Canada Bay

Canada Bay Family

From free library sessions and supervised youth spaces to gymnastics, creative classes and specialist support, families in Canada Bay can find practical ways to learn, play and connect. Options span babies through to young adults, with local, mobile and statewide services available when extra help is needed.

📚 Reading, learning and youth connection

City of Canada Bay Libraries – Children’s Programs

Libraries in Concord, Five Dock and Rhodes run free early-literacy sessions during school terms. Baby Rhymetime welcomes children aged 0–1, Toddlertime is for ages 1–2, and Preschool Storytime suits ages 3–5; each child attends with a parent or carer. Sessions begin from the second week of term, while separate school-holiday activities are promoted through the library events listings.

City of Canada Bay Libraries – 1,000 Books Before School

Families with children who have not yet started school can work towards a shared reading goal at their own pace. Participation is free, and books read at home, childcare or library storytime all count. Reading is logged through Beanstack, with milestone stickers along the way and a certificate and ribbon badge on completion.

City of Canada Bay Libraries – Youth Space

Young people in Years 7–12 can drop in during school term to study, meet others, play games and take part in activities at Five Dock Library or Concord Library. At least two staff members supervise each session. The Five Dock program is free and does not require a booking, but families should check current term details before attending.

City of Canada Bay – LGBTQ+ Youth Hub: 404: No Expectations Found

LGBTQ+ young people aged 12–24 can attend this Tuesday drop-in at Concord Library Function Room during school terms. Facilitated by Affirming Access, the hub offers a place to connect, with optional themed activities rather than compulsory participation. Registration is not required.

🎨 Active play, music and creativity

Rhodes Recreation Centre Gymnastics

Young children can build confidence through age-specific movement and gymnastics activities in Rhodes. Explorers provides pay-as-you-go open-gym play for children aged 0–5 and their families. Guardian-assisted Runners classes cater for ages 2–3, while Hoppers introduces structured classes for ages 4–5. One obligation-free trial class is available per child before enrolment.

Rhodes Piano & Art

Children aged 3–10 can explore music and visual art at this Rhodes studio. Piano is available through one-to-one lessons or small groups of up to four students. Drawing, painting and craft classes have groups of up to six children, and families can book a trial session before deciding whether to continue.

🌱 Early learning and parenting support

Wellbank Children’s Centre

Located in Concord, this City of Canada Bay long day care centre serves children from six weeks to five years. Weekday care includes educational programs, meals, indoor and outdoor play, and support for the transition to school. The centre closes on public holidays. Enrolment is managed through a waitlist, and joining it does not guarantee when a place will become available.

Victoria Avenue Children’s Centre

This council-operated centre in Concord West provides weekday long day care from six weeks to school age. Children have access to educational programs, onsite-prepared meals and indoor and outdoor play areas. Its school-readiness program was developed with the adjacent primary school. Families seeking care can join the waitlist.

Drummoyne Community Centre – Parent Education & Support

City of Canada Bay residents can access parent and family workshops at this nearby centre in Drummoyne. Topics may include infant massage, baby yoga, language and play, the toddler years, Circle of Security, support for fathers, child development, anxiety and parenting adolescents. Dates and registration availability vary, so check the current program before planning a visit.

🤝 Family, development and disability services

CABL Family Support Service

Families caring for children or young people in Canada Bay can request free preventive support when dealing with stress, conflict, health matters, or legal or financial concerns. Assistance may include advocacy and referrals. The support hub is in Homebush, and the service also covers Burwood, Strathfield and the Inner West. Families may approach CABL directly; referrals made by another person require the family’s permission.

Sydney Local Health District – Child Health & Development

Children aged 0–12 and their families or carers can access child and family health nursing and developmental services across the Canada Bay area, including through centres in Concord and Five Dock. Available disciplines include speech pathology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, nutrition, counselling and early childhood social work, alongside health checks and hearing and vision support. Access starts through the Child Health Information Link, while community paediatrics requires a GP referral. Interpreters and Aboriginal Health Worker support may be requested.

Lifestart – NDIS Early Childhood Approach

Lifestart is the NDIS Partner in the Community for the Canada Bay local government area. Its NDIS-funded Early Childhood Approach provides free, needs-based assistance for children under nine with disability or developmental delay and their families. The pathway begins with Early Connections, which considers a child’s strengths and needs and identifies relevant local supports.

Grow & Tell Speech & Occupational Therapy

This child-focused Rhodes clinic offers speech pathology and occupational therapy, along with social-skills and school-readiness groups. Telehealth is also available. The practice supports families from Drummoyne, Five Dock, Russell Lea and the wider Canada Bay area, and appointments are required.

Anchored Allied Health

Families who need paediatric occupational therapy at home can consider this mobile service. Its stated coverage includes Canada Bay, Concord, Five Dock and Drummoyne, as well as surrounding Inner West suburbs. Contact the provider to discuss whether the mobile model and service area suit your child’s circumstances.

❤ Domestic and family violence support

NSW Domestic Violence Line

Women experiencing domestic or family violence can contact this statewide NSW service for counselling, information and referrals. It operates 24 hours a day and is available to women in the City of Canada Bay and elsewhere in NSW. Call 1800 656 463.

✅ A few checks before you go

• Confirm the age or school-year range: local programs divide participation quite precisely, particularly for early literacy, gymnastics and youth activities.
• Check bookings and term dates: some activities are drop-in, while classes, workshops, therapy and childcare require registration, appointments or waitlisting.
• Ask about supervision: clarify whether a parent or carer must remain, assist during the activity or provide separate consent for a young person.
• Discuss access needs early: ask about physical access, communication support, interpreters, sensory needs or other adjustments relevant to your family.
• Confirm current costs and funding: several listed programs are free, but fees and funding arrangements for classes, care and therapy can differ.

📌 Family-focused businesses, services and community groups serving the City of Canada Bay are warmly invited to add a listing or update their 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 canadabay.city.