How childhood trauma affects health across a lifetime
Pediatrician Nadine Burke Harris explains that the repeated stress of abuse, neglect and parents struggling with mental health or substance abuse issues has real, tangible effects on the development of the brain.
Due to unforeseen site maintenance, the ac.care Murraylands Centre is temporarily closed until further notice 📍 We understand this may cause inconvenience and appreciate your patience as these works are addressed. Our team remains committed to supporting the community during this time, and some services and activities may continue in an adjusted format. You can still contact the centre on (08) 8531 4900 📞 Updates about reopening will be shared on our social media channels as soon as they become available. Thank you for your understanding 💙🧡 #accare
Looking for a chance to get out, discover what's happening in the Wattle Range community and enjoy a morning in the park? 💚🌿 Join us for the free Connect & Thrive community event as part of Mental Health Month. 📅 Thursday, October 8 ⏰ 10:30am - 1pm 📍 Lions Park, 8 Stark Avenue, Millicent 🌭 Free BBQ 🎨 Kids activities 👥 Everyone welcome! Come along, say hello and see what local services, groups and activities are on offer. #accare #opportunitiesforcountrypeople Millicent Community Centre noticeboard - ac.care Skylight Mental Health Unity Housing Company
Join us this Wednesday for our final Hang Out Space session of Term 3 😎💜 Come along for fun, snacks and a chance to hang out with the crew before we return with a special school holiday Hang Out on September 30 👀 (details dropping later this week!) 📍29 Bridge Street, Murray Bridge 🕒 3pm-4:30pm Not part of Hang Out Space yet? Join here: https://bit.ly/HangOutSpace 👥 For young people aged 12-18 in the Murraylands ✅ Free to attend #accare #opportunitiesforcountrypeople
The sunshine is here... and it's the perfect excuse to get moving! 💃☀️ Start your week with great music, gentle movement and plenty of fun at Zumba at Berri Community Centre. Whether you're looking to boost your fitness, meet new people, or simply enjoy getting out and about, Zumba is a fantastic way to energise your Monday morning. 📅 Mondays 🕥 From 10:30am 📍 ac.care Berri Community Centre, 5 Kealley Street 💙 It's free fun 👥 All welcome! #accare #opportunitiesforcountrypeople Berri Community Centre noticeboard - ac.care
As SA Foster and Kinship Carer Week comes to a close, we’re reflecting on a wonderful week spent celebrating alongside foster carers across country South Australia ✨ It has been a privilege to spend time together, share conversations and recognise the care, knowledge and commitment carers bring to children and young people. While this week provides an important moment of recognition annually, your impact is felt every day. Thank you for everything you bring to care. Our local teams are committed to continuing to listen, learn and walk alongside you 💙🧡 Could foster care be part of your future? Learn more and connect with your local ac.care team: https://bit.ly/SAFKCW26 #accare #fostercare
Build a career that matters, right here in Mount Gambier 💙📍 As a Child and Youth Worker with ac.care, you'll help create safe, supportive home environments where young people can build confidence, strengthen relationships and stay connected to their community. You don't need previous youth work experience to get started. We're looking for people who are caring, reliable, respectful and willing to learn. ✅ Flexible shift-based work ✅ Earning potential of $100,000+ per year ✅ Ongoing training, supervision and support ✅ Career pathways and professional development 🟧 NOW HIRING in Mount Gambier. Learn more and view the current opportunities here: https://bit.ly/WorkWithaccare #accare #WorkWithaccare
Heading to the Riverland Field Days? 🌾📍 Our local foster care team is there today and tomorrow, ready for a friendly conversation about foster care 👋 Drop by the Feature Pavilion, say hello, and learn more about the different ways people from all walks of life can make a difference through foster care. Learn more today ✨ https://accare.org.au/services/foster-care/ #accare #fostercare
Heading to the Riverland Field Days tomorrow or Saturday? 🚜 Our local foster care team will be there across both days and we'd love to chat with anyone interested in learning more about foster care. Whether you're simply curious or ready to explore the next step, drop by for a relaxed conversation about the different ways you can support children and young people through fostering. 📍 Site 1, Function Pavilion - Riverland Exhibition Centre, Barmera 📅 September 18 and 19 🕒 9am-5pm 💙 Learn more: https://accare.org.au/services/foster-care/ #accare #fostercare
