Alexandrina

Alexandrina Family

🌟 From children’s centres in Goolwa and Strathalbyn to a youth hub in Milang, families across Alexandrina can find practical ways to learn, play and connect. Nearby, regional and statewide services add help with parenting, youth wellbeing, caring responsibilities and important transitions such as learning to drive.

🧸 Early learning, care and play

Goolwa Children’s Centre

Families seeking preschool in Goolwa can contact this integrated children’s centre in Brooking Street. Preschool enrolments are subject to catchment arrangements, although children living outside the catchment may be considered when places are available. Call (08) 8555 2509 or email dl.3635.leaders@schools.sa.edu.au to discuss enrolment.

Goolwa Children’s Centre Child Care

Located at the children’s centre in Brooking Street, this local child care service gives Goolwa families an early-years care option. Ask the service directly about current places and arrangements by phoning (08) 8555 2509 or emailing lara.dempster383@schools.sa.edu.au.

Strathalbyn Children’s Centre

This community-managed child care centre is at 1A Burkett Drive, Strathalbyn. Its preschool enrolments have catchment arrangements, with applications from outside the catchment considered according to available places. For current care or preschool information, call (08) 8536 4242 or email admin@strathalbynchildrenscentre.com.au.

Eastern Fleurieu School OSHC/Vac

School-age children can access out-of-school-hours care at Eastern Fleurieu’s Strathalbyn R–6 campus, 34 East Terrace. Families should email easternfleurieu.oshc@ymcasa.org.au to check current places, session times and vacation care availability before making plans.

Playgroup SA — Find a Playgroup

Parents and carers of young children can use this statewide locator to look for registered playgroups near home. Search using an Alexandrina postcode or preferred session day. Playgroup SA also explains family enrolment and offers support to people interested in starting a group when they cannot find a suitable local option. Phone 1800 171 882 for assistance.

🎯 Youth connection and growing independence

Milang Youth Hub

Young people aged 8–17 can join this weekly social and recreation program in Milang. Activities can include craft, cooking and sport, creating opportunities to spend time with peers and try something different. The program is supported by Alexandrina Council, Milang Old School House Community Centre, Reclink Australia and the Alcohol and Drug Foundation. Contact the community centre on (08) 8537 0687 or vickie@moshcc.com.au for current details.

Driving the Future

Available across southern Alexandrina and the Victor Harbor region, this learner-driver mentoring program helps eligible young people aged 16–25 build supervised driving hours. Participants must hold a current South Australian learner’s permit and face multiple barriers to gaining hours, which may include limited access to a supervising adult, vehicle or financial resources. Eligibility enquiries go to the City of Victor Harbor Youth Development Officer on (08) 8551 0500 or localgov@victor.sa.gov.au.

💬 Wellbeing and family support

headspace Victor Harbor

This nearby, wheelchair-accessible service supports Fleurieu young people aged 12–25 and their families at no cost. Help covers mental health and counselling, general health, relationships, work and study, family-inclusive support, group activities, and alcohol and other drug counselling. Young people may self-refer; family, friends, schools and services can refer with the young person’s consent. No doctor referral is required. Call (08) 8391 0123 or email victorharbor@ireach.org.au.

Family Mental Health Support Service — Uniting Communities

Alexandrina families concerned about a young person under 18 can access this free regional service. Support may involve one-to-one or family counselling, information, referrals, group programs and community activities. Staff can work with the young person, their family and school. Phone (08) 8202 5200 to discuss access.

CaFHS Parent Helpline

Parents and carers anywhere in South Australia can call the Child and Family Health Service Parent Helpline for telephone information and support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on 1300 364 100. For a CaFHS appointment concerning a child from birth to five years, call 1300 733 606 between 9.00 am and 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday.

💡 Parenting knowledge and practical skills

Families Growing Together — Parenting Workshops

These free, two-to-three-hour workshops are available face to face or online for parents and carers. Topics include parenting foundations, learning through play, coping skills, disability, teenagers, young parents and multicultural families. Bookings are required through the workshop calendar. For assistance, phone 1300 016 008 or email DHS.FamiliesGrowingTogether@sa.gov.au.

Parenting SA

Families raising children from birth to 18 can draw on South Australian Government information at any stage. Resources include Parent Easy Guides, videos, webinars, free workshops and a searchable directory of parenting services across the state. Contact (08) 8208 7800 or parentingsa@sa.gov.au if you need help finding an appropriate resource.

❤ Support for young carers and urgent respite

Carers SA — Young Carer Services

Young people under 25 who regularly help care for a family member or friend with disability, frailty, illness or other ongoing needs can seek support through Carers SA. Registered young carers may be eligible for peer groups, counselling, coaching, tailored assistance, school support and school-holiday activities, with regional activities available. Contact Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737.

Carers SA — Emergency Respite

Carers facing an urgent or unplanned event that temporarily prevents them from continuing their caring role can call this 24-hour service. Prior registration is not required before seeking help. Contact Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737.

📌 Before you book or attend

• Confirm suitability: check age ranges, catchment rules and other eligibility conditions before applying.
• Ask about availability: child care, preschool, OSHC, vacation care, workshops and group activities may require bookings or have limited places.
• Discuss access needs: contact the provider ahead of time about mobility, communication, sensory or other participation requirements.
• Check supervision: ask whether a parent or carer must remain onsite and what consent or registration forms are needed.
• Confirm current arrangements: session dates, locations, costs and holiday schedules can change, so verify them directly before travelling.

✨ Run a family-focused business, service, activity or community group that serves Alexandrina? 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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