If you feel uncomfortable or distressed at any time as a new parent, please know that support is available.
Glow is being presented by Mount Alexander Shire Council.
The following information has been curated for parents and carers specifically in the Mount Alexander region.
Maternal and Child Health
This free service provides a support service to families of 0-6 year old children.
Activities including: screening & monitoring infant/maternal health and childhood development. Advice and health information eg feeding, sleeping, parenting, and immunisation programs.
For When
ForWhen is a free national care-navigation phone line that connects new and expecting parents or carers to perinatal and infant mental health services and supports in their local area.
Whatās happening for families in Castlemaine?
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Toy Library
Sign up to the Castlemaine Toy Library for year round access to an exciting range of toys.
Ideal for growing kids with changing interests, the toy library offers flexibility and community connection.
Open Saturdays from 9.30 -11.30am
8-12 Lyttleton St, Castlemaine (3450)
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Community Lunch
The Community Lunch is a place to enjoy a 2 course vegetarian meal, with friends, family and our community. The menu emphasises seasonal fresh vegetables and fruit, with much of it donated by local suppliers.
Time: 12.30pm - 1.30pm
Date: Tuesday (during school terms)
Where: Castlemaine Town HallAdults $7, children under 12 years free.
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Storytime
Bring your little one along for stories, songs, and rhymes that nurture listening, language, and learning skills, while sparking their imagination. Itās the perfect way to foster a love for books and boost their confidence.
Baby Rhyme Time - Simple stories, songs and rhymes for babies up to one-year-old.
Castlemaine Library: Tue 10.30-11am
Get involved with a Play Group or Parenting group in your area!
There are a number of different opportunities for families with little ones (0ā5āÆyears) to get involved in playābased learning in a welcoming, friendly atmosphere.
With groups around Castlemaine, Maldon, Campbells Creek, Harcourt, Chewton, RedesdaleāMia Mia, and more, there's something just for your family.
Australian support organisations for new parents
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PANDA
Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia supports the mental health of parents and families during pregnancy and in their first year of parenthood.
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GIDGET FOUNDATION
Gidget Foundation Australia supports the emotional wellbeing of expectant and new parents to ensure they receive timely, appropriate and specialist care.
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RAISING CHILDREN NETWORK
The Raising Children network is a government supported website providing ad-free parenting videos, articles and apps backed by Australian experts.
Thanks to the support of our partners, Glow is being offered for free to parents and carers in communities across the Yorke Peninsula (SA), Mount Alexander and Geelong (VIC), Bunbury (WA) and the Eastern Riverina (NSW).

It is only when you feel nurtured that you are able to turn towards the glimmers and the joy.
Glow is a Threshold experience, created by Zoƫ Barry, Liz Francis, Nikita Hederics, Mardi Thorpe, Alicia Stafford, Sarah Lockwood, Tahli Corin and Carolyn Ramsey.
Glow was developed with the support of Bunjil Place, City of Casey and ArtPlay, City of Melbourne. The 2025 Digital Tour of Glow has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.