Central Tablelands

Central Tablelands Family

From story sessions and gymnastics to youth drop-ins and supported playgroups, families across Bathurst, Orange, Lithgow, Mudgee and surrounding towns have practical ways to connect, learn and stay active. There are also early childhood, disability, parenting, mental health and housing supports when more specialised help is needed.

✨ Play, creativity and activities

Bathurst Library — Kids & Teens

Young families can join Baby Rhyme Time for children aged six months to three years, while Storytime runs during school terms. Lego Club welcomes children aged 5–12, and the library also schedules school-holiday activities with individual age guides. Check the current event details before attending, or call the library on (02) 6333 6281.

PCYC Bathurst

Movement-based options begin with KinderGym for children aged 18 months to five years. Term-time Learn to Play sessions cater for ages 12 months to five years with a parent or guardian, while recreational gymnastics, parkour and school-holiday programs provide choices for older children. Ask the club about trials, available places, enrolment conditions and current fees on (02) 6331 2191 or at bathurst@pcycnsw.org.au.

Orange City Library, Orange Regional Museum and Orange Regional Gallery — children’s activities

Families can explore Storytime, book and Lego clubs, music activities, creative education programs and family-focused museum activities across these Orange cultural venues. School-holiday workshops add seasonal options. Age limits, booking requirements and costs vary between sessions, so choose an activity from the current program before setting out.

Mid-Western Regional Council Libraries — children’s programs

Library branches in Mudgee, Gulgong and Kandos hold regular story sessions. Curious Minds is designed for children in Years 3–6, and school-holiday activities generally cater for ages 3–12. Dates and programs differ by branch, with bookings required for some sessions.

Lithgow Library — Children & Young Adults

Free weekly Storytime is available through the Lithgow, Wallerawang and Portland branches, complemented by children’s and young adult activities during the year and special holiday events. Friday tabletop games offer another way to take part; children under eight must have an accompanying adult. Contact (02) 6352 9100 or lithgow.library@lithgow.nsw.gov.au.

🌟 Youth spaces, sport and recreation

Orange Youth Hub

Young people aged 12–24 can use this council-run weekday drop-in space for social and recreational activities. Programs include music, life skills, volunteering and sport, with everyday options such as art, basketball, ping pong and pool. Opening times differ between school terms and holidays, so check the council’s current information when planning a visit.

PCYC Orange

Children and young people can explore gymnastics, music, basketball, netball, hockey and futsal, alongside the club’s youth programs. Birthday-party enquiries are also welcome. Families should contact PCYC for current timetables, suitable ages, enrolment arrangements and fees on (02) 6360 2249 or at orange@pcycnsw.org.au.

🧸 Early learning, care and parenting

Scallywags Long Day Care and Preschool

Operated by Bathurst Regional Council, Scallywags provides weekday early education and care for children from six weeks to five years. Separate rooms serve infants, toddlers and preschool-aged children, and a transition-to-school program supports the move into formal schooling. Enquire about vacancies or joining the waiting list; eligible families may be able to use the Child Care Subsidy.

Orange Family Day Care

This council-supported scheme provides home-based education and care for children from birth to 13 years in qualified educators’ homes. Its coordination unit helps families seek placements and understand their options. Depending on individual educator availability, arrangements may include full-time, part-time, shift-work, evening, weekend or in-home care. Call (02) 6393 8670 to discuss current possibilities.

Orange Family Support Service — PEEP Supported Playgroup, Connected Carers and Tuning Into Kids

Parents and carers of children aged 0–5 can attend no-cost PEEP Supported Playgroups with their children. Connected Carers supports people raising children, while Tuning Into Kids is a six-session parenting program for carers of children aged 3–12. Programs use waitlists, so ask about joining on (02) 6361 4883 or via admin@ofss.org.au.

💙 Development, health and disability support

Bathurst Early Childhood Intervention Service (BECIS)

BECIS works with children with disability aged 0–8 and their families and carers. Available support includes individualised early intervention, speech pathology, family and carer assistance, resources and connections. Early intervention specialists can help families pursue goals in a child’s NDIS plan through play-based learning and transition-to-school support.

Medicare Mental Health Kids Hub

Children under 12 in the Orange and Bathurst areas can access free support for mild to moderate emotional, social or behavioural challenges. Families, carers and kin are included in the service and may contact the hub directly; neither a diagnosis nor a Mental Health Treatment Plan is required. Depending on need and availability, support may occur at the hub or another location. Call (02) 6369 2500.

Lithgow Community Health Centre — child and family health nursing

Child and family health nursing is available in Lithgow, with outreach to Portland and Wallerawang. Support includes home visits for new parents, early childhood health clinics, developmental screening, infant-feeding and parenting assistance, and parenting groups. A referral through Central Intake on 1800 222 608 is required. Telehealth can be booked, and the centre has wheelchair access.

Veritas House — NDIS After School Care Program

Children with disability in Bathurst and Orange can take part in sport, games, arts, music, dancing and cooking after school. The program runs from 3 pm to 5.30 pm on weekdays during its listed 2026 dates, using Veritas House spaces, parks and community venues. Prior booking is essential, and school pick-up and home drop-off options are listed. Contact 1300 011 973 or NDIS@veritashouse.org.au.

🤝 Family counselling and intensive support

Centacare Central West and Orana — family services

Families across a regional service area that includes Lithgow, Bathurst, Mudgee, Oberon and Orange can seek family counselling, child and adolescent counselling, family dispute resolution, and early childhood and community programs. The school wellbeing program requires referral through participating Catholic Diocese of Bathurst schools. General enquiries can be made on 1300 619 379.

Veritas House — Targeted Family Service

Families with children aged 0–17 in the Bathurst Regional Council area can access parenting programs and individualised assistance. Support may involve strengths-based and coordinated case planning, parenting guidance, connections with services and community, and skills for managing stress and conflict. Contact Veritas House on 1300 011 973.

Veritas House — Families Together

This voluntary intensive program supports families with children or young people aged 0–17 who may be at risk of entering the child protection system. It serves the Bathurst, Orange, Cabonne, Blayney and Oberon local government areas. Assistance may include child-development and parenting support, practical help at home, advocacy, service connections and work towards safety, stability and stronger family relationships. Referrals are made through Veritas House on 1300 011 973.

🏠 Youth homelessness assistance

Veritas House — Homeless Youth Assistance Program and youth refuges

Homelessness prevention and support is available for young people across the Central West. The Homeless Youth Assistance Program serves 12–15-year-olds in the Bathurst, Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra, Forbes, Lachlan, Mid-Western, Oberon, Orange, Parkes and Weddin areas. Youth refuges in Bathurst and Orange provide 24-hour short-term and emergency accommodation for eligible young people aged 16–18, subject to assessment. Contact the Homelessness and Early Intervention team on 1300 011 973.

📌 Before you book or attend

• Check ages and supervision: session age bands vary, and some activities require a parent, guardian or accompanying adult.
• Confirm your place: holiday activities, care placements, classes and support programs may require bookings, enrolment, assessment or a waitlist.
• Ask about access: discuss disability access, communication needs, transport options and participation support directly with the provider.
• Review current costs and funding: enquire about fees, subsidies, NDIS plan use and any included or optional transport before committing.
• Confirm the schedule: term dates, holiday hours, branch programs and available activities can change.

👉 If you operate a family-focused business, service, activity or community group serving the Central Tablelands, you are warmly invited to add your details or update an existing listing so local families can find current, practical 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 centraltablelands.nsw.guide.