Learning Ground

01/10/2026

💜 You’re not alone on the parenting journey.

Our FREE Family Skills Program is back with a new 6-week series for parents, carers, and grandparents. Each week explores a different topic, with practical strategies, supportive conversations and plenty of opportunities to ask questions.

🌱 Across the six workshops, we’ll explore:
• Building connection and confidence
• Managing feelings
• Being in charge
• Setting up for success
• Values, rules and rewards
• Positive discipline

All workshops are FREE, with catering provided at in-person sessions.

📅 Find dates, times and booking details: https://family-skills.raiselysite.com/

We’d love to have you join us!

We know that parenting and caring for children can be so rewarding, and also really challenging at times. Every family faces its own ups and downs. That’s why we’ve created this free, friendly, practical 6‑week program, where you can come together with other parents and carers to learn new ski...

26/09/2026

“I didn’t think I’d finish school, and I didn’t really care what happened next.”

When Billie joined Mt Druitt Learning Ground at 15, she was rarely attending school, had fallen behind and was losing motivation to try.

Each day away made going back feel harder, and she was at risk of leaving school without a clear pathway forward.

Billie’s story is a reminder of why early support matters and what can become possible when a young person has the right people around them.

💜 Read Billie’s story in our Spring 2026 Newsletter:https://www.chainreaction.org.au/files/Spring_Newsletter_2026.pdf

22/09/2026

🌼 Our Spring Newsletter is here!

Every young person deserves to feel supported, understood and hopeful about what comes next. 💜

In this edition, we’re sharing Billie’s story and how early support through Mt Druitt Learning Ground helped her move from disengagement and uncertainty towards a pathway forward.

You’ll also find stories from across our programs, team updates, FREE school holiday activities, news about our upcoming 20-year Corroboree, and our FREE Family Skills Program starting 27 October.

💜 Take a moment to read our Spring Newsletter and discover the people, stories and work behind Chain Reaction Foundation.

👉 Read it here:https://www.chainreaction.org.au/files/Spring_Newsletter_2026.pdf

17/09/2026

09/09/2026

🌟 It’s not too late to join us next week!

There’s still time to register for our FREE School Refusal Family Skills Workshop for parents and carers.

Together, we’ll explore why school refusal happens and practical ways you can support your child to feel safer, more confident and ready to re-engage with learning.

We’ll cover:
•Common reasons behind school refusal
• Strategies to support anxious children
• Working effectively with your child’s school
• Small, achievable steps towards improved attendance

📅 Tuesday, 15 September 2026
⏰ 10:30am–1:00pm
📍 Mt Druitt Learning Ground, Bidwill
🥪 Catering included
🚐 Complimentary transport available within Mt Druitt

Everyone is welcome. You don’t need to have all the answers. Simply showing up is a great first step.

👉 RSVP is essential. Register today:

We know that parenting and caring for children can be so rewarding, and also really challenging at times. Every family faces its own ups and downs. That’s why we’ve created this free, friendly, practical 6‑week program, where you can come together with other parents and carers to learn new ski...

25/08/2026

⏰ Starting in just 10 minutes!

Is your child struggling with anxiety or worries that are getting in the way of everyday life?

Join our free online workshop to learn:
• What makes children anxious
• How to recognise the signs
• How to respond and help
• Practical ways to prevent anxiety from escalating

There’s still time to register and join us live:

Is your child anxious? Many worries are a routine part of growing up but some are frequent and persistent and get in the way of enjoying life. Adults need to know when a worry is too big and how to help their child. This workshop covers: - What makes children anxious - What are the signs of anxiety....

14/08/2026

Some young people won’t walk into a counselling room and ask for help. This role is about meeting them where they are.

Chain Reaction Foundation is looking for an experienced Social Worker to join our Mt Druitt Learning Ground team in Bidwill two days per week.

You’ll work directly with young people aged 10 to 17, combining individual counselling and mental health support with group facilitation, early intervention, psychosocial assessment and referral.

We’re looking for a qualified, grounded practitioner who understands youth mental health and knows how to build trust with young people who may not readily engage with traditional services.

A recognised Social Work qualification and eligibility for AASW membership are essential.

Learn more and apply: https://www.ethicaljobs.com.au/members/ChainReactionFoundation/social-worker-youth-mental-health-and-wellbeing

Please share this opportunity with someone who could make a real contribution to the lives of young people in Western Sydney.

11/08/2026

Join us for a FREE practical workshop for parents and carers exploring school refusal, why it happens and how you can support your child to feel safe, confident and ready to re-engage with learning.

We’ll explore:
- Common reasons behind school refusal
- Strategies to support anxious children
- How to work effectively with your child’s school
- Small, achievable steps towards improved attendance

📅 Tuesday, 15 September 2026
⏰ 10:30am to 1:00pm
📍 Mt Druitt Learning Ground, Bidwill
🥪 Catering included
🚐 Complimentary transport available within Mt Druitt

Everyone is welcome. You don’t need to have all the answers. Simply showing up is a great first step.

RSVP is essential. Register here:

We know that parenting and caring for children can be so rewarding, and also really challenging at times. Every family faces its own ups and downs. That’s why we’ve created this free, friendly, practical 6‑week program, where you can come together with other parents and carers to learn new ski...

07/08/2026

Is your child experiencing anxiety or worries that are getting in the way of everyday life?

Join us for a FREE online workshop designed to help parents and carers better understand childhood anxiety and learn practical ways to support their children.

We’ll explore:
- What can make children anxious
- Common signs of anxiety
- How adults can help children manage their worries
- Ways to prevent and respond to anxiety

📅 Tuesday, 25 August 2026
⏰ 6:00pm to 7:00pm
💻 Online via Zoom

Everyone is welcome. You don’t need to have all the answers. Simply showing up is a great first step.

RSVP is essential. Register here:

We know that parenting and caring for children can be so rewarding, and also really challenging at times. Every family faces its own ups and downs. That’s why we’ve created this free, friendly, practical 6‑week program, where you can come together with other parents and carers to learn new ski...

13/07/2026

Join our team!

Chain Reaction Foundation is looking for an experienced Senior Administrator to join our team.

If you're highly organised, proactive and love keeping people, projects and systems running smoothly, this could be the role for you. Working closely with our Executive Director and leadership team, you'll play a key role in supporting the day-to-day operations of an organisation making a real difference in the lives of young people and families across Western Sydney.

If you're looking for meaningful work in a supportive, values-driven team, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply by 9 August via EthicalJobs: https://www.ethicaljobs.com.au/members/ChainReactionFoundation/senior-administrator