🥘🍎 How to Eat Well on a Budget - Naracoorte 🍎🥘 Looking for ways to make your food budget go further? Join us for this FREE, practical session packed with tips and ideas to help you prepare healthy, affordable meals at home. You'll pick up handy budgeting and meal planning tips, discover simple recipe ideas, and take home a recipe book and goodie bag when you complete the session. 📅 Wednesday, September 23 🕚 11am-1pm 📍 Naracoorte Library + Town Hall Places are limited, so be sure to register your interest today: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/amjYYyKstU #accare #opportunitiesforcountrypeople Skylight Mental Health Human Services SA
To celebrate SA Foster and Kinship Carer Week, our foster care team is sharing a simple message for carers: thank you ✨ Thank you for being present, for listening and encouraging, for advocating, and for helping create stability, connection and belonging. It is often the everyday moments that matter most. Your care helps children and young people feel heard, supported and connected, creating greater possibility for brighter futures 💙🧡 Thinking about foster care? Start a conversation with your local ac.care team: https://bit.ly/SAFKCW26 #accare #fostercare
We’re pleased to see Riverland carers Peter and Debra celebrated during SA Foster and Kinship Carer Week 👏💙 Peter’s message to people considering foster care is that there are different ways to contribute, depending on what suits your household and lifestyle: “You might do something once a year and there’s others that might do something 30 times a year, and they’re both fine, and everything in between.” Read Peter and Debra’s story in this feature shared by the Department for Child Protection SA, and learn how respite, short-term and emergency care have become part of their lives 🏠✨ Curious about foster care? Connect with your local ac.care team: https://bit.ly/SAFKCW26 #accare #fostercare
Thank you to the students from St Francis of Assisi College, Renmark who supported our Riverland homelessness service through a community project focused on helping people experiencing homelessness and domestic violence 💙🧡 After reaching out to our team at Berri Community Centre, the students worked together to source donations from local businesses and create care packages containing essential items such as food and hygiene products. It's inspiring to see young people bring a community-minded idea to life, working together to support people doing it tough. Thank you to the students, staff and local businesses who helped make this project possible and for the kindness it will bring to others 👏 #accare #increaseourimpact
This SA Foster and Kinship Carer Week, we're celebrating the important role carers play in the lives of children and young people across our communities 💙✨ If you've ever been curious about foster care, pop in and chat with our friendly team tomorrow morning at Murray Bridge Library 💬 📅 Tuesday, September 15 🕤 9:30-11:30am 📍 Murray Bridge Library, 51 South Terrace 💙 Learn more today: https://accare.org.au/services/foster-care/ #accare #fostercare
Join us tomorrow as we head to Boandik St Mary's for another Foster A Friend morning 💜 Foster A Friend brings people together for simple, genuine connection through conversation, companionship and shared moments. 🚌 The bus departs the Mount Gambier Community Centre (22-24 Ferrers Street) at 10:15am for a 10:30am start at Boandik St Mary's 📍 #accare #opportunitiesforcountrypeople Mount Gambier Community Centre noticeboard - ac.care
Need help with forms, emails, documents or everyday maths? ✍️ Skills for Everyday Life starts this Tuesday at Millicent Community Centre 💙🧡 📅 Starts Tuesday, September 15 🕤 9.30-11.30am 📍 ac.care Millicent Community Centre, 57-59 George Street 🔁 Held fortnightly 👥 All welcome! #accare #opportunitiesforcountrypeople Millicent Community Centre noticeboard - ac.care
Creating brighter futures happens through everyday moments of care ✨ As SA Foster and Kinship Carer Week begins (Sept 13-19), we recognise the carers who listen, encourage, advocate and remain present through everyday moments and times of change. A special thank you to the foster carers our local teams are privileged to walk alongside across the Limestone Coast, Riverland, Murraylands, Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula. Your care helps strengthen connection, stability and belonging for children and young people 💙🧡 #accare #fostercare
