Autumn 2026 Program

YRSPACE
Apr 22
5 min read

We had a fantastic four-day Autumn Program 🍂 this April!

Participants enjoyed a great mix of centre-based and community-based experiences across the week, with opportunities for social connection, creativity, skill development, recreation, and community participation. Activities and experiences included:

• Aqua Nation

• Art & Craft

• Arthur’s Seat Eagle

• Bomber Kids Incursion

• Chesterfield Farm

• Cooking Activities

• Inflatable World

• Lunch Out

• Melbourne Puppet Kerfuffle Incursion

• Nikki Visaj Movement Dance Incursion

• Splash Test Dummies Stage Show

• Super Mande Percussion African Drumming Workshop

• Swimming with Sheryl

It was wonderful to see so many participants actively engaged, building confidence, trying new experiences, and enjoying time with peers throughout the week.

We’re excited to share some of the highlights and memories from the program with you! 📸✨

While our team always does their best to capture special moments throughout the week, occasionally some memories happen off camera — thank you for your understanding.

As always, we value feedback from participants and families and welcome any suggestions or ideas for future support periods and activities. Feedback options and surveys can be accessed here.

We also look forward to sharing information regarding our upcoming Winter Program ❄️ running from Monday 29 June to Friday 3 July in the coming weeks.

Bomber Kids Incursion

This AFL-themed Bomber Kids incursion provided an engaging, play-based experience that supported physical activity, and teamwork in a fun and inclusive environment. Delivered by trained Essendon Football Club staff, the session incorporated games and activities focused on fundamental movement skills such as running, jumping, kicking, and handballing, while encouraging cooperation, turn-taking, and positive participation.

The incursion supported the development of communication, social interaction, and confidence, with participants actively engaging in group-based activities that promoted listening, collaboration, and respectful play. Through structured yet enjoyable experiences, participants were able to build independence, emotional regulation, and a sense of belonging, while developing key physical and social skills aligned with early learning frameworks and school readiness goals.

Centre Based Activities

A range of centre-based activities were available throughout the week, providing a consistent and supportive environment for participants to engage, build routines, and develop independence. Activities such as swimming supported gross motor development, confidence, and emotional regulation; art and craft encouraged creativity, self-expression, and fine motor skills; while cooking experiences promoted practical life skills, choice-making, and teamwork.

These structured yet flexible activities allowed participants to explore their interests, build social connections, and increase confidence in a familiar setting. Across the week, participants were supported to develop independence, communication, and everyday living skills, while engaging in meaningful and enjoyable experiences aligned with their individual goals.

Chesterfield Farm

Participants had a fantastic day out at Chesterfield Farm, enjoying a hands-on experience in a relaxed outdoor setting. A clear highlight was feeding the animals, with plenty of excitement and smiles as participants got up close with a range of friendly farm animals. The tractor ride was another favourite, offering a fun and memorable way to explore the farm.

The excursion encouraged social interaction, confidence, and a sense of adventure, with participants enjoying shared experiences and trying something different. Spending time with the animals also supported calm, connection, and enjoyment, making it a really engaging and memorable day for everyone involved.

Inflatable World

Participants enjoyed an exciting and high-energy excursion to Inflatable World Ringwood, where they had the opportunity to bounce, climb, slide, and explore a huge indoor inflatable playground. The session was filled with movement, laughter, and plenty of action, with participants building confidence as they tried different obstacles and challenged themselves in a fun and supportive environment.

Following the visit, the group headed to McDonald’s for lunch, where participants were supported to order their own meals. This provided a great opportunity to build independence, communication skills, and confidence in a real-world setting, while also enjoying a relaxed social experience with peers. Overall, it was a fun and engaging day that combined physical activity, social connection, and everyday skill development.

Melbourne Puppet Kerfuffle Incursion

This interactive puppet performance by Melbourne Puppet Kerfuffle provided a fun, engaging, and imaginative experience for all participants. Through colourful characters, humour, music, and storytelling, the show captured attention and encouraged active participation, with plenty of laughter and excitement throughout.

The incursion supported communication, confidence, and social interaction, as participants engaged with the characters and contributed to the story. Themes of emotions, problem-solving, and resilience were explored in a light-hearted and accessible way, helping participants build understanding and express themselves in a supportive group setting.

Overall, it was a highly enjoyable experience that combined creativity, learning, and fun.

Nikki Visaj Movement Dance Incursion

The return of the Nikki Visaj Movement Dance Incursion was a highlight of the program, with participants excited to reconnect with a familiar and much-loved activity. The session was high-energy and engaging, encouraging everyone to get involved, express themselves, and enjoy movement through music and dance.

Participants were supported to build confidence, coordination, and self-expression, while engaging in a fun and inclusive group environment. The familiarity of the activity helped participants feel comfortable and ready to participate, promoting social connection, communication, and enjoyment. It was fantastic to see everyone so engaged and having fun with a returning favourite.

Super Mande Percussion African Drumming

The Super Mande Percussion African Drumming Workshop provided a vibrant and highly engaging musical experience for participants. Through hands-on drumming, rhythm games, and group participation, everyone had the opportunity to explore sound, movement, and culture in a fun and energetic environment. The interactive nature of the workshop encouraged active involvement, with participants building confidence as they created rhythms together.

The session supported communication, coordination, and social connection, as participants listened, responded, and contributed to the group experience. Drumming also promoted focus, emotional expression, and a sense of achievement, with many participants enjoying the opportunity to try something new. It was a lively and memorable incursion that brought plenty of energy and excitement to the program.

Aqua Nation

Participants enjoyed a fun and active excursion to Aqua Nation, with plenty of time spent swimming, splashing, and relaxing in a public pool environment. The session was filled with energy and enjoyment, with participants building confidence in the water and engaging in a range of activities at their own pace.

While we’re unable to take photos within the pool facility, it was a fantastic outing with lots of smiles and positive engagement throughout. The experience supported social interaction, confidence, and overall wellbeing, making it a great day out for everyone involved.

Arthur’s Seat Eagle

Participants travelled to Arthur’s Seat Eagle for what was set to be an exciting scenic experience. While spirits were high and everyone was looking forward to the chairlift ride, unfortunately the service closed shortly before our arrival due to weather conditions.

Despite the change in plans, participants still enjoyed the outing, making the most of the environment and time together. The experience supported flexibility, social connection, and positive engagement, and we look forward to rescheduling this activity in the future so everyone can enjoy the full experience.

Splash Test Dummies

We had an absolute blast heading out to Karralyka Theatre to catch the Splash Test Dummies live show. This high-energy, family-friendly performance delivered exactly what it promised - plenty of laughs, impressive acrobatics, slapstick comedy, and some wild stunts that kept everyone engaged from start to finish. It was great to see participants so involved, reacting to the humour and spectacle, and sharing the experience together as a group.

Beyond the fun, the outing supported key NDIS goals around community access and social participation. Attending a live performance in a public venue provided valuable opportunities for participants to build confidence in shared community spaces, practise appropriate social behaviours, and engage in a common experience alongside others. It also encouraged communication, connection, and a sense of belonging - whether that was chatting about favourite moments, navigating the venue, or simply enjoying being part of a group out in the community. Overall, it was a really positive and meaningful experience for everyone involved.