<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[ConnectFirst™ – The Behaviour Training Institute of Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[BSP practitioner training, clinical supervision, the 90-Day BSP Program, Community of Practice, early learning professional development, RP]]></description><link>https://learn.connectfirst.com.au/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2026 09:13:06 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://learn.connectfirst.com.au/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Regulatory Update: NDIS Commission BSP Practitioner Suitability Requirements]]></title><description><![CDATA[Sector Notice • Oct 2026 NDIS Quality &#38; Safeguards Commission Update New Practitioner Suitability Requirements for Behaviour Support The NDIS Commission has published an updated fact sheet detailing essential criteria for professionals seeking designation as a Behaviour Support Practitioner (BSP). Explore what has changed, how suitability is assessed, and what steps your organisation should take today. Summary of Core Regulatory Changes 01 Entry-Level Assessment Criteria Clarified baseline...]]></description><link>https://learn.connectfirst.com.au/post/regulatory-update-ndis-commission-bsp-practitioner-suitability-requirements</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6ae0343cece8b2a6afafd382</guid><pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2026 05:19:14 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7bbe0f_51b51be9d141462cb40062db4fbcfaa8~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_768,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Meg Hughes</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Important Update: Website Transition &#38; Direct Access Links]]></title><description><![CDATA[Service Update • Oct 2026 System Upgrade Notice Streamlining our digital experience for practitioners and partners. ConnectFirst™ is actively updating our online platforms to provide a clearer, faster, and more accessible experience for practitioners, supervisees, members, and partner organisations. During this scheduled transition period, our primary domain (connectfirst.com.au) may experience a brief downtime of 24–48 hours. Direct Access Directory All underlying portals, online training...]]></description><link>https://learn.connectfirst.com.au/post/important-update-website-transition-direct-access-links</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6ae029c26b9adee0c6dcd5f9</guid><pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2026 04:34:20 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7bbe0f_5c80c4f8295a4660a97c9cb9b426d78b~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_768,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Meg Hughes</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[New evidence-informed resource]]></title><description><![CDATA[A new evidence-informed resource is helping behaviour support practitioners strengthen the quality of behaviour support plans. The Positive Behaviour Support Plan Quality Assessment (PBSP-QA) tool provides a practical framework for reviewing and improving behaviour support plans. Developed through research, testing and consultation, it incorporates insights from people with lived experience of positive behaviour support and disability support workers.  The NDIS Commission will use the tool to...]]></description><link>https://learn.connectfirst.com.au/post/new-evidence-informed-resource</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6ad755e7fd28be9b49eb7ba5</guid><pubDate>Tue, 20 Oct 2026 11:56:05 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Meg Hughes</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Discover Insights and Inspiration from Our Podcast]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Positive Behaviour Support Podcast is a practical and thoughtful podcast for Behaviour Support Practitioners, support workers, educators, parents, carers and anyone wanting to better understand behaviour. Hosted by Meg Hughes from ConnectFirst, each episode explores Positive Behaviour Support through a person-centred, neuroaffirming and human-rights-based lens. The podcast creates space for meaningful conversations, practical learning and reflections that can be applied in everyday...]]></description><link>https://learn.connectfirst.com.au/post/discover-insights-and-inspiration-from-our-podcast</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6ac465d4be2a50557c8feedf</guid><pubDate>Tue, 06 Oct 2026 03:29:40 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7bbe0f_dc72ecfe813b4c24985941d545304d9b~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_896,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Meg Hughes</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Honoured to Be Nominated: Tasmanian Disability Awards 2026]]></title><description><![CDATA[I am honoured to have been nominated for Training Provider of the Year at the 2026 Tasmanian Disability Awards. This recognition means a great deal to me. For more than 25 years, my work in education, disability and behaviour support has been guided by a simple belief: people deserve support that recognises their strengths, protects their rights and helps them participate meaningfully in the lives they choose. Through ConnectFirst™, I have had the privilege of supporting parents, carers,...]]