Hang Out Space is back for the final weeks of Term 3! 💜🎉 We've got one more Hang Out Space session coming up on September 23, plus a special school holiday activity on September 30 (details coming soon 👀). Check out the calendar, save the dates and get ready for more fun, snacks and hanging out with the crew 😎✨ Not part of Hang Out Space yet? Join here: https://bit.ly/HangOutSpace 👥 For young people aged 12-18 in the Murraylands ✅ Free to attend #accare #opportunitiesforcountrypeople
💃 Let's Zumba! 💃 Looking for a fun way to stay active, meet new people, and boost your wellbeing? Join us for Zumba at Berri Community Centre! Enjoy upbeat music, easy-to-follow movements, and a friendly, welcoming group environment. Whether you're new to exercise or already active, these sessions are suitable for all fitness levels 💙🧡 📅 Starts Monday, September 14 🕥 From 10:30am 📍 ac.care Berri Community Centre, 5 Kealley Street #accare #opportunitiesforcountrypeople Berri Community Centre noticeboard - ac.care
Are you a relationship builder, problem solver and strong communicator? 🧩🤝 We're looking for a Homelessness Services Case Manager to join our Murray Bridge team. At ac.care, you'll work alongside people, services and communities to create opportunities, strengthen connections and support positive outcomes across country South Australia 💙🧡 📍 Murray Bridge | ⏳ Full-time 🟧 Now recruiting. Apply today: https://bit.ly/46hF4w5 #accare #workwithaccare
Don't forget, the kettle is on tomorrow! ☕ Join us at Berri Community Centre for our R U OK? Day morning tea 💛 R U OK? Day is all about staying connected and taking the time to check in with one another. Come along for a cuppa, a chat and some good company. 📅 Thursday, September 10 ⏰10:30am-12pm 📍 ac.care Berri Community Centre, 5 Kealley Street All welcome! We'd love to see you there 😊 #accare #opportunitiesforcountrypeople Berri Community Centre noticeboard - ac.care
Could foster care be part of your story? ✨📖 Drop into Murray Bridge Library on Tuesday, September 15 and chat with our local foster care team. Whether you're just curious or ready to learn more, we'd love to answer your questions. 📅 Tuesday, September 15 🕤 9:30-11:30am 📍 Murray Bridge Library, 51 South Terrace 💙 Lear more today: https://accare.org.au/services/foster-care/ #accare #fostercare
Skills for Everyday Life offers friendly, practical support with reading, writing and everyday maths 📝🌱 Whether you’d like help understanding documents, completing forms, writing emails, improving your spelling or managing everyday calculations, you can learn at your own pace in a relaxed, respectful environment. 📅 Starts Tuesday, September 15 🕤 9.30-11.30am 📍 ac.care Millicent Community Centre, 57-59 George Street 🔁 Held fortnightly 👥 All welcome! #accare #opportunitiesforcountrypeople Millicent Community Centre noticeboard - ac.care
Please note that the ac.care Murraylands Centre will open from 11am tomorrow 😊 We look forward to welcoming you then 💙🧡 #accare
Congratulations to Dr Ivan Raymond on being named a finalist in the Department for Child Protection SA Child Protection Awards’ Regional Impact Award 👏 For many years, Ivan has worked alongside ac.care staff and foster carers to strengthen knowledge, confidence and trauma-informed practice across country communities. We value his longstanding support of ac.care’s Out of Home Care program and the contribution his work makes to safer, more connected care for children and young people. We were pleased to nominate Ivan and congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition 💙🧡 #accare #fostercare #positiverelationships
Connection starts with something small 💛 A conversation over a cuppa. Taking the time to check in. Spending time with others in your community ☕💬 Join us at Berri Community Centre for a R U OK? Day morning tea, where we'll meet together Thursday to share refreshments, chat and connect. 📅 Thursday, September 10 ⏰10:30am-12pm 📍 ac.care Berri Community Centre, 5 Kealley Street All welcome! We'd love to see you there. #accare #opportunitiesforcountrypeople Berri Community Centre noticeboard - ac.care
