Central Victoria

Central Victoria Family

From hands-on science and supported playgroups to youth music, carer breaks and confidential support, families across Central Victoria can find practical opportunities for different ages and circumstances. Explore what is available near you, then confirm session details, eligibility and bookings directly with the provider.

✨ Play, science and early learning

Discovery Science & Technology Centre

In Bendigo, children can experiment with more than 100 hands-on science exhibits, join daily sessions and explore planetarium programs. The dedicated Kaleidoscope play space is designed for children aged five and under, while Curious Kids offers a weekly Tuesday workshop for ages three to five. During school terms, older children can take part in after-school STEM Club and Girls in STEM Club. The centre is wheelchair and pram friendly, with accessible toilets and a baby-change room. Check ticket arrangements and book relevant sessions before visiting.

Goldfields Children’s Centre

Central Goldfields Shire Council operates this family centre at 100 Napier Street, Maryborough. It brings together maternal and child health, immunisation, long day care, family day care, kindergarten and supported playgroup services. Contact the centre directly to discuss which option suits your child and to check access, availability and enrolment arrangements.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council Playgroups and Toy Libraries

Families around Kyneton, Woodend, Romsey and Riddells Creek can use the council’s information to find local playgroups and toy libraries. Options include supported Smalltalk playgroups and Parent-Child Mother Goose groups, giving parents and carers ways to share play, songs and early learning with children. Eligible families may also be able to receive one-to-one Smalltalk sessions at home with the council facilitator. Locations and arrangements vary, so contact the relevant group or council before attending.

🎵 Youth activities and places to connect

Music in the Sticks

Young people aged 12–25 who are interested in music can build practical industry experience through this Macedon Ranges Shire Council program. Activities span performance and songwriting as well as sound, lighting, recording, event management, photography, film, publicity and artist management. Meetings take place every second Tuesday during school terms at the Kyneton Youth Portable, with food and drinks provided.

Engage Youth Hub

At 22 Nolan Street in Maryborough, this supervised hub gives young people aged 13–23 a place to spend time together. Weekly Wednesday drop-ins include games, art, music, cooking and other creative or social activities. Participants can also explore pathways related to wellbeing, community connection, digital literacy and job readiness. Parents who would like to understand the setting before their young person attends can contact the Youth Officer to arrange a tour or ask questions.

Mondo Lounge

Young people aged 12–25 in Mount Alexander Shire can visit this council youth space to socialise and take part in free activities, workshops and training opportunities. Based in Castlemaine, Mondo Lounge is identified by the council as a welcoming and inclusive setting, including for LGBTIQA+ young people. Check current program and attendance details with the council when planning a visit.

🌱 Young people’s health and wellbeing

headspace Bendigo

Young people aged 12–25 in Bendigo and the surrounding region can access free, confidential assistance in person, online or by phone. Support covers mental health, physical and sexual health, alcohol and other drug concerns, and help with work or study. Young people may refer themselves, while family members, friends and professionals can also make referrals. The centre is disability accessible; telehealth appointments need to be requested and booked in advance.

YSAS Bendigo

Free, confidential alcohol and other drug support is available to people aged 12–25 across the City of Greater Bendigo. Youth workers can meet a young person at home, in the community or at the Bendigo office. They may also help with connected concerns involving mental health, family relationships, education or employment. Family members and professionals can make a referral when they have the young person’s consent.

🤝 Parenting, caring and family support

CatholicCare Victoria Bendigo

Families experiencing challenges can seek in-home assistance and parenting skill development through the Bendigo location. The Regional Parenting Service provides group sessions and one-to-one consultations. Separated or separating parents may also access family dispute resolution, while the Parenting Orders Program focuses on co-parenting and children’s needs. Because programs have different purposes and pathways, ask which service fits your family’s situation.

Bendigo Health Carer Support Services

Unpaid carers throughout the Loddon Mallee region—including Greater Bendigo, Central Goldfields, Macedon Ranges and Mount Alexander—can ask about information, support planning and tailored assistance. Depending on assessed needs, support may include short-term respite, counselling, coaching, groups, events or tailored packages. The service assists carers of all ages, including young carers under 25. Eligibility generally requires an ongoing unpaid role caring for a family member, friend or partner with disability, mental illness, chronic health issues or age-related needs.

Lifely Carer and Family Support

Victorian unpaid carers and Central Victorian families supporting someone with disability can explore in-home assistance, respite events and shared experiences such as day trips, camps and supported family holidays. A Bendigo sibling social group is available for children and teenagers who have a sibling or other family member with disability. Families may attend from elsewhere in the region when they can arrange travel to the meeting place. Ask about current activities, suitability and participation requirements.

🧡 Family violence and child wellbeing support

The Orange Door – Loddon

Adults, children and young people experiencing family violence can contact this free service, as can families seeking assistance with children’s care and wellbeing. No referral is required. The Loddon service has a Bendigo location. Its Maryborough access point is currently closed to the public, but assistance remains available by phone. Use the official contact page to check the appropriate way to reach the service.

📌 Before you take part

• Confirm the age range: youth spaces, clubs and workshops have specific age limits, even when siblings or carers are involved.
• Ask about bookings and costs: check current fees, ticket availability, enrolment steps and whether a session needs to be reserved.
• Discuss access needs: contact the provider about mobility, sensory, communication, personal-care or other participation requirements.
• Check supervision arrangements: find out whether a parent or carer stays, whether staff supervise the activity, and what consent forms are needed.
• Clarify eligibility and service area: carer, parenting and specialist supports may assess location, caring roles, consent or individual circumstances before access.

🌟 If you run a family-focused business, service, activity or community group serving Central Victoria, you are warmly invited to add your own listing or update its details so local families can find accurate, practical information.

⚠️ Accuracy Note: We do our best to keep this information useful and up to date, however details can change over time. If you notice anything that appears incorrect or out of date, please let us know and we will review it. Local business owners and community leaders can also help keep local information accurate by logging in and creating or managing their own listing and useful content on central.vic.guide.