Baw Baw

Baw Baw Family

From library rhyme sessions and gymnastics to youth activities and specialist care, families across Baw Baw can find practical ways to play, learn and connect. There are also clear pathways for kindergarten enrolment, child development support, carer activities, counselling and help with family violence.

✨ Play, movement and shared activities

Warragul Library

Settle in for stories, songs and time with other local families at Myli’s Warragul branch, which has dedicated children’s and teen areas. StoryTime is held on Fridays at 10 am, while Rhyme Time runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10.30 am. Bookings are not required. Sessions pause on public holidays and during some school holidays, so check the current calendar before making a special trip.

Drouin Library

Children and teenagers can explore their own library areas, join free events, use Lego and board games, or attend an early-years session. StoryTime runs on Mondays and Wednesdays at 10.30 am, with Baby Rhyme Time on Wednesdays at 2.30 pm. No booking is needed, although sessions do not run on public holidays and some school holidays. An access ramp, automatic entry doors and baby-change facilities make planning easier.

Warragul Leisure Centre Children’s Programs

Families can ask about swimming lessons, children’s care and pool birthday parties at the YMCA-run centre at 21 Burke Street, Warragul. Program availability and booking arrangements vary, so contact the team on 03 5623 4017 or bawbaw@ymca.org.au before attending.

Tumble Train

AdventureGym gives children aged 5–14 opportunities to move through gymnastics and adventure equipment at the Warragul venue. Tumble parties and Kids Night In are also available. Session times vary, making it important to check the current program and age requirements directly.

Warragul Gymnastics Club

Young gymnasts can take part in recreational or competitive programs through this local club. Its approach includes opportunities for children with different abilities to participate. Speak with the club about suitable classes, enrolment steps and any individual participation needs.

📚 Early years, parenting and education

Baw Baw Shire Maternal Child and Family Health Service

Parents of infants and young children can access free, confidential nursing support, including breastfeeding assistance, health and development checks, parenting guidance, new-parent groups and referrals. Families may attend any centre within the Shire. Call 03 5624 2540 for appointments or nursing advice. After hours, the statewide Maternal and Child Health Line is available on 13 22 29.

Baw Baw Shire Central Registration and Enrolment Scheme

This free online application pathway covers multiple funded three- and four-year-old kindergarten services across Baw Baw Shire. First-round offers prioritise Baw Baw residents and children whose closest kindergarten is within the Shire. Families can review key dates and lodge an application online, or contact the Kindergarten Enrolment Officer on 03 5624 2540.

Baw Baw Shire Youth Programs

Young people aged 12–25 can explore Council-run programs, activities and events across the Shire, along with information about support pathways. As offerings may change, the Council youth page is the practical starting point for current opportunities relevant to teenagers and young adults.

🌈 Development, disability and inclusion

Bellfield Speech Pathology

Children and teenagers aged 0–18 can access individualised speech therapy in Warragul. Bellfield also provides Hanen’s It Takes Two to Talk, a program for parents of young children where language delay is a concern. Call 03 5622 1055 to discuss an assessment or register interest in the parent program.

Live Bright Occupational Therapy

Based in Warragul, this mobile and telehealth occupational therapy service has a primary paediatric focus. Support includes early intervention, school-aged therapy, assessments and reports, parent or caregiver coaching, and telehealth. There is no travel charge within the Warragul postcode; travel costs for other areas are calculated separately.

Through Life Physiotherapy – Physio for Children

Paediatric physiotherapy is available in Warragul for children with disability. Assistance may address movement and play skills, equipment trials, assessments and funding paperwork. Through Life Physiotherapy is a registered NDIS provider; families should ask how appointments, assessments and funding arrangements apply to their circumstances.

Link Health & Community Early Childhood Partner

This NDIS Early Childhood partner service operates from 31 Mason Street, Warragul. Link Health & Community, owned by Latrobe Community Health Services, is identified by the NDIS as the partner organisation. Families can call 1800 546 532 for information about the service and its access pathway.

Uniting Vic.Tas Kindergarten Inclusion Support

Funded kindergarten programs across Gippsland, including Baw Baw Shire, can seek assistance to include children with disability, developmental delay or complex medical needs. Depending on eligibility, support may involve specialist consultancy for educators, training, minor access modifications, additional assistants or equipment. Arrangements are made through the child’s kindergarten rather than directly by families.

❤ Family, carer and relationship support

Latrobe Community Health Service Carer Support

Carers living in Gippsland, including Baw Baw, can join Carer Catch-up Groups and face-to-face or online activities. Options may include information sessions, walking groups and movie screenings, with some events welcoming the person receiving care. Call 1800 242 696 and ask for an events support coordinator for Baw Baw.

CatholicCare Victoria Counselling

Counselling is available for people of all ages dealing with family relationships, parenting, separation, caring responsibilities or family violence. Sessions may be provided by phone, online or in person, with the Warragul service located at Warragul Community House. Enquiries can be made on 1800 123 228.

Quantum Support Services Family Violence Program

Women, with or without children, experiencing family violence can receive outreach information, advice and referrals across the Baw Baw, Latrobe and Wellington areas. For Baw Baw and Latrobe intake and assessment, Quantum directs people to The Orange Door on 1800 319 354.

📌 Before you book or attend

• Check age and eligibility: program ages, kindergarten priorities, NDIS pathways and inclusion criteria differ.
• Confirm the current schedule: library sessions pause at certain holiday times, while classes, youth activities and events can change.
• Discuss accessibility early: ask about physical access, communication needs, equipment, support people and participation adjustments.
• Clarify costs and funding: confirm fees, travel charges, NDIS arrangements and what is included before starting a service.
• Ask about supervision: check whether a parent or carer must remain present and what booking or enrolment paperwork is required.

🌟 Do you run a family-focused business, service, activity or community group that serves Baw Baw? Add your listing, or update an existing entry, so local families can find accurate information about what you offer and how to take part.

⚠️ 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 bawbaw.vic.guide.