Safe and supportive communities begin with listening 💬👂 National Child Protection Week (September 6-12) encourages all of us to move from conversation to action by listening to children and families, offering support early and working together to prevent harm. No single person or organisation can do this alone. Through everyday actions and shared responsibility, we can help children feel heard, valued, safe and connected in their communities 💙🧡 #accare #positiverelationships
A father’s influence is often found in the everyday moments: listening, encouraging, offering guidance and simply being there 💙✨ Today we thank the fathers, father figures, foster and kinship carers, and staff whose care helps children feel supported, secure and connected. Your presence can hold an important and lasting place in a child’s life. Happy Father’s Day 🫶 #accare
More than 40,000 toasted sandwiches were shared through our Mount Gambier Community Centre over 12 months, providing a simple meal, a warm welcome and an opportunity for connection 😋🍞 This was made possible through a generous $12,000 donation from Brenton James, Andrew Buchalka and QuickMix Concrete, which funded the centre's toasted sandwich program for an entire year. More than just food, these sandwiches help create opportunities for connection, support and belonging. Thank you, Brenton, Andrew and QuickMix, for investing in our community and the people who call it home 💙🧡 #accare #increaseourimpact Mount Gambier Community Centre noticeboard - ac.care
Need a hand with technology? 📱💻 As part of Adult Learners Week, we're hosting a free Tech Help Drop-In Session at the Mount Gambier Community Centre. If you're stuck on something tech-related, drop in for a quick support session and the friendly team from City of Mount Gambier will do their best to help with basic troubleshooting and practical advice. 📅 Monday, September 7 🕙 10am - 11am 📍 ac.care Mount Gambier Community Centre, 22-24 Ferrers Street. No bookings required. Just bring along your device and your questions! #accare #opportunitiesforcountrypeople Mount Gambier Community Centre noticeboard - ac.care
Your experience can make a difference here 💙 We're seeking caring, reliable and respectful people to join our Residential Care team as Child and Youth Workers. No previous youth work experience is required. We provide local training, supervision and ongoing support to help you build the skills and confidence needed for the role. ✅ Flexible shift-based work ✅ Earning potential of $100,000+ per year including penalties ✅ Career pathways and professional development ✅ Meaningful work in your local community NOW HIRING in Mount Gambier. Learn more and view the current opportunities here: https://bit.ly/WorkWithaccare #accare #WorkWithaccare
A successful tenancy doesn't happen by chance. It starts with knowledge 🏠🌱 Join us at our Murraylands Centre next Tuesday for a free Tenancy Education session and gain practical skills to help you navigate renting, understand your responsibilities, and maintain a stable tenancy. 📅 Tuesday, September 8 🕙 10am-11am 📍 29 Bridge Street, Murray Bridge 💙 Free to attend. Everyone is welcome. #accare #homelessness #opportunitiesforcountrypeople
What a wonderful way to wrap up Simple Soup, Big Impact 🥣🧡 A huge thank you to Village Medical centre for getting behind the campaign and creating an opportunity for staff, patients and the wider community to get involved and make a positive impact. Throughout August, we've seen workplaces, schools, clubs and community join together over soup, conversation and connection. We're incredibly grateful to everyone who hosted, donated, attended an event or helped spread the word. While August has officially come to a close, our Virtual Lunch remains open today for anyone who would still like to pull up a seat at the table and support country people. 💙 Buy a bowl: https://bit.ly/SimpleSoupVirtualLunch #accare #SimpleSoupBigImpact
Berri Community Centre will close early at 3pm this Friday due to scheduled site maintenance 🛠️ We appreciate your patience and look forward to welcoming you back during our usual opening hours 💙🧡 📍 ac.care Berri Community Centre | 5 Kealley St, Berri | (08) 8580 5300 | Berri Community Centre noticeboard - ac.care #accare #opportunitiesforcountrypeople
