Ararat Rural City

Ararat Rural City Family

Families in Ararat Rural City can borrow toys, enjoy library sessions, join holiday activities and access practical support from infancy through to young adulthood. Rural outreach and regional services also help connect families, carers and supporters beyond central Ararat.

✨ Play, stories and school holidays

EGHS Ark Toy and Activity Library

Borrow toys, games, puzzles and activities for play at home. Parents, carers and preschoolers can also use the indoor and outdoor play areas during Wednesday play time, from 10am to 11.30am, at the EGHS Community Health Centre in Girdlestone Street. Contact the Volunteer Coordinator on 5352 9300 or 5352 9481.

Ararat Library children’s programmes

Baby Rhyme Time welcomes babies and children up to two for songs, rhymes and stories on Tuesdays at 10.30am during school terms. Preschool Storytime is held on Thursdays at 10.30am for children aged three to five with a parent or carer. Both include free play afterwards. Weekly library outreach visits also reach Elmhurst, Pomonal, Moyston, Streatham and Willaura.

Ararat Rural City Council School Holiday Programs

School-age families can look for changing holiday activities at Council venues, including the library, art gallery, fitness centre and town hall. Some options are free or affordably priced; current activities and booking requirements are published before each school break.

🌱 Early years and parenting

Ararat Rural City Council Maternal and Child Health Service

Families with children from birth to four can access free health and development checks, parenting information, a home visit after a baby is born and regular new-parent groups. Alongside the Ararat office, rural appointments or visits are offered in Lake Bolac, Willaura, Streatham, Moyston and Elmhurst. Phone 5355 0224; monthly immunisation sessions require an appointment.

Ararat Rural City Council Supported Playgroup

This free, professionally facilitated play-based programme is for eligible children under five and their parents. Eligibility includes health care card holders, kinship carers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, and families currently using or previously connected with DFFH or family-support services. Access is by referral through specialist services, including Maternal and Child Health. An in-home option may be available for eligible families needing individual support. Enquiries: Nerissa Gee on 5355 0200.

Kindergarten Outreach Program for multicultural families

Families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds who live, work, play or study in the municipality can receive free help with three- and four-year-old kindergarten enrolment, Early Start Kindergarten eligibility, primary-school transitions and connections to early-childhood supports. Free interpreters are available. Contact the Council CALD Outreach Officer on 5355 0200 or 0447 397 658.

🎯 Youth, disability and carer support

YEAH! Crew

Young people aged 12–25 can meet others, help shape local youth events and build practical skills in planning, leadership, communication and teamwork. The group generally forms early each year, although new members may join later. Enquiries: Nerissa Gee on 5355 0200.

Latrobe Community Health Service – NDIS Early Childhood Partner

The NDIS lists this early-childhood partner as visiting Neighbourhood House at 56 Campbell Street, Ararat. Visits are by appointment only; phone 1800 242 696 to discuss access.

Grampians Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect

Family members, carers, kin and supporters of people experiencing mental health or substance-use challenges can access free regional support. The service covers Ararat Rural City through walk-in, phone, online and outreach options, without a referral or Medicare card. Phone 1800 962 008.

📌 Before you go

• Check school-term and holiday dates before planning a visit.
• Confirm whether bookings, referrals or eligibility requirements apply.
• Ask the provider about accessibility or individual support needs.
• Check current fees and activity details, as holiday programmes can change.

Family-focused businesses, services and community groups serving Ararat Rural City are warmly invited to add a listing or update their existing details.

⚠️ 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 ararat.vic.guide.