For more than a decade, Rebecca Paton has been a guiding presence for families across Ballarat, Daylesford, and Bacchus Marsh through the Strengthening Parent Support Programme, which assists parents of children (under 18) with disability. With 10½ years in the role, Rebecca brings not only her professional expertise but also deep personal understanding as a parent carer for her 20-year-old daughter with complex needs.
A former teacher with a Masters in Special Education, Rebecca describes her current role as the perfect combination of skill and lived experience. She works 15 hours a week, Monday to Wednesday during school hours, with her time focused on peer support, running Carer Support Groups, and providing individual information, guidance, and connection.
“It’s a beautiful job,” she says. “The main parts of my role are about connection—helping carers feel heard, supported, and understood.”
Rebecca coordinates and supports several groups, including Ballarat Autism Connection Group, Ballarat Autism Early Years Group, Ballarat Parent Carer Connect Group, Ballarat Down Syndrome Group, Daylesford Carer Support Group and Bacchus Marsh Carer Support Group.
Each group has its own personality and rhythm. Groups meet at cafés or pubs for a relaxed chat over coffee, and occasionally in Neighbourhood Houses for information sessions, guest speakers, or even games nights. Some are facilitated by Rebecca, while others are peer-led, with Rebecca providing behind-the-scenes support such as venue bookings, communication, and resource sharing.
“The groups really set their own direction,” Rebecca explains. “I’ll often run a poll in their Facebook group asking what people want to do next. It’s about meeting carers where they’re at and tailoring each group’s activities and communication style to what works best for them.”
The Ballarat Autism Connection Group, one of Rebecca’s longest running and largest, has been meeting for over eight years. Up to 18 carers gather on Monday mornings at a local pub—a warm, welcoming space where they can relax and connect. “We used to meet in an office,” Rebecca recalls, “but it felt a bit clinical. Moving to the pub made all the difference—people feel comfortable, and numbers grew again.”
The Ballarat Autism Early Years Group emerged after a parent requested a group for families with younger children. It is now a thriving, parent-led group, with Rebecca providing support in the background.
Not every group thrives immediately, and Rebecca is refreshingly open about that.
“Sometimes groups just don’t take off, and that’s okay. I see it as laying out a smorgasbord—offering opportunities. If carers aren’t drawn to something, I’ll give it a rest and try a different approach later.”
She’s noticed that online communities are increasingly popular, especially among younger families. “There must be so many families who’d benefit from a local group, but many prefer connecting online. We’ve tried everything from movie tickets to outreach through schools and kindergartens—it’s about being creative and persistent.”
Rebecca also produces a monthly newsletter that reaches around 500 families and 90 professionals. It includes updates from all the groups, local events, and opportunities for carers, as well as information from community organisations.
“People don’t have to attend groups to be part of the programme,” she notes. “Some carers just enjoy receiving the newsletter and attending other community events. It’s about finding what works best for them—there’s no obligation.”
Referrals come from Carers Victoria, Carer Gateway, The Orange Door, local therapists, and disability practitioners, but many new members also find Rebecca through her strong local networks. Outside of her role, she’s active in the community, serving on the Disability Advisory Committee and contributing to local initiatives such as inclusive play spaces.
At the core of Rebecca’s work is empathy and understanding.
“I know everyone’s experience as a carer is different’, but I understand what it’s like to juggle NDIS challenges, to have support workers in your home, or to navigate schools and sensory needs.”
The most common challenges carers raise in her groups include NDIS navigation, difficult behaviours, and school-related issues—but underneath these is one shared need: connection.
“Caring can be isolating. The friends you had before might not understand your world anymore. That’s why these groups matter so much.”
Rebecca’s aim for every meeting is simple but powerful:
“I want people to leave feeling lighter, supported, and positive. Sometimes we can’t solve every problem, but we can share strategies, a laugh, or just a good cuppa. That connection makes a difference.”
Carers Week is a highlight each year—a time to come together and unwind. Each year, the groups have been fortunate to receive an activity grant from Carers Victoria. One group has a blast each year, enjoying a Laser Force outing, full of laughter and fun.
“One mum told me she hadn’t laughed that much in ages—it gave her a break from thinking about appointments or washing. That’s what it’s all about.”
Rebecca’s warmth, humour, and deep understanding have made her a trusted presence in her local community. Whether through a coffee catch-up, an information session, or a supportive message online, she helps carers feel connected and valued.
“I love celebrating our carers,” she says. “It’s amazing when someone with three children on the spectrum turns up to a group. That’s a huge achievement. That’s a win.”
With her blend of compassion, experience, and optimism, Rebecca continues to strengthen the fabric of carer support in her community—one connection at a time
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