Atherton Tablelands

Atherton Tablelands Family

Families across the Atherton Tablelands can find plenty of practical ways to fill the week, from junior basketball and dance to library workshops, holiday events and early learning. When extra help is needed, local and regional services also offer parenting support, children’s therapies, disability assistance, counselling and help through hardship.

🎉 Play, sport and school-holiday activities

Tablelands Regional Council — School Holiday Fun and library activities

Council’s school-holiday program offers activities at venues across the region. The program running from 19 September to 5 October 2026 includes free science and nature workshops for children aged six and over at Atherton, Malanda and Ravenshoe libraries. Children under 12 must attend with a parent or guardian, and workshop places are limited. Families can also attend free events such as Creekside Family Cinema at Priors Creek Parklands in Atherton on 3 October 2026. Check the program and secure any required bookings before setting out.

Atherton Basketball Association

Children can develop basketball skills and join age-based competition at Atherton State High School Community Hall on Maunds Street. Term-time options include Mini Ballers for children under 10, along with separate boys’ and girls’ competitions at under-12, under-14, under-16 and under-18 levels. A wheelchair basketball program for all ages is listed for Term 2, giving families another way to participate. Confirm the applicable season, registration process and current costs with the association.

Debbie’s Academy of Dance

Young dancers can try Kindy classes for ages three to five, hip hop jazz or ballet at the Masonic Centre on Golf Links Road, Atherton. New enrolments are welcome, with families able to contact the academy for its current timetable, class placement and enrolment information.

📅 Care, kindergarten and parenting support

PCYC Atherton Fun Squad

Fun Squad provides outside-school-hours care at Armstrong Street in Atherton. Its sessions cover before school, after school, school holidays and teacher-free days, helping families plan care around school calendars and work commitments. Enrolments, bookings and account management are completed through the Kidsoft parent portal. Ask about availability and current charges before relying on a place.

Natural Choice Early Learning — Family Day Care

Home-based family day care is available through approved educators for children up to 13 years. The coordination unit is at 95 Kennedy Highway, Tolga, while educators operate in most Tableland towns. Families can enquire about vacancies, the location of a suitable educator, daily care arrangements and enrolment requirements.

Atherton Kindergarten

This C&K-affiliated community kindergarten provides a play-based program for children in the year before school. Kindergarten—also known as pre-prep or preschool—is for children who turn four by 30 June in their kindergarten year. Parents and carers can contact the service to ask questions or arrange a tour before deciding whether the program suits their child.

VPG Every Family Program

Parents can access support around parenting and child development through individual assistance, workshops, school programs and shared resources. VPG has offices in Atherton and Mareeba, with its Atherton office at 5 Comet Avenue. Tablelands enquiries can be made on 07 4091 6411.

🌈 Development, disability and carer support

The Whole Child Pty Ltd

Located near Atherton, this practice provides paediatric occupational therapy for children and young people aged from birth to 18. Areas of support include development, learning and play, relationships, motor skills, sensory processing, social interaction, emotional skills and everyday living activities. Families can make an enquiry to discuss their child’s circumstances and available appointment options.

Tablelands Speech Pathology

Children across the Atherton Tablelands can access speech pathology assessment and treatment. Support areas include speech sounds, expressive and receptive language, childhood apraxia of speech, late talking, autism, literacy-related skills and social language. Parents and carers can request an appointment directly and discuss which assessment or therapy pathway may be appropriate.

Disability Matters

This local not-for-profit organisation supports children and adults with disability across the Atherton Tablelands. Available services include individual support, community access, transport, creative group activities, support coordination and plan management. Families preparing for the NDIS can also ask about pre-planning and advice. Contact the organisation to discuss individual needs, eligibility and access arrangements rather than assuming every option will suit a particular plan.

Carer Gateway

Unpaid carers can use this Australia-wide government pathway to seek counselling, coaching, peer support, skills courses and tailored support packages. Planned or emergency respite pathways may also be available. Assistance can be delivered in person, by phone or online, depending on the service and the carer’s circumstances. Eligibility is assessed through Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737.

💛 Family, youth and hardship support

Better Together Community Support — Children’s Contact Centre, counselling and youth support

At Atherton Community Centre, Better Together operates a child-focused contact centre for separated families, including supported time together and changeovers. It also provides free therapy and support for Tablelanders, including families with children under 18 and young people under 25. Specialised counselling is available for alcohol and other drug concerns. The organisation states that it is not accepting Medicare Better Access referrals until further notice, so families should discuss the appropriate access pathway directly.

The Salvation Army Atherton Tablelands — financial and practical support

People experiencing hardship or crisis may be able to receive practical assistance such as food, fuel or electricity vouchers, depending on their circumstances and available resources. Referrals to other services are also offered. Salvos Connect at 89–91 Kennedy Highway, Tolga, operates Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9.30 am to 2 pm, with other times available by appointment. Free Moneycare financial counselling is provided by appointment.

Strong Together and Resilient Mareeba (STAR) — Mission Australia

Based in nearby Mareeba, STAR is a youth diversion and early-intervention program whose confirmed service area includes Atherton and Herberton. It works with young people aged 8–17—and their families—who are currently involved with, or at risk of entering, the youth justice system. The program focuses on individual, family and cultural connections. Eligibility is specific, so families or referring services should call Mission Australia on 1800 951 123 to discuss access.

✅ A few checks before you book

• Age and eligibility: Check birth-date cut-offs, competition divisions, service areas and any referral or program-specific eligibility conditions.
• Places and appointments: Holiday workshops, care sessions, therapy appointments and group programs may have limited capacity, so enquire early.
• Supervision: Ask whether a parent or carer must remain onsite; council’s listed library workshops require children under 12 to be accompanied.
• Access and inclusion: Discuss mobility, communication, sensory or other support needs with the provider before attending.
• Costs and schedules: Confirm current fees, funding arrangements, term dates and timetables, as these can vary between programs and seasons.

📌 If you run a family-focused business, service, activity or community group serving the Atherton Tablelands, you are warmly invited to add your details or update an existing listing so local families can find current, useful information.

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