Spring 2026 Program
Updated: Oct 8
We had a fantastic four-day Spring Program 🌸 this September!
Throughout the program, participants enjoyed a diverse mix of centre-based and community-based experiences that supported communication, independence, social participation, confidence, creativity, physical wellbeing and meaningful community engagement. Participants had opportunities to explore new interests, develop new skills, build friendships and enjoy a wide range of engaging activities in a fun, supportive and inclusive environment.
Activities and experiences included:
AFL Footy Festival
Aqua Nation Swimming
Bike Riding
Bubble Planet Melbourne
Calisthenics
Caricature Art with Phil Bowler
Cooking
Dance Incursion with Nikki Visaj Movement
Drumming & Puppetry Workshop with Kathryn from Beats from the Soul
Harps A Breeze Harmonica Workshop
RSPCA Incursion
Tesselaar Tulip Festival
Where Is the Green Sheep? Stage Show at the Arts Centre
Swimming
Bowling
Art & Craft... and more!
It was wonderful to see so many participants actively engaged, building confidence, trying new experiences and enjoying time with peers throughout the program.
We're excited to share some of the highlights and memories from the Spring Program with you! 📸✨ - While our team always does their best to capture special moments throughout the program, occasionally some memories happen off camera - thank you for your understanding.
Please note: We are also still waiting on a number of photos to be sent through, so we'll continue adding them to this album as they become available.
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 look forward to sharing information about our 2027 programs in the coming weeks.
I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge some of our participants who will be finishing up with YR SPACE at the end of this year after being part of our programs for several years.
It has been an absolute pleasure to watch them grow, develop their confidence, build friendships and create so many wonderful memories with us over the years. We are incredibly grateful to have been part of their journey and to have shared so many special moments with them.
We would like to thank each of them and their families for their support, trust and involvement in our programs. We wish them all the very best for the future and hope that they take many wonderful memories from their time with YR SPACE. We will certainly miss seeing them!
Harp’s a Breeze Harmonica Workshop
Participants took part in a supported, hands-on harmonica incursion with Chris from Harp’s a Breeze, providing an engaging opportunity to explore music and develop new skills within a small-group environment. The session introduced participants to the basics of playing the harmonica through practical musical activities, with each participant receiving their own harmonica to keep and continue exploring after the session.
Throughout the session, participants were encouraged to actively participate, listen and follow instructions while learning how to produce different sounds and play simple musical sequences. The hands-on nature of the activity provided opportunities to practise concentration, coordination, fine motor skills, persistence and task completion while developing confidence in trying something new.
The group setting also provided valuable opportunities for social communication and peer interaction. Participants were encouraged to share the experience with others, listen to the music being created by their peers and participate alongside staff and the visiting facilitator. These shared experiences supported positive social engagement, turn-taking, confidence and participation within a supportive environment.
The activity also encouraged self-expression and choice-making, allowing participants to engage with music in their own way and experience the satisfaction of developing a new skill. Learning to control breathing while playing the harmonica also provided opportunities to practise breathing, concentration and self-regulation within an enjoyable and structured experience.
Overall, the Harp’s a Breeze incursion provided a fun and meaningful opportunity for participants to build confidence, communication, concentration, coordination and social participation while developing a new musical skill. The harmonica also provided participants with an opportunity to continue practising and engaging with the activity beyond the incursion, supporting ongoing exploration, independence and skill development.
RSPCA Animal Welfare Session
Participants took part in a supported RSPCA animal welfare session with Michelle, who was joined by Jazzy, a five-year-old Spoodle and trained education dog. The interactive session provided participants with an engaging opportunity to learn about animals, their needs and how we can help care for and interact with them safely and respectfully. The experience was delivered within a small-group environment, providing opportunities for participants to engage at their own pace while developing confidence and social communication skills.
Throughout the session, participants explored what animals need to live happy and healthy lives and discussed practical ways to care for pets. Meeting Jazzy provided a meaningful opportunity for participants to observe and interact with a dog in a supported environment, while developing an understanding of appropriate behaviour around animals, including being calm, gentle and respectful of an animal's space and needs.
Participants also took part in creative art and craft activities connected to animal care and welfare. These activities provided opportunities to reinforce the information discussed during the session while developing fine motor skills, concentration, following instructions, creativity and task completion. Working alongside peers also encouraged communication, sharing resources, turn-taking and positive social interaction.
The experience provided valuable opportunities for participants to develop empathy and an understanding of responsibility through learning about the needs of animals and the role people play in providing appropriate care. Participants were encouraged to ask questions, communicate their ideas and make choices throughout the activities, supporting self-expression, confidence and decision-making.
