Bendigo

Bendigo Family

✨ From borrowing play equipment and exploring hands-on science to joining theatre groups, Bendigo families have practical ways to learn, play and spend time together. When parenting becomes challenging or a child, young person or carer needs extra help, local and regional services also offer clear pathways to support.

🎨 Play, science and library activities

Bendigo Community Toy Library

Families, grandparents and carers can borrow toys, puzzles, games and larger play items for children from birth to school age at this member-run Spring Gully library. Party packs can be booked in advance for a separate fee. Calmer, inclusive borrowing sessions are also available for families of children with disability, developmental delay or sensory sensitivities, without requiring a referral or diagnosis.

Discovery Centre Bendigo

Young visitors can investigate science through hands-on exhibits and age-specific activities. Curious Kids and Little Astronauts are designed for children aged three to five, while term-time options include STEM Club and a free Girls in STEM Club for students in Years 5 and 6. School-holiday science sessions add another option when classes finish. Program times can change, and term clubs require sign-up at the beginning of each term.

Goldfields Libraries in Greater Bendigo

Free membership gives families borrowing access, children’s learning activities through the eLibrary and use of libraries in Bendigo, Kangaroo Flat, Eaglehawk, Heathcote, Axedale and Elmore. Bendigo Library has a dedicated children’s area, with children’s spaces also available at Kangaroo Flat and Eaglehawk. Check current event information before visiting for storytimes or school-holiday activities.

🎭 Theatre and creative opportunities

Forge Youth Theatre

Age-based ensembles give young people aged 5–25 opportunities to explore drama, stagecraft, collaboration and performance. Pathways extend from children’s groups through to young-adult participation, serving families across Greater Bendigo, including Kangaroo Flat, Golden Square and Eaglehawk.

Tribe Youth Theatre

Central Victorian teenagers in Year 7 and above can build performance, technical or backstage skills through the youth arm of Bendigo Theatre Company. Participation is not limited to appearing on stage, making it relevant to young people interested in the broader work behind a production. The upper age for taking part in a Tribe production is 19.

👶 Early years and parenting

City of Greater Bendigo Maternal and Child Health Service

Parents and carers of children from birth to school age can receive free growth and development checks, early-parenting information, referrals and access to new parents’ groups. Centres operate across Greater Bendigo, including Bendigo, Epsom, Kangaroo Flat, Kennington, Huntly, Strathfieldsaye, Maiden Gully, Marong, Heathcote and Elmore. No appointment is required for weekly drop-in sessions for children aged 0–6 at Epsom on Tuesdays or Gurri Wanyarra in Kangaroo Flat on Thursdays. Interpreters can be arranged ahead of consultations.

Wayipunga Bendigo Early Parenting Centre

Families with children aged 0–4 can seek free specialist assistance with sleep and settling, feeding, infant cues, parent–child relationships and understanding behaviour. Families may self-refer or be referred by a GP or health professional. Following assessment, support may involve a day-stay or four-night residential program.

CatholicCare Victoria Regional Parenting Service

Free workshops, programs and individual education or consultations are available to parents, guardians and carers of children from birth to 18 in Bendigo and the Loddon Mallee region. Topics may cover toddlers, teenagers, children’s worries and anger, family technology, or parenting in a new culture.

Bendigo Community Health Services smalltalk Supported Playgroups

Eligible families with children under five can join school-term playgroups in Kangaroo Flat, Huntly, central Bendigo, Old Church on the Hill and California Gully. Sessions combine parent-and-child activities with social connection and strategies that support children’s learning and development; a healthy snack is included. Families can self-refer or be referred. Separate in-home coaching has additional eligibility requirements.

🌱 Development and youth wellbeing

Stepping Stones Early Childhood Intervention Program

Based in Kangaroo Flat, this group program uses the Learn to Play approach to help children and families through pretend play. It includes support around a child’s strengths and needs, play-based learning, transitions to kindergarten or school, and connections to information and referrals. Groups of six to eight children meet weekly for two hours during school terms with two staff members. Parents and carers may stay when their child first attends.

Bendigo Community Health Services Children’s Health Services

This Kangaroo Flat paediatric service works with children and teenagers up to 18, including those with developmental delays, autism or complex behaviours. A current referral from a GP or health professional is required. Services are bulk billed, although families are advised that waiting lists can sometimes be lengthy.

headspace Bendigo

Young people aged 12–25 can access free, confidential help in person, by phone or online. Support covers mental health, alcohol and other drugs, sexual health, work and study, alongside youth programs. Young people may self-refer, while family members, friends and professionals can also make referrals. The centre states that its areas have disability access and runs a monthly Family and Friends Reference Group for caregivers.

🤝 Family, violence and carer support

The Orange Door – Bendigo

People in Bendigo and the Loddon area can contact this free access point for child and family wellbeing support, Aboriginal services, and family violence services for women, children and men. No referral is needed, and contact is available by phone, email or in person during business hours. Staff can discuss accessibility requirements, including interpreters and communication aids.

Bendigo Health Carer Support Services

Unpaid carers across Bendigo and the Loddon Mallee region—including young carers under 25—may be able to receive information, support planning, counselling, coaching, respite, group support or a tailored package. Eligibility applies to people providing ongoing unpaid care for a family member, friend or partner with disability, mental illness, chronic health needs or age-related care needs.

Anglicare Victoria Kinship Care

Relatives and members of a child’s social network who care for a child or young person unable to live with their parents can seek support through this Bendigo program. It works with children, carers, families and relevant services around safety, stability and developmental needs, covering both statutory and private kinship arrangements.

📌 Before you contact or visit

• Check ages and eligibility: programs range from infant and preschool support to theatre and wellbeing services for young adults.
• Confirm bookings and schedules: term activities, clubs, holiday sessions and borrowing times may require registration or change between seasons.
• Ask about access: discuss mobility, sensory, communication or interpreting requirements with the provider before attending.
• Clarify supervision: find out whether a parent or carer must remain, particularly for first visits, early-years groups and activities for younger children.
• Confirm current costs: some options are free or bulk billed, while membership, party packs or particular activities may involve fees.

🌟 Run a family-focused business, service, activity or community group for Bendigo or the surrounding region? You are warmly invited to add your organisation or update its listing 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 bendigo.city.