Becoming a parent for the first time brings lots of questions, new experiences and big changes. Benalla Rural City Council offers a range of local groups and services to support first time parents and help you build connections with other families.

From informal catch‑ups to early childhood programs and support services, you’ll find information here to help you feel supported, informed and connected as you grow into your new role as a parent.

First Time Parents Group

This group is open to all first time parents. It runs once a week over 8 weeks. Topics covered include:  

• Sleep
• Women’s and family health
• Commencing solids
• Importance of play
• Dental health
• Returning to work

A great way to find out new things about bringing up your baby, ask questions, exchange ideas and meet other new parents. 

New groups commence 3-4 times a year.

To find out more and to register your interest, phone Maternal and Child Health on 03 5761 4500 or fill in the form below.

First Time Parents Group for Dads

Become a Super Dad!

Join our First Time Parents Group just for Dads. 

Facilitated by dad Daniel King (social worker) and Julia Lamb (nurse/paramedic), and one of our maternal and child health nurses, the group will discuss and learn about topics like:

• Becoming a new dad
• Family wellbeing
• Baby development and commencing solids
• CPR and childhood illnesses
• End of term lunch or dinner

Sessions will run over five weeks from 5.30pm to 7.30pm with the exception of our CPR and Childhood Illnesses session, which will run from 6-8pm

To join this program, phone Maternal & Child Health on 5761 4500 or fill in the form to register your interest.

Maternal and Child Health Parent Portal

The Parent Portal has replaced the MCH App, which is being phased out and will no longer be supported. Through the Service Victoria Parent Portal, families can now access extensive online resources and a digital version of My Health, Learning and Development Book (Green Book).

The Parent Portal offers families:

• Access to evidence-based information and resources.
• A digital version of the Green Book.
• Convenient online access to information that supports children’s health, learning and development.
• A central platform to help families stay informed, connected and supported during their child’s early years.

Sleep and Settling your baby

Becoming a parent for the first time often comes with questions about sleep and settling. Tweddle Child & Family Health Service provides trusted, evidence‑based advice to help you understand your child’s sleep needs and develop settling strategies that work for your family.

Visit Tweddle to access practical tips, guidance and support for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.