></description><link>https://learn.connectfirst.com.au/post/honoured-to-be-nominated-tasmanian-disability-awards-2026</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6ab2486f9d1e8a5c4d3ed309</guid><pubDate>Tue, 22 Sep 2026 09:24:01 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7bbe0f_de66f067b2ca410c8dd58c3de90e98d5~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_706,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Meg Hughes</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Golden Ticket Promotion: Win 12 Months of ConnectFirst™ Training &#38; Supervision]]></title><description><![CDATA[September 2026 Exclusive Member Promotion The Golden Ticket Prize Draw One active ConnectFirst™ member will receive comprehensive access to our entire professional learning ecosystem for a full 12 months, paired with dedicated one-on-one clinical supervision. Grand Prize 12 Mo. Unlimited Learning + 5 Hours Supervision The selected recipient receives 12 months of free access to all ConnectFirst™ live interactive trainings and self-paced online courses, along with five private hours of...]]></description><link>https://learn.connectfirst.com.au/post/the-golden-ticket-promotion-win-12-months-of-connectfirst-training-supervision</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6aa36e46f448a9cd17b21841</guid><pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 2026 02:58:29 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7bbe0f_7ee246544c7a45e892e40fa4168c7e9e~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_768,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Meg Hughes</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Twenty-Five Years Working With Children Has Taught Me About Connection]]></title><description><![CDATA[Over the past twenty-five years, I have had the privilege of working alongside thousands of children and their families in schools, homes, early learning settings and clinical environments. Throughout that time, one lesson has remained constant: meaningful change begins with connection. That is exactly why I created this course. I wanted to bring together more than twenty-five years of professional experience as a teacher, Specialist Behaviour Support Practitioner, clinical supervisor and...]]></description><link>https://learn.connectfirst.com.au/post/what-twenty-five-years-working-with-children-has-taught-me-about-connection</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a5fdb6063357ddf4dcce7b5</guid><pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2026 12:14:47 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7bbe0f_b9a4797cf1d84e9c81347b34fef46ae6~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Meg Hughes</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[NDIS Governance Best Practices: Governance and Operational Management in NDIS]]></title><description><![CDATA[Navigating the world of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can feel overwhelming at times. But when it comes to delivering quality support and services, strong governance and operational management are essential. I want to share insights and practical tips that can help you understand how to build effective governance structures and manage operations smoothly within the NDIS framework. Whether you’re a behaviour support practitioner, allied health professional, or a support...]]></description><link>https://learn.connectfirst.com.au/post/ndis-governance-best-practices-governance-and-operational-management-in-ndis</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a67d7c5b59210289e969a0c</guid><pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2026 12:14:31 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7bbe0f_d207d63a3d3448f89d67592a227b55e8~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_768,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Meg Hughes</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Enhancing Outcomes with Person-Centred Care Approaches]]></title><description><![CDATA[When it comes to supporting individuals, especially those with diverse needs, I’ve found that adopting person-centred care approaches truly transforms outcomes. It’s not just about providing care or support; it’s about understanding the person behind the needs. This approach respects their preferences, values, and unique experiences, making the support more meaningful and effective. In this post, I’ll share insights into what person-centred care means, why it matters, and how you can apply...]]></description><link>https://learn.connectfirst.com.au/post/enhancing-outcomes-with-person-centred-care-approaches</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a6fc19c3e0c16484ff9f2a8</guid><pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2026 12:14:18 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7bbe0f_9f3804cc77fc4757903047eb730d4b53~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_768,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Meg Hughes</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[ConnectFirst Support Strategies: Advancing Behaviour Support Frameworks]]></title><description><![CDATA[When it comes to behaviour support, having a solid framework is essential. Over the years, I’ve seen how effective strategies can transform the way we support individuals, making a real difference in their lives. ConnectFirst is at the forefront of this movement, offering practical, evidence-informed training and support that empowers practitioners and carers alike. In this post, I want to share insights into how ConnectFirst is advancing behaviour support frameworks and why their approach...]]