Big Rivers

Big Rivers Family

Families across Big Rivers and nearby regional centres can find low-cost play, youth connection, early-childhood development and practical parenting support. Options range from an accessible public park in Broken Hill and a Griffith playgroup to Wagga Wagga programs where children, young people and parents can build skills and connect with others.

🌳 Play, outings and social connection

Queen Elizabeth Park

For a flexible family outing in Broken Hill, Queen Elizabeth Park offers free public facilities for play and picnics. Children can use the play equipment and explore the Penrose Park Picnic Train, while families have access to shaded seating, barbecues, picnic facilities and accessible toilets. It is a public park rather than a supervised activity, so parents and carers need to supervise children throughout the visit.

Griffith Community Centre – Play Groups

Parents and carers looking for an early-years social activity can explore the local playgroup options listed by Griffith Community Centre. These include Griffith Pioneer Park Playgroup, which welcomes children from birth to school age with their parent or carer. Sessions provide opportunities for children to play, interact and explore while adults connect with other families. Check current arrangements directly with the centre before attending.

💡 Youth participation and local ideas

Youth of Wagga

Wagga Wagga City Council facilitates free monthly youth catch-ups where young people can meet one another, contribute ideas and help plan events. The Youth of Wagga service also shares local opportunities and support information and provides youth-focused Connect Cards. For details about taking part, contact the council’s Youth Development Officer at youth@wagga.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 292 442.

🌱 Early development and family wellbeing

Riverina Family Services – Early Childhood Services

Serving the Riverina and surrounding communities, Riverina Family Services offers developmental assessment along with individual and small-group early-childhood intervention. Support can address children’s communication, social development, emotional regulation and early-learning skills, with practical strategies provided for families and educators. Reports may also help families with NDIS planning and children’s transitions to school. Families should ask the provider about the relevant program, assessment process and access arrangements for their child.

Survive & Thrive

Anglicare’s Wagga Wagga program supports families with children aged from birth to 12 years. It combines case management and supported playgroups with parent education, early intervention and practical skill building. The focus is on strengthening family relationships and supporting children’s wellbeing, giving parents and carers a structured pathway to work on family needs while children receive age-relevant support.

🩺 Baby, child and parenting health

Child and Family Health Nursing – Far West Local Health District

Based at Broken Hill Community Health Centre, this NSW Health service assists families from the newborn period through the early years. Its offerings include home visits for new babies, breastfeeding and parenting support, vaccinations, developmental health checks for children from birth to four years, groups and drop-in clinics. Preschool vision screening is also available. Families can call (08) 8080 1100 to ask which service pathway is appropriate and how to attend.

📌 Before you go or enquire

• Check the service area: these options are spread across Wagga Wagga, Griffith, Broken Hill and the wider Riverina, so confirm whether a program serves your home locality before arranging travel.
• Ask about age and access: age ranges vary, and developmental or family programs may have an intake, assessment or eligibility process.
• Confirm current arrangements: contact playgroups and youth programs before attending to check session dates, places, supervision expectations and whether registration is required.
• Discuss accessibility early: if a child or carer has mobility, communication, sensory or other access requirements, ask the provider what adjustments and facilities are available.
• Check costs and funding: Queen Elizabeth Park and Youth of Wagga’s monthly catch-ups are free, but families should confirm current fees or funding arrangements for assessment, intervention and other structured support.

✨ Add or update a family listing

Family-focused businesses, services and community groups supporting children, young people, parents or carers in Big Rivers and surrounding areas are invited to add or update their own listing. Sharing clear details about ages served, locations, accessibility, costs, eligibility and booking arrangements helps local families decide whether an offering suits their needs.

⚠️ 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 bigrivers.nsw.guide.