Bayside

Bayside Family

📚 Families in Bayside can join free library sessions, borrow toys, try supported playgroups and find activities designed for primary-school children and teenagers. Local and regional services also offer early-years care, developmental support, parenting guidance, practical assistance and confidential help when family life becomes difficult.

📚 Play, reading and school-holiday activities

Bayside Libraries Children’s Programs

Library branches across Bayside offer regular ways for children to read, sing, create and meet others. During school terms, Baby Rhymetime is for babies aged 0–18 months, Toddlertime welcomes children up to three, and Storytime is designed for ages three to five. Families can walk in at Arncliffe, Bexley North, Mascot and Sans Souci libraries, while sessions at Eastgardens and Rockdale require bookings. The program also includes free school-holiday activities for primary-school children and monthly Dungeons & Dragons at Rockdale Library for ages 13 and over; bookings apply to school-age and teen activities.

Bayside Council Spring School Holiday Program

Primary-school children can choose from free craft, LEGO, science, coding, games and film sessions at libraries in Arncliffe, Bexley North, Eastgardens, Mascot, Rockdale and Sans Souci. The listed program runs from Monday 28 September to Friday 9 October 2026. Age ranges vary between activities, so check the individual session before reserving a place.

SECC Supported Playgroups

South Eastern Community Connect’s supported playgroups are for families with children aged 0–5 who live in Bayside or one of the other listed south-eastern Sydney council areas. Messy Play at the Hub runs in Mascot during school terms, with nearby sessions also available in Maroubra, Kensington and Zetland. Facilitators encourage active play, developmental skills and nutrition, and a family worker is available. Registration is required. Listed fees range from $0 to $6 depending on the group, with families who cannot pay invited to discuss subsidy options.

SECC Toy Library

Families living in Bayside can access more than 1,000 items for babies through to teenagers through this Mascot-based borrowing service. Annual membership is listed at $50, with members able to borrow up to six toys each fortnight using an app and click-and-collect. The collection includes items reviewed for suitability for children with additional needs and disability. For enquiries, call 0451 502 849.

🌟 Teen activities and local participation

Bayside Council Youth Services Term Program

Qualified youth workers provide free activities for young people aged 12 and over. Centre-based sessions run at Arncliffe Youth Centre on Wednesdays and Fridays from 3pm to 6.30pm, while Youth Pop-up visits locations across Bayside on Mondays and Thursdays from 3pm to 6pm. Council also lists free youth school-holiday programs for ages 12 and over. Families and young people can contact the youth team on 0447 116 805 or 0457 446 240, or email youthservices@bayside.nsw.gov.au.

Bayside Council Youth Advisory Group

Bayside residents aged 12–18 can have a voice in local decisions and youth-focused projects through this 15-member participation group. Representatives meet at least four times a year at Arncliffe Youth Centre and may also take part in additional events. It suits young people interested in sharing ideas and contributing to their local area.

🧸 Early education, health and development

Bayside Council Early Education and Care Centres

Council operates early education and care centres in Mascot, Hillsdale and Kogarah for children aged six weeks to five years. Mascot Early Education and Care Centre, Hillsdale Early Education and Care Centre and Garrigarrang Early Education and Care Centre offer weekday care from 7.30am to 6pm. Families seeking a place can submit an enquiry through Council’s early education and care enrolment form.

SESLHD Child & Family Health Nursing Service

Parents and carers of children aged 0–5 can access support, information and health advice through South Eastern Sydney Local Health District. Bayside clinic locations include Arncliffe, Rockdale and Wolli Creek, with appointments available by calling 1300 244 288. First-time parents with babies under three months can also enquire about new parent groups by emailing SESLHD-FamilyCareCentre@health.nsw.gov.au.

SESLHD Children’s Allied Health

This free regional public service provides speech pathology, occupational therapy and physiotherapy assessment and treatment for eligible children in their first 2,000 days. It supports developmental delays and physical, cognitive or social-emotional challenges. Eligibility is limited to children living in the St George and Sutherland Shire service areas; children with a current NDIS package are not eligible, and the number of sessions is limited. A GP referral is not required. Phone 1300 244 288 to check eligibility.

🤝 Parenting, carer and practical family support

SECC Family Support Program

Bayside families with young children can seek early-intervention case management through SECC in Mascot. After referral, intake and assessment, assistance may include parenting support, practical or emotional help, social support, and help completing Centrelink, Housing NSW or school forms. Families may refer themselves. Contact the Family Support Team on 02 7903 0607 or hubadmin@secc.sydney.

The People’s Pantry

Bayside residents experiencing financial pressure can access food and essential items at the SECC Community Hub, 1007 Botany Road, Mascot. The pantry operates Wednesday to Friday from 1pm to 4pm. On a first visit, participants need proof of income, such as an eligible pension or Centrelink concession card, and must complete an enrolment form.

Parent Line NSW

Parents and carers of children aged 0–18 anywhere in NSW, including Bayside, can call this free counselling and support service. Qualified counsellors discuss questions and concerns relating to babies, children and teenagers. Phone 1300 1300 52 from 9am to 9pm Monday to Friday or 4pm to 9pm on weekends. The line is closed on public holidays.

Carer Gateway Counselling for Carers

Adult carers can access free one-to-one, group or telephone counselling through this Australia-wide service. To discuss local in-person or group options, call 1800 422 737 from 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday and select option 1. Telephone counselling is available through the same number using option 2. The service is for carers aged over 18.

❤ Confidential family violence support

SECC Domestic and Family Violence Casework

SECC provides confidential, no-cost support for people of all ages experiencing domestic and family violence across Bayside and neighbouring council areas. Assistance can include individual case management, bilingual casework, practical support, referrals and help navigating housing pathways. Contact the Family Support Team on 02 7903 0607 or familysupportmanager@secc.sydney.

✅ Before you attend or enquire

• Check the age range: activities span babies through to teenagers, and some holiday sessions have narrower age requirements.
• Confirm bookings: some library sessions welcome walk-ins, while holiday programs, teen activities and particular library branches require reservations.
• Ask about access: discuss disability access, communication needs, supervision arrangements or suitable play equipment directly with the provider.
• Review eligibility and costs: some supports have residential, income, age, referral or NDIS conditions, while fees and subsidies may vary.
• Recheck current details: term programs, holiday dates, session locations and availability can change.

📌 Run a family-focused business, service, activity or community group for people in and around Bayside? You are warmly invited to add a listing or update your existing details so local families can find accurate, useful information.

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