Inklings strengthening regional connections in the Southwest

The Inklings team from The Kids Research Institute Australia has wrapped up a two-day regional roadshow, connecting with local services and families to strengthen early communication support across the Southwest.

The visit brought the team together with delivery partner Out Loud Developmental Services and included time at Milligan House, the local Toy Library Australia, and a PlayGroup WA Play Connect playgroup.

At the Toy Library, the Inklings team spent time speaking directly with families, answering questions, and discussing how Inklings can support babies showing early differences in social interaction and communication.

Discussions at Milligan House focused on how Inklings could better support the local community, with conversations centred on collaboration, accessibility, and strengthening referral pathways for families in the region.

The roadshow concluded at a Play Connect event, where the team engaged with families, sharing information about early communication development and listening to caregivers’ experiences and needs.

Inklings Stakeholder Engagement Manager, Carren Ford, said regional visits play a critical role in ensuring families can access support that is relevant and responsive to their community.

“Visiting the Southwest gave us the opportunity to connect directly with families and the services that support them every day,” Mrs Ford said.

“By listening to communities and working alongside trusted local partners, we can make sure Inklings is accessible, meaningful, and embedded in the places families already go.”

Inklings is an evidence-based early support program for babies aged 6–18 months, designed to help families notice and respond to early differences in communication and social interaction.

It is delivered in partnership with local providers, including Out Loud Developmental Services, to ensure families across Western Australia can access timely, community-based support.

The Southwest roadshow forms part of The Kids Research Institute Australia’s broader commitment to building strong regional partnerships and supporting families in the critical early years of their child’s development.

For more information about the Inklings Program, visit inklings.org.au