></description><link>https://learn.connectfirst.com.au/post/connectfirst-support-strategies-advancing-behaviour-support-frameworks</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a71122bf20e59031dfbedc9</guid><pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2026 12:14:02 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7bbe0f_f6fe933e35f643b4a04393f699bda784~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_768,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Meg Hughes</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Become a Behaviour Support Practitioner in Australia: Your Guide to Behaviour Support Training]]></title><description><![CDATA[If you’re passionate about making a real difference in people’s lives, becoming a behaviour support practitioner in Australia could be the perfect path for you. This role is all about helping individuals with challenging behaviours to live more fulfilling, independent lives. I’m excited to share what you need to know about behaviour support training, the skills you’ll develop, and how you can start your journey today. What Does a Behaviour Support Practitioner Do? At its core, a behaviour...]]></description><link>https://learn.connectfirst.com.au/post/become-a-behaviour-support-practitioner-in-australia-your-guide-to-behaviour-support-training</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a7a4caa7c5079fa38d8fff3</guid><pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2026 12:13:45 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7bbe0f_ef81186ea787446ba479d63736a1667a~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_768,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Meg Hughes</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Flexible Online Behaviour Training Courses: Empowering You to Support Positive Change]]></title><description><![CDATA[When it comes to supporting positive behaviour, having the right skills and knowledge is essential. But finding time for training can be tough. That’s why flexible online behaviour training courses are a game-changer. They allow you to learn at your own pace, from anywhere, while still gaining practical, evidence-based strategies that make a real difference. In this post, I’ll share why flexible online training works so well, what you can expect from these courses, and how you can apply what...]]></description><link>https://learn.connectfirst.com.au/post/flexible-online-behaviour-training-courses-empowering-you-to-support-positive-change</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a83870fbecb69ff147e809f</guid><pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2026 12:13:25 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7bbe0f_654ec4eeb40a4088b06e824368d74d73~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_768,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Meg Hughes</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Behaviour Support Practitioner Training in Australia: What Should You Look For?]]></title><description><![CDATA[If you are looking for Behaviour Support Practitioner training in Australia, you may have already discovered that there are many different courses, workshops and professional development options available. Choosing the right training can be difficult, particularly if you are new to Positive Behaviour Support and are trying to understand what you actually need to learn. Behaviour Support Practitioner training should involve much more than learning how to complete a template or write a...]]></description><link>https://learn.connectfirst.com.au/post/behaviour-support-practitioner-training-in-australia-what-should-you-look-for</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a859d3c814189c216c4f3c8</guid><pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2026 12:13:05 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7bbe0f_ef81186ea787446ba479d63736a1667a~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_768,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Meg Hughes</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Does a Behaviour Support Practitioner Do? A Guide to the Role in Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[What Does a Behaviour Support Practitioner Do? A Guide to the Role in Australia If you are considering a career in Positive Behaviour Support, you may be wondering what a Behaviour Support Practitioner actually does. The role involves much more than writing Behaviour Support Plans or responding to behaviours of concern. Behaviour Support Practitioners work collaboratively with people with disability, their families, support teams and other professionals to understand behaviour within the...]]></description><link>https://learn.connectfirst.com.au/post/what-does-a-behaviour-support-practitioner-do-a-guide-to-the-role-in-australia</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a859c9b8c633326f8a31613</guid><pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2026 12:09:03 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7bbe0f_552242719ac14ca0ade2744ba9b12110~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Meg Hughes</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[New Entry-Level Behaviour Support Practitioner Pathway: A Step-by-Step Guide]]></title><description><![CDATA[If you want to become an NDIS Behaviour Support Practitioner but have limited experience working specifically in Positive Behaviour Support, the New Entry-Level Practitioner Pathway may provide an appropriate pathway into the profession. Previously referred to as the Alternative Assessment Pathway, the New Entry-Level Pathway recognises that applicants may bring valuable qualifications, professional experience and transferable skills from other fields while still requiring further development...]]