Benalla

Benalla Family

From baby rhyme sessions and swimming lessons to youth events and practical parenting support, Benalla families can find opportunities for different ages and stages. Many programs are free, while others require registration, eligibility checks or advance bookings.

🎨 Play, learning and holiday activities

Benalla Library – Regular Junior Events

Young children can enjoy Cushion Concerts, Story Time and Rhyme Time, while older children and teenagers can join Junior or Teen/Young Adult D&D. Grandparents Story Time welcomes children aged three to six with their grandparents. Events vary and pause during school holidays, so contact the library for current details.

Tomorrow Today – Parents Early Education Partnership (PEEP)

Free weekly sessions bring Benalla and district families together for songs, stories, rhymes and play. Facilitated during school terms, PEEP supports children from birth to preschool age while giving parents and carers space to discuss child development.

Benalla Rural City Council – School Holiday Activities

Holiday programs are offered through Benalla Library, Benalla Art Gallery, Benalla Cinema and occasional special events. Ages, fees, bookings and adult-supervision requirements depend on the activity; check the current schedule before attending.

Benalla Aquatic Centre – Swimming Lessons with the Y

Lessons cater for infants, preschool and school-age children, teenagers and adults, with school and holiday programs also available. Children under five need an adult in the water within arm’s reach, while those under 10 must be accompanied and actively supervised.

🌟 Youth activities and growing independence

Benalla Rural City Council – Amplify

Young people aged 12–25 can take part in supervised music, arts, cultural and recreational events that are drug-, alcohol- and smoke-free. Those interested in having a say can join the committee and help plan, promote and deliver activities.

Benalla Rural City Council – TAC L2P Learner Driver Program

Eligible Benalla Rural City learners aged 16–21 who lack access to a supervising driver or vehicle can practise with a volunteer mentor and program car. Participants may also receive up to seven free professional lessons. A current learner permit and citizenship or permanent-residency requirements apply, although some applications outside the standard criteria may be considered.

💡 Parenting and early-years support

Benalla Rural City Council – Maternal and Child Health

Families with children from birth to six years can access free health and development assessments, parenting information, consultations, home visits and referrals. Appointments are available Monday to Friday at Benalla Community Care Centre.

Benalla Rural City Council – First Time Parents Groups

Eight-week groups cover sleep, family health, starting solids, play, dental health and returning to work. New groups begin several times each year, and a separate option is offered for first-time dads. Registration of interest is required.

Tomorrow Today – Antenatal PEEP

This free five-week program is for pregnant people at 25–30 weeks and a partner or significant support person. Sessions explore the transition to parenthood, attachment, local services and connections with other expectant parents. Interest can be registered during pregnancy.

🤝 Family, disability and youth support

Benalla Rural City Council – Family Services

Local families with children from birth to 18 years can seek free help with parenting challenges, household organisation, budgeting, advocacy, community connections and access to kindergarten or school. Access is through Orange Door Ovens Murray.

Gateway Health – Stepping Stones Parenting Program

Parents and carers of children with disabilities can access free, practical support with communication, relationships, behaviour, development and parenting confidence. Benalla is within the service area, with individual, phone and online delivery available.

Gateway Health – Youth Alcohol and Other Drug Outreach

Young people aged 12–25 can receive free, confidential assessment, treatment, information, therapeutic case management and referrals. The regional service conducts regular Benalla outreach and can also support carers and families, with appointments possible at home, school or another suitable place.

📌 Before you book or attend

• Confirm current dates, age ranges and school-term or holiday arrangements.
• Ask whether registration, referral or an eligibility assessment is required.
• Check current costs, excursion charges and cancellation conditions.
• Discuss accessibility, disability support and supervision needs directly with the provider.

✨ If you run a family-focused business, service, activity or community group serving Benalla and district, you are warmly invited to add or update your listing so local families can find accurate, useful information.

⚠️ Accuracy Note: We do our best to keep this information useful and up to date, however details can change over time. If you notice anything that appears incorrect or out of date, please let us know and we will review it. Local business owners and community leaders can also help keep local information accurate by logging in and creating or managing their own listing and useful content on benalla.city.