Interacting with Jazzy also provided opportunities for participants to practise emotional regulation and confidence in a safe and supported environment. Participants could observe Jazzy's behaviour, respond appropriately to her presence and engage in the experience according to their individual comfort levels, while staff supported positive interactions and encouraged participation.
Overall, the RSPCA incursion provided a meaningful opportunity for participants to build social communication, confidence, empathy, independence and emotional regulation while developing practical knowledge about animal care and welfare. The combination of hands-on interaction, discussion and creative activities supported participants to actively engage with new information while building skills that can contribute to positive participation in everyday life and the community.
Bubble Planet: An Immersive Experience in Melbourne
Participants enjoyed a supported community visit to Bubble Planet: An Immersive Experience in Melbourne, providing an opportunity to explore a colourful and interactive environment within a small-group setting. The experience featured a range of immersive spaces, interactive displays and sensory experiences, encouraging participants to explore their surroundings while building confidence and developing skills that support meaningful community participation.
Throughout the experience, participants were encouraged to explore the different environments at their own pace, make choices about where they wanted to engage and respond to a range of visual and sensory experiences. These opportunities supported decision-making, self-advocacy and independence while encouraging participants to communicate their preferences and express their interests.
The interactive nature of the experience provided opportunities to develop social communication and peer interaction. Participants shared the experience with their group, practised navigating a busy community environment and had opportunities to communicate with staff and peers about what they were seeing and experiencing. These shared experiences encouraged positive social connection, confidence and participation alongside others.
The range of sensory experiences also provided opportunities for participants to practise emotional regulation and coping strategies in a new environment. Participants were supported to recognise their own comfort levels, make choices about how they engaged with different experiences and use strategies that helped them remain comfortable and engaged throughout the visit.
The community-based setting also supported the development of practical independence skills. Participants practised following directions, staying with the group, navigating a public venue, managing personal belongings and responding appropriately to expectations within a community environment. Staff provided support according to individual participant needs while encouraging participants to take an active role in their own experience.
Overall, the Bubble Planet experience provided a meaningful opportunity for participants to build confidence, independence, social communication and emotional regulation while engaging with a new community environment. The activity used an enjoyable and highly interactive experience as a vehicle for developing participant capacity, social connection and confidence in participating in the broader community.
Where is the Green Sheep? - Stage Show
Participants enjoyed a supported community visit to Arts Centre Melbourne to see Where Is the Green Sheep?, an immersive visual theatre experience based on the much-loved children's book by Mem Fox and Judy Horacek. The performance combined puppetry, animation and storytelling to create an engaging shared experience, while providing participants with opportunities to build confidence and develop skills within a public community setting.
Throughout the performance, participants were encouraged to engage with the story, characters and visual elements while practising attention, listening and appropriate behaviour within a theatre environment. Experiencing a live performance provided opportunities to develop concentration, emotional engagement and confidence while participating in a structured community activity alongside peers.
The group setting provided valuable opportunities for social communication and peer interaction. Participants shared the experience with others, practised remaining engaged during the performance and had opportunities to communicate their thoughts and reactions with peers and staff. These shared experiences supported positive social connection, communication and confidence.
Attending a large public venue also provided opportunities to develop practical independence and community participation skills. Participants were supported to navigate the Arts Centre environment, follow directions, remain with the group and respond appropriately to expectations within a public setting. Staff provided individual support where required while encouraging participants to take an active role in navigating the experience.
The unfamiliar environment and sensory aspects of attending a live stage show also provided opportunities for participants to practise emotional regulation and coping strategies. Participants were supported to recognise their individual needs, communicate when they required assistance and use appropriate strategies to remain comfortable and engaged throughout the experience.
Overall, the Where Is the Green Sheep? stage show provided a meaningful opportunity for participants to build confidence, social communication, emotional regulation and independence while engaging in a shared cultural experience. The performance was used as a vehicle for developing participant capacity, social connection and confidence in participating in the broader community.
Tesselaar Tulip Festival – Children’s Week
Following some centre-based activities, participants enjoyed a supported community visit to the Tesselaar Tulip Festival during Children’s Week. The visit provided an opportunity to explore a large community event in a structured and supportive environment, with a range of interactive activities, entertainment and experiences available throughout the day.
Participants had opportunities to explore the festival grounds, enjoy the colourful spring gardens and engage with a variety of activities including the Fairy Garden, treasure hunt, Dutch games, garden games, obstacle course, craft activities and the Tulip Tractor Ride. These experiences encouraged participants to make choices about how they spent their time, explore new interests and participate in activities according to their individual preferences and abilities.
The festival also provided opportunities for participants to experience a range of live and interactive entertainment, including drumming workshops, fairy storytelling, clog dancing, the Historic Cheese Market performance and the Australian wildlife display. These shared experiences encouraged curiosity, communication, confidence and positive engagement with others in a busy community environment.
