Support for parents

Parent education groups

We run a range of parent education groups during school terms. These services offer 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(PDF, 64KB)). Read more about our privacy statement.

Parent-child Mother Goose program

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.

Term 2 2025 Weekly Sessions begin Wednesday 30 April until Wednesday 2 July 2025

Session time is 10.00am – 11.30am at Narrandjeri Stadium (281 Darebin Rd, Thornbury. Multi-Purpose Room upstairs, lift is available).

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. Find out more information on the National Playgroup Week Play and Learn Event(PDF, 2MB).

Next BBB session is to be confirmed, watch this space.

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. Bookings essential. Families are welcome to book into one session, or multiple sessions when available.

More information and register for the INFANT program

Raising preschoolers parenting session

Darebin Early Years Team, Maternal and Child Health Services and Pre- School Field Officers are hosting a Raising Pre-Schoolers parenting session for Darebin families with children aged 2 years to 5 years. The session will provide play based activities for children to play and explore, while families receive information on various topics, such as: healthy eating, bedtime routine, play-based learning, speech and communication, child development, transitioning into kindergarten and school. More information(PDF, 1MB).

Thursday 24 April 2025, 10am - 11.30am at Reservoir East Family Centre (15 Gisborne Crescent, Reservoir)

National Families week event - Active Play session

National Families Week (12-18 May 2025) is a national celebration that provides opportunities for families and children to value play and learn through interactive fun activities. This year National Families Week theme is “Lending a Hand to thrive – Supporting Each Other”. Darebin Council is hosting a free Active Play event for Darebin families with children aged 0-5 years. This event will include a range of age-appropriate play activities to stimulate gross motor development and hand-eye co-ordination.

Thursday 15 May 2025, 10.00am - 12pm at Reservoir East Family Centre (15 Gisborne Crescent, Reservoir)

Strong start - Strengthening your baby and you session

This session is a Free interactive parenting information session facilitated by a Physiotherapist from Your Community Health. This session is targeting to new birth parents who have given birth to a baby in the last six months. The session will demonstrate gentle strengthening exercises for your baby and you.

Tuesday 27 May 2025, 10.00am - 11.30am at Fairfield Activity Room (84 Arthur Street, Fairfield)

Tuning into Kids parenting program - Term 1 2025

Every Wednesdays from 12 February to 19 March 2025, 10am—12pm
Reservoir Community and Learning Centre

Darebin City Council Family Services are offering a six week Tuning into Kids(PDF, 1MB) parenting program. Tuning in to Kids is an evidence-based program that focuses on an emotion coaching parenting style. The group supports parents/carers to develop an emotional connection with their child and shows parents how to help their child learn about emotions and develop emotional intelligence. Parents will learn different ways to talk with and understand their child, as well as how to help their young person manage emotions and deal with conflict. (Please note no child minding available onsite).

Circle of Security parenting program - Term 2 2025

Every Wednesday 7 May to 18 June 2025, 10am—12pm
Northcote Town Hall, roof top room (189 High St Northcote)

Darebin City Council Family Support Services are offering a seven-week Circle of Security program for parents and carers of children aged 0-8 years. Research shows that children who are in a secure relationship enjoy more happiness with their parents, solve problems on their own, get along better with friends, feel less anger at their parents, have higher self-esteem, and do better at school. This program will help you understand your child's emotional needs, strengthen your attachment and relationship with your child, give you knowledge to better respond to your child's needs, and help you reflect on your current parenting practices. Please note no child minding available onsite.

Play activities list

A list of fun family activities(PDF, 358KB) 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 at family.services@darebin.vic.gov.au

Email the family services team

Parenting after violence group

A group for women dealing with the effects of family violence.

Email us about the parenting after violence group

Youth services

Youth services support 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.

Email the youth services team

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(PDF, 1MB)

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 childcare 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: