From baby's first maternal and child health check-up to their first day of kinder, we support families every step of the way with other free, inclusive services like immunisations, parent groups, parenting workshops and connections to playgroups that help children thrive, parents feel confident, and families stay connected.
Finding the village
For first-time Hampton mum Thisuni Ranasinghe, joining a first-time parent's group was a natural next step after being introduced to the idea by her Bayside maternal and child health (MCH) nurse.
"Around the seven-week mark, I got a text inviting me to the group," she says. "It felt like a lovely extension of the support I was already receiving through MCH."
The sessions cover a range of topics, led by a MCH nurse, from sleep and starting solids to baby safety and postpartum wellbeing.
"It's thoughtfully structured," Thisuni says, "but it also creates space for honest, open conversations. You realise other mums are feeling the same things and sharing similar experiences as first-time parents and that's powerful."
Friendships formed quickly, with a WhatsApp group set up to keep the conversation and connection going in between weekly group sessions.
"We swap tips, share community finds like baby-friendly fitness classes or cafes, and keep chatting between sessions," she says.
As the group neared its final weeks, the connections had grown strong.
"We planned a little celebration. It's not just about the babies, it's about the mums too."
Thisuni is already planning how to keep the momentum going.
"I can see these friendships lasting. It's an incredible service that Council offers and is something every new parent should consider joining," she said.
Learn more about MCH and playgroups
Together we play
Since 1978, Hampton Children's Playhouse has been a cherished part of Bayside family life.
This year, the volunteer-run centre celebrates 45 years since its formation with the goal of providing local families with children aged 0-6 years with the chance to stay connected.
Tucked away at 12 Willis Street, Hampton, the playhouse is a converted home filled with charm.
It features a fully equipped kitchen, cosy playrooms tailored to different ages and stages, a craft area, baby and toddler-specific toys, and a backyard with climbing equipment, rubber flooring and a mud kitchen.
Families can sign up for a fee and can access the space from 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday.
President Jess said the Playhouse is where lasting friendships begin.
"It's more than a place to play, it's a space where [member] families, which includes the parents, grandparents, carers, nannies, can come and feel supported while the kids feel free to explore," Jess said.
For member families, Hampton Playhouse provides a Monday playgroup, a monthly Saturday Dad's Group and other activities throughout the year.
"It's a dedicated time each week where families come together, share stories, laugh, and build relationships that often go well beyond the preschool years," said Jess.
Council continues to support the Hampton Playhouse, along with the Beaumaris Children's Playhouse located at 24 Grandview Avenue Beaumaris, which is designed for children 0 - 6 years.