></description><link>https://learn.connectfirst.com.au/post/new-entry-level-behaviour-support-practitioner-pathway-a-step-by-step-guide</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a859bc8b0ce4cd4d06ea0f9</guid><pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2026 12:06:37 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7bbe0f_90f899a39b9c40bea83dd0d56e6397e4~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_724,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Meg Hughes</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[NDIS Positive Behaviour Support Capability Framework: What Practitioners Need to Know]]></title><description><![CDATA[If you are working as, or considering becoming, an NDIS Behaviour Support Practitioner, the Positive Behaviour Support Capability Framework is one of the most important documents to understand. The Framework describes the knowledge and skills that underpin contemporary, evidence-based Positive Behaviour Support practice. It establishes expectations for Behaviour Support Practitioners and provides a structure through which practitioners can identify their current capabilities and continue...]]></description><link>https://learn.connectfirst.com.au/post/ndis-positive-behaviour-support-capability-framework-what-practitioners-need-to-know</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a859a7ec6a5e80c131f67d7</guid><pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2026 12:02:54 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7bbe0f_f549c756de8c48aca20e1e1ed461eb51~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Meg Hughes</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Become a Behaviour Support Practitioner in Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[If you are considering becoming a Behaviour Support Practitioner in Australia, understanding where to start can feel overwhelming. There is no single university degree or training course that automatically makes someone an NDIS Behaviour Support Practitioner, and the pathway you take will depend on your existing qualifications, professional experience, transferable skills and experience in Positive Behaviour Support. To practise as an NDIS Behaviour Support Practitioner, you must apply to the...]]></description><link>https://learn.connectfirst.com.au/post/how-to-become-a-behaviour-support-practitioner-in-australia</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a8597eeb0ce4cd4d06e97fb</guid><pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2026 11:57:26 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7bbe0f_ef8f4e7f7f554433bb1f0f7b2671a74b~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_768,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Meg Hughes</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[ConnectFirst Behaviour Support: Customised Behaviour Support Training]]></title><description><![CDATA[When it comes to behaviour support, one size definitely does not fit all. Every individual has unique needs, preferences, and circumstances that require tailored approaches. That’s why customised behaviour support training is so important. It equips practitioners and carers with the skills and knowledge to design and implement strategies that truly fit the person they are supporting. In this post, I’ll walk you through the essentials of customised behaviour support training, why it matters,...]]></description><link>https://learn.connectfirst.com.au/post/connectfirst-behaviour-support-customised-behaviour-support-training</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a5e9d0fc73748a5edae5cc6</guid><pubDate>Sun, 26 Jul 2026 22:35:02 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7bbe0f_ca69d7e20d024fff91060c687bb5ab95~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_576,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Meg Hughes</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Positive Behaviour Support: The Importance of Evidence-Based Assessment]]></title><description><![CDATA[Understanding Evidence-Based Assessment in PBS Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is built on the principle that assessment should guide intervention. High-quality behaviour support is not developed from assumptions, personal experience, or subjective observations alone. Clinical decision-making requires systematic assessment that identifies an individual's strengths, support needs, adaptive functioning, and environmental influences. Evidence-based assessment provides an objective framework for...]]></description><link>https://learn.connectfirst.com.au/post/why-evidence-based-assessments-are-critical-in-positive-behaviour-support</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a5fd93863357ddf4dcce0bf</guid><pubDate>Tue, 21 Jul 2026 20:44:37 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8cd0b216d6dd4d52bd46d3afbb8cf020.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Meg Hughes</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Your Pathway to Becoming a Behaviour Support Practitioner in 90 days]]></title><link>https://learn.connectfirst.com.au/post/your-pathway-to-becoming-a-behaviour-support-practitioner-in-90-days</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a5d7b41e447e3bde58b3bad</guid><pubDate>Mon, 20 Jul 2026 01:34:59 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7bbe0f_fac95640f77740a0842463e8009313b0~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Meg Hughes</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>