Bundaberg

Bundaberg Family

From baby rhyme sessions and a specialist toy library to youth programs, riding and school-holiday care, Bundaberg families have practical ways to play, learn and spend time together. Local therapy, relationship and wellbeing services also offer support when children, young people, parents or carers need extra help.

✨ Play, learning and activities

Bundaberg Disability Resource Centre & Toy Library

Families can borrow from more than 3,000 toys, educational resources, sensory items and pieces of specialised disability equipment at this Bundaberg West lending library. Membership is open to the public: general membership costs $80 a year and allows up to eight items for four weeks. A $60 referral membership is available for a child who has a diagnosed disability or is awaiting diagnosis, with referral from an eligible practitioner or teacher. Visits can be arranged by appointment.

Bundaberg Regional Libraries First 5 Forever

Free early-literacy sessions at Bundaberg Library give children aged five and under and their primary caregivers a chance to share songs, stories and play. During school terms, Baby Rattle & Rhyme is held on Mondays at 10 am for babies from birth to walking, Toddler Sing & Smile runs on Wednesdays at 10 am for walking children up to age three, and Learn & Play Storytime is on Thursdays at 10 am for ages three to five. Bookings are not required, and sessions do not run on school or public holidays.

PCYC Bundaberg

Children can take part in gymnastics and Little n Active, while young people have access to programs including CHAMP, After Dark, Drop In, Team Up, Braking the Cycle and the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. Each option has its own purpose and participation arrangements, so check the current timetable and availability with the Bundaberg club before planning a visit.

PCYC Bundaberg Fun Squad

For families arranging care around school and work, Fun Squad at 1 Civic Avenue, Bundaberg West, provides outside-school-hours and school-holiday care. Its listed options are Before School Fun, After School Fun, Holiday Fun and Teacher Free Fun Day. Enrolment and bookings are completed through the Kidsoft parent portal; confirm current vacancies and fees first.

Bundaberg RDA

Based at the Bundaberg Recreational Precinct in Branyan, Riding for Disabled Association of Queensland’s local centre offers horse-riding lessons and hippotherapy for children and adults living with disability. Both programs are currently listed on Wednesdays from 9 am to 1.30 pm. Families should enquire directly about access, suitability and individual session arrangements.

🧩 Development and therapeutic support

Connections Play Therapy and Counselling

This Bundaberg East practice provides child-centred play therapy, with parent consultations and progress updates included in its stated process. Families can self-refer. Private clients, government-organisation referrals and NDIS participants are accepted, although NDIS funding must be self-managed or plan-managed.

Bundaberg Occupational Therapy — Paediatric Therapy

Paediatric occupational therapy is available for children needing help with attention, everyday tasks, fine or gross motor skills, sensory processing, regulation and related developmental concerns. Standard appointments do not require a referral, but a Chronic Disease Management Plan does. The practice advises that paediatric caseloads can be full, so a waiting list may apply.

Specialist Disability Support in Schools

Bundaberg & District Neighbourhood Centre delivers Department of Education-funded speech pathology and occupational therapy for eligible students in Bundaberg schools. Access is not a general self-referral pathway: parents and carers should speak with their school’s Learning Support staff. Eligibility covers specified students receiving supplementary, substantial or extensive NCCD adjustments, as well as certain physical-access barriers and eligible new students with diagnosed disability.

🌱 Youth, parenting and family wellbeing

headspace Bundaberg

Young people aged 12–25 in Bundaberg and the surrounding region can access free, confidential early-intervention support covering mental health, alcohol and other drugs, sexual and physical health, and work or study. No formal referral is needed: a young person may make contact independently, through someone they trust or via a GP. Families and friends are also welcome. The ground-level centre has wheelchair and low-mobility access.

CQID Family Wellbeing

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families with children aged 0–18 can receive free, culturally responsive assistance. Depending on family needs, support may include home visits, parenting and child-development guidance, help establishing practical routines, group or community activities, links with other services, and domestic and family violence support. Families may self-refer or refer someone by calling 1800 000 307.

Parentline

Queensland parents, carers and family members can use confidential phone or webchat counselling for parenting concerns, family conflict, co-parenting and other issues affecting home life. The service operates daily, although the hours vary by contact channel; check the current contact information before reaching out.

Kids Helpline

Young people aged 5–25 anywhere in Australia can contact this free, private and confidential counselling service by phone or webchat, 24 hours a day. Topics can include family difficulties, bullying, friendships, study stress, identity, mental health or feeling unsafe. Support is delivered remotely rather than through face-to-face counselling.

🤝 Separation, safety and coordinated family help

Bundaberg Family Relationship Centre

Parents who are separating can obtain free information and referrals through UnitingCare’s local centre. Family dispute resolution may help parents work towards parenting arrangements, while child-inclusive practitioners can work with children to understand their needs during and after separation. Participation is screened for safety.

Family and Child Connect — Fraser Coast and Bundaberg

Act for Kids delivers this regional service for people seeking information, advice or referral options concerning a child’s safety and wellbeing. Parents, relatives and community members can call 13FAMILY. With a family’s consent, staff can connect them to suitable local, specialist or intensive supports and may arrange to meet at home or another safe place. The service’s office is in Maryborough; it serves the Bundaberg area regionally.

1800RESPECT

People experiencing or at risk of domestic, family or sexual violence—and those supporting someone affected—can access confidential counselling, information and support nationwide. Phone, text, online chat and video-call options are available 24 hours a day.

📌 Before taking part

• Check the fit: confirm age limits, eligibility, referral requirements and whether a program can accommodate your child’s individual needs.
• Plan ahead: therapy waiting lists, care vacancies and activity timetables can change, while some venues require appointments or enrolment through a portal.
• Ask about access: discuss mobility, sensory, communication or supervision requirements directly with the provider before attending.
• Confirm costs: check current fees, membership inclusions, cancellation conditions and any funding requirements before committing.
• Review session dates: term-time programs may pause during school or public holidays.

🌟 If you run a family-focused business, service, activity or community group serving Bundaberg and nearby families, you are warmly invited to add a new listing or update your existing details.

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