If you’re pregnant, a new parent, or caring for young children in Frankston, there are many local services, classes and support groups, from maternal & child-health centres, to playgroups, parenting classes, mum groups, and specialised support services. Here’s a comprehensive roundup to help you find support, connect with other families, and feel part of the community.

1. Maternal & Child Health Services

Frankston City Council – Maternal and Child Health

• Frankston City Council runs a Maternal and Child Health Service that supports children from birth to 6 years. Services include growth & development checks, breastfeeding support, nutrition and safety advice, sleep & settling support, immunisation guidance, and vision/hearing referrals.
• There are 13 MCH centres across the Frankston area, including in Frankston, Frankston North, Carrum Downs, Langwarrin and Seaford. Examples: Joy St (Frankston), Lakewood (Frankston), Montague Park (Frankston), Mahogany Rise (Frankston North), Botany Park (Carrum Downs), among others.
• In addition to standard consults, the service offers First-Time Parent Groups and various parent-education programs (sleep/settling newborns, infant nutrition, baby massage, toddler behaviour, etc.).

👉How to access / book: Call central booking on 9784 1756 (Monday–Friday 8am–4pm). For after-hours support, call the 24 hr MCH Line: 13 22 29

2. Community Playgroups & Informal Parent/Carer Groups

Playgroups and casual parent/carer groups are a great way to meet other families, socialise, and support children’s early development.

Supported Playgroups (free, for eligible families)

• Supported playgroups run weekly during school terms, led by qualified early-years professionals. Great for families with a Health Care Card, those from kinship care, or with additional support needs. 
  

Venues across Frankston include:

• Aldercourt Primary School (Frankston North)
• Baden Powell Kindergarten / Baden Powell Playgroup Room (Frankston South)
• Frankston North Community Centre
• Lakewood Child & Family Centre (Frankston)
• Karingal Heights Primary School (Karingal)
• Mahogany Rise Primary School (Frankston North)
• Orwil Street Community House (Frankston)

👉For more info / to register: call 9293 7156 or email playgroups@frankston.vic.gov.au

Community Playgroups run by parents / carers

• These are informal, often low-cost playgroups where parents/caregivers and children (newborn to ~5 yrs) get together to play, socialise, and share parenting ideas.

A lot of playgroups in the Frankston area, for example:

• Lyrebird Community Centre (Carrum Downs) — Lyrebird Playgroup & Lyrebird Baby Play Zone. Drop-in sessions, small fee or free for babies under 12 months.
  E: admin@lyrebird.org.au

• Erinwood Playgroup (Frankston / Lakewood Child & Family Centre) — Tue & Fri mornings.
  E: gourleylovely85@gmail.com

• Montague Park Playgroup (Frankston) — multiple days per week.
  E: montagueparkpg@gmail.com

• Kirrup Playgroup — for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families. At Nairm Mar Djambana, 32 Nursery Avenue, Frankston.
  E: admin@djambana.org.au

• Neurodivergent Nest Playgroup — inclusive playgroup for neurodivergent children (aged 0–7) and their families. Held at Lakewood Child & Family Centre, Frankston.
  E: admin@pafg.com.au

👉 How to register: Call 9293 7156 (leave a message) or contact the group directly

Other groups:

• Young Parents Supported Playgroup at Aldercourt Primary School (Frankston North), a supportive space for young mums to connect, learn parenting skills, and socialise.

3. What’s On — Additional Programs & Support at Local Centres

A key hub in the area is Karingal PLACE Neighbourhood Centre (103 Ashleigh Avenue, Frankston). They offer:

• Maternal & Child Health & immunisation sessions (via Council booking line) 

• Parent-education sessions such as infant massage, sleep & settling workshops, toddler behaviour, baby & toddler nutrition, etc. (plan)

• Community playgroups and newsletter updates via Council. 

More about Karingal PLACE services

4. Useful Contacts & Resources

• Frankston City Council — MCH booking line: 9784 1756 
• After-hours support: 24-hour MCH Line 13 22 29 
• Supported Playgroups / Playgroup enquiries: 9293 7156 / playgroups@frankston.vic.gov.au
• Lyrebird Community Centre (Carrum Downs): admin@lyrebird.org.au
• Erinwood Playgroup (Frankston): gourleylovely85@gmail.com
• Montague Park Playgroup (Frankston): montagueparkpg@gmail.com
• Kirrup Playgroup: admin@djambana.org.au / P: 9783 1521
• Neurodivergent Nest Playgroup: admin@pafg.com.au

Whether you’ve just found out you’re expecting, welcomed a newborn, or are navigating toddler-hood, you’re not alone. With the broad range of services offered by Frankston City Council and community groups across Frankston, there’s support available for families from all walks of life. Reach out, connect with other parents, and build a village together