Child and family

Young Children in Digital Society is a new online resource by national organisations and researchers, supporting educators and services to help children and their families to use digital technologies. The resources are designed to help children and adults use technologies to build relationships, support physical activity and transitions away from sedentary use of digital devices, promote online safety, and provide opportunities for children’s digital play and learning.

This post expires on Monday 10 March 2025

School holiday activities at Georges River Libraries include electronics workshop; arts and craft workshops; vocal workshop; intro to stop-motion animation; Dungeons & Dragons; and learning strategies to build children’s resilience (for parents). Bookings open 30 December.
Various dates and times, Monday, 13 January to Friday, 24 January, at Georges River Libraries
More information and bookings

This review by NSW Department of Communities and Justice finds the out-of-home care system in NSW is not fit for purpose, failing to meet the needs of children and young people at an efficient cost. The report makes 13 recommendations to reset expectations, accountability, stewardship and service delivery across the system, and calls for their immediate implementation.
More information | Full report

This post expires on Monday 10 March 2025

This program allows community members to use the school’s outdoor facilities during school holidays for activities like sports, recreation, and cultural events.
More information, participating schools list and holiday activities

CASS Gumnut Early Learning Centre’s Summer Vacation Care Program offers a range of activities and educational experiences for children aged 5-12, including cooking, movies, sports, pilates and gymnastics, music, excursions, art and craft, and more.
Thursday & Friday, 19 & 20 December, and Monday to Friday, 6 January to 5 February, 7.30am-6pm
CASS Gumnut Early Learning Centre, 48 Queens Rd, Hurstville
Enquiries and bookings: 9585 1621 or HELC@cass.org.au

The economic cost of child poverty is almost $60 billion a year, according to research commissioned by NSW Council of Social Service. The report, “Lasting Impacts: The Economic Costs of Child Poverty in NSW”, found that 278,000 children live in poverty in NSW today.
Key findings | Full report

Vacancies for children aged 2-5 will open in early 2025 at some of Sutherland Shire Council’s 11 Early Education Centres. Applications are accepted after a child’s birth. Families can book tours of the centres.
Centres tour bookings: 9710 0466 | More information about the centres and application process

The Embrace Collective’s ‘Embrace Kids’ documentary brings together stories from young people sharing experiences about body image, bullying, gender identity, advocacy, representation, and more. Targeted at ages 9-14, it is available on various streaming platforms. Schools and organisations can host screenings by applying online.
More information and trailer

South Eastern Sydney Local Health District is running free clinics to provide routine childhood immunisations. The 6 weeks, 4 months, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months and 4 years immunisations will be available. Catch-up immunisations available for children who may have missed a previous vaccination. No Medicare required. Bookings recommended.
All clinics are from 9am-1.15pm
– Hurstville Hub: 11–15 Bond St, Hurstville: Tuesdays, 3 December, 17 December, 21 January
– Rockdale Hub: Rockdale Community Health Centre, 16-18 King St, Rockdale: Fridays, 13 December, 17 January
Bookings: 1300 244 288. Free translating service 131 450 available to book appointment.
Childhood immunisation information

The rules for enrolling a child at a NSW public school are changing. Commencing Term 1 next year:
– A student with a temporary resident visa can enrol at their local school.
– If places are available, a school can prioritise non-local enrolments for siblings of current students and consider non-local children of school staff.
Parents can submit or resubmit an enrolment application to their preferred school.
Changes to the enrolment policy: Information for families
Enrolment information website and translated enrolment application

This post expires on Monday 24 February 2025