Brimbank

Brimbank Family

From splash-park outings and library storytimes to parent groups, youth wellbeing and specialist family support, Brimbank offers practical ways to play, learn and connect. Many programs run across several suburbs, while others have specific ages, eligibility rules or referral pathways, so it is worth checking the details before taking part.

🌈 Play, swimming and early learning

Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre

Families visiting this council-operated venue in Keilor Downs can enjoy a children’s splash park and two waterslides. A dedicated program pool is used for swimming lessons and other activities. Check the current timetable when planning your visit, particularly during school holidays, as waterslide operating hours differ from the regular schedule.

Brimbank Libraries Storytimes

Weekly school-term sessions at Deer Park, Keilor, St Albans, Sunshine and Sydenham libraries support early literacy through age-based activities. Baby Bounce welcomes babies from birth to 18 months, while Storytime is designed for children aged two to five. St Albans hosts Vietnamese/English Storytime, and Keilor offers Sensory Storytime for ages two to five in a smaller, quieter group. Bookings are not essential, but every child must be supervised by a parent or guardian.

Smalltalk Supported Playgroups

Brimbank City Council delivers 16 supported playgroup sessions each school term at locations across the municipality. For eligible families with children from birth to five, these groups combine play with practical support and are available in English, Vietnamese and Burmese. There is no charge for eligible Health Care Card holders or equivalent, including bridging visa holders, or for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and children in kinship care. In-home support may also be available to some families.

Family Activity Groups

Parents and carers can meet while children join social and play activities at West Sunshine Community Centre in Sunshine West. Sessions run on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to 12 pm. The listed cost is $3 per session or $30 per term for each family, and families should bring healthy snacks and drinks for their children.

👶 New parents and young families

Brimbank Maternal and Child Health – First Steps New Parents Groups

First-time parents with babies aged approximately six weeks to four months can meet others at a similar stage and receive support through these local groups. Parents already using Brimbank Maternal and Child Health services receive an invitation, while other interested parents who meet the eligibility requirements can register.

Brimbank Maternal and Child Health – Breastfeeding Support Service

Families with babies up to 12 months can access free, individual breastfeeding support in Deer Park. Appointments are offered on Tuesdays and require a referral from a Maternal and Child Health nurse. The referral is reviewed before an appointment is arranged, so speak with your nurse about whether this pathway suits your needs.

Building Blocks VIC – Good Shepherd

This weekly supported playgroup in Keilor Downs is for young mums aged 15 to 25. Qualified workers provide social support and parenting information, while excursions give parents and children opportunities to spend time together beyond the group. Personal and family counselling is also available when needed.

🧩 Child development and family support

Brimbank Melton Children’s Health & Wellbeing Local

Children up to 11 years, along with their families and carers, can receive free early-intervention support through this service operated by IPC Health with the Royal Children’s Hospital and Western Health. Available care may include cognitive and neurodevelopmental assessment, paediatric care, occupational therapy, speech pathology, family support and care coordination. Referrals are currently accepted from partner agencies and Enhanced Maternal and Child Health in Brimbank and Melton. Free interpreters can be requested when booking.

Integrated Family Services Program Brimbank-Melton VIC – Good Shepherd

Parents and carers in Brimbank or Melton can receive individual support, counselling and parenting programs where parenting concerns may be affecting a child’s development. Programs cover carers of children and young people across age ranges including two to 12, three to 12 and 10 to 18. Groups may run online or face to face during school terms according to community need and interest. Access is by referral through The Orange Door.

🎯 Young people, relationships and carers

headspace Sunshine

Located at the Visy Cares Hub in Sunshine, headspace supports people aged 12 to 25 as well as their families and friends. Its services span mental health, alcohol and other drug support, sexual health, work and study assistance, youth programs and family peer support. Appointments can be made by phone. Some services are free or bulk-billed with a Medicare card, while access-team support and certain other services remain available to young people without Medicare.

Sunshine Family Relationship Centre – Relationships Australia Victoria

Individuals and families experiencing relationship conflict can request appointments directly for information, referrals and family dispute resolution, including legally assisted dispute resolution. Community workshops are also available. Where family violence is present or has occurred, the centre uses specialised screening and support processes. Evening appointments may be available on request.

Brimbank Support for Carers Program

Unpaid carers supporting a family member or friend with disability, illness, mental illness or age-related frailty can seek assistance tailored to their circumstances. Options may include information, counselling, individual or group support, activities involving both carers and care recipients, or funds for a pressing support requirement. Brimbank City Council delivers the program on behalf of the Victorian Government.

📌 Before you attend

• Confirm age and eligibility: several programs have firm age ranges, first-time-parent requirements or concession and care-status criteria.
• Check the access pathway: some supports accept direct enquiries, while others require an invitation or referral from a specified service.
• Ask about accessibility: discuss sensory, communication, mobility or interpreting needs when booking so the provider can explain available arrangements.
• Review current times and costs: school-term schedules, holiday timetables, program formats and listed fees can change.
• Plan for supervision: check whether a parent or guardian must remain with the child throughout an activity.

✨ If you run a family-focused business, service, activity or community group serving Brimbank, you are warmly invited to add your offering or update an existing listing so local families can find accurate, useful 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 brimbank.vic.guide.