Programs

Best Start is a Victorian Government early years, place-based initiative that is funded and administered by the Department of Education and Training to support families, caregivers and communities in providing the best possible environment, experiences and care for children from birth to eight years of age. Communities and service providers collaborate to address issues as they are experienced at a neighbourhood level.

The Nillumbik Best Start program focuses on children and families within Nillumbik experiencing vulnerability and disadvantage to ensure all children have access to quality early childhood experiences through maternal and child health services, Supported Playgroups and early years programs including kindergarten. The Nillumbik Best Start partnerships use local data and community knowledge to identify those who are experiencing vulnerability within Nillumbik Shire

Nillumbik Best Start Outcomes

Children engage and participate in early childhood education
Children and families actively engage with M&CH services, attending key ages and stages visits

For further information contact the Best Start Facilitator Sue Malone Phone 9433 3190, or email Sue.Malone@nillumbik.vic.gov.au

The State Government website has more information

Big Kids, Big Problems is a free program that is about supporting the mental health and emotional wellbeing of young adults.

This session will look at:

• How to support young adults in their adulting journey and the impact of life transitions on emotional wellbeing
• Supporting young adults through issues such as relationship issues and alcohol and other drug use.

Facilitated by the City of Whittlesea Youth Development Team and EACH Bounceback Youth Mental Health Service

Event details

As young people navigate moving into an adult world with adult responsibilities, parents can have questions about how to readjust their parenting role.

Date: Tuesday 7 May 2024

Time: 7.00pm - 8.30Ppm

Location: Janefield, Community Centre, 2 Manchester Cresent, Bundoora

Contact: City of Whittlesea Youth Development Team 

Phone: 03 9217 2170

Cost: FREE

Register now

To access these free resources please click here.

For further information on Body Kind Families or other Butterfly Foundation prevention initiatives please get in touch via education@butterfly.org.au  

Circle of Security is a free group program that helps parents to understand their child's behaviour and to build and strengthen a secure relationship with their child. 

• Ways to enhance the development of your child's self esteem, trust and sense of security
• How to support the creation of a secure base from which your child feels able to explore their world, knowing their is a safe haven to return to. 
• Strategies to build confidence as a parent so that you can enjoy parenting and take on new challenges along the way. 

The Circle of Security Program goes for 8 weeks and commences at the beginning of each school term. Sessions are held at the Eltham War Memorial 905 Main Road Eltham from 6-8pm on Tuesdays.

For further information and to register your place please contact:

Donna El-Cheikh
0409 006 126
delcheikh@kidsfirstaustralia.org.au

This program is suitable for parents and carers of children aged 0-5 who reside in the north east of Melbourne. 

Meet other grandparents caring for children and give children in your care a playgroup experience.

Coniston Street Family Centre
28 Coniston Street, Diamond Creek

Tuesdays 10am - 12pm during school terms.

For information, contact Joy Pagon or email r.pagons@bigpond.com

For a list of other community playgroups in the Shire, see the Playgroup Victoria website

Through this practical parenting program delivered across five weeks and hosted by Family Support Worker Joan Lauricella, you will learn positive parenting strategies.

Parenting with confidence is suitable for parents with children from 2 to 12 years of age.

What will be covered:

• Learn tips to parent with confidence
• Practical positive parenting strategies
• Acquiring skills to help make parenting less stressful and more enjoyable
• How to promote positive behaviour in your child
• Developing positive relationships

When: Wednesdays – 15, 22, 29 May and 5, 12 June 2024
Time: 9.30am to 11.30am
Where: healthAbility, 917 Main Road Eltham VIC 3095
Cost: $100 per adult, $150 couple and $50 concession
Bookings: Essential via TryBooking.

To enquire about this program, please contact Joan Lauricella, Family Support Worker at joan.lauricella@healthability.org.au or phone 03 9430 9100.

Visit the healthAbility website

Join healthAbility for this four week program on tips and strategies for making parenting less stressful and more enjoyable. 

This four week program will cover:

• Learn positive parenting strategies
•  Acquire skills to help make parenting less stressful and more enjoyable

• Promote positive behaviour and enhance relationships with your child

This program will run on Tuesdays 8-29 March from 6.30-8.30pm at healthAbility Eltham. 

Find out more and register here.

This program is suitable for parents, carers and grandparents of children aged twelve and under. 

• Understand and communicate better with your teen
• Guide your teen in managing their emotions
• Teach your teen to deal with conflict
• Help to prevent behaviour problems

healthAbility's Tuning in to Teens™ program is designed for parents of adolescents aged 10-18 years. The program teaches parents how to help their teen develop emotional intelligence. Emotional Intelligence may be a better predictor of academic & career success than IQ.

Visit the healthAbility website

Want the latest information on feeding and play for your baby?

Join the Infant Program!

The Infant Program consists of three online group sessions led by a Maternal and Child Health Nurse when your baby is around 6,9 and 12-18 months old. The sessions will cover:

• Understanding and responding to your baby's cues and signs
• When and how to introduce solid foods and a sippy cup
• Active play you can do together
• Experiences, strategies and tips from other parents. 

