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.

What’s happening for families in Castlemaine?

  • 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)

    Learn more about the TOY LIBRARY

  • 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 Hall

    Adults $7, children under 12 years free.

    Learn more about the COMMUNITY LUNCH

  • Storytime

    Bring your little one along for stories, songs, and rhymes that nurture listening, language, and learning skills, while sparking their imagination. It’s 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

    Learn more about STORYTIME at the Castlemaine Library

Get involved with a Play Group or Parenting group in your area!

There are a number of different opportunities for families with little ones (0–5 years) to get involved in play‑based learning in a welcoming, friendly atmosphere.

With groups around Castlemaine, Maldon, Campbells Creek, Harcourt, Chewton, Redesdale–Mia Mia, and more, there's something just for your family.

Australian support organisations for new parents

  • PANDA

    Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia supports the mental health of parents and families during pregnancy and in their first year of parenthood.

    Visit PANDA's website

  • GIDGET FOUNDATION

    Gidget Foundation Australia supports the emotional wellbeing of expectant and new parents to ensure they receive timely, appropriate and specialist care.

    Visit Gidget Foundation's website

  • RAISING CHILDREN NETWORK

    The Raising Children network is a government supported website providing ad-free parenting videos, articles and apps backed by Australian experts.

    Visit Raising Children's website

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 Zoë 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.