Children and Families

We encourage children to take part in Council decisions that affect them now and in the future. This is to:

• Help us better meet their needs and interests
• Involve them in their community
• Encourage them to share their ideas and opinions
• Teach them new skills.

Many of our projects that involve children are coordinated with the help of local schools and early childhood centres.

Projects that we regularly consult children on include designing new playgrounds, art projects and our long term vision for the city, our Community Strategic Plan.

Case studies and resources

Below are some examples of projects where children have helped us make important decisions. We’ve also included some resources for other organisations who are thinking of working with children.

• Cringila Hills Playground art work  PDF, 7601.33 KB
• Case Study 1: Tell us what you wish for the city
• Case Study 2: Help us design a playground
• Case Study 3: Help us design and create art
• Case Study 4: Tell us how to make Wollongong greener
• Questions to ask before working with schools or early childhood centres
• Sample ‘thank you’ letter to schools or childhood centres.

Paint the Gong REaD encourages children aged 5 and under to build a love of books and stories. This early literacy program involves reading, talking, singing and rhyming with children from the time they’re born.

Developing literacy skills early in life helps children through all the later stages of their life.

Our Paint the Gong REaD mascot, Bright Spark, visits libraries, schools and community events to help get more children involved in this fun program.

For more information, follow Paint the Gong REaD on Facebook, or call us on (02) 4227 7111.

Starting ‘big school’ is a major event in a child’s life. We host a free picnic on the first Sunday in November for children about to start school, to make the process a bit easier.

Keep an eye on our Events Calendar for more information.

Here are some links for information and services that can assist children and families:

• Australian Schools Directory
• Private Schools Directory
• Australian Community Children’s Services
• NSW Family and Community Services
• NAPCAN – preventing child abuse
• National Childcare Accreditation Council Inc
• Raising Children
• Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth
• Wollongong State of the Children Report 2020  PDF, 4464.67 KB

Wollongong City Council is committed to becoming a Child Safe Organisation, by embedding the NSW Child Safe Standards across our organisation's culture and practices.

Visit our Child Safe Organisation page to learn more.