Group sessions are also supported by a phone app called My Baby Now which can provide further information and resources outside of group sessions. 

Sessions are run on once a month on Fridays at the following times:

6 Month sessions: 9.30am – 11.00am

9 Month Sessions: 11.15am – 12.30pm

12 Month Sessions: 1.30pm – 3.00pm

For further information and to register for the Infant Program please speak to your local Maternal and Child Health Nurse or call 03 9433 3368.

This program is suitable for parents and carers of infants aged between 6 and 18 months. 

Delivered by Council, the In-Home Family Mentoring Program is a free service for local parents with babies or young children who are experiencing challenges.

Volunteer mentors are screened, trained and matched with a family to visit once a week for two hours, for a period of up to 12 months, depending on the need.

Mentors can assist parents by increasing parenting confidence, connecting with other parents and community networks. Mentors also provide practical and emotional support and can help parents to attend appointments, go out for a walk or do the shopping. Families are usually referred by their maternal child health nurse or another health professional.

Call 9433 3368 for information about the program or to find out more about volunteering as an In-Home Family Mentor.

Tuning into Kids is an online program that provides parents and carers with the skills in emotion coaching. Emotion coaching is about recognising, understanding and managing your own emotions as a caregiver as well as your children’s emotions. When children develop these emotional skills they are better equipped to negotiate the ups and downs of life.

Tuning into Kids is an evidence-based program; randomised controlled research trails have shown that it makes a difference to parents and children.

Tuning into Kids is a free program run by Kids First for parents who live in the Nillumbik area.

For more information about the Tuning into Kids program please contact Donna El-Cheikh on 0409 006 126 or email delcheikh@kidsfirstaustralia.org.au

Visit the Kids First website.

Tuning into Teens is an online evidence based program that supports parents to feel more confident to connect with their teens, understand their needs and challenges, support them to manage strong emotions and reduce conflict.

One of the things parents find most helpful about attending these sessions is the chance to share experiences that are common for parents at this time and hear new ideas about connecting with teenagers.

Tuning into Teens is a free program run by Kids First for parents that live in the Nillumbik area.

For more information about the Tuning into Teens program please contact Donna El-Cheikh on 0409 006 126 or email delcheikh@kidsfirstaustralia.org.au

Visit the Kids First website.

Maternal and Child Health New Parents Group 

This group provides an opportunity for parents with new babies to gain information and support and meet other new parents from their local area. These are held weekly for seven weeks with an evening session for partners. Groups start when the baby is two to three months old. Your maternal and child health nurse will provide you with details.

Find out more about Maternal and Child Health

Australian Breastfeeding Association: new parents group 

The Diamond Valley branch of the Australian Breastfeeding Association hosts a New Parent Group. The group hosts a range of online and face to face meetings at the Eltham North Maternal Child Health Centre, 24 Glen Park Road Eltham

What happens at group meetings? One of our volunteers facilitates a discussion about a topic that is related to breastfeeding or parenting. Parents who come along can share their experiences in a safe environment, or learn all about what stage of parenting might be coming up for them next!

After a loosely structured chat about the meeting topic, we enjoy snacks and a cuppa. There is usually someone on hand to hold your baby, so you can drink a tea or coffee while it's still warm! We welcome all parents to come and join us, if you would like to regularly attend ABA meetings then we encourage you to consider joining as a member.

For more information and a current calendar of events please visit the ABA website.

ParentZone offer all carers and parents a chance to develop and strengthen their parenting skills and create positive change in their family. They provide free parenting groups, workshops, resources, and training for parents and the professionals who work with them.

ParentZone programs cater to all ages and stages, from newborns to teenagers. Programs address the stages and challenges faced by parents including family violence and mental health. Key programs are also offered in multiple languages.

Visit the ParentZone website

ParentZone Northern | Newsletter | 03 8641 8900 | parentzone.northern@anglicarevic.org.au

The Triple P program consists of three online modules aimed at parents and carers of children and young people aged 0-16 experiencing anxiety, anger and depression.

The program provides 24/7 tips, strategies and guidance for parents and carers on how to help their children manage their stress and become more emotionally resilient in challenging, uncertain times. 

Triple P Online supports parents of children aged 0-12 years, Teen Triple P Online is targeted at parents of children 10-16 years old, and the brand new Fear Less Triple P Online is designed for parents whose children are aged 6-14 years old. 

All the Triple P programs are translated into various languages, and are available for 12 months for any Victorian families who registers. 

Find out more and register for the Triple P program.

Council run a number of programs, activities and events targeted at young people aged 10-25 for live, work, study, volunteer or play in Nillumbik, including:

• Youth leadership & advocacy 
• Job readiness and pathways to employment 
• Skate & BMX events and opportunities
• Theatre
• Music, arts & cultural events
• After school and school holiday programs
• Volunteering 
• Learn to drive
• Connecting young people to supports and services
• plus so much more!

For more information visit the Nillumbik Youth website