Central Goldfields

Central Goldfields Family

From library songs and craft to toy borrowing, kindergarten, school-age care and a supervised youth hub, families across Central Goldfields have practical ways to play, learn and connect. Local health, disability and family wellbeing services also offer support at different stages of family life.

✨ Play, learning and early years

Maryborough Regional Library – Children and Families Programs

Enjoy free children’s sessions during school terms. Maryborough hosts Play Time on Tuesdays at 10am, Story Time with songs and craft on Wednesdays and Fridays at 10am, and Baby Rhyme Time on Thursdays at 10am. Dunolly Storytime runs Tuesdays at 10.30am.

Maryborough Toy Library

Borrow toys for fresh play experiences without buying everything yourself. The toy library is at 12–22 Nolan Street, Maryborough. Its September 2026 calendar lists borrowing sessions on Tuesdays from 9.30am to 11am and Saturdays from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Contact maryboroughtoylib@gmail.com.

Goldfields Children’s Centre

Located at the Goldfields Family Centre, this Council-operated service provides free three- and four-year-old kindergarten and long day care for children aged six weeks to five years. Long day care operates Monday to Friday, 6.45am–6pm. Phone 03 5461 6500 to ask about vacancies or arrange a tour.

T L Stone Memorial Kindergarten

Y Kinders offers free three- and four-year-old kindergarten at Princes Park in Maryborough, including Bush Kinder experiences in a nearby natural reserve. Families can arrange a visit on 03 4311 1507. The service advertises 20 hours of Pre-Prep for four-year-olds from 2027.

🎯 School-age and youth activities

Helping Hands Network – Maryborough Central State School

Children aged 4–12 can access before-school care, after-school care and Holiday HQ at Maryborough Central State School. Bookings are handled through the provider’s Kidsoft portal, with current session times and fees shown on the service page.

The Salvation Army Maryborough – Kids Club

Primary school-aged children can join games, stories, songs and craft during school terms. Kids Club meets Thursdays from 4pm to 5.30pm at Maryborough Salvos, 27 Wills Street. The cost is $2, and a completed permission form is required before a child attends.

Engage Youth Hub

Young people aged 13–23 can visit this supervised Council space at 22 Nolan Street, Maryborough. Wednesday drop-ins run from 1pm to 5pm, with board games, art, music, cooking, wellbeing and skills activities. Parents and carers can email Youth@cgoldshire.vic.gov.au to ask about a tour.

❤ Health, disability and family support

Central Goldfields Maternal and Child Health Service

Families with children from birth to school age can receive free health and development reviews, parenting information, breastfeeding support, first-time parent groups and referrals. Consultations at the Goldfields Family Centre, 100 Napier Street, Maryborough, are by appointment on 03 5461 6550.

Intereach – Home and Community Care Program for Younger People

Eligible Central Goldfields residents from birth to 65 years, and their carers, may access supports such as respite, personal care, domestic assistance, meals and minor home modifications. A HACC assessment is required. Assessment is free, while service costs are income-assessed. Phone the Home Care team on 1300 488 226.

The Orange Door – Loddon

Free help is available for family wellbeing, concerns about children or young people, and family violence, without a referral. The Maryborough access point is currently closed to the public, but support remains available by phone on 1800 512 359 or email at loddon@orangedoor.vic.gov.au.

📌 Before you attend

• Check that the activity suits your child’s age and whether an adult needs to remain on site.
• Confirm school-term dates, session availability and holiday arrangements before travelling.
• Ask early about bookings, waiting lists, permission forms, assessments or eligibility requirements.
• Discuss accessibility, disability support, dietary needs or other adjustments directly with the provider.
• Recheck current fees where costs are not fixed or may be income-assessed.

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

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