We seek to improve the wellbeing of children and families with opportunities to develop and connect with others.
- Our region offers built and natural spaces for children and families can be active and enjoy nature.
- Our key priorities are to collaborate with others to support diverse program, activities and events that enhance wellbeing.
- Our key actions include collaborating to develop strategies that improve childhood development.
Learn more about our priorities and actions in the Community Wellbeing Action Plan and Plan on a page - Children and Families.
Stay Connected
Sign up to our mailing list to stay up to date with events, programs and opportunities for children, young people and families.
Activities for Children and Families
Little Rock 'n' Read
Little Rock ‘n’ Read is a fun and interactive session for young children and caregivers. Singing, dancing, and wiggling are encouraged and a story is shared using books borrowable from our Picture Book collection.
- Tuesdays at 10 am during school term at Goolwa Library
- Thursdays at 10 am during school term at Strathalbyn Library
30 - 45 minutes duration. These sessions are free, and no bookings are required.
After Rock ‘n’ Read has concluded, each child can choose an Imagination Pack to take home. These packs can include simple craft materials such as coloured paper, googly eyes and stickers, along with instructions or suggestions for creative projects to create at home.
Did you know that 85% of brain development happens in the first 3 years of life?
The Words Grow Minds Campaign encourages caregivers to Talk, Play, Read and Sing with your baby to help them learn, develop and thrive. Check out the range of resources and bite-sized ideas for families here.
Whether it's attending Little Rock ‘n’ Read at Alexandrina Libraries or blowing bubbles in the backyard or describing items you see in the park together – there’s ideas for everyone that’s cheap, easy and fun to do!
Learn morePlaygroups on the Fleurieu
Playgroup is a great way for your child to learn about the world, make friends and develop social skills. Playgroup also gives mums, dads, grandparents and caregivers a chance to share ideas, experiences and make friendships.
There are lots of fantastic Playgroups on the Fleurieu, take a look at the Fleurieu Families Playgroup Calendar to find one that suits your family.
Activities at Alexandrina Libraries
Alexandrina Libraries are not just big houses for books. We have a wide range of resources and technology that spark curiosity, support digital literacy and build connections across generations.
Check out the following at both the Goolwa and Strathalbyn libraries:
- Nintendo Switch (for Library members)
- Virtual Reality Gaming system (for Library members, 6+ years, under 12’s must be supervised by someone 12 years and over)
- Boardgame collection – there’s something for everyone
- Nature watching kits
These tools offer a fun and inclusive way for children and young people to exercise their creativity and problem solving and become confident with technology.
Annual Celebrations
Every year in August Alexandrina Libraries celebrate National Science Week and Children’s Book Week. Schools and pre-schools are invited to visit our Libraries to celebrate with us. Visits usually involve fun and engaging experiments during Science Week, and story time in full dress up during Book Week.
Speak to the Alexandrina Libraries team at your next library visit or call 8555 7000 for more information.
Mayors' Short Story Challenge
Alexandrina Council, City of Victor Harbor and the District Council of Yankalilla have been running the Mayors’ Short Story Challenge since 2010. This creative writing 'Challenge' is held during term two every year for school aged children, from reception to year 10 and each school is invited to participate.
Every year there are six group categories:
- Reception - Year 2 Category
- Year 3 - Year 4 Category
- Year 5 - Year 7 Category
- Year 8 - Year 10 Category
- Special Options Students - Primary level (Reception to Year 6)
- Special Options Students - High School level (Year 7 to 10)
The winner from each section receives a $50 gift voucher, with the overall winner for each Council receiving a $50 gift voucher. The winning school in each Council District receives $1000. Winners are announced at a joint regional presentation.
Arvo Club at Milang Youth Hub
When: Fridays 3.30 - 5pm, during school term
Where: Milang Youth Hub, Paddlesteamer Drive, Milang
Cost: FREE
A free social program for young people aged 8-14 years.
The group meets on Friday afternoons during school term to hang out, try new activities and have fun.
Contact the Reclink Youth Activities Coordinator for more information: loren.steenkamp@reclink.org
Stay up to date with the action by following the Milang Youth Hub Instagram.
School Holiday Activities on the Fleurieu
Alexandrina Council collaborates with neighbouring councils and community groups to create a Fleurieu School Holiday program showcasing free and low-cost activities for children, young people and their families.
The latest version can be found on the School Holidays Activities page.
To find out about opportunities specifically for young people (ages 12-25 years), visit Our Young People webpage.
To learn more about any of the above or to be added to a mailing list for updates, please contact 8555 7000 or alex@alexandrina.sa.gov.au
Useful Resources
Carer Gateway is an Australia-wide network of Carer Gateway service providers. They will talk through what you need and help you to find local services and support to help you. Anyone of any age can be a Carer.
CONNECTcare provides Psychology, Psychotherapy, Counselling and a range of Mental Health supports to individuals, couples and their families across the Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island. CONNECTcare assist individuals and their family to solve the complex personal and relational problems and to achieve their goals. Services are provided for a fee to those people who can afford to pay for their own services. For people on low incomes or those experiencing social disadvantage, the CONNECTcare Access program provides these services at no cost to the client.
Fleurieu Families offer a range of supports for children and families including parenting education, practical and confidential support for families experiencing tough times, and activities and events to connect families in the community.
Our Diverse Village is a space where parents, carers and families who have neurodivergent children or children with additional needs can find local connection and support.
Come along to the Our Diverse Village Fleurieu Catch Up, every Monday, 10am - 12pm at RADS Pad, Port Elliot. This weekly catch up is a fun way to connect with other families and children of all ages are welcome. Contact RADS on 7530 5719 or ourdiversevillage@outlook.com
Join the Our Diverse Village Online Community. The public Facebook page is where you can find local information, resources, events and community opportunities. There is also a private Facebook group where local families can ask questions, share experiences and organise catch ups and build friendship and connection along the way. Simply search Our Diverse Village Fleurieu Families on Facebook.
Our Diverse Village FaceBook Page
Parents Beyond Breakup is a charity that supports parents experiencing trauma related to family breakdown and separation. Separation from their former partner and from their children; a factor closely linked to suicide in Australia. Every child deserves the best start in life and that is why we work so hard to keep separated parents alive and in their children’s lives.
Parent Pathways provides personalised assistance and financial support to eligible parents and carers of children up to the age of 6 years. With the help of a qualified mentor, you can receive flexible support to assist with any personal, study or work goals.
Play Australia support parents, caregivers, communities and governments to help children to play. Play helps children to build their social skills, develop their self-confidence and grow healthy brains and bodies. Find out more about the 4 ways you can support your child to Play Today.
The South Australian Commissioner for Children and Young People is an independent position that promotes and advocates for the rights, interests and wellbeing of all children and young people living in South Australia. The Commissioner facilitates provides information, programs and opportunities for children, young people, educators and community.
South Australian Commissioner for Children and Young People website
Uniting Communities supports families with mental health and wellbeing. Services include the Family Mental Health Support Service which offers free counselling for children and families, and the Family By Family program which connects families who are experiencing hard times with families who know what it's like and have ideas to share.