Central Ranges

Central Ranges Family

From active play and library sessions to supported playgroups, youth activities and specialised family help, Central Ranges families can find practical options across Bathurst, Orange, Lithgow, Mudgee and surrounding towns. Age limits, enrolment arrangements and service areas vary, so use the details below to find an option that suits your child, young person or household.

⚽ Play, sport and school-holiday activities

PCYC Bathurst

Young children can build movement skills through Learn to Play for ages 12 months to five years during NSW school terms, while KinderGym welcomes children aged 18 months to five years with an adult assisting. GymSTAR gymnastics caters for ages 5–12, and older children can try parkour. School-holiday sports programs provide another option when classes are out; enrolment or bookings apply to selected activities.

Bathurst Library Kids & Teens

Bathurst Library offers several ways to share stories, create and play. Weekly Storytime runs during school terms, Baby Rhyme Time is designed for children aged six months to three years, and LEGO Club welcomes ages 5–12. The school-holiday program changes, so check the individual activity for current age guidance and whether a booking is needed.

Orange Youth Hub

Young people aged 12–24 can use this Orange drop-in space and join term-time activities covering areas such as music, life skills, volunteering and sport. Holiday offerings may include art workshops, gaming, table games and basketball. Some planned activities have limited places, and transport may be available, making it worth checking the arrangements before attending.

PCYC Orange

Children and young people can explore gymnastics, music and team sports including basketball, netball, futsal and hockey. A kids-focused fitness option is also available. Families should contact the club for the current timetable, suitable ages, fees and enrolment requirements, as these details can differ between activities.

PCYC Mudgee

In Mudgee, families can access movement activities, sport, youth programs and school-holiday options. Monkey Magic is for independent walkers through to age five, while the enrolled holiday program serves children aged 5–12. PCYC OOSH Mudgee also provides before-school, after-school and vacation care for ages 5–12; contact its dedicated OOSH team about available places and Child Care Subsidy eligibility.

🧸 Early learning, playgroups and care

LINC Communities & Kids

Families with children from birth to six years can attend free supported playgroups in Lithgow and Portland during school terms, with parents encouraged to take part in the activities. Other support includes Circle of Security Parenting, child-development information and referrals. Language support is delivered with NSW Health speech pathology and occupational therapy partners.

Orange Family Support Service

Parents, grandparents, carers and families with children in their care can access a mix of group support in Orange. The no-cost PEEP Supported Playgroup is for children aged 0–5 attending with a parent or carer. Connected Carers supports kin and family carers, while the six-session Tuning in to Kids program is for parents and carers of children aged 3–12. Waitlists apply to the listed groups.

Cabonne Council Children’s Services

Council-operated services include before-school, after-school and vacation care in several Cabonne Shire towns. Family Day Care is delivered through approved educators for children from birth to age 12 across Central West NSW. Ask the relevant service about locations, vacancies, session times and fees before planning care.

Oberon Children’s Centre

This stand-alone preschool in Oberon serves children aged three to five and operates Monday to Friday during its listed hours. Families can contact the centre directly to discuss enrolment, available sessions and scheduled holiday closures.

🤝 Parenting, relationships and family support

Veritas House Targeted Family Service

Families living within the Bathurst Regional Council area who have children aged 0–17 can seek parenting programs and individualised support. Assistance may include strengths-based action plans, case planning, connections with other services, parenting support, and skills for managing stress and conflict.

Cowra Information & Neighbourhood Centre

Serving Cowra and surrounding villages, with outreach to Grenfell, the centre offers child, youth and family support through several pathways. Options include playgroup, Parents as Teachers, Crafty Kids, youth support and parenting programs such as Triple P. Disability-related assistance includes early intervention, key-worker support and family education. Contact the centre to identify the appropriate current program and access process.

Interrelate Orange

Families and couples can access in-person relationship and family services in Orange, as well as telephone and online options. Available services include counselling, mediation, a Children’s Contact Service, and relationship and parenting courses. Appointments are arranged through Interrelate’s client experience team.

Barnardos Mudgee Family Support Centre

The Mudgee Child and Family Hub helps families needing support to keep children safe, healthy and thriving. Assistance can include practical help, information and in-home family support. Young people may also access support focused on education and maintaining family and community connections.

🌱 Child development, health and wellbeing

Medicare Mental Health Kids Hub

Based in Orange with outreach in Bathurst, the hub provides free mental health and wellbeing support for children under 12 experiencing mild to moderate emotional, social or behavioural challenges. Families, carers and kin can also receive support. No diagnosis, referral or mental health treatment plan is required. The service is limited to families in Orange or Bathurst, with assistance provided at the hub or another location depending on availability and individual needs.

Blayney Community Health Centre Child and Family Health Services

NSW child and family health services are listed at Blayney Community Health Centre. Families can contact the centre to ask which child and family health supports are locally available and how appointments are arranged.

📌 Before you book or visit

• Check the age range: activities span babies through to young adults, and some have narrow developmental or age requirements.
• Ask about bookings and waitlists: holiday programs, care services, classes and support groups may require enrolment or have limited places.
• Confirm the service area: some support is restricted to particular council areas, towns or eligible local families.
• Discuss participation and accessibility: ask whether a parent or carer must remain, what support can be provided and whether the venue or activity meets your family’s access needs.
• Confirm current costs and schedules: term dates, session times, fees, subsidies and program availability can change.

✨ If you run a family-focused business, service, activity or community group serving the Central Ranges, you are warmly invited to add your listing or submit updated details so local families can find the right opportunities and support.

⚠️ 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 centralranges.nsw.guide.