Benalla Rural City

Benalla Rural City Family

From story sessions and school-holiday activities to early-years groups and youth programs, families in Benalla Rural City have practical ways to play, learn and meet others. Local services also offer support through pregnancy, childhood, the teenage years and caring responsibilities.

📚 Play, learning and school holidays

Benalla Library

Free membership opens up borrowing and digital resources at the Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop Learning Centre. Regular junior activities include Cushion Concerts for babies and toddlers, Rhyme Time for children up to three, Story Time for ages three to six, Grandparents Story Time, and junior and teen Dungeons & Dragons. Sessions may change or pause during school holidays, so check with staff before visiting. A social narrative can help neurodiverse patrons prepare for the library experience.

Benalla Rural City Council School Holiday Activities

During the school holidays, Council coordinates activities across Benalla Library, Cinema and Art Gallery. Programs can include ticketed performances and age-guided library activities such as facilitated gaming. Consult the current program for dates, suitability, booking requirements and costs.

🌱 Early years and new parents

Tomorrow Today PEEP

This free weekly program welcomes Benalla and district families with children from birth to preschool age. School-term sessions combine songs, rhymes, stories and play-based learning with Talk Time about parenting and child development. Children aged 12 months and over have supervised play during the parent and carer discussion.

Tomorrow Today Antenatal PEEP and Expectant Parents’ Social Group

Parents-to-be can register interest in a free five-week Antenatal PEEP program, generally designed for people around 25–30 weeks pregnant and their partner or significant support person. It explores attachment, the social and emotional transition to parenthood, and links with local services. A weekly drop-in social group also welcomes expectant parents and accompanying children under school age.

Benalla Rural City Council Maternal and Child Health

Families with children from birth to six can access free health and development assessments, parenting guidance, centre consultations, home visits and referrals. Appointments are available Monday to Friday at Benalla Community Care Centre, 45 Coster Street, Benalla.

Benalla Rural City Council First Time Parents Groups

First-time parents can register for an eight-week group covering topics such as sleep, play, family health, starting solids, dental health and returning to work. A separate five-week group for dads discusses new fatherhood, family wellbeing, baby development, CPR and childhood illnesses. New groups begin several times a year through Maternal and Child Health.

🎯 Young people and growing independence

FReeZA Benalla

Young people aged 12–25 can help plan and deliver local music, arts and cultural activities while developing leadership and event-planning skills. Events are drug-, alcohol- and smoke-free, and young people may register interest or suggest future activities through Council.

TAC L2P Learner Driver Program – Benalla

Eligible learners aged 16–21 who live in Benalla Rural City and lack access to a supervising driver or vehicle can receive up to seven free professional lessons before being matched with a licensed volunteer mentor and program vehicle. A current learner permit and residency requirements apply; some applicants up to 23 may be considered. Applications are lodged through myVicRoads.

🤝 Family, carer and specialist support

Benalla Rural City Council Family Services

Free support is available to Benalla Rural City families with children from birth to 18. Assistance may cover family wellbeing, challenging behaviours, budgeting, household management, emotional support, advocacy, community connections and access to kindergarten or school. Families can approach The Orange Door Ovens Murray for access or ask Council’s Community Care team for information.

Inspired Carers – Benalla

Carers can join free Tuesday morning meetings, regular catch-ups, information sharing and special-interest events. The Benalla venue is wheelchair accessible. The person receiving care does not attend meetings, and carers should register with the group to obtain the meeting location and confirm suitability.

Centre Against Violence

This specialist regional service has outreach based in Benalla and supports people—including children and LGBTQIA+ people—experiencing a current family violence crisis or the impacts of sexual assault. Free family violence crisis intervention and short-term case management are available. During weekday business hours, family violence access is through The Orange Door Ovens Murray; the service’s website provides after-hours pathways.

✅ Before you take part

• Check current session dates, school-term pauses and age requirements before attending.
• Ask whether registration, referral, eligibility assessment or advance booking is required.
• Confirm supervision arrangements, particularly for playgroups, youth events and holiday activities.
• Discuss accessibility, sensory or communication needs directly with the provider.
• Review current fees where an activity is not described as free.

✨ If you run a family-focused business, service, activity or community group serving Benalla Rural City, you are warmly invited to add your details or update your existing listing.

⚠️ 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 benalla.vic.guide.