Ararat

Ararat Family

Families in and around Ararat can enjoy stories and songs at the library, join affordable school-holiday activities, explore youth leadership or seek practical early-years and specialist support. Several council services also reach rural towns across Ararat Rural City.

📚 Play, learning and holiday activities

Ararat Rural City Library children’s programs

Baby Rhyme Time brings babies and children up to two together for rhymes, songs and stories at 10.30 am on Tuesdays during school terms. Preschool Storytime runs at 10.30 am on Thursdays for children aged three to five and their parents or carers, with free play afterwards. School-holiday activities and outreach library services to smaller towns are also available.

Ararat Rural City Council School Holiday Programs

Children can try free or affordable activities spanning different ages and interests. Programs are delivered through locations such as the library, gallery, fitness centre and town hall, with current activities and booking links released before each holiday break. Some sessions require advance bookings.

Ararat Rural City Council YEAH! Crew

Young people aged 12 to 25 can meet peers, build leadership, communication and event-planning skills, and help shape regional youth activities. New members may enquire at any time.

🌱 Early years, childcare and development

Ararat Childcare and Kinder Retreat

This local early-learning centre provides care and education for children aged six weeks to five years, including a kindergarten program. Parents and carers can contact the centre to discuss enrolment or arrange a visit.

Ararat Rural City Council Maternal and Child Health

Families with children from birth to four years can access free health and development checks, parenting information and regular new-parent groups. Alongside the Ararat office at East Grampians Community Health Centre, rural visits cover Lake Bolac, Willaura, Streatham, Moyston and Elmhurst. Some sessions require appointments, while free monthly immunisation sessions are appointment-only.

Ararat Rural City Council Supported Playgroup

Eligible families with children under five can access a free play program supported by an early-years professional. Eligibility includes Health Care Card holders, kinship carers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, and families currently or previously supported by DFFH or family support services. Referrals may come through specialist services, and eligible families may also receive in-home support.

Ararat Rural City Council Kindergarten Outreach Program

Families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds who live, work, play or study in Ararat Rural City can receive free help with three- and four-year-old kindergarten enrolment and participation. Support also covers early-childhood connections, school transition, Early Start Kindergarten eligibility and free interpreter access.

🤝 Therapy and family violence support

East Grampians Health Service Allied Health

Speech pathology focuses partly on preschool children and accepts self-referrals or referrals from health professionals. Care may be delivered at the Community Health Centre, through outreach clinics in Willaura, Elmhurst, Lake Bolac and Halls Gap, at home or by telehealth. EGHS is not a registered NDIS provider for community clients.

Grampians Community Health Family Violence Counselling

Confidential counselling is available for women aged 18 and over who are living with family violence or associated trauma. Appointments can take place at the Ararat office or, by arrangement, in the community. Contact the intake worker to request an appointment.

✅ Before you attend

• Check age limits and eligibility before enrolling or making a referral.
• Confirm current session dates, costs and school-holiday availability.
• Book ahead where required, particularly for immunisation and holiday activities.
• Ask the provider about accessibility, supervision and any support your child may need.

📌 Do you run a family-focused business, service or community group serving Ararat or nearby towns? You are welcome to add a new listing or update your existing details so local families can find the right opportunity.

⚠️ 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 ararat.city.