Family support

While being a parent or caregiver is rewarding, we know it can also be hard. That's why we offer many support services, information sessions, and fun activities to help you and your family.

Family support programs

Programs and information available for parents who live in the City of Port Phillip.

Access to childcare and kindergarten
Help for families to access childcare and kindergarten for children who are aged zero to five years.
Financial support for childcare and kindergarten
Financial support for some out-of-pocket expenses of vulnerable families with children.
Brief parenting support and advice
General family advice, referrals, and support to families with children aged zero to eight years.

Parenting support and advice for 3 to 6 months
Provides advice with a range of topics and connects families with specialist services as needed.

Additional support

There is a range of other support available to families through the City of Port Phillip, government and other organisations.

Government assistance

Australian Government Services Australia
Services Australia provides payments and assistance - including to access affordable childcare - through services such as Medicare and Centrelink.
Visit website
Australian Government Department of Social Services (DSS)
The Department of Social Services helps families by providing support for childcare services.
Visit website
Victorian Department of Education (DE)
The Department of Education offers learning and development support, services, and resources for all Victorians, from birth through to adulthood.
Visit website

Further support for families

Family Violence
Information and resources by City of Port Phillip for families experiencing violence.
Visit webpage
Safe Steps
Victoria's 24/7 family violence support service.
Visit website Call 1800 015 188
Lifeline
Confidential 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention.
Visit website Call 13 11 14
Parentline
Confidential counselling and support on parenting issues.
Visit website Call 13 22 89
Maternal and Child Health Line
Get extra support 24/7 from a qualified maternal and child health nurse.
Visit website Call 13 22 89
Kids Helpline
Free, private, and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged five to 25.
Visit website Call 1800 55 1800
Triple P - Positive Parenting Program
An online parenting program that helps parents to build good relationships, set boundaries and rules calmly and positively.
Visit website

Family support

Family support programs

Access to childcare and kindergarten

Financial support for childcare and kindergarten

Brief parenting support and advice

Parenting support and advice for 3 to 6 months

Additional support

Playgroups

Toy libraries

Parent information sessions

Government assistance

Australian Government Services Australia

Australian Government Department of Social Services (DSS)

Victorian Department of Education (DE)

Further support for families

Family Violence

Safe Steps

Lifeline

Parentline

Maternal and Child Health Line

Kids Helpline

Triple P - Positive Parenting Program