Support for parents
We run a huge array of programs to help the families of Darebin to get the best start possible.
Parent education groups
We run a range of parent education groups during school terms. These services offers support, education and the opportunity for you to meet other parents.
Group sessions are free and available to Darebin residents.
Personal details are requested for the purpose of communication about updates to event information and responding to the needs of individuals and families at the event (early parenting program privacy statement). Read more about our privacy statement.
Parent-child Mother Goose program
Wednesdays 10am—11.30am, during the school terms
Narrandjeri Stadium (multi-use room)
281 Darebin Road Thornbury
This is a highly regarded early years program for parents and carers and children aged 0—4 years. The program is aimed at promoting healthy development in young children and positive family relationships. Facilitators will deliver the weekly sessions with families, including fun activities such as rhymes, songs, simple action games and oral story telling.
Priority of access is given to families holding a Health Care Card (or equivalent concession status) or with concerns with their child’s communication abilities.
You can register to join the program by completing the below booking form.
Register for the Mother Goose program
Brush Book Bed
An interactive dental hygiene program for families with young children. The program will help you teach your children to brush their teeth and practice good dental hygiene. Sessions include songs and play-based learning strategies.
You can take part with your children in the session.
For more information, download the Brush Book Bed information sheet.
You can register to join the program by completing the below booking form.
Register for this early parenting program
Brush Book Bed sessions
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Watch this space for more session dates to come |
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INFANT parenting program
Darebin City Council is running a free INFANT (INfant, Feeding, Active play and NuTrition) program developed by Deakin University it promotes healthy eating, active play and reduced screen time for babies aged from 3 months to 18 months.
The program is designed to be delivered as a four 2—hour sessions. Families can choose to attend the number of sessions, or the age / stage session that suits them best.
Each of the four sessions is targeted to a specific age group 3, 6, 9 and 12 months.
| Age group | Session date and location | Booking |
|---|---|---|
| For 3 month old babies |
Tuesday 5 March 2024, 10am—11.30am Reservoir East Family Centre |
Register for 3 month old babies session |
| For 6 month old babies |
Tuesday 18 June 2024 |
Bookings not open yet |
| For 9 month old babies |
Tuesday 10 September 2024 |
Bookings not open yet |
| For 12 month old babies |
Tuesday 19 November 2024 |
Bookings not open yet |
For more information, download the INFANT program information sheet.
Bookings essential. Families are welcome to book into one session, or multiple sessions when available.
National playgroup week play and learn event
Tuesday 19 March 2024, 10am - 12pm
Reservoir East Family Centre
15 Gisborne Crescent, Reservoir
Darebin City Council is hosting a free Play and Learn session for Darebin families with children aged 0-5 years as part of the National Playgroup Week activities. National Playgroup week is a national event and is celebrated from 18 to 24 March 2024. This event will include a range of age-appropriate play activities which stimulate learning in all areas of child development.
For more information, download the National playgroup week play and learn event information sheet.
Bookings will close on 15 March 2024.
Register for this early parenting program
Raising pre-schoolers session
Tuesday 26 March 2024, 10am - 11.30am
Reservoir East Family Centre
15 Gisborne Crescent, Reservoir
Darebin’s Maternal Child Health Service and the Early Years Team are hosting a ‘Raising Pre-Schoolers’ parenting session for Darebin families with children aged 3 years to 5 years. This session will provide play-based activities for children to play and explore, while families receive information on various topics.
For more information, download the Raising pre-schoolers information sheet.
Bookings will close on 22 March 2024.
Register for this early parenting program
Raising toddlers session
Tuesday 30 April 2024, 10am - 11.30am
Reservoir East Family Centre
15 Gisborne Crescent, Reservoir
Darebin’s Maternal Child Health Service and the Early Years Team are hosting a Raising Toddlers parenting session for Darebin families with children aged 12 months to 3 years. This session will provide information on nutrition and mealtimes, bedtime routine, play based learning, speech and communication, and child development.
For more information, download the Raising toddlers information sheet.
Bookings will close on 24 April 2024.
Register for this early parenting program
National families week event - Traditional play session
Tuesday 14 May 2024, 10am - 11.30am (Open for bookings from 1 April 2024)
Reservoir East Family Centre
15 Gisborne Crescent, Reservoir
To celebrate National Families Week, Darebin Council is hosting a free Traditional Play event for Darebin families with children aged 0-5 years, including traditional play, tactile games, hopscotch, connect 4, bean bag tossing and many more activities.
For more information, download the National families week - Traditional play information sheet.
Bookings will close on 9 May 2024.
Register for this early parenting program
Play activities list
A list of fun family activities to engage with your children.
Family Services
Family Services can provide short and long term support to families experiencing complex issues such as family violence, mental health, substance abuse that can affect their children's safety, stability and healthy development. Our services include intake and duty work, information and referral, in home parenting support and advice, case management, linkages and advocacy and groupwork (see list below for programs offered).
Phone: 03 9496 1018 or 0407 102 423 or email us:
Email the family services team
Circle of security group - Term 1 2024
If you have children aged 0-8 years, this program will help you understand your child's emotional needs. It can strengthen your relationship with your child and help you respond to their needs.
For more information on Term 1 2024 session go to Circle of Security Term 1 flyer. Please note there are no child minding on site.
Email us about circle of security group
Parenting after violence group
A group for women dealing with the effects of family violence.
Email us about the parenting after violence group
Tuning into kids
Tuning in to kids is an evidence based program that focuses on an emotion coaching parenting style. The group supports parents and carers to develop an emotional connection with their child and shows parents how to help their child learn about emotions and develop emotional intelligence. For parents of primary school aged children (5—11 years) living in Darebin. You can register to join the program by emailing us.
Email us about tuning into kids
Youth services
Youth services supports young people aged 12—24 who live, work and play in Darebin. We provide safe and welcoming spaces and offer a wide range of skill development and leadership opportunities, events, social activities and linkages to specialised support services.
Orange door (in north-eastern Melbourne)
A centralised telephone intake service that gives children and their families information and referrals.
Phone: 1800 319 355
Single-parent families
Single-parent families include families where there may be only a mother or a father, or even a grandparent raising children. These families have additional stress involved with raising children, managing a household, working and keeping ahead of household bills.
We have a range of services to help you:
- Supported playgroups and play maps
- Free exercise - Get Active in Darebin and Darebin Leisure Centres
- School holiday program
- Youth programs
- Families with disabilities (NDIS)
- Emergency relief
- Family Services
Financial help
If you're a single-parent family and you're eligible for a Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card, you're also eligible for discounts on:
- municipal rates
- pet registration
- green waste collection
- kindergarten and child care application lodgement fees.
- toy library joining fees.
Government grants are also available for eligible residents experiencing financial hardship. Grants can help you pay any electricity, gas or water bills that are overdue due to a temporary financial crisis. The Brotherhood of St Laurence and Victorian Government can help you find and switch to cheaper energy companies.
For more information, download the:
- Utility Relief Grant information sheet
- Your Energy Broker information sheet
- Centrelink Concession information sheet
Our Maternal and Child Health team can help if you need resources for your baby or toddler.
We also work closely with St Kilda Mums and Big Group Hug to provide essential items for families experiencing financial hardship.
For more information, talk to your Maternal and Child Health Nurse or call 03 8470 8298.
More information
Contact Darebin Family Services, 9am—5pm, Monday—Friday
Phone: 03 9496 1018
Mobile: 0407 102 423
Email: family.services@darebin.vic.gov.au