🍃🧶💻 Try something new this Adult Learners Week! 💻🧶🍃 Adult Learners Week (September 1-8) is all about learning, exploring new interests and building confidence, and we've got two great free activities coming up at the Mount Gambier Community Centre. 🧶Come and Try Macramé: Get creative and learn the basics of this fun and relaxing craft in a beginner-friendly session. 💻 Tech Help Drop-In: Need a hand with your phone, tablet, laptop or other technology? Drop in for practical advice, basic troubleshooting and guidance on next steps where needed. 📍 Check the flyers for details. At ac.care's community centres in Mount Gambier, Millicent and Berri, we're proud to offer opportunities to learn new skills, explore interests and try something new at every stage of life. #accare #opportunitiesforcountrypeople
Thinking about a career change? 💭🌱 Child and youth workers come from many different backgrounds and stages of life. While experience can be valuable, we're often looking for people with the right values, a willingness to learn and a genuine interest in supporting young people. You'll be backed by a local team that understands the work, with paid training, induction, ongoing supervision and professional development to help you grow and succeed in the role. Learn more about becoming a Child and Youth Worker and explore the current opportunities in Mount Gambier: https://bit.ly/WorkWithaccare Your experience can make a difference here 💙🧡 #accare #WorkWithaccare
The table is still set 🥣🧡 There's just a few days left to be part of Simple Soup, Big Impact. Buy a bowl at our Virtual Lunch and help turn a simple meal into meaningful community impact. 💙 Buy a bowl: https://bit.ly/SimpleSoupVirtualLunch #accare #SimpleSoupBigImpact
We're grateful to have been nominated as the recipient of this generous donation through South East Property Sales and Management's Community Cash Giveaway 💙🧡 Acts of local generosity like this help strengthen the communities we all share. Thank you to the client and the team at South East Property Sales and Management for supporting local people accessing the Millicent Community Centre 🏠🤝 #accare #increaseourimpact
Looking for a relaxed way to spend your afternoon at Millicent tomorrow? 👀 Join us at the Millicent Community Centre for our weekly Craft Group 🧶🧵 Bring along your current project or simply come along for a chat and some creative inspiration. Everyone is welcome! 📅 Every Friday 🕐 1pm-3:30pm 📍 Millicent Community Centre, 57-59 George Street Want to keep up with what's happening at the centre? Join Millicent Community Centre noticeboard - ac.care for the latest events, programs and community updates 💙🧡 #accare #opportunitiesforcountrypeople
🥘🍎 There's still time to register for a FREE Food Skills & Wellbeing Program in the Limestone Coast! 🍎🥘 Join two practical, hands-on sessions designed to help build confidence in the kitchen, explore healthy routines and enjoy some great food along the way. Plus, everyone who completes both sessions will receive a free rice cooker and recipe book to take home! 📅 Session 1: Thursday, September 3 🕙 10am-3pm 📍 Naracoorte Library + Town Hall 📅 Session 2: Thursday, September 10 🕙 10am-2pm 📍 The Post and Rail 🚌 Transport available from Mount Gambier and Naracoorte. Register or find out more: 📧 ccp@skylight.org.au 📞 0428 903 219 #accare #opportunitiesforcountrypeople Skylight Mental Health Pangula Mannamurna Aboriginal Corporation
A quick Hang Out Space update! 📣💜 Unfortunately, this week's Hang Out Space session at ac.care Murraylands Centre has been cancelled. We'll miss seeing everyone, but we'll be back soon with more fun, snacks and good times with the crew 😎✨ Not part of Hang Out Space yet? Join here: https://bit.ly/HangOutSpace #accare #opportunitiesforcountrypeople
It takes courage to be yourself, share your story and show up authentically in the world 💜✨ Wear it Purple Day (this Friday!) celebrates that courage and reminds us that belonging starts with all of us. Every conversation, act of support and splash of purple helps create communities where people feel welcome, valued and able to be themselves. Whether you're part of the Rainbow community or an ally, there are plenty of ways to get involved: 💜 Wear something purple 💜 Host a morning tea with friends, colleagues or neighbours 💜 Start a conversation about inclusion and belonging 💜 Visit https://www.wearitpurple.org/ to learn more 🌈 #accare #opportunitiesforcountrypeople #wipd2026
Pull up a seat at the table this August 🥣 Whether you're hosting a Simple Soup gathering or buying a bowl at our Virtual Lunch, every contribution helps turn a shared meal into meaningful community impact. 💙 Host a fundraiser: https://accare.org.au/simple-soup/ 🧡 Buy a bowl: https://bit.ly/SimpleSoupVirtualLunch #accare #SimpleSoupBigImpact
