key: Maintain your normal morning and evening routines.

​Focus on Effort: Remind them it’s a way to help teachers support their learning, not a "pass or fail."

​Prioritize Rest: A good night’s sleep beats last-minute practice every time.

​Let’s keep the pressure low and the support high. Good luck to all our students!

​

23/02/2026

NAPLAN testing for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 will take place from 11-23 March 2026.

The Australian Parents Council (APC) wants to reassure all families that NAPLAN is just one snapshot of your child’s learning journey. It is NOT a measure of your child’s overall ability, potential, creativity or future success. ❤️

Here are a few simple ways families can support their children during this time:
✔️ Keep routines normal – regular sleep and healthy meals matter!
✔️ Reassure your child that effort is what counts, not just the result.
✔️ Avoid extra pressure – calm confidence helps more than cramming.
✔️ Encourage a positive mindset.

NAPLAN helps schools understand learning progress, but remember, your child is so much more than a test result!

If you have concerns about NAPLAN or your child’s wellbeing during the testing period, please speak with your school.

APC is here to advocate for families and ensure your voice is heard. Let us know what’s important to you!

🔗 Learn more:
https://www.austparents.edu.au
https://www.acara.edu.au

24/11/2025

This month, APC continues to amplify parent voices and strengthen national education conversations. Key updates include:

🔊 Advocacy on funding, bullying, childcare & Thriving Kids
🛡️ New safeguarding & medication training for boarding schools
🧠 My Mind Check – free wellbeing tool for schools
🎓 myfuture resources for student career transitions
🌿 Mount Roland Land Care outdoor learning initiatives
✍️ APC submissions on early childhood quality & inclusion
🌟 Spotlight on Board Member Ilham Sabry Ahamed

📄 Read the full November newsletter:
https://www.canva.com/design/DAG5Xzg5CjM/32G9YG8cEFXpem_pQBgVDg/view?utm_content=DAG5Xzg5CjM&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h84d62eca0e

07/11/2025

REGISTRATIONS FOR WAKAKIRRI 2026 NOW OPEN!
Does your school have a story to tell? Wakakirri is an award winning performing arts program and festival that helps schools develop student engagement and well-being. Participating schools create & rehearse their own unique ‘Story-Dance’ (a creative combination of dancing and acting) and present in Term 3 at one of over 30 Wakakirri festivals held in live theatres around Australia.
Wakakirri is Australia's largest Performing Arts event for schools and was awarded the APATA’s 'Excellence in Performing Arts Education' Award in 2021. Interested in participating in Wakakirri 2026? Register your spot now and book a free call with one of our Wakakirri experts who can guide you through the best ways to get involved. Registration for Wakakirri 2026 is free, with confirmation and payment due at the start of term 2.
Visit www.wakakirri.com to get started.

04/11/2025

☕✨ Coffee & Catch-Up in Canberra – You're Invited! ✨☕
Join us for a cozy evening of connection, collaboration, and conversation with the Australian Parents Council community!
📅 Friday, 14 November 2025
🕔 5:00 – 7:00 pm
📍 Vibe Hotel, Canberra
Whether you're a long-time supporter or new to APC, this is a wonderful chance to meet fellow parents, share ideas, and celebrate the power of working together. Delicious coffee, sweet treats, and warm company await!
🎉 Let’s raise a cup to the partnerships that support our children’s learning and wellbeing.
👉 RSVP by Wednesday, 12 November to Jenny Branch-Allen at [email protected]
We can’t wait to see you there!

25/10/2025

📣 NOTICE OF AGM – Australian Parents Council

Members are warmly invited to attend the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Australian Parents Council.

🗓 Date: Saturday, 15 November 2025
🕘 Time: 9:00 am
📍 Venue: Vibe Airport Hotel, Canberra

The AGM is a great opportunity to hear updates on our work and review reports.

For more details or to request the agenda and previous minutes, please email [email protected]

Let’s work together to continue representing the voice of parents in Australian education! 💙

🗓️ Annual General Meeting Notice Australian Parents Council Inc.Date: Saturday, 15 November 2025Time: 9:00 amVenue: Vibe Airport Hotel, Canberra Members are invited to attend the Annual General Meeting of the Australian Parents

16/07/2025

🎉 Australian Primary Principals Day – 1 August 2025🎉

Join us in celebrating the incredible leadership of our primary school principals! 👏

They inspire learning, support staff, and help shape thriving school communities every day. 💛

📣 Say thank you with a kind word, note, or small gesture—it goes a long way!

Let’s show our appreciation on .

More info 👉 https://appa.asn.au/general-news/2025-australian-primary-principals-day/