Participating in a large public event also supported the development of practical community participation and independence skills. Participants were supported to navigate the festival grounds, follow directions, remain aware of their surroundings, stay with the group, manage personal belongings and interact appropriately within a busy community setting. Staff provided support according to individual needs while encouraging participants to take an active role in making decisions and participating in the day's activities.
The variety of sights, sounds, people and activities at the festival also provided opportunities for participants to practise emotional regulation and coping strategies. Participants were supported to recognise their individual needs, communicate preferences, take breaks when required and choose activities that supported their comfort and engagement. This encouraged self-advocacy, confidence and independence while participating in a new and stimulating environment.
Overall, the Tesselaar Tulip Festival provided a meaningful opportunity for participants to build confidence, independence, social communication and community participation while experiencing a diverse range of cultural, recreational and interactive activities. The festival experiences were used as a vehicle for developing participant capacity, encouraging choice-making and supporting positive social and community engagement.
AFL Footy Fest
Participants celebrated AFL Finals time with a supported community visit to AFL Footy Fest at Yarra Park. The event provided an opportunity to experience the excitement and atmosphere surrounding the AFL Finals while participating in a range of interactive footy, entertainment and community activities. Footy Fest offered a variety of opportunities for participants to explore and engage with the event and enjoy the excitement of being part of the wider AFL community.
Although many of the activities and experiences were available on the day, the event was extremely busy, which meant that it was not possible to access everything we had hoped to. Participants were supported to navigate the crowds, make choices about which activities they wanted to explore and manage the challenges that can come with participating in a large and busy public event. Despite the crowds, the group had a fantastic time soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying the excitement of the AFL Finals.
A highlight of the day was having the opportunity to meet a couple of AFL players. This provided participants with an exciting and memorable community experience while encouraging confidence in interacting with well-known community figures and communicating within an unfamiliar environment.
The visit also provided valuable opportunities to develop practical community participation and independence skills. Participants were supported to navigate a busy public space, follow directions, remain with the group, manage their belongings and make decisions about how they wanted to spend their time. Staff supported participants according to their individual needs while encouraging active participation and independence wherever possible.
After the Footy Fest, the group stopped for lunch, providing another opportunity to develop everyday independence and decision-making skills. Each participant was supported to choose and order their own food, communicate their preferences and manage the process of purchasing and enjoying their meal within a community setting. This provided a practical opportunity to practice self-advocacy, choice-making, communication and independence.
The busy environment also provided opportunities for participants to practise emotional regulation and coping strategies. Participants were supported to recognise when they needed assistance, communicate their needs and manage the sights, sounds and crowds associated with a large community event.
Overall, the AFL Footy Fest provided a meaningful opportunity for participants to build confidence, independence, social communication and community participation while enjoying the excitement of AFL Finals time. The experience used the footy festival, meeting players and sharing lunch as opportunities to develop practical skills, encourage choice-making and support positive participation within the broader community.
Aquanation & Picnic Lunch
Participants enjoyed a supported community visit to AquaNation for a fun and active swimming session. The experience provided opportunities to develop confidence in the water, physical wellbeing, independence and social participation while enjoying a recreational activity alongside peers.
Throughout the swimming session, participants were supported to engage with the pools and water activities according to their individual abilities, interests and comfort levels. The experience encouraged participants to develop water confidence, follow instructions, make choices about their participation and practise independence within a community leisure environment.
Swimming also provided valuable opportunities to develop social communication and positive peer interaction. Participants shared the experience with their group, practised appropriate behaviour within a public recreational setting and were encouraged to communicate with staff and peers throughout the activity.
Following swimming, the group enjoyed a picnic lunch together, providing further opportunities to practise everyday independence and social skills. Participants were encouraged to make choices about their food, manage their belongings, communicate their needs and participate in the shared meal. The picnic also provided a relaxed opportunity to connect with peers and staff following the swimming activity.
The combination of physical activity and shared social time provided opportunities for participants to practise emotional regulation, confidence and coping strategies while participating in a community environment. Staff supported participants according to their individual needs while encouraging active participation and independence wherever possible.
Overall, the AquaNation swimming experience and picnic lunch provided a meaningful opportunity for participants to build confidence, independence, social communication and physical wellbeing while participating in a shared community activity.
Please note: We were unable to take photographs during the swimming component of the activity due to the policies and requirements of the swimming facility.
10-Pin Bowling & Lunch Out
Participants enjoyed a supported community visit for a fun game of 10-pin bowling followed by lunch out. The activity provided opportunities to develop social participation, communication, confidence and independence while taking part in a shared recreational experience with peers.
Throughout the bowling session, participants were encouraged to actively participate, follow instructions and develop their bowling skills at their own pace. Taking turns and waiting between games provided opportunities to practise patience, turn-taking and positive peer interaction, while celebrating each other's efforts encouraged confidence and social connection.
