Queensland: services

New babies and young children: support in Queensland

Australian Breastfeeding Association
If you’re breastfeeding and need help, trained volunteer counsellors can give you reassurance, information and advice about breastfeeding and how to overcome common breastfeeding difficulties. Phone the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 1800 686 268 (1800 MUM 2 MUM), 7 days, 24 hours. You can also connect with your local ABA group.

Child and baby health clinics
The Queensland Government provides free health services, parenting information and support for families of children aged 0-12 years through drop-in services and clinics. There’s also a Child Health Line staffed by child and family health nurses. Phone 1343 2584 (13 HEALTH), 7 days, 24 hours.

Ellen Barron Family Centre
This is a residential centre that helps parents build practical skills and confidence. Families of children aged 0-3 years can be referred to the Centre, which is at the Prince Charles Hospital in Chermside, Brisbane. To find out more, phone the Centre on (07) 3139 6500.

Parentline
This is a confidential telephone counselling service offering free professional counselling and support for parents and carers. Phone Parentline on 1300 301 300, 7 days, 8 am-10 pm.

Child care in Queensland

There are 5 main options for child care and early education in Australia:

Home-based care – this is when a friend, relative, babysitter or nanny cares for your child in your own home.
Centre-based care – this includes long day care, occasional care, preschools and kindergartens.
Family day care – this is when an approved educator cares for your child in the educator’s home.
Business-related creches – this is informal child care offered in businesses like gyms or shopping centres.
Outside school hours care – this is centre-based child care for primary school-age children before and/or after school, on student-free days and during the school holidays.

You can use the Australian Government’s Starting Blocks website to search for child care services near you, find out about different types of services, and get information about government assistance with fees. You can also read more in our articles on getting started with child care, child care costs and Australian Government assistance and high-quality child care.

Playgroups in Queensland

Playgroups are a great way for young children to practise getting along with others and try new ways to play. They’re good for parents too, with plenty of support and social contact in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

For more information or to find a playgroup near you, phone Play Matters Australia on 1800 171 882, Monday-Friday, 8.30 am-4.30 pm.

Preschool or kindergarten in Queensland

Preschool is generally for children who turn 4 in the year before starting school. Some states and territories offer preschool for 3-year-olds.

Preschool programs help children learn and develop through play. They also help children get ready for the transition to school.

In Queensland, preschool is called kindergarten. Some kindergartens are located in public schools. Others are run by local governments, community-based organisations or the private sector. You can find out more about approved kindergarten programs in Queensland.

Use the Starting Blocks service finder to find a kindergarten near you.

Children with disability, autism or other additional needs: support in Queensland

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a national scheme to support people with disability.

If your child has a disability, developmental delay or developmental concerns, the NDIS can help you and your child get services and support in your community. Start by phoning the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) on 1800 800 110, Monday-Friday, 8 am-8 pm.

Read more about the NDIS. Find links to other child and parent disability services.

Your mental health, wellbeing and relationships: support in Queensland

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed or you’re struggling with your mental health or relationships, getting professional support is a very good idea. You could start by talking to your GP.

Here are more ways to get support for mental health and wellbeing:

Call Lifeline on 131 114 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 for mental health support.
Check Medicare Mental Health for information on how to access mental health services and support.

For relationships support, call:

Relationships Australia – Queensland on 1300 364 277, Monday-Friday, 8 am-8 pm; and Saturday, 10 am-4 pm
Family Relationships Online on 1800 050 321, Monday-Friday, 8 am-8 pm; and Saturday, 10 am-4 pm (except national public holidays).

If there are problems in your relationships like family violence, call:

Domestic Violence Helpline on 1800 811 811, 7 days, 24 hours
Sexual Assault Helpline on 1800 010 120, 7 days, 7.30 am-11.30 pm
National Domestic Family and Sexual Violence Counselling Service on 1800 737 732 (1800RESPECT), 7 days, 24 hours.

General parenting services and information in Queensland

Infoxchange Service Seeker is a directory of community services in Australia. Search for ‘parenting’ to find parenting support and other services in your area.

Queensland Government services and other links for families

Queensland Government
The Queensland Government website has information about Queensland and Queensland Government initiatives, as well as links to Government departments.

Queensland Government – Department of Child Safety, Seniors and Disability Services
This Department is responsible for adoption, foster and kinship care, child safety, youth, disability and aged care services in Queensland.

Queensland Government – Department of Education
This Department is responsible for education in Queensland from early childhood through to adult education and training. You can search the Department of Education Schools Directory for state and non-state schools in your area.

Queensland Government – Queensland Health
Queensland Health is responsible for hospitals, community and mental health services, aged care services and public health and health promotion programs. Its state-wide Health Contact Centre provides health advice, information, referral and triage services to all Queenslanders. Call 1343 2584 (13 HEALTH).

Our guide to parent and family services has links to national, state and territory services and support for parents and families of all kinds. We also have information about services and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, multicultural families, LGBTIQ+ families and families with disability.