Not long now until Recycled Runway takes centre stage! 🌟 Every year, this event amazes us with its creativity, energy and heart, while providing ongoing support for ac.care and the people we walk alongside every day. Tickets are selling fast, so don't miss your chance to be part of another unforgettable night of fashion with purpose 💙♻️ #accare #IncreaseOurImpact
🧶 Come and Try Macramé 🧶 Ever wanted to give macramé a go? As part of Adult Learners Week (Sept 1-8), we're inviting you to try something new and get creative with this fun, beginner-friendly session. 📅 Tuesday, September 1 🕐 10am-12pm 📍 Mount Gambier Community Centre, 22-24 Ferrers Street 💙 Free to attend 👥 All welcome At ac.care's Community Centres in Mount Gambier, Millicent and Berri, we're all about creating opportunities to learn new things, meet people, share experiences and get involved in community life. Follow our community noticeboards to find out what is happening at your centre 🏠 🔹Mount Gambier Community Centre noticeboard - ac.care 🔸Millicent Community Centre noticeboard - ac.care 🔹Berri Community Centre noticeboard - ac.care #accare #opportunitiesforcountrypeople
Thinking about a career in Child and Youth Work? 💭 We've answered some of the most common questions we hear about the role, the support available and what it's like to work with ac.care. If you're caring, reliable and willing to learn, this could be the opportunity you've been looking for ✨ Learn more about becoming a Child and Youth Worker and view current opportunities: https://bit.ly/WorkWithaccare Your experience can make a difference here 💙🧡 #accare #workwithaccare
One bowl. Big impact. 🥣💙 Simple Soup, Big Impact is bringing people together across country South Australia this August through shared meals, community connection and fundraising. Whether you're gathering colleagues for lunch, inviting friends over for dinner or supporting our Virtual Lunch by buying a symbolic bowl of soup, there's a simple way for everyone to get involved. Every bowl shared helps turn a simple meal into meaningful community impact. 💙 Host a fundraiser: https://accare.org.au/simple-soup/ 🧡 Buy a bowl: https://bit.ly/SimpleSoupVirtualLunch #accare #SimpleSoupBigImpact
Recycled Runway showcases the very best of our community: creativity, generosity and a commitment to making a difference 💙🧡 By turning recycled textiles into remarkable fashion, participants not only inspire us to think differently about sustainability, they also help raise vital funds to support ac.care's work alongside people, families and communities across country South Australia. This annual celebration is one week away! 🎟️🎉 Get your tickets today: https://events.humanitix.com/recycled-runway-2026-70-years-of-television-in-australia #accare #increaseourimpact
Don't forget! 3D Art with Anne is on tomorrow at Berri Community Centre 🎨 Come along and discover how to create depth, perspective and optical illusions in your artwork. It's a great opportunity to learn new techniques, get creative, and connect with others in a relaxed and welcoming space. 📅 Friday, August 21 🕐 10am-2pm 📍 Berri Community Centre, 5 Kealley Street, Berri 🥪 BYO lunch 💙 Free to attend 👥 All welcome #accare #OpportunitiesForCountryPeople Berri Community Centre noticeboard - ac.care
A huge thank you to Tenison Woods College Mount Gambier and the Year 10 students who designed and built these fantastic cubby houses 🏠🛠️ These cubby houses will soon be enjoyed by children and young people in the care of foster families in the Limestone Coast, creating special spaces to play, imagine and make memories. Seeing young people use their skills and talents to support other children and young people is a wonderful example of community in action 💙🧡 We're also grateful to One Forty One for generously helping transport the cubby houses to their new homes. Thank you to everyone involved for helping create places where children can play, explore and simply enjoy being kids ✨ #accare #increaseourimpact #fostercare
ac.care is a dynamic organisation servicing the South Australian communities the Limestone Coast, Murraylands, Riverland, Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula.
Our mission is for all country people to have a safe home, enough money to live on and strong, positive relationships.
Please find our service locations here or use our contact form to request a service.
