Digital Town Hall - Supporting AAA Families

Supporting our AAA families 

Tuesday 24 March | 8:00pm–9:00pm AEDT
Live via Zoom | Limited to 100 participants
Hosted by Nicole Rogerson with special guest Elisabeth Shaw, CEO of Relationships Australia

Many parents and carers are managing complex needs while navigating systems that can feel overwhelming and isolating. The space to speak openly about how things really are can be difficult to find.

This Digital Town Hall creates an opportunity for an honest, professionally moderated conversation about family stress, support and practical ways forward.

There are no slides.
There is no recording.
This is simply a space for real conversation.

REGISTER VIA HUMANITIX

‍
Why we’re hosting this Town Hall

Parenting is demanding at the best of times. When a child has a disability, that pressure can escalate quickly and emotionally, practically and financially.

Autism Association of Australia is hearing from families across the country who feel stretched, isolated and unsure where to turn when things become difficult at home.

This Town Hall will provide:

• A space to discuss the realities many families are experiencing
• Practical insights into managing pressure within families
• Guidance on when and how to seek additional support
• A respectful, moderated environment for open conversation

Your hosts

Nicole Rogerson

CEO and Founder, Autism Association of Australia

Nicole Rogerson is one of Australia’s leading voices in autism advocacy and disability policy. For more than 18 years, she has worked alongside families, governments and service providers to improve inclusion, early intervention and lifelong outcomes for autistic people. Nicole is a passionate advocate for person-centred planning and practical support for families navigating complex systems.

Elisabeth Shaw

CEO, Relationships Australia NSW

Elisabeth is a clinical psychologist and one of Australia’s most respected relationship and family therapy leaders. She has extensive experience supporting families under stress, including those navigating complex needs and high-pressure circumstances.

Together, Nicole and Elisabeth will guide a thoughtful and structured conversation about what families are experiencing and how we can better support one another.

What we’ll cover

The discussion will explore:

• The current pressures facing families of children with disability
  
• Early signs that a parent may not be coping
  
• Practical strategies to reduce tension and emotional overload
  
• Support options for single parents and extended family members
  
• How to approach someone you’re concerned about
  
• When to seek external help
  
• How we can strengthen support within our community
  

There will also be time for moderated audience questions.

‍

What to Expect

• Live Zoom Meeting (not webinar format)
• Limited to 100 participants to maintain a safe environment
• Cameras optional
• All participants muted during the initial discussion
• Moderated chat
• Respectful language
• The session will not be recorded
  

We believe open conversation must also be safe conversation. Autism Association of Australia reserves the right to remove participants if behaviour is disrespectful or unsafe.

Important information

This session is not therapy and does not provide individual counselling or crisis intervention.

If you or someone in your care is at immediate risk of harm, please contact emergency services on 000.

National crisis support services include:

• Lifeline – 13 11 14
• Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
• 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732
  
  

Who should attend

• Parents and caregivers of autistic individuals
• Extended family members supporting autism families
• Professionals who work closely with families

Register

Places are limited to 100 participants to ensure a safe and manageable discussion environment.

‍