Burdekin

Burdekin Family

From toddler story sessions and school-holiday activities to swimming and youth programs, Burdekin families have practical ways to play, learn and spend time together. Local and visiting services can also assist when parenting, relationships, hardship or family safety require extra support.

✨ Play, learning and school holidays

Burdekin Library — First 5 Forever

Families with children aged up to five can join free-flowing early-literacy experiences during school terms in Ayr. Age-based options include Baby Rhyme Time for birth to two years, Toddler Time from 18 months and Storytime from age two, along with Messy Play and Play Time. Outdoor sessions pause over summer.

Burdekin Library — Children & Teens school holiday activities

School-aged children can explore crafts, games, STEM activities, fitness and movies during the holidays. Most sessions require bookings. Families may also request children’s play resources at library branches, while library members can access iPads.

Burdekin Aquatic Centre

The council facility in Ayr includes a separate children’s wading pool and water park. A lifeguard is on duty whenever the pool is operating, but active adult supervision remains important: children under 14 must attend with a parent, guardian or responsible adult aged over 18.

🎯 Programs for young people

PCYC Burdekin

Based in Ayr and serving communities including Home Hill, Brandon, Clare and Giru, the club offers several youth-focused pathways. Drop-In is a free after-school program for ages 12–18, while After Dark provides free after-hours sport for young people of the same age who are experiencing disengagement. Learner-driver and youth employment-skills programs are also listed. Phone 07 4783 1009 for general enquiries.

❤ Family, relationship and hardship support

Centacare North Queensland — Family and Community Counselling Service

Fortnightly appointments in Ayr support individuals, couples, children and families with parenting, separation, family conflict, grief, relationships and related concerns. Self-referral is required; for a child under 16, a parent or legal guardian must call. Fees are calculated on a household-income sliding scale. Contact Centacare NQ on 1300 672 273.

Centacare North Queensland — FAMILY Support Service BRIDge

This early-intervention program works with families to strengthen family dynamics and healthy relationships. It is delivered from Townsville and Mount Isa, with regional outreach to the Burdekin rather than a stated local base. Phone 1300 672 273 to discuss access.

Burdekin Community Association — Housing and Community Support Service

Individuals and families experiencing hardship or crisis can seek local case management, advocacy, information and referrals in Ayr. Support also includes domestic and family violence counselling and court support; children and young people may access the domestic and family violence service in their own right. Emergency relief is available through the Support Centre subject to service conditions. General enquiries: 07 4783 3744.

📌 Before you go

• Check current session dates and school-term or holiday timetables before travelling.
• Book ahead where required, particularly for library holiday activities and visiting appointments.
• Confirm age requirements, adult supervision rules and accessibility needs with the provider.
• Ask about current fees, eligibility, referral steps or service conditions before arranging support.

🌟 If you run a family-focused business, service, activity or community group serving the Burdekin, you are welcome to add your own 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 burdekin.qld.guide.