Northern Bay College Family Centre started the second half of the year with a change of governance, and the centre’s focus to provide support and services for young families is as strong as ever.
The Family Centre is now under the governance of Northern Bay College. Helen O’Connor is back as co-ordinator after her secondment at Barwon Child Youth and Family and is working with the College to create a place where all families feel welcome.
The centre has several local community agencies running playgroups and parenting groups, including Bethany, the City of Greater Geelong and Barwon Child Youth and Family. For the first time, it is also establishing a Playgroup Victoria Community Playgroup.
Helen said the overwhelming message for families is that everyone is welcome.
“We’re continuing to look at how the centre will operate in conjunction with the College’s Early Learning Centre and Kindergarten to continue to grow and provide child-friendly services for families,” she said. “We want to connect families with each other and with services, as well as connecting services with each other to create a vibrant early years precinct for all families.”
Weekly activities include:
Monday: Goldsworthy playgroup, 10.30am-noon; Bubs to Tots playgroup, 1.30-3pm.
Tuesday: Bumps 2 Bubs for young and pre-birth families, 1.30-3pm.
Wednesday: Kookaburras ‘Small Talk’ playgroup, 9.30-11.30am.
Thursday: Little Possums Community playgroup, 10-11.30am; Bringing Up Great Kids parenting program, 1-3pm.
Friday: Karen and Karenni Families playgroup, 10-11.30am.
A drop-in parent support service is available Tuesday 9am-noon, Wednesday 11.30am-4pm and Friday 11.30am-1.30pm.
The Northern Bay College Family Centre is at 25 Goldsworthy Road, Corio. For more information phone Helen O’Connor, 5274-9791.