Winter 2026 Program
We had a fantastic five-day Winter Program ❄️ this June and July!
Throughout the week, participants enjoyed a diverse mix of centre-based and community-based experiences that supported communication, independence, social participation, confidence and meaningful community engagement. Participants had opportunities to explore new interests, build friendships, develop practical skills and enjoy a wide range of engaging activities in a fun, supportive and inclusive environment.
Activities and experiences included:
Build-A-Bear Workshop
Cooking with Jennifer
Cool Kids First Aid
Dazzling Dan Magic Show
Disney on Ice
Equine Incursion
Glitz Gymnastics
The Alphabet of Awesome Science Stage Show
The Nikki Visaj Movement Dance Incursion
Swimming with Sheryl
Tie-Dyeing with Mia
Yarra Valley Chocolaterie Workshop... and more!
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.
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 upcoming Spring Program in the coming weeks.
Build A Bear Workshop
Participants enjoyed a supported community visit to the Build-A-Bear Workshop, where they engaged in a structured, hands-on experience that promoted communication, independence, social participation and confidence within a real-world community setting. The interactive nature of the workshop provided opportunities for participants to engage with peers, staff and members of the public while developing practical skills that support everyday participation.
Throughout the experience, participants made decisions about their furry friend and personalised accessories, encouraging choice-making, self-expression and confidence in communicating their preferences. They followed a series of guided steps, practised waiting and turn-taking, and developed listening, problem-solving and task completion skills while working towards a shared goal.
The workshop also provided valuable opportunities to build confidence when interacting with community members. Participants practised greeting staff, asking questions, requesting assistance and using polite social communication, while also developing everyday independence through taking responsibility for their belongings and navigating a community environment.
Overall, the Build-A-Bear Workshop provided an engaging opportunity to strengthen communication, social, emotional regulation and independence skills while building confidence participating in meaningful community experiences.
Disney on Ice: Magic in the Stars
Participants attended a supported community outing to ‘Disney on Ice: Magic in the Stars’, providing an engaging opportunity to develop communication, social participation, confidence and community access skills within a large public venue. The experience encouraged participants to navigate a busy environment, follow event routines and actively engage in a shared community experience alongside their peers.
Throughout the outing, participants practised waiting patiently, following schedules, managing transitions, locating seating and moving safely through crowded public spaces. They were encouraged to communicate their needs, ask questions, make choices and engage in conversations with peers and support staff, strengthening both expressive communication and positive social interactions.
The activity also promoted emotional regulation and flexibility as participants managed excitement, adapted to changes in the environment and responded to sensory experiences associated with a large-scale live performance. Sharing the experience with others encouraged relationship-building, cooperative participation and confidence engaging in meaningful community activities.
Overall, the Disney on Ice activity supported the development of communication, social, emotional regulation and independence skills while increasing participants' confidence accessing and participating in inclusive community events.
K.I.D.S Foundation - Equine Incursion
Participants took part in a supported equine incursion involving two horses, providing a calm and engaging environment to develop emotional awareness, communication, confidence and social participation skills. The experience encouraged participants to observe how horses respond to body language, tone of voice and emotional cues, helping build a greater understanding of non-verbal communication.
Throughout the session, participants practised approaching the horses safely, following instructions, waiting their turn and respecting personal boundaries. They were encouraged to communicate calmly, recognise their own emotions and consider how their behaviour and energy may affect others.
The interaction also supported emotional regulation and wellbeing by creating opportunities for participants to slow down, remain present and build confidence in a new experience. Sharing the activity with peers encouraged positive social interaction, empathy and cooperative participation.
Overall, the equine incursion provided a meaningful opportunity to strengthen emotional communication, self-regulation, confidence and awareness of the important role animals can play in supporting wellbeing.
Cool Kids First Aid
Participants took part in an interactive Cool Kids First Aid incursion, providing an engaging opportunity to develop confidence, communication, problem-solving and independence while learning practical first aid and emergency response skills. Through age-appropriate activities and hands-on practice, participants explored how to recognise an emergency, seek help and respond safely in a range of everyday situations.
Throughout the session, participants practised following instructions, asking questions, listening carefully and working cooperatively with peers while learning skills such as calling Triple Zero (000), recognising emergency situations, basic bleeding control and introductory first aid principles. The activities encouraged critical thinking, decision-making and confidence when responding to unfamiliar situations in a safe and supportive environment.
The incursion also promoted self-confidence, responsibility and personal safety by encouraging participants to identify hazards, communicate effectively and understand when and how to seek assistance from trusted adults or emergency services. Working together in practical scenarios supported teamwork, positive social interactions and respectful participation throughout the session.
