Colac

Colac Family

Families in and around Colac can borrow toys, try outdoor adventures, join youth activities and access practical support through different stages of childhood. These local and regional options include early-years care, developmental services, youth wellbeing and respectful help for families facing difficult circumstances.

✨ Play, activities and youth opportunities

Colac Toy Library

Borrow from a collection of more than 600 toys for children aged 0–6 through a family membership. It is a practical way to introduce different kinds of play, imagination and skill development without buying every toy.

3rd 4th Colac Scout Group

Young people can build teamwork and leadership skills through outdoor adventure and local Scouting activities. Sections include Joey Scouts for ages 5–8, Cub Scouts for 8–11 and Scouts for 11–15. Families can enquire about trying Scouting before deciding whether to continue.

Colac Otway Shire Youth Engagement

Council’s youth team shares programs, events, workshops and opportunities for young people across the shire. Eligibility varies by activity: its 2026 school-holiday program, for example, was free for people aged 12–25 who live, study or work in Colac Otway, with bookings required where places were limited. General enquiries can be made on 03 5232 9400.

🌱 Early years and child development

Colac Otway Shire Maternal and Child Health

Families can receive free nurse-led support from birth until their child turns four. Services include Key Ages and Stages consultations, feeding support, First Time Parents Groups and the free Circle of Security Parent Program. First-time groups are generally for parents with babies aged one to four months, although babies up to six months are welcome. Circle of Security booking enquiries are available on 03 5232 9570.

Colac Area Health – Paediatric Occupational Therapy

Children from birth onwards can access assessment, individual or group sessions, home programs, school and kindergarten services, and equipment support. A GP, health professional, carer or family member can refer, and self-referrals are accepted through Main Reception on 03 5232 5100.

Colac Area Health – Speech Pathology

Assessment and assistance are available from birth to school entry for speech sounds, language, social communication, voice, fluency, chewing and swallowing. Families may self-refer by completing a form at Main Reception, while professional referrals are also accepted. Phone 03 5232 5100.

Colac Paediatric Clinic

This multidisciplinary public clinic supports children and families in the Colac Otway Region. A GP or specialist referral is required, referrals are triaged, and appointment-only clinics are held on most Wednesdays. There is no charge for Medicare card holders; families without Medicare eligibility should ask about fees. Reception is on 03 5232 5100.

💛 Wellbeing and family support

headspace Colac

Young people aged 12–25 can seek free, confidential mental and physical health support, as well as help with work and study. Information and resources are also available for families and friends. Young people may phone, drop in or use the referral process. Disability access, accessible bathrooms and interpreting arrangements are available.

Colac Area Health – Children’s Counselling

Free counselling is offered to children aged 4–12 and their families by a specialist children and family therapist. Sessions may take place in the children’s therapy space or, when needed, elsewhere in the community. Families and services can refer directly by calling 03 5232 5100.

Colac Area Health – Family Support Program

Parents and carers of children from pre-birth to age 17 can receive free case management, counselling, practical assistance and connections to other services across Colac Otway and Corangamite shires. Foster and kinship carers are included. Referrals generally go through The Orange Door; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families may contact Family Support directly on 03 5232 5100.

Meli Kinship Care Program

Formal and informal kinship carers can attend free monthly support groups in Colac. Meli also operates an information and duty line for carers, professionals and community members seeking support or information, with no referral needed for enquiries. Call 1300 557 611 from Monday to Friday, 9 am–5 pm.

📌 Check before you go

• Confirm that your child fits the stated age range and any locality or referral requirements.
• Ask whether advance booking, membership or a waiting period applies.
• Discuss accessibility, interpreting, sensory or equipment needs directly with the provider.
• Check current session times, supervision arrangements and costs before attending.

🌟 Run a family-focused business, service, activity or community group serving Colac and surrounds? You are warmly invited to add a listing or submit an update 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 colac.vic.guide.