Central Highlands

Central Highlands Family

From library rhyme sessions and hands-on science to gymnastics, youth activities and school-holiday programs, families across the Central Highlands have practical ways to play, learn and spend time together. When extra help is needed, local and regional services also support parenting, child development, disability, relationships and family safety.

✨ Play, learning and school-holiday activities

Central Highlands Regional Council Libraries

Library branches offer activities for different stages of childhood, including Baby Rhyme Time, Wriggle and Rhyme, Story Time, Rebel Hour and robotics. Families can find branches in Blackwater, Capella, Dingo, Duaringa, Emerald, The Gemfields, Rolleston, Springsure and Tieri. Schedules and access differ between locations, and Bauhinia Library operates by appointment only, so check the relevant branch before setting out.

Central Highlands Regional Council School Holiday Program

Council’s Youth and Library teams coordinate activities across the region during school holidays, giving children and young people opportunities to try something different closer to home. Each activity may have its own age range and booking arrangements. At library activities, children under 12 must remain supervised by an adult.

Emerald Gumnuts Playgroup

Children aged from birth to five can enjoy craft and free play at Centenary Park in Emerald while parents, grandparents and carers meet other local families. The playgroup is listed for Monday and Friday mornings from 9.30 am to 11.00 am during school terms. As session details can change, confirm the current arrangements before attending.

Outback Exploratorium

Weekly term-time programs in Emerald make STEM learning active and age-appropriate. Curiosity Club introduces children aged 0–6 to science, engineering, technology, play and discovery, while Science Squad extends hands-on exploration to children aged 6–12. Families should check the current program format, places and enrolment requirements for the appropriate age group.

🤸 Sport, recreation and youth connection

Emerald Gymnastics and Trampoline Club

Based at Emerald Indoor Sports Centre, the club provides several pathways for children to build movement skills. Options include Kindergym for children under five, Gymfun from Prep onwards, trampoline sports and sports acrobatics. Fair Play vouchers are accepted, which may assist eligible families with participation costs; ask the club about current classes, vacancies and enrolment.

PCYC Emerald

Young people can access sport and recreation alongside a broad mix of community programs. Listed youth options include Drop In, After Dark, Team Up, Cadet Club, Braking the Cycle, Love Bites and Emergency Services Cadets. These programs have different purposes and may not all run continuously, so contact the club to confirm availability, suitability and any enrolment conditions.

Central Highlands Regional Council Youth Development

Council’s regional youth development work is aimed at young people aged 10–17. It coordinates or supports Youthinc Groups, skate park events, outdoor movie nights, school-holiday activities, Queensland Youth Week and leadership programs. The mix of opportunities changes, making the current council information the most useful starting point for dates, locations and participation requirements.

🌱 Parenting, development and disability support

CentacareCQ Family Support

Families in the Emerald and Blackwater regions can seek help with everyday pressures such as parenting, communication, stress, conflict, budgeting and household planning. The service works with single- and two-parent families, kinship carers, guardians and extended family members living with children aged 0–18. Support in Emerald is free for eligible families; contact CentacareCQ to discuss eligibility and arrange an appointment.

Central Highlands Play Therapy

Emerald-based individual play therapy is available for children aged 2–12. Families are encouraged to start with a parent consultation, and parent check-ins are recommended as therapy progresses. For NDIS clients, the provider can prepare reports or, with parent or carer consent, share relevant information with other professionals supporting the child.

Autism Queensland Rockhampton

This nearby regional team serves autistic children, adolescents and adults in the Central Highlands and The Gemfields, including Emerald. Available supports include individual therapy, early childhood intervention for autistic children aged 0–7, parent education, school advisory support and telepractice. Fees apply, and families should ask how the service can be delivered in their locality before making arrangements.

AnglicareCQ Youth and Families Support

Young people and families in the Central Highlands can contact AnglicareCQ about support that may include case management, counselling and, in some circumstances, clinical psychology. The organisation’s Central Highlands youth pathway includes headspace Emerald. Contact AnglicareCQ during business hours to discuss which service or referral route fits the young person’s circumstances.

❤ Relationships and family safety

CentacareCQ Family Relationship Centre Emerald

People affected by separation or divorce can access a family relationship service that keeps children’s needs central to family decision-making. The centre offers Family Dispute Resolution and provides outreach to surrounding areas. Contact the service to ask about intake, suitability, appointments and how outreach operates for your location.

CentacareCQ Domestic and Family Violence Services

Confidential assistance is available for adults, children and young people experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic and family violence. Support may include information, referral, advocacy, crisis support, court support and counselling, including Child Witness Counselling. The service operates from Emerald and provides outreach to surrounding areas; contact the specialist team about access and safe appointment arrangements.

📌 Before you book or attend

• Check ages and supervision: Programs have different age limits, and some require an adult to remain with the child.
• Confirm the current session: Term programs, youth activities and holiday events can change by date, branch and town.
• Ask about access: Check venue accessibility, sensory needs, telepractice, outreach and travel arrangements directly with the provider.
• Discuss costs and funding: Confirm current fees, voucher acceptance, NDIS arrangements and any eligibility conditions before enrolling.
• Book where required: Some activities have limited places, while support services may use intake, appointment or referral processes.

🌟 Run a family-focused business, service, activity or community group in the Central Highlands? You’re warmly invited to add a listing or update your existing details so local parents and carers can find accurate information about what you offer.

⚠️ 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 centralhighlands.qld.guide.