Colac Otway Region

Colac Otway Region Family

From library story sessions and playgroups to skateparks, youth activities and specialist care, families across Colac Otway can find practical ways to play, learn and connect. There are also clear pathways to early-years advice, developmental services, carer support and help during challenging periods.

🌳 Play, explore and meet other families

Colac Community Library and Learning Centre early-years programs

Baby Time, Toddler Time and preschool Story Time give young children and their carers opportunities to enjoy books, songs and shared activities at Colac Library. Geelong Regional Libraries runs the sessions, while Council also identifies a toy library at the library for family membership and borrowing. Children must remain under the supervision of a responsible adult or carer. Check the current calendar for session times and any booking requirements.

Colac Otway Shire playgroups information

Families looking for regular social time can use Council’s list of playgroups across Colac, Apollo Bay, Beeac, Birregurra, Coragulac, Kawarren and other localities. It covers parent-led and supported options for babies, toddlers and preschoolers with their parents or carers. Adults remain responsible for the children they bring, so ask the individual group about its format, suitable ages and current meeting arrangements.

Colac Botanic Gardens

For an easy family outing, the Council-managed gardens provide a children’s playground, walking paths, picnic tables, barbecues, toilets, shade and accessible features. The 1.1-kilometre carriageway is available to walkers, runners and cyclists, giving families room to combine active play with a picnic or gentle circuit.

Elliminyt Memorial Park

This regional playground and open-space area is described by Council as suitable for all ages. Families can use its barbecue and picnic facilities, toilets, water fountains and cycling paths, and accessible features are available. It is a useful option for mixed-age gatherings where children want space to move as well as playground time.

Forrest Playground and Skatepark

Children across a range of ages can use the district playground, while the small skatepark element adds an option for wheels-based activity. The Council-managed site has accessible features, toilets, picnic tables, a barbecue and shaded areas, making it practical for a longer family stop in Forrest.

🧸 Childcare, kindergarten and early parenting

Colac Otway Shire Family Day Care

Council sponsors home-based childcare for children from birth to 12 years. Depending on availability, arrangements may include full-time, part-time or casual care, before or after school or kindergarten, shift-work care, emergency care or 24-hour care. Child Care Subsidy may be available. Contact the Family Day Care Coordination Unit to discuss vacancies and whether an educator’s arrangements suit your family.

Millville Children’s Centre

This Colac early-learning provider offers long day care and three- and four-year-old kindergarten. Its kindergarten program includes off-site Bush Kinder during terms 2 and 3. Families can enquire about a tour and enrolment, noting that places may be waitlisted.

Colac Otway Shire Maternal and Child Health Service

Local families with children from birth to four years can access free support through five centres across the shire. Care is delivered by registered nurses with qualifications in midwifery and maternal and child health. The service also runs six-week First Time Parents Groups, ideally inviting parents when their baby is one to four months old, with first-time parents of babies up to six months welcome. Its free Circle of Security Parent Program focuses on understanding babies’ and children’s needs and behaviour. Appointments and program bookings can be made on (03) 5232 9570.

The Beginning Steps

A partnership between Colac Otway Shire Council and Caracaramigen – The Colac Aboriginal Gathering Place, this project complements and strengthens early-years services accessed by Aboriginal families living in Colac Otway and Corangamite shires. Aboriginal families and early-years services can contact project coordinator Zephlyn Taylor on 0428 680 577.

🌟 Development, disability and communication support

Tiny Tackers Therapy

This regional occupational therapy service works with families of children who have disability or developmental delay across Colac Otway, Geelong and Golden Plains shires. Therapy may take place at home, school, kindergarten, day care or in a clinic setting. Children’s and youth group programs are also offered, giving families options beyond individual therapy.

Colac Area Health Speech Pathology

Children from birth to school entry can receive assessment and assistance with speech sounds, stuttering, language, social communication, voice, chewing or swallowing. Parents may self-refer through main reception, and referrals from health and early-years professionals are also accepted. Phone (03) 5232 5100.

Allcare Colac Physiotherapy – Physiotherapy for Children

Children’s physiotherapy includes physical assessment, play-based therapy and treatment goals developed with the child and parents. The service can also train carers, school staff and parents, helping adults support a child’s goals across everyday environments. NDIS supports are available, and appointments are booked on (03) 5232 2400.

🎯 Young people, carers and family support

Colac Otway Shire Youth Services

Council’s Youth Engagement Team shares programs, workshops, events, music opportunities and projects for young people across the shire. Young people and families can subscribe to Youth News for current opportunities. Schools and organisations may also contact the team at youth@colacotway.vic.gov.au.

headspace Colac

Young people aged 12–25 in Colac and the surrounding Colac Otway region can access free, confidential support covering mental and physical health, alcohol and other drugs, sexual health, work and study. Information and resources are also available for families and friends. Young people may self-refer, phone (03) 5232 5520 or visit the Colac service.

Colac Carer Support Group

Barwon Health hosts this group for carers, offering peer connection, guest speakers, information, education, activities and outings. The person receiving care may attend, and the meeting location has wheelchair access. Monthly meeting details are available from the Barwon Carer Support Group Facilitator on (03) 4215 7600.

Colac Area Health Family Support Program

Vulnerable families with children or young people aged 0–17 in Colac Otway and Corangamite shires can receive free, flexible assistance. Support may include case management, counselling, in-home help and connections with other services. Referrals generally come through the Barwon Safety and Support Hub, The Orange Door. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families may contact CAH Family Support directly on (03) 5232 5500.

📌 Before you attend or enquire

• Check ages and eligibility: programs range from baby sessions to support for young adults, and some specialist services have referral or regional eligibility conditions.
• Confirm bookings and availability: session calendars, vacancies, waitlists and group meeting arrangements can change.
• Ask about access needs: discuss mobility, communication, sensory or other requirements directly with the provider before attending.
• Clarify costs and funding: ask about current fees, Child Care Subsidy, NDIS support or other funding before committing.
• Plan for supervision: library programs and playgroups require parents or carers to remain responsible for their children.

✨ If you run a family-focused business, service, activity or community group serving the Colac Otway region, you are warmly invited to add your details or update your listing so local families can find current, useful information.

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