The bowling environment also provided opportunities for participants to develop independence and decision-making skills. Participants were supported to make choices about their game, manage their equipment and participate in the activity according to their individual abilities and preferences. Staff provided assistance where required while encouraging participants to take an active role in completing each step of the experience.
Following bowling, the group went out for lunch, providing another practical opportunity to develop everyday independence and community participation skills. Participants were encouraged to choose their own meals, communicate their preferences, place their orders and manage their belongings, supporting decision-making, self-advocacy and confidence in a community setting.
Sharing lunch together also provided a relaxed opportunity to build social connections and practise appropriate communication with peers and staff. Participants were encouraged to engage in conversation, listen to others and participate in the shared experience while developing confidence in a public setting.
Overall, the 10-pin bowling and lunch outing provided a meaningful opportunity for participants to build confidence, independence, social communication and peer interaction while developing practical skills through participation in everyday community and recreational experiences.
More Centre-Based Activities
Throughout the program, participants also took part in a diverse range of centre-based activities and incursions designed to support active participation, capacity building, choice and control, social connection and the development of practical skills. Activities were structured to provide opportunities for participants to explore different interests, make decisions about how they wanted to participate and engage with experiences according to their individual abilities, preferences and goals.
Participants enjoyed a visit from caricature artist Phil Bowler, who created a personalised caricature for each participant to take home. This provided opportunities for participants to engage with a visiting community member, communicate their preferences and experience the process of having something created specifically for them. The activity encouraged confidence, self-expression, communication and choice-making while providing a meaningful keepsake from the program.
The calisthenics incursion introduced participants to movement, dance, gymnastics, singing and apparatus activities in a fun and accessible environment. The session provided opportunities to develop coordination, balance, rhythm, physical fitness and body awareness while encouraging participants to make choices about their level of participation. It also supported confidence, perseverance and positive attitudes towards physical activity and wellbeing.
Participants also enjoyed an energetic dance incursion with Nikki Visaj Movement. Through music and movement, participants were encouraged to express themselves, explore different movements and participate alongside their peers. The activity supported physical wellbeing, coordination, confidence, self-expression and social connection while allowing participants to engage at their own pace.
Swimming provided another opportunity for participants to develop physical wellbeing, water confidence and independence. Participants were supported to engage with the activity according to their individual abilities and comfort levels, while practising following instructions, making choices and communicating their needs. The shared experience also encouraged positive peer interaction and confidence in a recreational setting.
The program also included a drumming and puppetry workshop, providing participants with opportunities to explore music, rhythm, storytelling and creative expression. These activities encouraged listening, concentration, coordination, communication and turn-taking while providing opportunities for participants to contribute their own ideas and make choices throughout the experience.
Bike riding provided opportunities to develop gross motor skills, coordination, confidence and physical wellbeing while encouraging participants to practise independence and follow safety expectations. Participants were supported to engage according to their individual abilities while developing confidence through physical activity and shared participation with peers.
Art and craft activities provided opportunities for creativity, fine motor development, concentration and self-expression. Participants were encouraged to make choices about materials, colours and how they wanted to approach each activity, supporting decision-making and a sense of ownership over their work. These activities also provided opportunities to practise persistence, following instructions and completing tasks.
Cooking activities similarly provided opportunities to develop practical daily living skills while encouraging choice and active participation. Participants were supported to follow recipes and instructions, use equipment safely, practise measuring and preparing ingredients and work alongside others. Cooking also encouraged communication, teamwork, independence, task completion and confidence in developing skills that can be used in everyday life.
Across these activities and incursions, the focus remained on using each experience as an opportunity for capacity building rather than the activity itself being the primary purpose of the support. Participants were encouraged to make choices, communicate their preferences, try new things, develop skills and take an active role in their own participation.
The variety of experiences also allowed participants to discover new interests and identify activities they enjoyed, while providing opportunities to practise emotional regulation, social communication, problem-solving, independence and confidence in a supportive small-group environment. Staff provided support according to individual participant needs while encouraging participants to take increasing ownership of their participation wherever possible.
Overall, the centre-based activities and incursions provided a diverse range of opportunities for participants to build capacity, develop independence, strengthen social connections and experience success in different areas. Most importantly, participants were supported to have choice and control over their participation, helping ensure that their individual interests, preferences, abilities and goals remained central to their experience throughout the program.
Media & Photography Notice
All photos published have been used in accordance with the media permissions provided to YR SPACE. If you would like another copy of our Media Consent Form, or wish to discuss your current media preferences, please contact YR SPACE Program Management. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this recap, if you notice any errors or have any concerns regarding the content or photographs published, please contact us and we will address them as soon as possible.
