Useful Information for Families

Services and resources for parents and carers

An Australian Government website that lists all child care services, including family day care and occasional care, that have been approved for the Child Care Benefit, plus information about child development, fees, and tips for parents. All information in this database has been provided by child care services.

Neurodiversity Service Referral Guide

An information and referral guide of services available to develop a greater understanding of autism and other forms of neurodivergence, including diagnosis, support agencies and training.

• Lower North Shore Child Family Services Flyer (3.9MB) - A brochure on key services to support children and families in the Lower North Shore.
• Mosman and Lower North Shore Service Providers List (831KB) - A list of children and family support services in the local area and surrounds, including health services, mental health support, financial and family violence support and more.

Caring for children and young people is one of life's most rewarding experiences. But it's not always straight-forward. On this site, you'll find practical tips, information and resources to help make parenting a little easier. Families NSW is an initiative of the NSW Government, developed by DoCS Centre for Parenting and Research. It also has a link to Families First a prevention and early intervention strategy to help parents give their children a good start in life.

Infoxchange Service Seeker provides information on available parenting programs, supported playgrounds, family capacity building services and more.

Raising Children Network is a comprehensive website supported by the Australian Government, providing practical information for parents of children 0-8 years.

Parenting courses by Northern Sydney Healthy Lifestyle Unit runs a comprehensive range of parenting courses and workshops are offered every term on topics such as Toddlers: Terrible or Terrific, Communicating with Kids/Teens, Self Esteem in the Family and My Little One is Going to Big School at Northern Sydney locations including Beauty Point Public School, and Cremorne Early Childhood Centre.

The Lower North Shore Child and Family Interagency and NSW Health have reviewed a "Where to Family Guide" with activities, links and resources for children, youth and families.

Playgroup NSW is an informal session where parents, carers, babies and children aged 0 to school age come together in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Playgroup gives children an opportunity to have fun, make new friends and develop new skills through informal play. Playgroup provides parents and carers with an opportunity to meet other parents and carers, make friends and share ideas and experiences.

Playgroups are not-for-profit and run by and for the parents who attend. Playgroups are usually held once a week for a two hour session and can be found in a variety of venues such as church halls, community and neighbourhood centres, council halls and Scout halls.