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Community Activities

These activities are not run by the Marymead Autism Centre, please see individual contact details below for each activity.

Autism Board Games

Board games for people on the autism spectrum (13 years +) and their friends and families. Come and enjoy an evening getting to know others, learning new games or playing old favourites. Pizza/snack food/soft drink provided. $10 per participant (Carers free). From 5.30 to 8.30 pm at Downer Community Centre, Frencham Place, Downer. On every 3rd Saturday of each month (February to November). Contact Bronwyn 0434 565 159 or Deon 0417 422 537. Download flyer.  

NB: We have put appropriate hygiene and social distancing measures in place. Please do not attend if you feel unwell. Could you please bring your own hand sanitiser if you have some. I will also have some available at the venue. We will still provide pizza and snacks but this will be served - please do not serve yourself. 

Boundless Buddies

SOCIAL DISTANCING WILL BE IN PLACE AS PART OF COVID-19 CONTROL MEASURES. ANYONE ATTENDING THE PLAYGROUP WILL BE REQUIRED TO SIGN IN AS PART OF CONTACT TRACING MONITORING.

Children of all abilities are invited to join Marymead and ACT Playgroups at the Boundless Playground for Boundless Buddies Playgroup, every Monday from 10:00 am to 11:30 am, including school holidays. Boundless Buddies provides supported playgroup activities for children of all abilities, their parents and carers. Marymead staff are available to provide information and referral options for parents and carers. In addition, a calendar of visiting professionals provides the opportunity for informal discussion around child development. Parking (including disabled access parking) is available in Kings Park near the Boundless Playground, as well as across Parkes Way at Russell. No bookings required and it's free. Bring a water bottle and weather-smart clothing.  Visit the Boundless Buddies Facebook page.

Aspie Girls Social Group (Aspie Sistas)

A casual social group for teenage girls on the Autism Spectrum. Aspie Sistas is a community group created to provide our Teen-Angels with regular social outings and activities, with a group of understanding, accepting and empathetic friends. The group embraces the uniqueness of each and every one of our Aspie Sistas, for who they are, not what the magazines say they should be. The activities range from craft to bowling, games, treasure hunts, lunches … whatever the girls decide on. Parents are encouraged to come along also, as it a great chance to share the journey. So don’t wait to be invited to the party, make your own with us, because ‘Aspie Girls just wanna have fun too!’ Contact Deon Revet on 0417 422 537.

Early Intervention Playgroups

Early Intervention Playgroups for children with or suspected of having a disability for children 0 to 5 years are free, fun, interactive, evidence-based and accessible to all. These playgroups are designed to support the journey of families with young children with additional needs and/or siblings of children with additional needs. All family members including siblings and other carers are encouraged to attend. Groups run during the school terms.

  • Tuesday at Namadji Preschool, Kambah, 9:30 am to 11:30 am
  • Wednesday at Old Scullin Preschool, Scullin 9:30 am to 11:30 am
  • Thursday at Gungahlin Child & Family Centre, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
  • Friday at Tuggeranong Child & Family Centre, 9:30 am to 11:30 am

For more information, download the flyer, contact ACT Playgroups on 1800 171 882 or play@playgroupact.org.au or visit the Facebook page.

PCYC Playgroup: Play With Friends

On Thursday mornings 11:00 am - 12:30 pm (during school terms). This playgroup is designed to assist young children (3 to 5 years) to develop confidence with their gross motor and movement. To encourage the development of social skills and cooperation through Music and Play activities. To assist with sensitivity develop by encouraging engagement in messy play activities. The children will also be encouraged to stay and have lunch to further develop their social skills. At Canberra PCYC Gym Erindale Shopping Centre, the cost is $5.00 each week per family. Please remember to bring children’s lunch. At this stage PCYC are hoping for a group between 6 to 10 families, so please let any possible interested family know. If you have any other inquires please feel free to call Canberra PCYC on 62967822.

Disability Trust: Sport and Recreation Activities

Fun is the focus of The Disability Trust’s Sport and Recreation Services, which provides opportunities for people of all ages with disabilities to participate in and enjoy physical and creative activities. Programs and support options available for children, teenagers and adults that provide opportunities to meet people, learn new skills, play in competitions, perform on stage and develop their creative side. Call 1300 347 224 if you would like support to meet new friends and participate.

Feros Care (Local Area Coordinators)

Feros Care is the ACT partner of the NDIS and they can help you get access into the NDIS, meet with you to develop your first plan, help you implement your plan and conduct plan reviews. The Feros Care office is located at 6 Shae Street, Phillip or you can contact them on 1300 986 970 or lacinfo@feroscare.com.au.

