Peer Network: Siblings - monthly sessions to May 2026

• 19 March 2026 28 May 2026
• 06:00pm - 07:00pm 06:00pm - 07:00pm
• Online via Zoom

Register here for this event

This peer group is for adult brothers, sisters, in-laws, partners of siblings and other close family members who have, or would like to have, a supportive safeguarding role in their sibling’s life.

This Peer Network is a unique opportunity to meet others, share experiences, ask questions and learn from each other.  We'll be grounded in human rights principles exploring how to support our siblings' lives of choice, contribution, belonging and dignity while also building sustainable roles for ourselves. 

If you are a parent, this is not the group for you, but we do need your help to spread the word! Please pass this information on to your adult children or other family members who may be interested.

Sessions, dates and topics

We will be having four sessions. These sessions are hands-on and designed to create space for siblings to think, speak and reflect. Rather than offering expert answers, the sessions support siblings to explore their own hopes, concerns and assumptions about the future, to hear themselves out loud, and to learn from one another. Through structured conversation and practical activities, participants will test ideas in real time and leave with clearer thinking and decisions they have chosen for themselves about the role they want to play.

Meetings are 6pm to 7pm (Sydney time) online via Zoom, on the following Thursdays:

• Thursday 19 March 2026 - Session 1: The plans and concerns we hold in our heads: making assumptions visible and realistic
• Thursday 2 April 2026 - Session 2: A sibling, not a parent: roles that are sustainable and right
• Thursday 30 April 2026 - Session 3: Imagining a good life
• Thursday 28 May 2026: Session 4 - Understanding the system: what's useful to know (and not know)

Our Facilitator

Libby Ellis has spent decades alongside her brother Matthew as he built a self-directed life. Libby works with families and people with disability to explore individualised living and future planning.

As a sibling herself, Libby brings honest stories and practical ideas about loving your sibling while also having your own life. 

Her style is grounded, honest, with space for the complexity, humour, and hope that comes with being a sibling.

What’s a Peer Network?

A Peer is someone with similar experience to you. A Peer Network is a connected group of peers.

It’s a group where you can:

• Journey together towards a life lived in the midst of community for the person with disability in your family
• Share questions, ideas and experiences
• Learn from and support other families

A peer network is not a seminar. It’s a group that works when everyone contributes.

The facilitator is there to help the group stay on track, not to provide all the answers.

Why join this Peer Network?

If you are a sibling, in-law, partner of a sibling or other close family member of a person with disability (but not a parent) and would like to have a supportive safeguarding role in your sibling’s life, join this group, with other families who share this goal.

More details about this Peer Network:

• Peer Networks are free to attend.
• We encourage you to come to all of the sessions to get the most benefit, but it's ok to come when you can.
• Once you are registered, you'll receive an email reminder and Zoom link before each session.
• The only way to take part is via live attendance. Peer group discussions are not recorded.
• We ask everyone to abide by the Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement.      

For more details: