Bathurst

Bathurst Family

From toddler play and free library sessions to youth arts, holiday activities and specialist family support, Bathurst families have practical ways to connect, learn and ask for help. Explore the options below, then confirm the current session, eligibility and booking arrangements directly with the provider.

✨ Play, learning and family outings

PCYC Bathurst

Active options span several early-childhood and primary-school ages. Parent-assisted KinderGym is for children aged 18 months to five years, while Learn to Play welcomes children from 12 months to five years during NSW school terms. Recreational gymnastics is available for ages 5–12. PCYC also runs full-day school-holiday activities for children aged 5–12; bookings are required, and children need food, water, enclosed shoes and suitable activity clothing. Check the club page for current fees and registration requirements.

Bathurst Library – Kids & Teens

Families with young children can join weekly Storytime and Baby Rhyme Time during school terms, with sessions serving children from six months to three years. For primary-school-aged children, the free Thursday Lego Club is open to ages 5–12 during term. The library also publishes changing school-holiday activities and take-home craft opportunities, so check each program for its age range and whether a booking is needed.

Bathurst Rail Museum – Kids Central

Kids Central gives younger visitors a dedicated creative play gallery with a reading nook and a large BRIO train set. Families can also view the museum’s model railway layout and use the free children’s activities during their visit. It is a useful option for combining hands-on play with an introduction to Bathurst’s railway story.

Bathurst Neighbourhood Centre – Bubs & Toddlers Playtime

Babies and toddlers can play while parents and carers meet other local families at this Friday morning gathering. Sessions begin at 10.00 am and include arts, crafts and changing activities. Playtime is held at The Neighbourhood Centre, 96 Russell Street, Bathurst. RSVP on 02 6332 4866 before attending.

🌟 Opportunities for teenagers and young adults

Bathurst Regional Art Gallery – Youth Advocates

Local young people aged 15–24 can build experience through visual arts projects, workshops, studio visits and event management. Youth Advocates also share ideas about how the gallery can connect with young people. Those interested can submit an expression of interest to brag@bathurst.nsw.gov.au.

headspace Bathurst

Young people aged 12–25 can access free, voluntary short-term support through outreach, in-centre or telehealth appointments. Support areas include mental health and wellbeing, alcohol and other drugs, physical and sexual health, and work or study. Some services may require a Medicare card and Mental Health Care Plan. The centre is wheelchair accessible; phone 02 6941 9021 for general enquiries.

Carers NSW – Young Carer support

This statewide phone and online pathway supports young carers aged 25 and under, along with their families. It is intended for young people who help care for a family member or friend living with disability, mental illness, alcohol or drug dependency, chronic or terminal illness, or age-related frailty. Information, resources and referrals are available, including age-specific wellbeing toolkits for ages 7–12, 13–18 and 19–25.

💡 Early years, disability and carer support

Bathurst Early Childhood Intervention Service (BECIS)

BECIS works with children with disability aged from birth to eight, as well as their families and carers. Individualised services include early intervention, speech pathology, family and carer support, resources, service connections and Aqua Play EI. Specialist early-intervention teachers work alongside parents, carers, educators and health professionals, including on NDIS-plan goals and preparation for the transition to school.

MyTime Bathurst

Parents and carers of children under 18 who require a higher level of care can meet others in similar circumstances at this peer-support group. It covers families navigating disability, chronic medical conditions, developmental delay and other additional needs. Coordinated by Playgroup NSW and held at BECIS, the group is listed as meeting fortnightly during school terms on Tuesdays from 10.00 am to 12.00 pm. Confirm the next session with the MyTime Coordinator on 1800 171 882.

Bathurst Community Health – Child and Family Health Services

NSW Health provides free child and family health services for NSW families with children aged from birth to five years. In Bathurst, the service is listed at Bathurst Community Health, Level 3, Bathurst Health Service, Howick Street. Families can call the local child-and-family-health contact number on 02 6330 5677.

❤ Family relationships and targeted support

Veritas House – Targeted Family Service

Families living in the Bathurst Local Government Area with at least one child aged 0–17 can seek early-intervention family support and parenting programs. Family workers offer one-to-one assistance, personalised action planning, connections with services and community, and skills-building around stress and conflict.

Relationships Australia NSW – Bathurst Centre

Support includes marriage and family counselling, family counselling, Family Dispute Resolution and mediation, group workshops, and other relationship and mental-health services. The Bathurst Centre is at 91 Seymour Street, with wheelchair access and interpreters available. Some services can also be accessed online across NSW. Call 02 6333 8888 for general enquiries and to discuss the appropriate pathway.

Central West Women’s Health Centre – Child and Adolescent Trauma Service (CATS)

CATS provides free specialist support in Kelso for children and adolescents under 18 who live in the Bathurst Local Government Area and have been affected by abuse, domestic and family violence, significant neglect or out-of-home care. The service also works with parents, carers and families. No referral is required, and the CATS counsellor meets with a parent or carer before sessions begin. Appointments can be arranged through general reception on 02 6331 4133.

📌 Before you attend

• Confirm the age range: programs vary from infant sessions to support for people aged up to 25.
• Ask about bookings: holiday activities, appointments and some group programs require advance contact or registration.
• Check the current details: term dates, session times, fees and activity schedules can change.
• Discuss access needs: contact the provider before visiting if your child needs physical access, communication support, an interpreter or activity adjustments.
• Clarify supervision: ask whether a parent or carer must stay, particularly for early-years activities and first appointments.

🎯 Run a family-focused business, service, activity or community group serving Bathurst and the surrounding area? You are warmly invited to add a listing or submit updated details so local families can find accurate, practical information.

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