Resources
There's no one manual or any one resource that has all the answers when it comes to parenting. Most things are learnt on the job!
Below we've brought together a range of resources you may find useful.
Parenting in Maribyrnong
Parenting in Maribyrnong is a series of parenting related information sessions for families.
Passport to Play
Passport to Play is an interactive resource co-designed with local children to inspire play, creativity and connection within the City of Maribyrnong.
Created for children and families, it highlights local spaces, places and play ideas that encourage exploration and shared experiences in the community.
See Passport to Play resources here
Nutrition resources for parents
Nutrition and Healthy Eating for Children sessions are held regularly in Arabic, Hindi, Vietnamese, Burmese, Tibetan, Chinese and English.
Find when these upcoming sessions are planned in the Parenting in Maribyrnong calendar – here
Australian Guide to Healthy Eating
The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating explains the 5 food groups recommended to have a healthy, nutritious, balanced diet at each stage of life.
Download the guide in the following languages:
How to Build a Healthy Lunch
This guide will help parents make culturally appropriate healthy choices for children's lunches for 3- to 5-year-olds, especially those going to kindergarten or primary school.
Download the guide in the following languages:
Equal parenting and happy kids
Maribyrnong City Council supports gender equality in all areas of life. We know that gender equality is crucial if we want to eradicate violence against women and children and improve health outcomes for men.
This guide has been developed to acknowledge and support the important role parents and families play in creating a world where everyone can be their genuine selves, and live safe from violence and fear.
Auslan Resources
Auslan(Australian Sign Language) is the language of the deaf community in Australia.
Below you will find a range of Auslan guide to help you learn some signs to use in a variety of situations:
In partnership with Deaf Children Australia and supported by the Victorian Multicultural Storytime Program, Council are running a weekly Auslan Bilingual Storytime at Braybrook Library.
See here for more details on upcoming sessions - Auslan Bilingual Story Time
Raising Children Network
Raising Children Network provides free, reliable, up-to-date and independent information to help your family grow and thrive together. The articles, videos and interactive resources are tailored to different ages and stages from newborns to teens.
24-hour Maternal and Child Health Line
The Maternal and Child Health Line is a free 24-hour telephone service.
You can speak confidentially to a qualified Maternal and Child Health Nurse for information and advice about the care and health of your child from birth to school age.
Call 13 22 29 to access this free service.
Department of Education
The Department of Education's website contains practical information for Victorian parents and carers on choosing a long day childcare centre, childcare types, types of kindergartens, starting school and play and learning.
Visit the Department of Education website
Starting Blocks
The Starting Blocks website is specifically aimed at early childhood and education services where you can search for services near you. Most of the services will have a quality rating next to their details. The ratings are one way of helping you choose the best service for your child.
Playgroup Victoria
Playgroup Victoria's website will provide you with everything you need to join a playgroup, start your own playgroup and other services you can access through Playgroup Victoria.
Kidsafe
Kidsafe is an independent organisation that focuses on increasing awareness of child safety issues and injury prevention.
Safe Seats Safe Kids
Parents and carers (including grandparents) can book a free child car restraint fitting or safety check. Bookings are essential and must be made via the Safe Seats Safe Kids website.
Maternal and Child Health App
The free Maternal and Child Health app provides reliable information for families that can be used every day.
See information relevant to your child's age, build your child's profile and track their growth and development all in one app.
Download the app for free from the App Store or Google Play
Best Start Best Life
Announced in 2022, the Best Start, Best Life reforms will transform early childhood education, aiming to improving early learning outcomes for all Victorian children in the two years before school.
The reforms include: