Balonne

Balonne Family

Families across Balonne can share stories and play at local libraries, cool off at the aquatic centre, join a playgroup or connect with youth, parenting and specialist support. Some activities run on set days, while regional and statewide services extend the options available close to home.

✨ Play, reading and family activities

First 5 Forever — Balonne Shire Libraries

Children aged 0–5 and their families can enjoy this free early-literacy program. St George Library holds a session every Friday at 9.30 am; families elsewhere in the shire can ask their local Balonne library when its next session is planned.

Balonne Shire Libraries

Free membership gives families access to language and literacy materials for varied ages and abilities at St George, Bollon, Dirranbandi, Hebel and Thallon. St George lists LEGO Club and tabletop gaming, while Thallon offers First 5 Forever at the local school on Wednesdays from 10 am to 11 am. Ask individual branches about current local activities.

St George Aquatic Centre

Make a family swim day of the children’s splash park, 50-metre pool and heated artesian pool. Swimming lessons and youth squads are also offered. Seasonal arrangements affect pool availability, and current child entry prices apply to ages 2–17; children under two enter free. Phone 0400 633 519 for venue enquiries.

Sunrise Playgroup — St George State School

St George State School’s community engagement team runs Sunrise Playgroup on Thursday mornings, creating a regular opportunity for local families to meet and play. Contact the school before attending to confirm current session arrangements.

🌱 Youth, parenting and development

St George Youth Support Services — Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland

Young people aged 12–21 in St George and Dirranbandi can receive case management, assessment and referrals to support community participation, education or employment. Phone 1300 991 443 for appointments or information.

TRACKS to Success Program — Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland

In St George, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 0–18 and their parents or families can access practical help with educational engagement and school retention. Assistance may include parenting support, budgeting, training, financial help, and health and wellbeing initiatives. Enquiries: 1300 991 443.

Anglicare Southern Queensland Social and Community Services

This regional service operates from Roma and covers St George, providing children and parenting programs alongside support for individuals, couples, families and communities. Phone 1300 114 397 for intake enquiries.

Parentline

Queensland parents and carers can seek confidential counselling about parenting, relationships, family conflict, separation and co-parenting. Phone 1300 30 1300 daily from 6 am to midnight AEST, or use the online WebChat service.

❤ Mental health, safety and legal support

Child and Youth Mental Health Service — St George

Queensland Health provides mental health intervention for children and young people aged 0–18 and their families in St George and surrounding towns, including Bollon and Dirranbandi. A referral and appointment are required. Enquiries: 07 4620 2265. There is no charge for Medicare card holders.

Safe Connections — Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland

Women and children affected by domestic and family violence can access counselling in St George. Court-based support and information are also available for respondents attending court for domestic and family violence. Phone 1300 991 443 for appointments and enquiries.

Aboriginal Family Legal Services Queensland (Maruma-li-mari)

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families across Balonne Shire can access culturally appropriate legal and non-legal support. Areas include family law, child protection, domestic and family violence, counselling, court support, referrals, and help for First Nations foster and kinship carers. General enquiries: 07 4614 7116.

DVConnect Womensline

This free Queensland-wide service operates 24 hours a day for people experiencing domestic and family violence. It provides specialist crisis counselling, information and referrals, as well as emergency transport and accommodation for women and their children. Phone 1800 811 811.

📌 Before you go or make contact

• Confirm activity dates, seasonal arrangements and whether advance booking is needed.
• Check age limits and whether a parent or carer must remain during the session.
• Ask venues about accessibility requirements and suitable facilities before visiting.
• For referred or specialist services, confirm eligibility, required documents and appointment arrangements.
• Check current fees before attending any paid activity.

🌟 Run a family-focused business, service, activity or community group serving Balonne? You are warmly invited to add your own listing or update its details so local families can find accurate, practical information.

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