Alpine Valleys

Alpine Valleys Family

✨ From library story sessions and playgroups to youth-led events and regional parenting support, families across Alpine Shire can find practical ways to learn, connect and seek help. Offerings span Bright, Mount Beauty, Myrtleford and Dinner Plain, with phone and online support also available across the region.

📚 Early learning, stories and play

Alpine Libraries

Weekly sessions at the Bright, Mount Beauty and Myrtleford branches give young children a relaxed introduction to books, language and shared activities. Rhyme Time is designed for children aged birth to two, while Story Time combines stories and craft for children aged three and over. A carer may attend with the child, and no booking is required. Families can also check the library program for current school-holiday activities.

Alpine Shire Supported Playgroups

Eligible families with children from birth to four years can join free, facilitator-led playgroups during Victorian school terms. Sessions are offered in Bright, Mount Beauty and Myrtleford, giving children opportunities to play while parents and carers connect with others. Victorian Department of Education eligibility criteria apply, so contact the facilitator on 0427 495 631 before attending.

Alpine View Children’s Centre

Located in Bright, Alpine View offers early childhood education and care from six weeks through to kindergarten. Families can consider funded kindergarten programs with centre-based and bush play-based options. The site also hosts Bright Toy Library, Bright Playgroup and maternal and child health consultations. For enrolment or program enquiries, phone (03) 5750 1367 or email alpineview@myacs.asn.au.

Lake View Children’s Centre

Mount Beauty families can access early childhood education and care for babies, toddlers and kindergarten-aged children. The centre, at the corner of Reserve Drive and Lakeside Avenue, offers funded kindergarten programs that include the Tawonga Kindergarten program. Contact (03) 5754 4848 or lakeview@myacs.asn.au to discuss care and kindergarten options.

Mountain View Children’s Centre

In central Myrtleford, Mountain View provides early childhood education and care, including dedicated rooms for children under two and children aged two to three, as well as kindergarten programs. Meals are supplied, and the centre advises that it can accommodate dietary and cultural needs. Enquiries can be made on (03) 5752 2111 or at mountainview@myacs.asn.au.

🌟 Youth connection and leadership

The Lighthouse Youth Hub

This pop-up hub in Bright serves young people from across Alpine Shire. It provides a supportive space with mental health resources, skill-building workshops, community activities and opportunities for participants to shape future programs. Current activity details are available from Alpine Shire Council’s Youth Development Officer on (03) 5755 0555 or ydo@alpineshire.vic.gov.au.

Resilient Alpine Youth Squad (RAYS)

Alpine Shire residents aged 12–25 can apply to join this youth advisory group. Members meet monthly to investigate local needs, develop training opportunities, plan events and strengthen young people’s contribution to local decision-making. Applications are required. Contact Youth Development Officer Lara May on (03) 5755 0555 or ydo@alpineshire.vic.gov.au.

FReeZA through Alpine Shire Youth

Young people can help plan and deliver music, cultural and recreational events through FReeZA. Council states that these youth-focused events are free from drugs, alcohol, vaping and smoking. To ask about taking part in event planning or upcoming opportunities, contact the Youth Development Officer on (03) 5755 0555 or ydo@alpineshire.vic.gov.au.

The Alpine School Campus — School for Student Leadership

Based at Dinner Plain, this Victorian Department of Education residential program is for selected Year 9 students from Victorian Government schools. Participants attend in school teams and undertake personal development, leadership and project-based learning alongside supervised outdoor and adventure activities. Families cannot enrol a student directly: government schools express interest and run their own selection processes.

💡 Parenting and early-years support

Alpine Shire Maternal and Child Health Service

Free, appointment-based support is available for children from birth to school age and their families. Maternal and child health nurses provide developmental checks, parenting education, social support, health promotion and early intervention at children’s centres in Bright, Mount Beauty and Myrtleford. General enquiries can be directed to (03) 5755 0555 or mch@alpineshire.vic.gov.au. Enhanced support requires referral from a GP, allied health professional, or child and family service.

Positive Parenting Telephone Service — Gateway Health

Parents, grandparents and carers of children aged 2–18 in the Hume region can access free, structured education and support by phone. Appointments generally run for 30–40 minutes each week over six to 10 weeks, with daytime and some evening options. Enrolments remain open throughout the year, although Gateway Health advises an approximate six-to-eight-week response time for referrals and enquiries. Bookings can be made on 1800 880 660.

Gateway Health Parenting Programs

Parents and carers of children aged birth to 18 in the Ovens and Murray region can access free group programs, information sessions and individual parenting support. Programs vary each term and may be delivered online or in person; self-referrals are welcome. Contact the Parenting Team on 1800 657 573 or cfhintake@gatewayhealth.org.au to ask what is currently available.

❤ Family safety and carer support

The Orange Door — Ovens Murray access

People in Alpine Shire can contact this free regional service for support concerning the care and wellbeing of children and young people, or experiences of family violence or use of violence. No referral is needed. The Ovens Murray access number is 1800 271 157, available Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.

Statewide Carer Advisory Service — Carers Victoria

Unpaid carers, including young carers aged 25 and under, can seek free information and connections by phone. The service assists people caring for a family member or friend with disability, chronic illness, a mental health condition or other care needs. It can connect callers with relevant support, counselling, groups, respite information and financial-assistance pathways. Phone 1800 514 845, Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.

📌 Before you take part

• Check age ranges, residency rules and any referral or eligibility requirements before applying.
• Confirm current session dates, term programs and school-holiday activities with the provider.
• Ask whether bookings, applications or enrolment paperwork are required; arrangements differ between drop-in activities, care services and youth programs.
• Discuss accessibility, dietary requirements, supervision and other individual needs directly with the service.
• Confirm current fees where a listing does not expressly state that the service is free.

🎯 If you run a family-focused business, service, activity or community group serving Alpine Shire, you are warmly invited to add a listing or update your existing details so local families can find current, practical information.

⚠️ 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 alpinevalleys.vic.guide.