Central Darling

Central Darling Family

Families in Central Darling can find local opportunities for early learning, supported play, parenting help and health care, alongside regional and online services for young people and carers. Start with the age, location and access details below, then contact the provider to discuss what will suit your family.

🌱 Early learning and family development

Wilcannia Central School Preschool

This local, fee-free public preschool welcomes eligible children from the term after they turn three until they start kindergarten. Meals are provided, and enrolments are accepted at the beginning of each term. Families can ask the preschool team about a tour or waitlist on 0436 808 214, or call the school on (08) 8091 5801.

CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes — Targeted Early Intervention (Young Children)

Families in Wilcannia and Menindee with children aged 0–8 can access parenting education, supported playgroups, school-readiness help, peer groups and home visits. Intensive family support and case management are also available where needed. Contact the general team on 1800 067 067, Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.

🩺 Health, wellbeing and parenting support

NSW Health Child and Family Health Services — Wilcannia Multipurpose Centre

Located at Wilcannia Multipurpose Centre in Ross Street, this local NSW Health service supports families with children aged 0–5. Call (08) 8083 8777 to ask about available child and family health care and appointment arrangements.

CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes — Family Mental Health Support Service

Young people aged 0–18 who are at risk of, or showing early signs of, mental illness can receive individual and family support in Wilcannia. Mental health wellbeing programs are also offered. Families can contact the general CatholicCare team on 1800 067 067, Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.

Karitane Virtual Residential Parenting Service

NSW families with children from birth to age three can access free, NSW Health-funded parenting support online. Topics include feeding, sleep and settling, routines, adjusting to parenting, anxiety and postnatal depression. Medicare card holders need reliable internet and a personal device; call the Karitane Careline on 1300 227 464.

🤝 Connection, caring and specialist pathways

CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes — SistaCare

SistaCare is a Wilcannia women’s peer-support and education group centred on connection, confidence, and healthy and respectful relationships. Phone CatholicCare on 1800 067 067 to enquire about participation.

Carer Gateway

Adult carers can seek Australian Government-funded counselling, coaching, peer support, respite planning and tailored support packages by phone or online. Counselling is available to carers over 18, with local in-person options potentially available after registration. Call 1800 422 737, Monday to Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.

NSW Health Out-of-Home Care Health Pathway — Far West

This referral pathway covers children and young people aged 0–17 in statutory out-of-home care who are expected to remain in care for more than 90 days. After a Department of Communities and Justice referral, local health staff arrange a primary health assessment. The Far West coordinator can be contacted on (08) 8080 1100 or at fwlhd-oohc@health.nsw.gov.au.

📌 Before you contact a service

• Check the child’s age against the program’s stated eligibility.
• Ask whether bookings, referrals or registration are required.
• Confirm current session times, waitlists and whether a parent or carer must attend.
• Discuss accessibility, internet access or other participation needs in advance.

✨ If you run a family-focused business, service, activity or community group serving Central Darling, you are warmly invited to add your listing or update its 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 centraldarling.nsw.guide.