Parenting and family support

Parenting support

Helping you navigate the journey of parenting

Hobsons Bay City Council supports families by promoting a range of parenting programs, forums, and resources available across the community. These offerings are delivered by a variety of organisations, including local, regional and state-based services.

Parenting support may include opportunities to connect with others, build skills and access information to help you through the different stages of family life.

Check back in early 2026 for upcoming sessions.

Family support

Support for families facing complex challenges

While Council does not deliver family support services directly, a range of organisations offer targeted support for families experiencing more complex or significant challenges.

These services aim to strengthen family relationships, support wellbeing and help prevent the need for more intensive interventions. Support is typically tailored to the needs of the whole family and works to build on existing strengths and capacities.

Services may include:

  • outreach and home-based support

  • counselling or therapeutic support

  • practical assistance

  • targeted parenting programs

  • support with issues such as alcohol, drug use, or gambling.

For a list of organisations that provide family support services in Hobsons Bay, please see the resource links below.

Please note: Hobsons Bay City Council does not endorse specific providers listed. The information is shared to assist families in connecting with appropriate services.

 

Family Support Links

IPC Health - Altona Meadows
www.ipchealth.com.au
 8368 3000

Playgroup Victoria
www.playgroup.org.au
 1800 171 882 toll free (within Victoria)

AMAZE
www.amaze.org.au/support/support-groups
 8368 3000

Women's Health West
https://whwest.org.au
 9689 9588

Tweddle
www.tweddle.org.au
9689 1577

Yooralla
www.yooralla.com.au/services/specialist-children-supports
 8368 3000

Maternal Child Health Line
 13 22 29

Nurse on Call
 1300 60 60 24

Family Violence
 Safe Steps 1800 015 188 or 9322 3555

MacKillop Family Services
 www.mackillop.org.au 
9680 8444

Lifeline Australia
 www.lifeline.org.au
13 11 14 (24 hours)

Crisis Information and Referral Service

  • Laverton  8368 0177
  • Salvation Army, Altona  9398 1954
  • Walker Close Community Centre, Altona North  9318 0521
  • Williamstown Emergency relief  9397 8411

Parentline
www.parentline.com.au
13 22 89

Family Relationships Advice Line
www.familyrelationships.gov.au
1800 050 321

Relationships Australia
 www.relationships.org.au
1300 364 277

Catholic Care
Footscray – www.ccam.org.au
9689 3888

Caroline Chisholm Society
 www.caroline.org.au
9361 7000

Gambling Helpline
www.gamblershelp.com.au  
1800 858 858

Beyond Blue
 www.beyondblue.org.au  
1300 224 636

PANDA – Post and Antenatal Depression Association Inc. 
www.panda.org.au
1300 726 306

Suicide Helpline
www.suicideline.org
1300 651 251

Anglicare Victoria
www.anglicarevic.org.au
9396 7400 - Yarraville

Saltwater (Adult Mental Health services) – Mercy Mental Health Saltwater Clinic

Mensline
www.mensline.org.au
1300 78 99 78

SIDS and Kids
www.sidsandkids.org
9819 4595
1300 308 307- 24 hour Bereavement Support Line

Child First – Western Melbourne Child First
http://wcfsa.org.au/western_melbourne_child_first
1300 775 160
childfirst.west@anglicare.vic.gov.au - Child and Family Information, Referral and Support Team

Hobsons Bay Youth Services (arm of Hobsons Bay City Council)
9932 4000

Support information: www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Community/Community-services/Young-people/Support-for-young-people

Latitude
9315 0061 - Youth accommodation, outreach support

ORYGEN
Young People Mental helpline 15-24 year olds
www.oyh.org.au

Royal Children’s Hospital TRAVANCORE
www.rch.org.au/mhs
9345 6011

Please note: Council does not provide these services (excluding Youth Services) directly or endorse any businesses listed on this page. Company listings are provided for information purposes only.

Family violence

Parenting Support Links

All Play Learn:
Resources and information to support children with disabilities and developmental challenges in early childhood education and care settings.
https://allplaylearn.org.au/early/parent

Amaze:
Amaze is the peak body for Autistic people and their supporters in Victoria. Offers free support line, workshops, information and resources.
Amaze — Shaping the future for autism

Aspergers Victoria:
Aspergers Victoria is a small not-for-profit organisation supporting Victorians who have Aspergers, who are autistic, or who have another similar neurodivergent profile. Offers support groups and events for our community to help them feel connected, supported, and empowered to live the life they want for themselves.
https://aspergersvic.org.au

Association for Children with a Disability (ACD):
ACD is a not-for-profit organisation led by and for all families of children with disability aged 0 – 18 years old in Victoria. Offers free support line, workshops, information and resources.
www.acd.org.au

E-Safety Commissioner:
The eSafety Early Years program provides advice on how parents and carers can support young children to have safe and enjoyable experiences online.
www.esafety.gov.au/parents/children-under-5

Parent Works:
ParentWorks is a freeonline program for Australian parents and caregivers of children 2 to 16. It provides parenting strategies to improve parenting skills, confidence and child behaviour. 
https://parentworks.org.au/#

Raising Children Network:
Articles, videos and interactive resources are tailored to different ages and stages, taking you from nurturing a newborn to raising a confident, resilient teen – and helping you to look after yourself as a parent too. Funded by the Australian Government.
https://raisingchildren.net.au/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhJec7_vr6gIVGiQrCh2agw2wEAAYASAAEgLQ-fD_BwE

Triple P – Positive Parenting Program:
The three Ps in ‘TripleP’ stand for ‘Positive Parenting Program’and is a toolbox of ideas and strategies. Triple P helps you manage behaviour, set rules and routines and raise happy and confident children.

www.triplep-parenting.net.au/vic-uken/triple-p

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