Aboriginal Services

HIPPY

 

HIPPY is a free early education program
based in Murray Bridge and the Riverland

We provide resources and fun opportunities for young people 3 to 4 years of age to reach their potential.

Tutors visit with resources weekly for children to use and explore. We are a community that supports each other and has fun with our kids.

The Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY) is a home-based, early learning and parenting program that empowers you to be your child’s first teacher and supports your child’s transition to school.

Join thousands of families doing HIPPY across Australia. You will receive free resources, activity packs and storybooks to assist you in actively playing and learning with your child.

We hope that you enjoy working with your tutor, meeting other HIPPY families and doing HIPPY with your child.

WHAT DOES HIPPY LOOK LIKE?

HIPPY comprises a curriculum of activity packs over two years.

Your HIPPY tutor will practice the activities with you, using role play in a weekly home visit in Age 3 and a fortnightly visit in Age 4.

Each pack has five activities for you to do with your child as well as ideas so that learning can happen everywhere at any time.

The packs support your child’s learning in the following areas: Thinking and exploring; Communication; Creativity; Social and emotional; Family and community.

 

 

WHAT IS A HIPPY TUTOR?

Tutors are parents who are also doing HIPPY with their child or have recently graduated from HIPPY.

Your HIPPY tutor is trained in the HIPPY activities and will practice the activities with you at each home visit.

Your HIPPY child does not have to be there when the tutor visits. You can meet your tutor at home or somewhere else, like a park or a library. After this, you do the activities with your child.

YOU WILL ALSO ATTEND REGULAR GROUP MEETINGS

Group meetings give parents a chance to learn more about their children’s development and behaviour and to find out about local services, schools and free local activities. Parents can also participate in training and short courses for FREE.

You’ll meet new families and make friends and there is usually good food and coffee. You can relax and chat while your children play supervised with other HIPPY children.

The best part is recent research has found that families’ participation at group meetings improves children’s school readiness.

HIPPY Australia and ac.care acknowledge past, present and emerging Elders and Traditional Owners of the lands and seas across Australia.

The Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters is funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Social Services.

The Brotherhood of St Laurence holds the licence to operate HIPPY in Australia.

 

Your Murray Bridge HIPPY coordinator is:

Kayla Borchardt
p 0487 561 182
e Kayla.Borchardt@accare.org.au

Your Riverland HIPPY coordinator is:

Katisha Jackson
p 0438 202 412
e Katisha.Jackson@accare.org.au

Contact us

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STAY

 

The STAY service provides support and opportunities to Aboriginal young people aged 10-19 years.

STAY involves individual and group activities with ac.care staff.
Everyone is welcome and included to:

  • Make more friends and build relationships
  • Enjoy group activities
  • Have fun
  • Try new things
  • Learn health and wellbeing life skills
  • Identify and work towards life goals
  • Learn from each other
  • Develop new interests
  • Be supported when you’re going through challenging times
  • Strengthen cultural identity

Your Riverland STAY youth worker is:

Tenesha Pickering
p 08 8580 5300
e Tenesha.Pickering@accare.org.au

Your Murraylands STAY youth worker is:

Kye Anderson
p 08 8531 4900
e Kye.Anderson@accare.org.au

 

ac.care️ 2 days ago

Today marks the start of National Reconciliation Week 2025 (May 27-June 3), which invites all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements and explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. The 2025 theme, Bridging Now to Next, reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future. At a time when Australia faces uncertainty in its reconciliation journey, this theme calls on all Australians to step forward together. The 2025 theme artwork created by Kalkadoon woman Bree Buttenshaw, native plants − which are known for regenerating after fire and thriving through adversity − symbolise our collective strength and the possibilities of renewal. This is a time for growth, reflection, and commitment to walking together. Australia’s history of reconciliation is not a linear one, we have made great strides and experienced disappointing setbacks. Twenty-five years ago, Corroboree 2000 brought together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous leaders in a historic call for reconciliation. We continue that work in 2025, inviting all Australians to join us in Bridging Now to Next – building a more united and respectful nation. Visit www.reconciliation.org.au/our-work/national-reconciliation-week/ to learn more. #NRW2025 #BridgingNowToNext #accare #WalkingTogether

ac.care️ 3 days ago

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ac.care️ 6 days ago

Celebrate National Reconciliation Week (May 27-June 3) at Murray Bridge next week ❤️💛🖤💚💙🖤🤍 Enjoy cultural activities and a shared lunch at Murray Bridge Library with a free community celebration on Monday, May 26 from 10am-1pm. #accare #WalkingTogether #NRW2025 #BridgingNowToNext

ac.care️ Updated their cover photo. 6 days ago

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ac.care Locations

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.

Mount Gambier
Head office and Foster Care

70-72 White Avenue Mount Gambier, SA 5290
PO Box 1842 Mount Gambier SA 5290
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Mount Gambier
Community Centre

22-24 Ferrers Street Mount Gambier, SA 5290
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Mount Gambier
Family Relationship Centre

1 Helen Street (cnr Bay Road) Mount Gambier, SA 5290
Monday
9am to 5pm
Tuesday
10:30am to 5pm
Wednesday
9am to 5pm
Thursday
9am to 5pm
Later by appt
Friday
9am to 5pm

Berri Community Centre
Servicing the Riverland

5 Kealley Street, Berri, SA 5343
PO Box 1345 Berri, SA 5343
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Murraylands Centre
Servicing the Murraylands, Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula

29 Bridge Street, Murray Bridge, SA 5253
PO Box 2090 Murray Bridge, SA 5253
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Millicent
Community Centre

57-59 George Street Millicent, SA 5280
PO Box 378 Millicent, SA 5280
Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm
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