Cassowary Coast

Cassowary Coast Family

Families across the Cassowary Coast can find plenty of practical ways to learn, play and connect, from free library activities in Cardwell, Mission Beach, Innisfail and Tully to swimming, gymnastics, playgroups and parenting programs. When extra help is needed, local and regional services also provide child health care, family support and confidential assistance.

✨ Play, learning and early years

Cassowary Coast Libraries

Make the local library part of your family’s week with free children’s activities at branches in Cardwell, Mission Beach, Innisfail and Tully. Depending on the location and timetable, families may find First 5 Forever, storytime, Cassowary Kids, Junior STEAMers and school-holiday activities. Programs vary between branches, and some sessions require bookings, so check what is running before heading out. General library enquiries can be made on 1300 366 616.

PCYC Innisfail

Children can build movement skills through Little n Active and gymnastics, while older participants can access a range of youth programs. Drop In provides a place for young people to participate, and After Dark is designed for those experiencing disengagement from community, family or school. Other offerings include Team Up and the Youth Leadership Team. Braking the Cycle supports learner drivers who do not have access to a supervisor or registered vehicle. Timetables and program availability can change, so confirm the current options before attending.

PCYC Innisfail Pool

Little n Active H2O gives children aged four months to three years an opportunity to enjoy water-based play with their families. Swim Ready offers guided classes covering water-safety awareness, swimming techniques, survival skills and basic rescue techniques. Families should contact the pool about assessments and the most suitable class before enrolling.

Community Kindergarten Silkwood

Located in Silkwood between Mission Beach, Tully and Innisfail, the kindergarten runs a Monday playgroup for children from birth to five years. It also offers kindergarten for children aged three to five. The kindergarten is a Queensland Government-approved service affiliated with Catholic Early Learning and Care Diocese of Cairns, giving families both a casual early-years connection point and a structured kindergarten option.

Community Kids Innisfail Early Education Centre

Early learning is available from nursery age through to kindergarten at this Innisfail centre. Children take part in a play-based curriculum following the Early Years Learning Framework, while the government-approved kindergarten program serves children aged three to five. Families can arrange a tour and will need to complete the centre’s enrolment requirements before care begins.

🌱 Parenting and family connection

VPG Every Family Program

Parents and carers across the Cassowary Coast can use Every Family to strengthen parenting skills, learn more about child development and connect with resources and support. Delivered in the Cassowary Coast service area with VPG Innisfail, its offerings include parenting support, workshops and school programs. Formats, dates and booking arrangements vary, making it worth checking which sessions suit your family’s circumstances.

Tully Support Centre — Explore, Develop, Grow

Explore, Develop, Grow is a weekly parent group where parents and carers can connect with others. The Tully Support Centre also schedules structured Fatherhood and Life Skills programs, along with workshops and social groups. Contact the centre for current meeting times, upcoming program dates and any participation arrangements.

❤ Child health and culturally responsive support

Mamu Health Service Limited — Mums & Bubs

Mums & Bubs supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families with antenatal and postnatal care, child health checks, immunisations and GP consultations. The clinic is at 25 Glady Street, Innisfail. Families should arrange an appointment or confirm clinic availability with Mamu and bring their child’s red book when attending.

Mission Beach Community Health Centre — Child Health Clinics

Queensland Health provides child health clinics at the community health centre in Wongaling Beach, along with Cassowary Area Community Health outreach clinics. Every service requires an appointment, and telehealth is available. Contact the centre to discuss which clinic or appointment pathway is appropriate for your child.

Mamu Health Service Limited — Family Well-Being

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families can receive practical assistance, advocacy, parenting support and connections to other services through Mamu’s Family Well-Being team. Support may cover housing, budgeting, school attendance, family relationships and navigating services. A health-worker home visit can also be arranged. Call the Family Well-Being contact on 07 4061 9988 to discuss support.

🛠 Practical and intensive family support

Community Support Centre Innisfail — Family and Child Connect

This free Cassowary Coast service offers advice, information and referrals relating to the safety and wellbeing of children and families. Parents, relatives and other community members can contact 13FAMILY on 13 32 64. If a meeting is appropriate, it can be arranged at the family’s home or another safe place to talk.

Community Support Centre Innisfail — Intensive Family Support Service

Families from Cardwell to Deeral who are dealing with multiple or complex needs may access this free, voluntary service. Case managers work alongside families to build their capacity to care safely for children, with practical in-home help that may include routines, budgeting, household management, parenting and coordination with other services. Families can refer themselves, and service providers can also make referrals.

📌 Confidential domestic violence support

Tully Support Centre — Domestic Violence Support

Women and children across the Cassowary Coast can access confidential domestic violence support through the Tully-based centre. It is identified by the Queensland Government as the region’s specialist service for domestic violence counselling, children’s counselling and court-based support. Contact the centre directly to discuss its services and access arrangements.

✅ A few checks before you go

• Confirm the audience: check age ranges, eligibility and whether a session is intended for children, young people, parents, carers or the whole family.
• Book where required: appointments, assessments and advance registrations apply to some health, swimming, early-learning and library activities.
• Ask about access: discuss mobility, sensory, communication or other accessibility needs directly with the provider before attending.
• Check current arrangements: timetables, school-holiday activities, outreach clinics, workshop dates and group availability may vary.
• Clarify participation details: ask about adult supervision, what to bring, enrolment steps and any current costs that may apply.

🌟 If you run a family-focused business, service, activity or community group serving the Cassowary Coast, you are warmly invited to add your listing or submit updated 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 cassowarycoast.qld.guide.