Drop-In Fridays (every Friday between 9:00 am to 4:00 pm) 

The Feros Care Local Area Coordination Service is available to answer your questions about the NDIS and to help link you to mainstream and community supports. We invite you to drop into our office on a Friday to meet with a friendly Local Area Coordinator who can help you:

  • find out more about the NDIS access and eligibility
  • understand how to use your NDIS plan
  • utilise the NDIS myPlace participant portal
  • learn more about how you can self-manage your NDIS funding
  • understand and develop your own service agreements
  • find and engage providers to help you meet your goals
  • link to mainstream and community services.

No appointments are necessary. Visit Feros Care at 6 Shea Street, Phillip.

Yellow Ladybugs 

Yellow Ladybugs is a volunteer community group that creates social events, similar to birthday parties, where girls between 5 and 17 years of age can come together and bond over their similar journeys. Our vision is to foster strong relationships, which will ultimately create a network of like-minded friends outside of school. Our ambassador is well-known autistic advocate and author, Yenn Purkis. Yenn attends most of our events and loves to talk with parents and their daughters. Events are advertised on our closed local Facebook group, Yellow Ladybugs – ACT. For further information please email Tanya on canberra@yellowladybugs.com.au.

Everyday Champions: Man Talk 

Man Talk is a social activity for men, young and old, to get together for a (responsible) drink or two, make some new mates, and have the chance to talk about what it means to be a bloke these days. We plan to get together once a month and it's free of charge. Just buy yourself a drink and maybe shout another bloke a drink. The Dock, at Kinston Foreshore, has some great food as well if you want to get something to eat. We're happy for you to just turn up on the night, but it's a busy pub so it might be best if you let us know a few days in advance so we can book a table. While we welcome all blokes, we'd especially love to see some guys who are on the Autism spectrum come along.

Cyclabilities Playgroup

Cyclabilities is a group based transdisciplinary family therapy program for children with additional needs which focuses on developing road safety awareness, strength and conditioning and cycling skills. Cyclabilities builds social skills and connection for families with children with additional needs. For more information or to book your place at Cyclabilities this term please email Cyclabilities at cyclabilities@gmail.com or download our flyer.

Participation Netball Competition

Tuggeranong Netball Association (TNA) welcomes all members of the ACT and district's community with a disability. The TNA Community Engagement Netball program welcomes players new to netball. It involves a 10-week skills program (Thursdays 5 to 6 pm) including integration into a club from week 3 (usually from 6 to 7 pm). TNA provides financial support for your inclusion. For further information contact 6265 4090 or office@tuggeranongnetball.com.au, or see flyer.

Modified Rugby Program

The MRP is a modified form of rugby union specifically designed for girls, boys and young adults with learning and perceptual disabilities who are individually matched with PlayerMentors for support, encouragement and friendship both on and off the field. Training commences 2 May. For further information please see the flyer.

The Canberra Girls’ Programming Network

The Canberra Girls’ Programming Network runs free, hands-on programming workshops for girls in grades 4 to 12. Girls are introduced to a range of topics such as cryptography and games and code their own programs using the Python programming language. No coding experience is necessary! Events are run several times a year by volunteer local women studying or working in IT in industry, academia and government. So whether you’re a coding guru, or just a beginner, come along to one of our workshops and give programming a go! 

Facebook: Canberra Adults with HFA and Aspergers

The Canberra Adults with High Functioning ASD and Aspergers Social Group is a private Facebook group for adults with high functioning autism (HFA) or Aspergers Syndrome living in Canberra to chat and get to know like-minded individuals as part of a community, sharing stories, information and experiences. The group was set up by regular people, with all the same challenges as the rest of the group. Visit the Facebook page and request to 'Join Group' to get access.

The Calm Room: Westfield Woden

Westfield Woden now has a quiet, safe sensory space for children and adults who experience sensory processing difficulties. To access the Calm Room, please go to the concierge desk for details.

Lovegrove Park Googong

Lovegrove Park includes custom designed equipment to accommodate children with a range of abilities, with slides, rides and various tactile features incorporated to ensure no child would be excluded from the playground. To encourage community involvement in the construction of the playground, students from The Anglican School Googong left their mark by painting totem poles that form the boundary of the equipment. There are BBQ's and shelter available, and the park is open to the public, located at Lovegrove Park, Daniel Street, Googong NSW 2620.