Overall, the Cool Kids First Aid incursion provided participants with valuable life skills while strengthening communication, problem-solving, confidence, independence and community awareness in an engaging and meaningful learning experience.
Glitz Gymnastics
Participants attended a supported community visit to Glitz Gymnastics, where they took part in a range of gymnastics activities designed to build confidence, coordination, physical literacy and social participation in a fun and supportive environment. The session encouraged participants to challenge themselves while developing new movement skills through guided activities using gymnastics equipment.
Throughout the session, participants practised following instructions, taking turns, waiting patiently and encouraging one another while developing balance, coordination, strength and body awareness. They were supported to attempt new skills at their own pace, promoting resilience, confidence, problem-solving and a willingness to try unfamiliar activities.
The experience also provided opportunities to build communication and teamwork through shared activities, while supporting emotional regulation as participants managed challenges, celebrated achievements and developed confidence in their own abilities. Overall, the Glitz Gymnastics visit promoted independence, physical wellbeing and meaningful social participation while encouraging participants to engage confidently in an inclusive community recreation setting.
Alphabet of Awesome Science Stage Show
Participants attended a supported community activity to ‘The Alphabet of Awesome Science’ at Karralyka Theatre, where they experienced an interactive live performance combining science, language and hands-on demonstrations. The engaging theatre environment encouraged curiosity, communication and active participation while introducing scientific concepts through fun, age-appropriate experiments and audience interaction.
Throughout the performance, participants practised listening, following instructions, taking turns and engaging respectfully within a shared public setting. They were encouraged to ask questions, make predictions, share ideas and discuss the scientific demonstrations with peers and support staff, strengthening communication, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
The activity also supported confidence and community participation as participants navigated a theatre environment, followed event routines and shared a memorable experience with their peers. The interactive nature of the performance encouraged social engagement, cooperative participation and flexible thinking while fostering an interest in science and lifelong learning.
Overall, the activity provided an enjoyable opportunity to build communication, social participation, confidence and independence while engaging in an inclusive community-based educational experience.
Dazzling Dan Magic Show
Participants enjoyed an interactive magic performance by Dazzling Dan, providing an engaging opportunity to build communication, confidence and social participation through a shared community experience. The highly interactive show encouraged participants to engage with the performer, respond to questions, follow instructions and participate in a fun and inclusive environment.
Throughout the performance, participants practised listening, turn-taking, positive social interaction and appropriate audience participation while sharing the experience with their peers. The session also encouraged curiosity, imagination and confidence, providing an enjoyable opportunity to strengthen communication, social engagement and meaningful participation.
Nikki Visaj Movement
Participants took part in a dance and movement session delivered by The Nikki Visaj Movement, providing an energetic and inclusive opportunity to build physical fitness, coordination, confidence and social participation. Through guided dance activities, participants developed balance, body awareness, motor planning and coordination while engaging in enjoyable physical activity suited to a range of abilities.
Throughout the session, participants practised following instructions, working cooperatively with peers and expressing themselves through movement. The experience also promoted cardiovascular fitness, emotional wellbeing and confidence while encouraging active participation, positive social interaction and healthy lifestyle habits in a fun and supportive environment.
Yarra Valley Chocolaterie Workshop
Participants attended a supported community visit to the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, where they took part in a hands-on chocolate making workshop that encouraged creativity, communication and independence. The interactive experience provided opportunities for participants to follow guided instructions, make choices, express their creativity and complete a structured activity from start to finish.
Throughout the workshop, participants practised listening, sequencing, fine motor skills and problem-solving while decorating and creating their own chocolates. The shared experience also encouraged positive social interaction, turn-taking, teamwork and confidence when engaging with instructors, peers and the wider community.
Overall, the chocolate making workshop provided an enjoyable opportunity to strengthen communication, independence, social participation and practical life skills while building confidence participating in meaningful community experiences.
Centre Based Activities
Participants engaged in a variety of structured centre-based activities designed to support communication, independence, creativity, social participation and the development of everyday life skills. A wide range of activity options allowed participants to make meaningful choices based on their interests, encouraging self-determination, confidence and active engagement throughout the day.
Activities included tie-dyeing, cooking, swimming, art and craft experiences, sensory and creative activities, games and collaborative group tasks. These experiences supported participants to develop fine and gross motor skills, follow instructions, solve problems, express creativity, build confidence and strengthen social connections through shared participation with their peers.
Participants were encouraged to communicate preferences, make decisions, work both independently and collaboratively, and practise everyday skills such as preparing food, caring for personal belongings, participating in physical activity and engaging respectfully with others. The variety of available activities ensured participants could work towards their individual goals while developing independence, communication, emotional regulation and meaningful social relationships in a supportive and inclusive environment.
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.
